1. Know What They Are
Full body vitrified tiles are made so that the colour and material throughout the body of the tile. This means that if there is some chipping on the surface it can be less noticeable as the body of the tile will be the same colour. However there is no guarantee that it won’t chip and it doesn’t mean that it will work better in certain situations.
Check the manufacturers’ specifications to see if it will work for your installation.
2. Right Size
The size will affect how it looks in your room, the amount of joints, how much cutting will need to be done and how it will fit.
Common sizes include:
600 x 600mm – A good size for many different areas in your home.
600 x 1200 – A rectangular tile that can give a modern look and make your room look bigger.
800 x 800 – A larger size which could be better suited to an open plan space.
This will depend on the size, layout of your room, plus the substrate you're fitting and the installers. Larger sizes may require additional preparation.
[PICTURE: Full body vitrified floor tiles in a modern living room. Using a large format tile gives a co-ordinated look.]
3. Finish
This will affect how it looks and how easy it is to clean. You should consider what finish you want:
Polished – A shiny and sleek finish.
Mat – A softer finish.
Textured – A more defined surface. Depending on how it performs in testing it could be a good choice if you need extra grip.
If you are using them in a wet area like a bathroom or entrance you should check that they are slip resistant. Just because they are a mat or textured finish doesn’t mean they are.
4. Specifications
Don’t just go for the look of the tile. Check the specifications.
Water Absorption – Make sure it will work in the area you want to fit.
Abrasion Resistant – Think about how much foot traffic there will be.
Thickness
Size – Check that they are the right size. Check they are calibrated correctly and will work with the joint size you want.
Slip Resistant – Check that they have the right slip resistance for the area.
If you are fitting them in an unusual area or harsh environment, speak to the manufacturer or a qualified tile installer.
5. Fitting & Maintenance
Even if they are a good quality tile they will not work well if they are not fitted properly. Make sure that your substrate is level enough and you are using the correct adhesive. The tiles should be spaced out correctly and fitted properly.
Ensure your floor is level enough. Follow the manufacturers’ guidelines for the adhesive, joint materials and curing.
Use the correct cleaning products for the finish.
6. Total Cost
Not only will you have to pay for the tiles themselves but you may also have to pay for fitting, cutting waste, adhesive, grout, delivery and any future repairs.
A good way to work out how much you will spend is:
Work out the total floor area.
Calculate how many tiles you need
Add on a good amount of waste depending on the layout.
Get an estimate for fitting and materials.
If possible keep some spare tiles from the same batch.
Instead of going for the cheapest per square foot, look at the total cost to fit and if they will work. Use the tiles calculator to help estimate the quantity required.
7. Right Tile For The Room
Depending on the room you are fitting you may have different requirements. A polished tile may work in a living room but may not be the best option for a frequently wet bathroom floor.
Living Room – Think about the design, foot traffic and how easy they will be to clean.
Bedroom – Think about the look you want, comfort and ease of maintenance.
Kitchen – Think about how easy they are to clean, how they will perform and how resistant they are to everyday spillages.
Bathroom – Ensure they are suitable for water and slip resistant.
Staircase/Entrance – Check they can handle the load, the edges, grip and how they need to be fitted.
By choosing the right tile for the area you are fitting will help to create a cohesive design.
8. Sample
Checking out the sample will give you a good idea of what colour, texture and finish they are.
Before ordering in bulk check the colour, calibre, size and that they are all the same in the batch. Check the tiles have arrived and are the same as you ordered. Keep the details of the product in case you need any repairs in the future.
To Sum Up
When choosing full body tiles for your home flooring there are a few things to consider. The size, finish, specifications, quality of fitting, maintenance and total cost.
Look through our range of Full Body Tiles at Hawk Granito to see what options are available. Choose a tile that will work with your design, application and performance. You can also explore our catalogue for additional product options.
