Architecture

The flooring of any space brings out the best of the area and adds essence to the interiors. The choice of materials and colours is wide and to pick one out of the lot of vitrified tiles and marble is debatable. Whether to choose the evergreen, rich looking marble or to go for the new, modern day quality material that is the vitrified tiles is the question.
<h2>MARBLE</h2>
1. Characteristics and properties-: Marble is a natural rich beauty, of a kind as a natural stone with properties of being porous and made up of calcite, dolomite or limestone.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/10/5TAFsYBstP/contemporary-bathroom.jpg" alt="What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
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2. Durability: The strength of marble is great and remarkable. Marble however being porous might lead to stains and also gets affected by acids. Hence, polishing and proper cleaning of the marble is regular; it may last for a really long span of time.
3. Appearance and finishes: The look of marble speaks elite. The grain lines on the marble give it a natural look and well polished marble gives a luxurious and rich look. Marble is available in natural hues, shades of black, green, brown, white, yellow and apart from the polished finished, sand marble can be used for the rough texture.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/10/coastal-living-room.jpg" alt="What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
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4. Installation: Marble installation is a time consuming job. It becomes labor intensive since there are many process involved like cutting, grinding, polishing and finishing.
5. Cost: Since marble is a natural stone, hence it is expensive than tiles. The laying and installation of the marble is a costly affair. The cost of cutting the marble slabs, grinding and then polishing all adds up to the cost.
<h2>VITRIFIED TILES</h2>
1. Characteristics and properties: Vitrified tiles are the new in demand material and very popular among the architects. It is a man made product that can be easily replicated by the machines and is made of ceramic, clay, porcelain.
2. Durability: Vitrifies tiles are both scratch and discoloration resistant. They are easy to clean and maintain but the strength of vitrified tiles is low and they are prone to breakage. If once damaged or broken, these have to be changed.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/10/american-southwest-living-room.jpg" alt="What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
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3. Appearance and finishes: Tiles are available in matt, glossy and anti-skid finishes with a variety of colours, textures and patterns that are ruling over the interior designers and architects’ mind. The variety of designs, colours, patterns and textures gives a wide range to choose from and hence increases the demand for the same.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/10/modern-living-room.jpg" alt="What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
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4. Installation: The setting period of vitrified tiles is shorter and the work on the installation is also less. Tiles can be cut manually and since they are already come polished or texture, there is no need for polishing and much finishing on the site.
5. Cost: Vitrified tiles are man-made and readily available; hence they are cheaper than marble. The cost varies in terms of brand, colour, and texture and the labor cost is also less since the installation is easy and less time consuming.
Also, read <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2978-which-one-go-wood-veneer-or-laminate" target="_blank">Which one to go: Wood Veneer or Laminate</a>
and <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2931-7-materials-look-best-facade" target="_blank">7 Materials That Look The Best On The Facade</a>

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The flooring of any space brings out the best of the area and adds essence to the interiors. The choice of materials and colours is wide and to pick one out

What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?

Bathroom

When it comes to any <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/blogs/home-decor?page=1" target="_blank">home</a><a href="https://www.planndesign.com/blogs/home-decor?page=1" target="_blank"> interior space</a>, the first thing that gets noticed is the canvas on which the process of adornment takes place. And in any interior space, the floors, walls and the ceiling are considered as the background or the canvas. Moreover, when someone walks into any home, they could easily figure out how old the construction could be, just by observing the background, especially the tiles! Therefore, flooring does play an important role.
Here, I am listing out a few tiles that are suitable for the Indian floor, which is available in various shades, patterns, and texture. Homeowners could easily give every room of their home a luxurious, rustic or elegant impression instantly, as these tiles are both cost-effective and time saviors when compared with hardwood floors, natural stone, and marbles.
<h2>Vitrified Floor Tiles</h2>
Vitrified tiles that are the most widely used, are made by merging silica, feldspar, and quartz. It is manufactured by the ‘’hydraulic pressing’’ method, where the mixture is heated to such a temperature that they melt into a glass type mixture and then converts into tiles. It can be used as a substitute for marble and granite flooring. Suits the best in modern, minimalist and <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/2462-contemporary-home-decor-accessories-revamp-your-interiors" target="_blank">contemporary designed homes</a>.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/midcentury-bathroom.jpg" alt="Bathroom Tile Floor" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<a href="https://www.houzz.in/pro/wiedemannarchitectsllc/wiedemann-architects-llc" target="_blank">Photo by Wiedemann Architects LLC</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/bathroom" target="_blank">Search bathroom pictures</a>
<h3>Types Of Vitrified Floor Tiles</h3>
Depending upon the manufacturing process, vitrified tiles are segregated into four types.
● Glazed Body Vitrified Tile For Extra Shine: The tile is finished with a layer of liquid glass. It adds extra shine to the tile and protects the tile from stains.
● Full Body Vitrified Tile To Hide Scratch Marks: Scratches become invisible on these tiles as the color covers the whole tile. Hence, best for heavy traffic areas.
● Double Charged Vitrified Tiles For Two Colored Designs: Two kinds of color are used to form a design on the tile. These tiles are good for large room and high traffic areas.
● Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles For Texture: Liquid color screen printing is done on the tile before the tile is fired. Here the soluble salts are used to penetrate into the vitrified tile and give color, designs and create patterns.
<h3>Available Colors Of Vitrified Tile</h3>
Monocolors series consist of a harmony of soothing plain colors such as the ivory, beige, soft white, pure white, milky white, Jaisalmer and terracotta.
Whereas the salt &amp; pepper, series is the mix of the colored granule. And it exhibits a ‘’granite like’’ feel.
<h3>The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Vitrified Tiles</h3>
● Vitrified tiles are consistent in shades, design, pattern, texture, and sizes.
● The texture offered by vitrified tiles are better when compared with ceramic tiles.
● Are available in matte, anti-skid and glossy finish.
● Even the gloss is not lost very soon.
● Are ideal for both indoors and outdoors having high traffic and are stronger compared to ceramic and porcelain.
● Vitrified tiles are easy to lay and are easy to maintain.
● The effect of sunlight does not fade the color of the tiles.
● Vitrified tiles are moisture resistant hence, prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
● Also, it does not crack easily and is stain resistant.
● But vitrified tiles are expensive when compared to ceramic and porcelain tiles.
● And it is very slippery when wet.
<h2>Ceramic Floor Tiles</h2>
Ceramic tiles are basically made out of clay, sand, and water. It is manufactured by the ‘’dust pressing’’ method, where the clay mixture is poured into a metal mold to form shape, and then pressed under high pressure in a kiln, to get it hardened. Suits the best in ethnic, traditional and rustic designed homes.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/rustic-dining-room.jpg" alt="Ceramic Floor Tiles" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<a href="https://www.houzz.in/pro/liliflemingasid/lili-fleming-nieri-asid" target="_blank">Photo by Lili Fleming-Nieri, ASID</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/dining" target="_blank">Search dining room pictures</a>
<h3>Types Of Ceramic Floor Tiles - The Basic Classification Of Ceramic Floor Tiles</h3>
● Glazed Ceramic Tile - Additional firing process in the kiln is done, to add a layer of liquid glass.
● Non-Glazed Ceramic Tile - Doesn’t require additional firing process.
● Pressed Ceramic Tile - The wet clay is just pressed into a wooden mold.
● Extruded Ceramic Tile - They are created by forcing the clay material into a mold for desired extruded shape.
<h3>Available Texture And Colors Of Ceramic Floor Tiles</h3>
● The natural stone effect type of ceramic tile could be an ideal choice as it does not require any sealing or polishing.
● Fully waterproof slate (concrete effect) ceramic tile.
● A ‘’look alike’’ of terracotta
● Faux hardwood ceramic
● Multicolored ceramic slate
● Solid colored
Sinter ceramic tile, Klinker ceramic, terracotta ceramic tile, majolica ceramic tile, ceramic tiles with red biscuits, white biscuit and ceramic mosaic tile design.
<h3>The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Ceramic Tiles</h3>
● The shapes of ceramic tiles are basically square and rectangular, but they appear in all shapes such as triangles, circles, rhombs and so on. These ceramic tiles are available in various colors, sizes, and patterns, both in the glazed and unglazed forms.
● Are available in small sizes, therefore, wastage in tile material can be avoided to a certain extent.
● Ceramic tiles are cheap, very handy and easy to use.
● Are scratch resistant and has anti-skid quality.
● Also resistant to water and stains. Therefore, these tiles are very easy to clean and require very low maintenance.
● Not very strong tiles, hence are prone to cracking or breaking, therefore mainly used indoors.
<h2>Porcelain Floor Tiles</h2>
Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic as the ingredient is same, just that porcelain tile consists of finely-ground sand and the process require extremely high temperature. This process basically produces porcelain tiles, that has the same qualities of glazed ceramic.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/contemporary-living-room_11.jpg" alt="Porcelain Floor Tiles" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<a href="https://www.houzz.in/pro/andrew-harvala/heritage-construction-companies-llc" target="_blank">Photo by Heritage Construction Companies, LLC.</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/living-room" target="_blank">Search living room pictures</a>
<h3>Types Of Porcelain Floor Tiles</h3>
● Matte Or Unglazed Porcelain Tile Flooring
● Porcelain Glazed Tile
● Porcelain Polished Tile: They are polished after the tiles come out of the kiln. It should not be confused with glazed tiles, as the process of manufacturing is different in both.
● Double Charged Porcelain Tile: The fusion of two types of clay to create unique designs.
● Full Body Porcelain Tile: They have the color and texture throughout the <a href="http://www.planndesign.com/articles/3128-tile-ideas-give-refreshing-look-your-bathroom" target="_blank">tile that gives refreshing look to your bathroom</a>. In case of scratches, they will not be visible.
● Textured Or Stone Porcelain Tile: Highly textured, imitating the finish of the stone.
<h3>Available Colors Of Porcelain Floor Tiles</h3>
Beige, black, blue, brown, copper, cream, gold, gray, green, multicolor, off white, red, silver, walnut, white
<h3>The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Porcelain Tiles</h3>
● One of the toughest flooring option available.
● Stain and water resistant.
● Easy to maintain.
● Are fireproof.
● Porcelain has the ability to last long if maintained well.
● Resistant to cracking and breakage.
● Installing porcelain is difficult, time-consuming.
● It is expensive when compared to ceramic.
● The material is heavy, therefore it is recommended to consult structural design engineers, before using these products on the upper storey.
<h2>Terrazzo Tiles</h2>
Terrazzo is a blend of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other suitable chips that are poured into a cementitious binder. It is even hydraulically pressed, to form tiles.
<img src="https://planndesign.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/midcentury-kitchen.jpg" alt="Terrazzo Tiles" style="height: undefined;width: undefined">
<a href="https://www.houzz.in/pro/sarahgreenman/sarah-greenman" target="_blank">Photo by Sarah Greenman</a> - <a href="https://www.houzz.in/photos/kitchen" target="_blank">Search kitchen design ideas</a>
<h3>Types Of Terrazzo Floor Tiles</h3>
● Epoxy Terrazzo Floor Tiles: It requires the lowest maintenance.
● Cement Terrazzo: Eco-friendly and low maintenance
● Rustic Terrazzo: Terrazzo with a textured surface.
● Sand Cushion Terrazzo
<h3>The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Terrazzo Flooring</h3>
● Terrazzo floors look unique and portray high-end look.
● Terrazzo flooring is one of the most durable flooring options.
● Can be used in high-traffic areas.
● Easiest to maintain flooring options.
● Could last many years if taken care of.
● Can be refinished repeatedly.
● Terrazzo is quite slippery.
● Terrazzo requires periodic polishing to retain the shine.
Since all these <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3145-tiles-talk-pros-and-cons-different-tiles" target="_blank">tiles are available in various textures and patterns</a> and are even easy to install all you need to do is buy a few extra tile boxes for backup as it is quite unlikely that you will find the same tile after some years.
Additionally, make sure to clean the floor on daily basis and avoid using abrasive cleaners as the sheen will be lost. And since, grout is a porous material even when set, it needs to be resealed every year or two or it will begin to look dirty. Also make sure to cut out the defected tile along the grout lines, to avoid damages. Happy tiling!
Lastly, take a read of the <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3075-what-choose-vitrified-tiles-vs-marble-flooring" target="_blank">What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?</a>
And <a href="https://www.planndesign.com/articles/3128-tile-ideas-give-refreshing-look-your-bathroom" target="_blank">Tile Ideas to Give a Refreshing Look to your Bathroom</a>
And an example of one such video uploaded on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/PlannDesign" target="_blank">Youtube channel</a>

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Flooring is one among the major elements that play a vital role&nbsp;in interior designing as it can give&nbsp;every room of your home a luxurious, rustic or elegant impression instantly. Here you will find a&nbsp;few types of tiles that are both cost-effective and time saviors when compared with hardwood floors, natural stone, and marbles!


Which Tiles are Suitable for Indian Floor?

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What to choose: Vitrified Tiles vs. Marble for Flooring?

Which Tiles are Suitable for Indian Floor?