The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Vitrified Tiles for Your Home

Highly durable, easily affordable, withstand heavy traffic, low in maintenance, and scratch and stain-resistant are some top qualities of vitrified tiles that make them increasingly popular among users. Being reasonably priced and equally appealing, vitrified tile flooring is used as the best alternative to marble, granite, and other natural stone flooring materials. 

The market is complete with wide-ranging options for vitrified tiles.  In this post, we are helping you with an ultimate guide to zero down on vitrified tiles as the best options for your home. But first of all, what do you understand by Vitrified tiles?

What are Vitrified tiles?

Vitrified tiles are like ceramic tiles with very low porosity. Along with clay, these tiles also contain silica, quartz, and feldspar, which melt during the process of vitrification to produce a substance like glass in each tile. This helps vitrified tiles keep their original sheen intact for years while giving their surface a great finish. Moreover, you can have a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs that make vitrified tiles the best alternative to marble, granite, and other natural stone tiles.      

Since these tiles come with enhanced durability, the vitrified tiles are slightly expensive compared to other popular tiles like ceramic. The cost of vitrified tiles is primarily because of the presence of silica and the expensive vitrification process that these tiles go through to make them non-porous. 

Different Types of Vitrified Tiles Available

• Double-charged vitrified tiles – Two different tones of tints are used during the manufacturing of these tiles to make them distinct from the rest. These tiles are durable and need almost no maintenance. They suit best for both commercial and residential areas with heavy traffic.  
• Glazed vitrified tiles - These tiles are formed at higher baking points and temperatures and are also known for their durability.  As compared to non-vitrified ceramic tiles, these tiles can resist better moisture.  You can find these tiles in varied patterns and with a huge range of surface finishes like matt, glossy, satin, etc. 
• Full-body vitrified tiles – These tiles are available with uniform color all across their surface. They are preferred on rough surfaces in the outdoors like shopping malls, parking lots, etc.  These tiles are strong with no polish and are scratch-resistant, which makes them useful in high-traffic areas.    

How to Choose the Best Vitrified Tiles?

1. Buy tiles from reputed brands – Consider the brand while buying the vitrified tiles as it ensures the best quality of the tiles. Good quality tiles give you a guarantee of durability and longevity. Hence, it is the first thing to consider while buying tiles. 
2. Make sure to check the features or specifications of the tiles – Buy tiles that absorb less water and are tough. Also, make sure to check other specifications of the vitrified tiles to ensure their sturdiness. Depending on the location where you are using the tiles (exterior or interior use) as well as other requirements, you may check the specifications of the tiles to ensure that they suit your needs.      
3. Select tiles as per size to suit your needs – The kind of tiles you buy also depends on the size of tiles you need. For instance, large-size tiles are mostly used in living rooms and kitchens, while you may prefer smaller ones in bedroom and bathroom spaces. However, it also depends on your preferences.  
4. Tile pattern and color to match your house décor – Depending on the theme of your home, choose vitrified tiles of different colors and patterns. If you like spacious and airy rooms, use light colors to give that effect.    
5. Estimate the number of tiles you will require – Besides the above, it is also important to determine the number of tiles you need to spruce up a space. You may like to buy a few extra tiles to ensure that you don’t fall short by a few at the end.  

Spaces to Install Vitrified Tiles? 

• You can use them at home or offices
• They can be installed at commercial areas and parking spaces
• Also, restaurants, schools, shopping malls, porch, and other places of heavy traffic are good option to use vitrified tiles

Tips to Clean and Maintain Vitrified Tiles

Here are some tips to clean and maintain vitrified tiles: 

• You can sweep or vacuum to remove dirt from the tiles
• If deeper cleaning is required, you can mix warm water with a mild cleaning solution to clean the floor
• Mops can also be used to clean the tiles along with water and a cleaning solution 
• In case of tough strain or spot, you can use a soft brush to clean the tiles
• To remove the solution applied to the tiles while cleaning, you can rinse it off with clean water. You can use a dry cloth to wipe it
• Do not use acid, bleach, or strong detergent in tiles to avoid damage

Conclusion 

Vitrified tiles should be cleaned regularly to keep them looking new for years to come. They can be managed and cleaned easily to keep the tiles looking stunning year after year.  Whether you use vitrified tiles for the floor or the wall, they are available in a wide variety including expensive lavish designs to easy-to-clean simple patterns. 

If you are planning to refurbish your house with vitrified tiles, go ahead and get the best ones to make your house look gorgeous. Although vitrified tile prices may be more than ceramic ones, but these tiles are of superior quality and appeal.