Move Over Marble: Affordable & Stylish Tile Options for Modern Homes

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In the realm of home design, marble has become almost synonymous with elegant interiors, exuding a sense of opulence that appeals to both designers and homeowners. However, despite its enduring charm, it is important not to focus solely on marble. Its high cost and the need for meticulous upkeep are significant considerations.

Does this imply that one must sacrifice aesthetic appeal? Certainly not. By expanding your options, you can discover a diverse array of tiles that can enhance the sophistication and character of your home.

In a discussion with Lifestyle, Architect Natasha Kochhar, Associate Partner and Principal Architect at LTDF, suggested alternative flooring styles. She also indicated the most suitable rooms for these tiles, along with installation features and basic maintenance guidelines.

1. Ceramic tiles

Raw materials are mixed, milled into a fine powder, and subsequently dried to produce ceramic tiles. Following this process, the tiles are coated with glaze and subjected to high temperatures in kilns to enhance their durability. They come in a wide variety of options, featuring numerous colours and designs. These tiles are particularly suitable for high-traffic areas, as they are typically resistant to scratches and stains.

Applications:

In bathrooms, they are widely used for flooring and at times as dado tiles.
Also used in walkways and pool surrounds as they are anti-slippery.
Kitchen countertops and backsplash can also benefit from these tiles.

Do’s and Don’ts:

To get rid of dirt and debris that could scrape the surface, or vacuum often.
Spills should be cleaned up right away to avoid discolouration, especially on unglazed tiles.
To avoid moisture damage, avoid leaving standing water on tiles for long periods.
To prevent the tiles from chipping or breaking, avoid placing heavy things on them.

2. Vitrified tiles

Vitrified tiles, like ceramic tiles, also contain silica. The transformation takes place during the vitrification process, where silica and clay merge and fuse to create a robust, glass-like material within each tile. This distinctive characteristic ensures that the tiles remain durable over time, preserving their inherent shine even after years of usage.

Features:

Available in a range of finishes, like textured and matte.
Extremely robust and impervious to water absorption and scratches
For realistic patterns and designs, modern vitrified tiles frequently use cutting-edge technology like digital printing.

Do’s and Don’ts:

To keep floors clean, simple chores like routine vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping can be done regularly.
The lifespan and surface finish of the tiles might be harmed by abrasive cleaning techniques such as metal scrapes and acid.

3. Onyx Tiles

Onyx tiles enhance flooring with a touch of luxury, valued for their lustre and intricate designs. These tiles are crafted from natural onyx stone, formed over millennia in limestone caves. Quarry workers extract onyx blocks, which are subsequently shaped into thin slabs using specialized cutting equipment. The unique veining and translucency of the stone are brought to light through a polishing process.

Features:

These tiles possess unique veining patterns.
They have translucent qualities that let light through; as they are porous and prone to stains and scratches, they need extra attention.
Its transparency makes Onyx ideal for backlit applications.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Use a gentle cleanser made especially for natural stone.
To prevent scratching the surface, clean with sponges or gentle cloths.
Don't place heavy items on the onyx tiles.

4. Mosaic Tiles

Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, developed mosaic art characterized by its intricate patterns and storytelling elements. The creation of these mosaics involves the use of waterjet machines or cutting tools to divide large slabs of stone or glass into smaller fragments. Subsequently, adhesives or grout are applied to secure these fragments into specific patterns or designs on a mesh backing or paper surface.

Features:

Provide a vast array of colours and textures to create countless design options.
Mosaic tiles can be extremely resilient to wear and moisture depending on the material.

Do’s and Don’ts:

Mosaic tiles require regular cleaning with water and a mild detergent to remove dirt effectively. Although these tiles are generally resistant to water, prolonged exposure can lead to grout deterioration. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of functionality when selecting tiles. Certain tiles are intended solely for wall applications, while others can be utilized for both walls and floors. Additionally, while some tiles are adaptable for both indoor and outdoor environments, others are specifically designed for a single type of setting.

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