In order to make beautiful and durable flooring surfaces, a range of hard natural and artificial materials are cut or shaped into uniform flat forms known as flooring tiles. Hard flooring tiles, as opposed to carpet, laminate, or vinyl flooring, typically increase the value of any home.

However, tiles come in an astonishing variety, and not all of them can be used as a flooring surface. Learn how to tell wall tiles from flooring tiles, as well as the eight different types of tiles that are used for flooring.

Considerations
The installation profiles of the majority of hard tiles for interior applications are comparable. Typically, a cement-based thin-set glue is used to attach the tiles to a cement board underlayment that has been screwed into the subfloor. After a grout made of mortar is used to fill the gaps between the tiles, it is sealed after drying to prevent stains and water damage. In principle, most do-it-yourselfers with a moderate to advanced level of skill and experience may take on the installation of any of these flooring materials because the method is identical for all varieties of tile.

The thickness and hardness of the various tile materials, however, vary widely, and several call for the use of a strong wet saw to efficiently cut pieces for fitting around borders and obstructions. Due to their weight, some tiles may require additional subfloor preparation or reinforcement. Thus, basic ceramic tile, terra cotta tile, or even porcelain tile installation is generally successful by any DIYer with even a little knowledge, but other tiles are better left to professionals. For instance, natural stone tiles are particularly heavy and brittle, so it is preferable to leave their installation to a professional who is skilled in subfloor preparation and the use of a powerful welt saw to reduce breakage and waste. Depending on your location and the amount of preparation necessary, professional installation can add up to the cost.

1. Ceramic Tiles
Ideal for : any type of floor surface.
Although the word “ceramic tile” is occasionally used to refer to all hard tile materials, it actually refers to a specific kind of tile made by flattening earthy clays and burning them at high temperatures to harden them. A glossy glazed top surface is typically applied to ceramic tile to make it water-resistant. However, this glazing can also make the tiles slippery underfoot, especially when wet.

Not all ceramic tiles can be used as flooring. Many tiles are made of fairly thin materials and are solely intended for usage on walls. When choosing a floor covering, choose a ceramic tile variation that is approved for use on floors and one with some texture to make it less slippery. The Coefficient of Friction (COF) rating, which identifies how much slip resistance the tile has, should be taken into consideration. Higher numbers offer superior sliding resistance. For floors, a COF of 0.50 (dry) is advised.

Ceramic floor tiles can cost as little as Rs 30–35 per square foot or as much as Rs 900–1000 per square foot for branded tiles. Prices for ceramic tiles vary greatly. Depending on the extent of the required subfloor preparation or removal, professional installation fees can also vary greatly.

2. Porcelain Tiles Cons
Ideal for: Any floor where a luxurious appearance is desired.
A special kind of ceramic tile called porcelain is created from finer clay and burned at greater temperatures than regular ceramic tiles. Technically speaking, porcelain tiles often absorb water more slowly, which makes them a suitable option for showers, baths, and kitchens where water resistance is important. Porcelain is also favoured when a high-end, luxurious appearance is required because of its ability to mimic other materials, including genuine stone, wood, and even metal, throughout the manufacturing process.

Porcelain tiles are often thicker than regular ceramic tiles, and the majority of them may be used on both walls and floors. Tile cutting is a more challenging task that needs a motor-driven wet saw since porcelain is a thicker, tougher material.

There is a lot of overlap, but porcelain tile floors often cost a little more than regular ceramic tiles. The average cost of porcelain tiles is Rs 70 per sq. ft.

3. Mosaic Tile
Ideal for: Flooring borders and bathrooms are ideal applications.
The word “mosaic tile” designates a particular kind of ceramic or porcelain tile that makes use of tiny tiles that have already been fastened to a stretchy mesh backing. Although bigger mosaics made of 1 x 1 to 2 x 2 tiles are more frequently used in flooring applications, individual tiles as small as 1/2 x 1/2 inch are also an option. The mosaic sheets themselves often measure 1 x 1 foot or more. The look of a custom tile installation, which was traditionally achieved by expert installers placing tiny individual tiles in a wet mortar base one at a time, may now be easily achieved by using mosaic sheets.

Due to the numerous grout lines, mosaic sheets are generally not a very good material for full floor surfaces and are more frequently used for backsplashes. However, they can also be utilised to add aesthetic borders or accent sections to a floor that is covered in larger ceramic or porcelain tiles, as well as in bathrooms.

With equal material and expert installation prices to porcelain tiles, mosaic sheets are installed similarly to regular ceramic or porcelain tiles. The average cost of mosaic tiles in India is Rs 180 per sqft.

4. Terracotta Tiles
Ideal for: patios, sunrooms, and flooring with a rustic, natural appearance.
Terracotta is an Italian word that translates as “baked soil.” These tiles have a brown to reddish tone and are made of porous clay with a high iron concentration. Terracotta tiles are typically not coated with a lustrous surface and are typically burned at a relatively moderate temperature (1,000 degrees Fahrenheit) as compared to conventional ceramic tiles. They often add a rustic, earthy appeal to homes with Southwest or Mediterranean architecture or decor. In arid climates, they are also utilised for sunrooms, patios, and other outdoor settings. There are designer medallions and accent tiles available in addition to regular square or rectangular tiles (often at least 1 1 foot in size).

Terra-cotta tiles are porous by nature, making them vulnerable to stains unless they are routinely sealed. The same techniques used to install ceramic and porcelain tiles are typically used to install terra-cotta tiles. The most common tool for cutting is a motorised wet saw. For a do-it-yourselfer with modest skills and some prior tile experience, DIY installation is completely doable.

Terracotta is a relatively affordable type of tile because of the comparatively straightforward manufacturing process. An average cost ranges from Rs. 48 per sq. foot and goes up to Rs. 68 per sq. foot.

5. Concrete Pavers
Ideal for: Contemporary Styling
Pure concrete paver tiles, which are built of Portland cement and fine aggregate and frequently tinted and textured to resemble quarry tile, are a relatively new type of hard tile flooring product. These have typically been relegated to mudrooms, furnace rooms, work areas, and other places where aesthetics aren’t as important. Outside, they are more frequently utilised for walks, pool decking, and patios. In contrast, concrete pavers are now offered in shapes better suited for general indoor use, particularly in homes with contemporary or industrial architecture and furnishings.

These tiles come in sizes ranging from 4 x 4 to 12 x 12, and they are relatively thick (3/8 to 1/2 inch thick). Rectangular forms are also an option. Choose tiles with a COF grade of at least 0.60 to ensure your safety when walking on them. Due to their difficulty in being cut, cement pavers are typically set by contractors.

Basic cement pavers start at approximately Rs 28 per piece, making them one of the more affordable flooring options, while specialty tiles in unusual hues might be more expensive.

The greatest sort of tile flooring for your space depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal tastes because the floor is the largest surface area in the house. The needs and placement of each room and space will determine which type of flooring is best because each has unique advantages.