Types of tiles in comparison

 

Tiles are increasingly being used as floor coverings in residential and commercial spaces, garages and also outside in gardens. Although there are cheaper options, customers like that the tiles have a long lifespan and are made in many different colors. There are also several materials to choose from, each of which is suitable for a slightly different purpose.

The most popular include paving stones, concrete tiles, rubber tiles and plastic tiles. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, and a lot depends on personal taste and preferences.

Composite paving is very easy to lay

Everyone knows composite paving. It is made of special concrete and got its name because of its specific shape. The individual pieces are manufactured to fit each other exactly, making laying the pavers extremely easy. As a rule, no glue or specialist knowledge is required.

Advantages:

  • high resistance to sun and frost - that's why it is also used in outdoor areas,
  • resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage,
  • quick installation.

Disadvantages:

  • a gravel bed must be built before implementation, and if the workmanship is poor, The paving stones will collapse under load,
  • The edge stones must be cut using special technology and equipment,
  • Moss will grow between the paving stones shortly after they have been laid.

Especially suitable for garages, driveways, walkways and terraces.

 

Concrete tiles can withstand all weather conditions

In addition to the paving stones, other tiles are also used Molds made from concrete. These do not mesh well with each other and in most cases are also laid in a gravel bed. This prevents water from penetrating and stains forming. In some cases, special plates can also be used, which are placed on a solid surface and into which the tiles are laid. However, this option is only suitable for terraces, balconies and covered rooms.

Advantages:

  • If plates are used, the floor can be removed at any time,
  • This floor, like the composite paving, resists external weather influences,
  • It fits perfectly with the other garden equipment made of concrete (e.g. Concrete fence).

Disadvantages:

  • Gasoline or oil stains are very difficult to remove,
  • Concrete slabs are heavy,
  • Concrete absorbs moisture and therefore removes it from the earth, so do not expect lush vegetation in the area around the concrete slabs.

Concrete slabs, like the paving stones, are used for garages, driveways, terraces, balconies or Covered rooms are used.

 

Falls on rubber tiles are less likely to happen

Rubber tiles are soft and cushion falls, so they are suitable anywhere there are children. They are laid on a solid surface and either connected with plastic pins or glued. They are waterproof and fireproof.

Advantages:

  • since they are soft, they feel pleasant when walking
  • they have a sound-insulating effect, sometimes they are used to cover walls in shooting ranges,
  • they insulate and do not feel cold.

Disadvantages:

  • concrete or asphalt is recommended as a base,
  • there are They only come in a matt finish,
  • They get dirty very quickly and oil stains cannot be removed.

Because they can absorb shocks well, they are used for terraces, balconies, around swimming pools, in fitness centers, on playgrounds and sports fields.

 

PVC tiles are suitable for all interior spaces

Plastic tiles include the advantages of all the variants mentioned above. Laying is easy, the terramondi tiles are just put together, all you need is a rubber mallet and a knife. Similar to rubber tiles, plastic tiles are also fireproof and can even contain fires. They also act as good sound and heat insulation.

Advantages:

  • the tiles are not glued, they can be replaced at any time,
  • no damage from oil and chemicals,
  • they can be laid on any surface,
  • the installation is extremequickly, for example in an average large garage it only takes an hour for a garage floor.

Disadvantages:

  • so far they are only manufactured in one color,
  • the price is slightly higher,
  • they cannot be used for outdoor areas.

PVC tiles are not suitable for Outdoor areas, but the possible uses indoors are practically unlimited. They are used for garages, children's play areas, in basements and laundry rooms. Read why PVC tiles are suitable as a workshop floor and as a floor for technical rooms.

All of the tiles listed above are now produced in a variety of variations, be it from the perspective of colors and patterns, shapes or the thickness of the tiles. It is not clear which of them has to be used where, the choice is only yours.