7-Step Comprehensive Guide: What You Need to Know About Tile Quality

Tiles have always been an integral part of creating dream spaces. Whether it's a modern office that inspires, welcomes, and sparks joy, or a luxury residence designed for comfort, the tile you choose can make a significant difference. That’s true. The tile can make or break your next project in the real estate and construction landscape. It can transform a simple constructed bathroom into a spa retreat, but a wrongly placed tile can also lead to accidents. Today, customers are willing to pay more to get an experience that is worth their time and money. They expect high-quality, long-lasting performance and an understanding that delivers value at every level. At Orientbell Tiles, we believe that tiles require more than just good looks, which is why we have a strong tile quality measure in place to ensure every tile delivers lasting performance.

Quick Guide for Tile Quality 

Do you want tiles for your upcoming project? If so, you may be confused about the options available in the market. Although appearances are important, choosing tiles based on that alone can lead to costly issues in the long run. Hence, it becomes imperative to understand the quality of tiles — what it is, why you should care during your tile purchase process, and how to choose the right tile.

Step 1: Understand the Tile Types

Although tile choices are endless, choosing one can be overwhelming. However, most tiles can be broadly categorized into four key types:

• The Stylish One: Ceramic

They are the most affordable, easy-to-clean tiles, fired at a sufficiently high temperature to produce specific physical properties and characteristics suitable for walls and light-traffic floors.

• The Durable One: Porcelain

It is one of the durable tiles that can withstand for a longer period. Due to their denser and water-resistant features, they are recommended for floors and high-moisture areas. But, when it comes to pricing, it can be more expensive than ceramic tiles. 

• The Earthy One: Natural Stone

Natural stone has always been the top choice among builders because these tiles are considered low-maintenance, durable, and come in a variety of designs that make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. 

• The Clear One: Glass

       Glass tiles bring a fresh and uplifting vibe to any space. Their high reflectivity allows natural light to bounce around, making rooms appear brighter and more spacious. They’re ideal for spaces such as kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and accent borders. 

Step 2: Understanding the PEI Rating

Understanding PEI ratings can make the whole tile selection process easy. It is a scale that indicates how a particular tile surface can resist stains and wear. That means tiles with a PEI rating of 5 are suitable for areas with high foot traffic or potential for spills, whereas those with a rating of 1 are only suitable for wall applications.     

Step 3: Understanding Water Absorption Rate

The water absorption rate is one of the most important factors that should not be overlooked. This is because not all tiles are designed to withstand continuous exposure to water. Due to the fact that a misplaced tile under perpetual water exposure can result in slips and accidents. Areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, or balconies require tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5% to minimise the risk of slips and accidents. You can always opt for anti-skid tiles, which offer the best possible solution for seeking both safety and style. These tiles feature popular patterns and styles, enhanced with a grip and stability. This makes them ideal for areas with wet conditions and high foot traffic.       💡 Watch This: Chatur vs. Samajhdaar” is a fun take on how smart tile choices can make all the difference. Don’t miss this contractor showdown! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX4J5GshCH0  

Step 4: Check the Tile COF Rating 

You may be wondering what the COF rating is and why it matters in your tile selection process. The COF rating helps determine the tile's slip resistance. The rating ranges from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates better slip resistance. Understanding this rating helps you choose flooring with better slip resistance, especially important for homes with children, elderly family members, or pets.  

Step 5: Check Tile Uniformity & Colour Consistency

Imagine you have laid beautiful floor tiles, and suddenly you see a slight colour inconsistency. It can automatically make your space look odd. This type of mismatch is more noticeable in large rooms and can clash with the overall appearance of your room. It is advisable to choose tiles from the same batch and create a layout before installation so that colour mismatch can be identified well in advance. 

Step 6: Non-Rectified vs Rectified Tile

Rectification affects the quality of a tile by altering its appearance, ease of installation, and overall appearance.

• Rectified Tiles have machine-cut edges that produce a smooth, continuous look, with thin grout lines achievable, providing the area with an even, high-quality finish. They are typically the signature of high-end, and especially large-format tiles.
• Non-rectified tiles vary slightly in size, and their use requires thicker grout lines so that they don't become misaligned. That would compromise the visual continuity and require more precise installation.

Step 7: Always look for Certifications 

Select tiles from manufacturers that hold IS certifications. Tiles made under these certifications meet international standards of quality. Tiles by uncertified local manufacturers, however, may not possess the same consistency and durability, and thus, the quality of your project is compromised.     This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of tile quality. However, it is not necessary to follow all these steps while choosing the tiles for your next commercial project. Once you have understood these parameters, you can pick the tiles that best suit your requirement.  Also Read: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Adhesives for Tiles