CHOOSING TILES
Choosing tiles can be a bewildering process due to the sheer variety of tiles available. Probably the most important aspect to consider first off, is what type of usage is the tile going to be put through. Do not overlook the surrounding colour scheme when choosing. Just having in mind which colours will match well with the overall design can make the task of choosing tiles so much easier. Larger format tiles can be desirable in terms of look but do require a flatter surface. If the floor has unavoidable slope or undulation (most common in outdoor situations) then these can be more easily accommodated with smaller format tiles which can follow such contours.
Other factors to consider
OUTDOOR: If tiles are for outdoor use then they need to be able to resist the weather. You will need to ensure your choice of tile does not absorb too much water which can expand and damage the tile when it freezes. This type of tile is known as vitreous or impervious. I would recommend choosing a porcelain tile for outdoor use because of their very low water absorption. Some type of natural stone are also suitable, including slate.
NON SLIP: Wet areas in particular will require extra non-slip properties. This can obtained either by choosing a tile with a rougher less polished surface, or alternatively by choosing a smaller format such as mosaic whereby the grout joints and tile edges themselves lend the extra grip.
HIGH WEAR: The amount of wear the floor will receive must also be considered. A high wear area will require a tougher glaze if using a non porcelain ceramic tile, which usually involves the tile being fired at higher temperatures and longer to give extra durability. Porcelain tiles are especially tough and very suitable for high traffic areas.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
The right product and maintenance schedule will keep your installation looking new for years to come. Atlantis Tiling recommends the Lithofin range of sealers, impregnators and cleaning products quite simply because they are the best, bar none. Lithofin Easycare can be used on ceramic, porcelain and natural stone surfaces as the primary cleaner. Natural stone flooring should be sealed annually and stone walls every three years. Depending on the colour depth of the finish either Lithfin MN Stainstop or MN Colour Intensifier is recommended.
NATURAL STONE
It can be very tempting to select your supplier based purely on price. Whilst price is of course important, it is worth remembering that with natural stone tiles there can be huge variations in the quality and availability of a particular stone. This is reflected in the wide range of prices for the same category of tile. There are three classes of stone, namely igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic and the selection of tile should take into consideration the properties of each. Laying natural stone is also a more technical process where adhesive and grout selection and the professional application of sealing and impregnating products is crucial to that stunning finish.
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
The quality of underfloor heating systems these days allows us to install heating matt’s on most timber and concrete surfaces. Proper installing will guarantee you many years of warmth under your toes. In order to finalise the installation of a heating matt system, by law, a qualified electrician needs to connect the system to your mains. If need be, Atlantis Tiling can organise this process through a reputable local contractor.
