Porcelain tiles are impervious to spills and have a huge range of colour and style options. But what is the best tile finish I need on the floor tile?
Most common are a double loaded, single pressed tile, where the body of the tile has the colour on the top half of the tile, which has been polished to have a highly reflective finish and gives a high end expensive feel to the flooring. The high gloss does show dust dirt and fluff easily and will need soft soled shoes or no shoes so that scratching is kept to a minimum.
Best used in living rooms and bedrooms where there is no access to the room directly from outdoors and where people have bare feet or shoes are not usually worn.
Semi Polished or Lappato Porcelain Tiles
Are lightly polished or the layer of glaze is thin resulting in a mottled reflective surface. The surface is less slippery and less likely to show dirt and dust.
Best used in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and hallways which are walked on often.
Matte or Unpolished Tiles
Have a rougher surface with a grip like finish and can be used indoors and outdoors. They hide dirt well and are less prone to scratching.
Best used in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and hallways which are walked on often.
External Grip tiles
Have a textured finish on the tile, a grit similar to a fine sandpaper has been added, or the tile surface has been roughened up to give the same effect as flame or sandblasted natural stone. An Australian Standard of R10 to R12 is best for outdoor tiles. Tiles with a higher slip resistance usually are more difficult to clean.
Multiple Finishes Available
Most external grip tiles have a version that can be used inside such as Matte or Lappato. Some even have Polished Lappato and Matt to complement your flooring throughout your house.
Please Note: It is important to know that different suppliers have different ideas about what level of polish is required as a semi polished rather than polished. Always ask for a sample in the current batch available to avoid a misunderstanding of what the finish of the tile will look like. Likewise the amount of resistance varies for outdoor tiles and to be completely happy with the look of the tile you want - ask for a sample of the current batch. It may take a little longer to get your tiles on site but that small wait is much easier to deal with than disappointment and confusion on just what type of finish you have once they are on site and about to be laid.