Chipped tiles are a common problem in homes with stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles, whether in shower stalls, kitchen backsplashes, or decorative wall installations.
TLDR: Tile comes with more pros than cons
However, it's wise to consider its potential drawbacks, such as coldness, hardness, and the need for regular grout maintenance. By weighing the pros and cons of tile flooring, you can determine if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.
Discolouration or staining
Porcelain slabs are designed to be robust and to keep their colour, but occasionally they can start to stain or discolour without proper care. If the tiles are damaged in transit or cut incorrectly, water and moss can enter the cracks and cause unsightly marks.
Unless the design is specifically meant to look rugged, uneven, or is a mosaic pattern, then crooked tiles are the first sign of a bad tiling job. Crooked tiles occur for several reasons – for example, grouting may be uneven or the installer may have neglected the use of tile spacers when allowing the grout to set.
Visual Signs of Water Damage Under Shower Tiles
Discolouration or mould growth on shower tiles. Check where the grout is cracked or missing, as this could be a sign that water is seeping through and causing damage.
Check references
A reputable tradespersons should always allow a client to make contact with two or three of their recent customers so that enquiries can be made about the quality of their work and their conduct on the job. Ask the tiler for their references, whether they are qualified and their trade experience.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
On average, porcelain tile can last 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. In some cases, especially with premium-grade porcelain tiles, the lifespan can extend beyond a century, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring and wall materials available.
Too often floors are cleaned with a mop and they don't change their water frequent enough nor do they rinse the floor properly. This results in dirty water evaporating on the surface of the tile leaving a dirty residue in the low spots of the tile.
The golden rule when installing tiles is install on a concrete floor where possible and always ensure it's level by applying a levelling compound beforehand – watch this video to find out exactly how.
Vinyl tiles are easy to install and they can stand the test of time. They are durable and can be utilized outdoors. Porcelain tiles are also easy to install, as long as you have the correct tools.
Cleaning Other Types of Tile Flooring
Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acidic substances. Do not use vinegar or chemicals on granite or marble tile floors.
Tile Flooring Lifespan: 20 years with low quality tile/installation, 30-50+ with high quality tile and proper installation. How long does tile flooring last? One of the most versatile floor types, tile is incredibly resilient, especially to water, with proper maintenance.
Adding Value With The Right Flooring
Ceramic tile is among the cheapest options and typically sees a 70% return on investment.
Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring, so chips may reveal a different color underneath. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic.
Not all porcelain tiles need sealing, but for polished porcelain and other tiles you will need to seal them as soon as possible after installation, and ideally every few years afterwards - depending on how heavy the tiles' use is.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are always great options. They offer lots of colors, sizes, and patterns to make small bathrooms feel unique.
Although porcelain tiles offer exceptional durability, there are few products and techniques you should avoid at all costs. Never use a product that contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia or bleach (or any type of acid-based cleanser). These type of chemicals can alter the colour of the tiles and/or the grout.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
Yes. Tile flooring is designed to handle water, but it's not completely waterproof. Over time, grout can wither away and cracks can form, creating the perfect entrance for those accidental spills to seep into. Water that gets under your tile can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold growth.
What is the best grade of porcelain tile? Grade 5! Grade 5 porcelain tiles make up the top porcelain tile grade rating and are the toughest type of tile available, making them perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic and where durability is key.
Tiling costs per m² usually work out around £100 per square metre, including the cost of tiles and other materials. But this figure varies a lot depending on each scenario. Tilers charge between £150 – 350 as their day rate for labour only. That's a wide range; a day rate is just one way that tilers charge.