Choosing the Right Tiles
Choosing The Right Tiles
Of all the options you have to cover the floor or wall, tiles is one you can be confident choosing. It's longevity and durability alone make tiles the best choice. They provide phenomenal style options and is the safest choice for families and the environment.
Selecting the right floor tile can be overwhelming, especially when you are on a budget. At CTM you'll find the widest range of floor and wall tiles at prices that simply can't be matched. You will also find all the advice and guidance you may need for your tiling project or technical specifications.
Porcelain Tiles v/s Ceramic Tiles
First, there's the color and pattern of your tiles. The texture and finish add another dimension. Grouting will also affect the overall result on how the tiles will look once installed.
It's the combination of these elements that makes each tile installation a unique statement. Remember that your tiling will form part of your overall decorating theme, so plan the entire look in advance.
But what is better Ceramic tiles or Porcelain tiles?!?
Below are some of the different tiling options we have put together to help you understand better.
Different Areas To Tile
Are You Looking For Wall Tiles?
Click below to view our entire wall tile range and the different colours and styles we have available.
Are You Looking For Floor Tiles?
Click below to view our entire floor tile range and the different textures we have available.
Where Are You Tiling?
Residential Spaces
Since residential spaces have less foot traffic ceramic tiles are recommended here. Ceramic tiles are also easier to cut and install due to the smaller size and thickness.
They are both crack resistant and impervious to moisture, which makes it a durable addition to any kitchen or bathroom design.
Ceramic kitchen tile features a glazed surface that provides an added layer of protection against drops and stains.
Commercial Spaces
Commercial areas have more foot traffic compared to a busy Kenyan home.
Here we recommend porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they're harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. Since they are less dense, they are also less brittle and will be able to withstand hard knocks from constant foot traffic and also wheels from trolleys and machinery.
You will find Porcelain tiles also used in offices, shops, supermarkets and shopping malls.
PORCELAIN TILES explained
One of the most versatile flooring options around, the durability, toughness, ease of cleaning and (of course) great looks makes porcelain tiles not just a popular choice for floors, but for walls as well.
At CTM you’ll find Kenya's widest range of porcelain tiles in different colours, sizes, and finishes – including polished porcelain to matt porcelain tiles.
You can be confident that you’ll find the perfect porcelain tiles with us to help you make your dream home transformation a reality. From bathrooms to main floors to kitchens and even outdoors, the right porcelain tile is waiting for you.
Thanks to cutting-edge high-resolution printing technology, we even stock a huge range of porcelain tiles that emulate natural materials like stone, marble and wood with jaw dropping realism.
FB Full Body
A full bodied porcelain tile is unglazed. What you see on the surface is what you see all the way through this tile.
CB Color Body
Color body refers to a porcelain tile that is glazed when fired. The glaze is very close to the color to the full body of the tile.
DC Double Charged
A double charged porcelain tile is made by putting two layers of different material together during firing. The top layeraround 25% is specially bonded to create the decorative design
FB Full BodyGL Glazed Porcelain
Glazed porcelain is simply a porcelain tile that has a thin glaze on top of it when fired in a kiln.
Know The Different Types Of Tiles
Polished Porcelain Tiles
This is a tile with an impressive shiny & smooth texture. The highly reflective surface adds depth and dimension to a room.
Because they are manuafactured mainly in larger sizes, their application is suited to larger floor areas such as bedrooms, living rooms or even offices.
Durability compares with, or even exceeds, the strength of natural granite. That's why you can also find them being used in high-traffic, upmarket commercial environments.
Polished porcelain tiles add a striking complement to more modern, uncluttered interiors.
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
With such hard-wearing properties, the glazed porcelain tile is a very popular choice in today's interior trend.
The glaze also bonds strongly with the tile body, resulting in an extremely hard and durable tile surface suitable for high traffic areas.
Porcelain tiles are a lot more resistant to water absorption than ceramic tiles.
CTM's vast range of colors, surface structures and profiles give you the freedom to explore all manner of design styles and applications, from clean modern and classic looks to natural and rustic environments.
Glazed Ceramic Tiles
Glazed ceramic tiles are suitable for many interior designs, from classic and modern to natural and rustic.
This has three effects. First, it creates an impermeable Surface
Second, it protects the tile for considerably longer wear and tear. And third, it adds an attractive, reflective texture to the base color of the tile.
Glaze is the layer found on the top face of the tiles buy firing in a kiln and applied coating.
Durability can vary, depending on the resistance to abrasion. With proper maintenance and treatment, the tiles can last for years in a residential home.
Kilimanjaro Tiles
The Kilimanjaro tiles look is 'earthy', imitating natural stone. In fact, these heavy-duty tiles can be confidently used for both indoor and outdoor areas.
These tiles are exceptionally strong and durable. The extrusion process applies highly compacted pressure to the make-up of the tile body, while a higher firing temperature contributes to creating a rock-solid tile.
A few ranges of our Kilimanjaro tiles are also available with an anti-slip/slip-resistant finish particularly if you're considering outside use around wet areas or if safety is paramount for you and your family.
Wall Tiles
Wall tiles are the most durable and long-lasting of all common wall coverings and are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms or wet rooms.
They are easy to clean, maintain and even grout between the tiles can be restored using simple, low-cost cleaners.
The size of the tile affects the appearance of the wall. The larger the tile, the bigger the wall looks. Wall tiles come in many designs, from tiles with plain colors to tiles with a 3D printed design using the latest ink-jet technology or the glaze during the manufacturing.
Unglazed Tiles
These tiles usually have natural colors and a smooth, matt surface. They are available in dark or light brown colors.
Terracotta, for example, may have a rough surface or it may be polished to a high sheen, which intensifies its natural color.
Unglazed tiles have a completely different character and appeal, their properties make them ideal for different applications, including cottages, verandas, balconies and terraces.
We strongly recommend you seal this beautiful earthy tile with a tile sealer such as the TFC Deep Seal.
Browse Our Tile Trends
Do You Still Need Help?
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