Exploring the Benefits of Vitrified Tiles in Interior Design

Vitrified tiles have become one of the most significant choices when it comes to the best flooring option these days. These tiles are popular for their sturdiness, aesthetics, ease of maintenance, and various other reasons. Whether you are looking for long-lasting tiles for a residential building or a commercial space, you can always find a suitable option in vitrified ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles are available in a wide range of designs, patterns, sizes, and finishes, making them suitable for every space.  

If you are new to the world of tiles and are looking for a suitable flooring option, you might want to dive deeper into the benefits of using vitrified tiles. Let us help you understand what vitrified tiles are, how they are made, vitrified tiles ranges, and the advantages of using them:

What are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified tiles are a type of ceramic tile having extremely low porosity. This low porosity makes the surface vitrified tiles look super smooth. These tiles are made by the high-temperature fusion process, under which silica and clay are compressed under extremely high temperatures to prepare a dense material. This process is also known as vitrification. As a result, the highly dense and non-porous vitrified tiles become resistant to waiter, scratches, and stains. Moreover, vitrification also makes these tiles look more shiny with a glass-like surface that the tiles can retain for years. 

Advantages of Using Vitrified Tiles

After being aware of the vitrification process, you would have understood why vitrified tiles are highly dense and durable. However, that is not the only benefit of using these tiles in your interior design. The following are some most considerable advantages of vitrified ceramic tiles.

1. High Durability

Vitrified tiles are highly durable as they are compressed under high temperatures and pressure. The process of vitrification makes them highly dense and very less porous, resulting in their robustness and unbreakable properties. The sturdiness of vitrified tiles makes them a suitable option for high-foot-traffic areas. Moreover, these tiles have a glass-like surface, which is resistant to stains, scratches, and water. These properties allow vitrified tiles to retain the same shine and look for years or even decades. 

 2. Low Maintenance

Vitrified tiles have a smooth surface, which is easy to clean and maintain. You can clean them easily using mild detergent and water. Moreover, vitrified tiles are stain resistant, and hence do not require very frequent cleaning. You can maintain their shine just by regular mopping of the floor. If using vitrified tiles on walls, the cleaning becomes even easier. The scratch-resistant properties and durability of vitrified tiles make them easy to maintain as you do not require frequent replacement of tiles due to scratches or breakage. 

 3. Aesthetics

Aesthetic appearance is another significant reason to consider vitrified tiles for the interior design of your house or any other space. These tiles are available in a large variety of designs and you can achieve any sort of look you want. From natural marble look to modern digital prints and rustic or wooden designs, tile manufacturers like Johnson offer vitrified tiles in every design, look, and finish. No matter what type of interior design you have dreamed of, you can always find a suitable option in vitrified tiles to fulfill your expectations.

 4. Affordable Prices

Looking at the advantages of vitrified tiles, many individuals believe that these tiles are highly expensive. However, that is not true. Though vitrified tiles prices are higher than the prices of normal ceramic tiles, these are still affordable for almost everyone. Other tiles might be a bit less expensive, but those are also less durable. Comparing these tiles with marble and granite, vitrified tiles are much more affordable than these natural stones. If you want a more long-lasting appearance and low maintenance of tiles, vitrified ceramic tiles would be definitely the best option to go for. 

 5. Consistency in Designs

Vitrified tiles have consistent dimensions like size, thickness, etc. which make them look even more appealing. Apart from the dimensions, you can also observe the consistency in their shades. With vitrified ceramic tiles, you can give your floors or walls a continuous look. These tiles are also available in large dimensions, which make the entire room or area look more spacious. 

Elevate The Aesthetics Of Your House With Vitrified Tiles

Using vitrified tiles, you can achieve any look that you have dreamed of for your house or commercial space. Along with a wide range of designs, these tiles are available in multiple looks and finishes. Even if you want a natural stone-like look, you can find glazed vitrified tiles that resemble real marble or granite. Similarly, you can get wooden look tiles in a matt finish that looks exactly like natural wood and suits almost every interior design. 

While choosing vitrified tiles, just make sure that you consider the vitrified tiles prices, quality and purchase from a trusted brand like H&R Johnson. They have plenty of options in the colors, designs, and patterns of vitrified tiles. You can choose the right design that goes well with your interior and enhance the look of your space.

A Guide To Choose The Perfect Kitchen Design Tiles

 

You may be wrong if you think you can select kitchen tiles in 10 minutes. Choosing the right tile design is not really an easy task if you want to give your kitchen a modern and elegant look. As tile manufacturers are coming up with more and more new tile designs, it has become even more challenging to make a decision now. The best way to make your task a bit easier is to narrow down the choice. You can decide on the type, material, color, etc, of the tiles beforehand to avoid getting overwhelmed while looking at hundreds of designs available in the market.

Other than the looks of kitchen tiles, there are various other factors that you must consider. Here are a few points that might help you make the right choice:

1. Understand The Purpose

Before selecting tiles for your kitchen, you must understand for what purpose you are looking for the tiles. Different areas in a kitchen require different types of tiles. You can not place the kitchen wall tiles on the countertop, the countertop tiles on the floor, and so on. Therefore, your first step should be to decide on the areas that you want to cover with kitchen tiles. 

Understand whether you only need tiles for the floor, for kitchen walls, or for the countertop. If you designing a new kitchen or completely renovating your old one, you will probably want to get all of them. You can make the right choice only after identifying your purpose.

2. Look For Different Tile Types

As mentioned above, kitchen design tiles come in a variety of designs and materials. You must be aware of different types of kitchen tiles and do research to understand which tile is suitable for a particular area in your kitchen. For example, digitally printed ceramic tiles are good for kitchen walls, and large-sized glazed vitrified tiles are great for backsplashes & countertops. 

For the kitchen floor, you can go with the floor tiles that you have used for the rest of your house, but make sure that those tiles are stain resistant. The large-sized glazed vitrified tiles and digitally-printed ceramic tiles from H&R Johnson are the perfect option for kitchen backsplash and walls respectively. They also have a great collection of kitchen countertops that you can consider.

3. Specify Your Budget

The costs of kitchen design tiles may vary depending on a lot of factors. The quality, material, design, size, finish, etc, are some major factors influencing the cost of kitchen tiles. Before you finalize a tile design for your kitchen, make sure to perform good research on tile prices from top brands and specify a budget for your kitchen tiles accordingly. Make sure that you set a realistic budget. It should neither be too low to stick to nor too high to make you spend excessive money. 

4. Match With The Theme Of Your House

While selecting tiles for your kitchen, you must also ensure that the tiles go well with the overall theme of your house. Matching with the theme doesn't always mean going for the exactly same color or design as the entire house. You should just select a tile design or color that goes well with the rest of your house. It should complement overall aesthetics and maintain the original theme of your home.

5. Consider Cleaning & Maintenance

Even if you have chosen the best kitchen tile design, it can get worse with time if the tiles are not stain and scratch-resistant. These two are very important properties to look for in kitchen tiles. As the kitchen is the place where you prepare food, its cleanliness and maintenance are even more important than other parts of the house. The tiles should be easy to clean and maintain.

Therefore, you need to focus on the material quality and durability of the tiles before making the final choice. Consider purchasing tiles from top brands like H&R Johnson that offer durable, stain and scratch-resistant, and best-designer kitchen tiles.

Design Your Dream Kitchen by Choosing The Right Tile Designs

Even if you have an average-sized kitchen with moderate accessories, you can make a big difference by adding the right tiles to it. Kitchen design tiles are available in a variety of options today. Whether you want a rustic theme kitchen, a subtle look using minimal colors, or an ultra-premium appearance, you can always find a suitable tile design to achieve your desired look. Just make sure that you consider all the important factors before making a final decision.

Everything You Need to Know About Wooden Tiles Pros & Cons

Can wood ever go out of fashion? At least not in the construction. In any case, nature is seldom out of fashion, especially something as popular as wooden tiles. Hardwood has been a popular choice for flooring and building houses, especially in the colder regions due to its thermal insulation properties.

Modern homes in urban areas can also use wooden wall tiles and wood-look floor tiles to create nature-inspired spaces. However, using wooden tiles does not mean you will need to source a lot of wood.

What are Wooden Wall Tiles?

Modern wooden tiles are wood-like tiles made of ceramic or vitrified bodies. A hard glaze is applied to the surface of the ceramic or vitrified tile and then given the wooden texture digitally.

These tiles can mimic the appearance of several types of natural wood, even with the surface finish of the tile. Ceramic and vitrified wooden wall tiles are more durable than hardwood tiles and offer several advantages.

Types of Wooden Tiles

Ceramic and vitrified wooden tiles are available in three formats – square tiles, rectangular tiles, and planks. Other than the shape you can have four variations in wooden tiles based on surface finish – polished, high-gloss, matt, and wooden texture.

• Square, rectangle, & plank tiles

• Polished, high-gloss, matt and wooden texture

• Single wood type & mixed wood tiles

Wooden plank tiles are the most popular type of wooden tile for floor and wall applications. You can find wooden plank tiles are usually based on a single wood type, though you can buy wood plank tiles based on any wood type. Larger wooden tiles can also feature a mix of wooden blocks in their design.

Where to Use Wooden Tiles?

Wooden tiles are one of those versatile designs that you can use in almost any space and it will look perfectly in place. Here’s a list of spaces you can use different wooden tiles:

• Floor applications:

• High-Gloss & Polished Tiles: Living room, bedroom, 

• Matt & Wooden Texture: Kitchen, bathroom, living room, balcony, bedroom

• Wall Applications:

• Indoor High Gloss/Polished Tiles: Kitchen backsplash, bathroom walls

• Indoor Matt Finish: Living room and bedroom accent walls, bathroom vanity accent wall

• Outdoor Matt Finish: Use planks for full cladding, or decorating specific areas on the wall. Garden wall, front elevation, etc.

Advantages of Wooden Tiles

Ceramic and vitrified wooden tiles offer several advantages to the users. Some of the most anticipated advantages are:

• Affordability

Wooden plank tiles are far more affordable than natural hardwood planks. The price can start around Rs 45 per square foot and go up to Rs 150 per square foot, depending on the surface finish and thickness of the tile.

• Durability

Vitrified tiles are some of the most durable materials in the world. The tiles are almost fully waterproof, and the hard surface can handle foot traffic without scratches.

• Pet & Child Friendly

The vitrified wooden tiles cannot be scratched, broken or chipped by the child playing or a pet scratching the floor. This sturdiness also reduces the chances of pets or kids getting injured from accidentally breaking the tile.

Also, any stain, colours, or children’s creativity on ceramic and vitrified wooden wall tiles can be cleaned easily using a cloth and warm water.

• Environment Friendly

Unlike hardwood tiles, vitrified tiles don’t need the cutting of trees. Unlike hardwood tiles, ceramic and vitrified tiles do not need termite or pest treatment. Thus, installing wooden vitrified tiles does not release harmful chemicals inside your house.

• Recyclable

If broken, you can recycle the wooden vitrified tiles in several ways. Use cement to repair the tile if possible, break the tile into smaller pieces and use it in the garden, or sell the tile pieces for recycling at a tile manufacturer.

Many tile manufacturers, including H&R Johnson, recycle ceramic and vitrified tile waste materials for creating marble and quartz tiles.

• Versatile

Wooden tiles are quite versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces, including outdoor areas. The durability of vitrified tiles allows these tiles to endure harsh weather conditions, and thermal shocks without breaking or chipping.

Wooden tiles have a growing fanbase due to these advantages and easy installation. Since you buy standard-sized, pre-cut, and polished tiles, you can simply install the tile with minimum onsite cutting and adjustment.

Disadvantages of Wooden Tiles

Though vitrified and ceramic tiles leave very little to complain about, you should be cautious about a few aspects of these tiles:

• Tile’s Temperature

If you reside in a place where low temperatures can get uncomfortable, you may want to use a rug or use slippers while moving on this floor. The tiles are less thermal protective than natural wood and will get cold with the ambient temperature.

• Installing Glossy Tiles

Avoid installing glossy or polished tiles on the floor of areas where water is part of the environment, such as outdoors, balconies, bathrooms and kitchen floors.

• Installing Different Patterns

Wood plank tiles can be installed in several different patterns because of their unusual shape. For example, herringbone, classic brick, diagonal basket, double herringbone, square basket, etc. If you want to use any of these patterns better take expert assistance.

Natural Wood Vs Wooden Wall Tiles

Wooden Tiles offer several advantages over hardwood tiles. To summarise these differences here are the unique comparison points:

Hardwood Tiles	Ceramic & Vitrified Wooden Tiles
Requires wood from trees Susceptible to environmental hazards Requires pest and termite treatment May be damaged by exposure to water and other liquid All types of wood are not available everywhere Regular maintenance necessary for long life Most woods are susceptible to fire	Made of clay Not affected by environmental factors No need for polish and pest treatment Waterproof by nature, glaze makes it stain-proof as well Buy any wood texture at your location Nominal maintenance in the form of cleaning and dust removal Unaffected by fire

How to Buy Wooden Wall Tiles?

You can install any type of wooden wall tiles in different spaces within and outside of the house. You can select the tile format, color and texture online and check their availability before visiting the store. You can also connect with experts at brands like H&R Johnson to clear any doubts and queries you may have about using these tiles on the walls of your home.

This process will save a lot of time and effort while giving you a higher chance of securing a good tile design near your house.

What is the Difference Between Ceramic Roof Tiles & Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles can easily make anyone who has seen and experienced the houses of the 80s and 90s nostalgic. You can still find these tiles in use today in rural areas. However, the proliferation of cement and concrete has almost phased the clay tiles from modern homes.

Clay tiles have several qualities that you would love to incorporate into your modern house. For instance, clay tiles are great at providing temperature resistance to the house. However, clay tiles require higher maintenance as they are prone to chipping and breaking.

Nowadays ceramic roof tiles are posing as a more durable alternative to clay roof tiles. Let us help you understand the basic properties of ceramic and clay roof tiles before comparing the two:

What are Ceramic Roof Tiles?

Ceramic roof tiles contain natural white clay and are manufactured under extreme compression techniques. You can find these tiles in a variety of colours, including white, grey, and even darker shades.

The ceramic coating provides better resistance to heat and harsh climatic conditions. Moreover, ceramic roof tiles come in a variety of colours, so you get a wide range of options to choose from.

What are Clay Roof Tiles?

Clay Roof Tiles are made up of standard moulded clay. The density and hardness of these tiles depend on how much they are heated and at what temperature. These tiles generally come in natural and rusty colours, such as pale white, yellow, orange, brown, etc.

The colour doesn’t fade away easily, but due to harsh climatic conditions, it may lose its original brightness. Though clay roof tiles are the most popular roofing option, there are many disadvantages associated with these tiles.

Ceramic Roof Tiles vs Clay Roof Tiles

Let us understand the difference between ceramic and clay roof tiles based on various important factors:

• Water Absorption

Clay tiles absorb more water as the major substance in these tiles is the standard clay itself. High water absorption can put extra weight on the roof, resulting in early damage. On the other hand, water absorption in ceramic tiles is lesser. Therefore, the chances of failure or crack are higher in the case of clay roof tiles than in ceramic tiles.

• Strength & Durability

As ceramic roof tiles are manufactured under high compressions, they are mechanically stronger. The density of strength of clay tiles depends on at what temperature they are baked. But generally, ceramic tiles are stronger and more durable. 

Ceramic Roof tiles can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high temperatures, the sun’s UV rays, rainfall, humidity, etc. Clay tiles can crack under extremely cold weather conditions. Moreover, the colour of clay tiles is more likely to fade away with time due to exposure to sunlight, rainfall, etc. But the colour of ceramic tiles is comparatively less affected by these factors. 

• Installation

Ceramic tiles, being lighter than traditional clay roof tiles, are easier to install. These take lesser time for installation, and you can also save on labour costs. On the other hand, clay roof tiles are heavier and comparatively difficult to install.

• Maintenance

Traditional Clay roof tiles are more prone to algae, fungus, and other bacteria, due to which their maintenance becomes quite difficult. Ceramic tiles resist algae and fungus-causing bacteria and hence are easier to maintain. The less water absorption in ceramic tiles also makes their maintenance easy as the chances of wear and tear are lesser.

• Variety

Ceramic tiles are available in different colours and textures. From light shades like pale white and yellow to darker colours, you can find ceramic roof tiles to suit every style. Moreover, you can even find ceramic roof tiles that resemble the look of terracotta tiles. On the other hand, you have fewer colour and design options in the case of clay tiles.

• Heat Resistance

Both ceramic roof tiles and clay roof tiles provide a cooling effect for your home. However, ceramic roof tiles are more durable than clay tiles. Also, ceramic roof tiles are better at handling weather conditions. So, you would not have to replace them as frequently.

Given the features and benefits of ceramic roof tiles over clay tiles you would prefer to have a ceramic tile over your roof than clay tiles. However, ceramic roof tiles usually cost more than clay tiles. Also, another disadvantage of installing these tiles on your roof is that you must have a sloped roof.

You cannot install clay or ceramic roof tiles directly onto a flat roof surface. Since most modern urban homes and commercial buildings have flat roofs, they need an alternative solution.

Cool roof or SRI tiles can provide the same temperature control and weatherproof features.

Cool Roof Tiles for Modern Homes & Buildings

Cool roof or SRI tiles are a modern solution for temperature control and insulation from the sun. These are vitrified tiles with a special glaze on top. The glaze provides an SRI effect to the tile. SRI stands for Solar Reflective Index.

SRI indicates the efficiency of the tile’s surface in reflecting the solar heat falling on it. Although all tiles and materials will reflect some amount of heat, the best SRI tiles can reflect 90% or more heat into the atmosphere. This is represented as an SRI value of 90 for the tile.

Higher the SRI in ceramic tiles, the cooler your roof. India’s leading tile manufacturer H&R Johnson offers cool roof tiles with an SRI value greater than 90.

Unlike ceramic or clay roof tiles, you can install cool roof tiles on both sloped roofs and flat rooftops. These tiles can also be used for outdoor pavements and balconies. The surface of the pavement will provide a comfortable walking temperature regardless of the sunlight.

Choose Tiles for Durable Roofing

With the above comparison, ceramic roof tiles are a better choice. Even with ceramic roof tiles, you must ensure the quality. Make sure that you are choosing roof tiles from trusted brands.

Cool roof tiles with high solar reflectivity are among the best roof tile options available in the market for modern homes. With cool roof tiles, you can maintain a roof to enjoy the outdoor seating space while maintaining a lower ambient temperature inside the house.

Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles: How are they different

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both popular options for flooring and wall coverings, but they have some differences in their properties.

Ceramic tiles are made of clay and fired at a lower temperature, which makes them less dense and more porous. Ceramic tiles are a good choice for areas with low to moderate foot traffic, such as walls, backsplashes, and low-traffic rooms. They are available in a wide variety of designs and colors and can be finished with a glossy or matte glaze for added durability. They are typically glazed to make them more durable and water-resistant.

Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made of a more refined clay that is fired at a higher temperature, which makes them denser and less porous. This also makes porcelain tiles stronger and more durable than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are a better choice for areas with high foot traffic, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios as they are also highly water-resistant. They are highly durable, making them ideal for use in moisture-prone areas. Porcelain tiles are also available in a range of designs and colours.

Ultimately, the choice between ceramic and porcelain tiles will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget. Both types of tiles offer a long-lasting and attractive option for home flooring and wall coverings and can be a great investment in the overall look and feel of your home.

Durability

 

Porcelain tiles and Ceramic tiles have different durability characteristics. Porcelain tiles are made by heating the clay and other raw materials at high temperatures, which results in a dense, hard, and non-porous surface. This makes them more durable and resistant to staining, scratching and moisture.

 

On the other hand, Ceramic tiles are made by a process that doesn't reach the high temperatures required to make them fully vitrified. They are comparatively more porous. Ultimately, the durability of tiles will depend on factors such as the quality of the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the conditions to which they are exposed.

Maintenance 

 

Porcelain tiles have a dense, non-porous surface, making them less susceptible to staining and easier to clean. They typically require minimal maintenance, just occasional sweeping, and mopping.

 

On the other hand, Ceramic tiles have a more porous surface and may require more frequent cleaning and sealing to prevent staining. They may also be more prone to cracking or chipping over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

 

So, while Porcelain tiles may require a higher initial investment, they often require less maintenance in the long run.

Versatile Design Option

 

Porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes, including polished, matte, and textured finishes. The dense, non-porous surface of Porcelain tiles allows for high-resolution digital printing, making it possible to replicate natural stone, wood, and other textures with great accuracy.

 

On the other hand, Ceramic tiles generally offer fewer design options and may not have the same level of detail as Porcelain tiles. However, they are still available in a variety of colours, patterns, and finishes, and maybe a more cost-effective option for certain design applications.

Fire-Resistance

 

Porcelain tiles are made by heating at high temperatures, which results in a hard surface. This makes them more fire-resistant than Ceramic tiles.

 

Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are made by a process that does not reach the high temperatures required to make them fully vitrified. As a result, they are less fire-resistant than Porcelain tiles and may be more prone to melting or warping in high-heat environments.

 

It's important to note that both types of tiles can provide some level of fire resistance. 

Cost Effective

 

The cost-effectiveness of Porcelain tiles vs Ceramic tiles can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project, including budget, durability, fire resistance, and design needs.

 

In general, Ceramic tiles tend to be less expensive than Porcelain tiles due to differences in the manufacturing process and the materials used. This makes them less expensive to produce and purchase.

 

However, Porcelain tiles have several advantages, including durability, stain resistance, and fire resistance, that can offset their higher cost over the long term. Additionally, the high-quality finish and design options available with Porcelain tiles may make them a more cost-effective option for certain design applications, such as high-end residential or commercial projects.

Slip Resistance 

 

Porcelain tiles are denser and harder than Ceramic tiles, and they often have a smooth surface finish, which can make them more slippery when wet. However, some manufacturers offer Porcelain tiles with a textured or matte finish, which can increase their slip resistance. Some Ceramic tiles are specifically designed for use in wet areas, such as bathrooms or swimming pools, and are made with a slip-resistant surface finish.

 

When considering the slip resistance of tiles, it's important to consider the specific application and the amount of foot traffic that the tiles will be exposed to. For example, tiles in a high-traffic area or a wet environment may need to have a higher level of slip resistance to ensure safety.

Fragile

 

Porcelain tiles are stronger and harder than ceramic (non-vitrified) tiles. Ceramic tiles may have a more porous or brittle surface. As a result, they are more fragile and prone to breaking or chipping under extreme conditions such as the outdoor environment.

 

It's important to note that both Porcelain and Ceramic tiles can be prone to breaking or chipping if they are subjected to impact or heavy foot traffic. To minimize the risk of damage, it's important to follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance guidelines, as well as to choose the right tile for the specific application.

Installation 

 

Both types of tiles can be installed using traditional tile-setting techniques, including mortar and grout. However, Porcelain tiles are harder than Ceramic tiles, which can make them more difficult to cut and shape during the installation process.

 

Porcelain tiles are often thicker and heavier than Ceramic tiles, which can increase the amount of time and effort required to install them. This may also have an impact on the cost of installation, as it may require additional materials and labour. On the other hand, Ceramic tiles are often lighter and easier to cut and shape, which can make them easier to install.

 

Understand Your Tile Need First

 

It's important to note that both Ceramic and Porcelain tiles can be used in a variety of environments. The best option for you will depend on your specific requirements of the project, including the intended use, traffic levels, and environmental conditions. Leading Indian tile brands like H&R Johnson offer expert advice for your needs of ceramic or porcelain tiles.

 

For starters, porcelain tiles are often used in high-traffic areas, such as shopping centres, commercial kitchens, and public restrooms. Ceramics, on the other hand, are often used in areas where a more traditional or natural look is desired, such as in residential kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain has a variety of unique designs coupled with a range of matt finish textures which provide a luxurious appeal to the indoors.