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Hard Flooring
Whats the best type of tile to use on a kicthen floor
Ceramic or porcelin textured tile?
Seems so many pros and cons for each, I need hardwearing, german shepherd proof and would be grateful for any advice.
thanks
claire.
9 Answers from MyBuilder Flooring Fitters
Best Answer
Birmingham • Member since 20 Jan 2010 • 10 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Hi Claire,
Any tile you like as long as it not high gloss or polished, you will have an accident. All natural products will need to be sealed and protected and normally have a larger grout joint to help take out any unevenness in the cut. Ceramic tiles are easier to lay and are cheaper bay far, but I have laid tiles of the same batch with a 3mm difference in length!! B&Q for you. Porcelain normally have machine cut edges for the perfect thin grout lines, are harder wearing and for that reason are used in car showrooms, hotels etc, for the best effect. However get the floor as flat as you can and do not be a tight wad on the adhesive!!
Answered 23rd Feb 2011
Chichester • Member since 30 May 2010 • 4 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Hi claire
I have read the other tradesmans reply and have to dissagree with him, porcelain is bomb proof and in my opinion outclasses any ceramic tile for ware and looks, it is much harder to cut than ceramic, and as long as it is bedded down correctly and with the correct adhesive for the materials you are fixing it too i see no problems. i have a dog myself and he comes indoor racing around with mud on him and so, not a problem we have polished porcelain large format tiles over the whole ground floor of our house and we just wipe them clean very easy.
all the best
tom
Answered 23rd Feb 2011
Milton Keynes • Member since 6 Aug 2008 • 29 jobs, 93% positive feedback
Hi Claire,
I agree with Tom Harveyassociates. Most tradesmen look for the easiest tile to lay and ceramic is so easy to work with where porcelain can be a complete nightmare. They are bomb proof if set the correct way. For drilling them, a diamond drill is by far the best and need a continous flow of water whilst drilling.
There are also anti-slip tiles on the market if you want glazed or polished ceramic. They are a little more expensive, but well worth it and easy to keep clean.
Regards
Ray
Answered 24th Feb 2011
Ashton Under Lyne • Member since 3 Mar 2009 • 95 jobs, 99% positive feedback
Hi Claire, I would suggest that you didn't go for a tile with a polished finish on the top e.g. polished porcelain as they can become slippy under foot if they become. I agree to certain extent with the slate example above, but make sure you get a good quality slate and the cheaper versions tend to be very brittle and break easily. If you are looking for a harding wearing tiles, most natural stones but I would say a non-slip granite or porcelain tile would be your best option. However there are some really good alternative ceramic options on the market to.
Good luck.
Answered 24th Feb 2011
Melksham • Member since 21 Nov 2010 • 95 jobs, 100% positive feedback
Personally claire I am saying ceramic everytime, as I have found in the past porcelain tiles can be quite brittle and have a tendency to break under certain stresses related to a kitchen. Any other questions please feel free to get in touch, Thanks, Ben
Answered 23rd Feb 2011
Woodhall Spa • Member since 30 Jul 2008 • 7 jobs, 100% positive feedback
I would agree with substructure, slate is brilliant, and dog (spaniel) proof. Any natural product always looks better in my opinion.As for your question, I wouldn't like to say.
Answered 24th Feb 2011
Broxbourne • Member since 4 Oct 2010 • 127 jobs, 98% positive feedback
Hi Claire, try Terrocotta tiles, we love ours in the kitchen, got them from Manadarin stone in Bath, they have a website, i found them very hard wearing and value for money, Paul
Answered 24th Feb 2011
AJ Plastering & Building Services
Bradford • Member since 14 Jan 2010 • 45 jobs, 98% positive feedback
personally i wouldnt put ceramic tiles in a dog kenel nevermind a house - travertine, limestone, granite, marble,slate or yorkshire stone flags everytime
Answered 24th Feb 2011
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