Floor Tiles

Why choose floor tiles?

Floor tiles are a perfect solution for many different spaces in the house, most notably the bathroom, laundry and kitchen where moisture is prevalent. They are a reliable way to protect your walls from water damage, allowing you to do your daily tasks without any additional maintenance. They also come in a wide variety of designs and work with many other types of tiles, allowing you to customise and tailor the look to fit the aesthetic of your home.

Advantages of floor tiles

• Ease of maintenance: Floor tiles are resistant to spills, dirt, and stains, making them great for task-orientated spaces prone to splashing. All spills remain on the tile surface without being absorbed and can be easily mopped or wiped away. Glazed and porcelain floor tiles can be treated with any cleaning solution without the risk of damage.
• Water resistance: Floor tiles are a preferred choice for bathrooms and kitchens due to their water-resistant properties. This is inherent in glazed tiles while unglazed tiles can be sealed.
• Durability: Floor tiles are robust and are designed to deal with significant stress, allowing them to last for decades.
• Cost-effectiveness: They are also reasonably priced in New Zealand, depending on the quality of material, design and brand.

Types of floor tiles

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are popular due to their versatility. They are made from clay, mined, prepared, fired in a kiln, and then glazed. The glazing protects the tile’s surface and provides shiny, glass-like quality, highly resistant to abrasion and scratches, giving them a longer lifespan.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are classified as a type of ceramic with a higher ratio of quartz and silica and fired at a higher temperature. Exposure to extreme heat makes them robust, dense and complex, with improved resistance to extreme temperatures and elements. Porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of patterns, styles, and colours, glazed or unglazed.

Glass

Glass tiles contain pieces of glass of different colours, cut into uniform shapes, and available both as mosaic tiles on a mesh sheet or as individual tiles. They can be found in a range of styles, textures, shapes, and hues. Glass tiles boast a high level of stain and water resistance, and are also typically textured to avoid slips.

Stone

Natural stone tiles are a popular flooring option in New Zealand with a distinctive organic appeal. Due to porosity, most stone floor tiles must be sealed before being put to use. Sandstone tiles are very durable and suitable for use in high-traffic areas, both outdoors and indoors. Marble and travertine tiles are among the most sophisticated and luxurious tiling options on the market that add great value to any property.

Concrete and Terrazzo

Concrete floor tiles are very durable with smooth, discreet finishes. Adding chips of stones, quartz, glass, and other relevant materials to cement makes terrazzo tiles, with a visually dynamic, long-lasting surface.

How to choose floor tiles for your home

When selecting floor tiles in New Zealand, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of the space, including durability, slip resistance, and maintenance. For high-traffic areas, choose tiles with a high PEI rating to ensure they can withstand wear and tear. In wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, opt for tiles with good slip resistance to enhance safety. The material is also a key factor; porcelain tiles offer great durability and water resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, while ceramic tiles are ideal for areas with less foot traffic. Additionally, consider the tile size and colour, as these can significantly impact the room's overall appearance, with lighter colours making spaces appear larger and darker hues creating a cosy ambience. Maintenance is another important aspect, with glazed tiles being easier to clean compared to natural stone tiles that may require sealing. Balancing these considerations with the aesthetic appeal and your budget will help you choose the right floor tiles for your New Zealand home or business.

Other types of tiles to consider

If you’re looking to build or renovate a home, you may be interested in some other types of tiles to complete your project. Wall tiles, for instance, can work brilliantly with floor tiles to help create a cohesive look or as a dramatic contrast. Alternatively, decorative tiles are a great option to consider to create a stylish accent in a space.  

If you need assistance in finding the right floor tiles for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.