If you’re considering tiling your home, you’ll want to ensure you buy the best quality tiles. This is important because not all tiles are created equal – some may look and feel similar but will serve different purposes.

One way to test tile quality is by feeling its weight. A heavy tile has a high density and will hold up better than a lightweight tile.

Grade 5 Porcelain Tile

When shopping for tiles, you may be surprised to discover that different tiles have very different prices. This is because they serve other purposes and are designed for use in specific spaces. A $20 per square foot artisan-style glazed ceramic will not perform or look the same as a $5 per square foot through-body porcelain. They are both high-quality products, but they were designed to serve very different functions.

To help you determine which type of tile is best for your home, it’s essential to understand how porcelain tiles are graded. The PEI rating, which stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute, is a rating that determines the hardness and durability of your tile. This rating is based on a standardized test and determines how the tiles will hold up to wear, tear, and moisture.

Porcelain tile with a PEI rating of 1 is designed for walls and shouldn’t be used on floors, while a 5 PEI-rated tile is suitable for any area of your home, including the bottom. You can also find PEI-rated floor tiles in many commercial settings, including restaurants and stores, as they are designed to handle heavy foot traffic.

The more complex the porcelain tile, the better it will withstand wear and tear and harsh chemicals. Porcelain tile with a PEI of 5 is the most challenging and durable, making it perfect for areas with heavy traffic, such as hallways and entryways. It is also an excellent choice for stairways and other areas with frequent foot traffic because of its slip resistance.

It’s also important to note that your tile will have a finish, which can impact its appearance. You can choose from various finishes, such as polished, honed, or matte. Your installer will be able to help you determine which finish is the best option for your space. For the best quality tiles, check this out. 

Onyx Tile

The natural beauty of onyx tile can bring an almost translucent look to any bathroom, living room or kitchen. The beauty of this stone is its luxury and the way it catches and bounces light around the room. It is often used with other natural stones like marble or travertine, and the results are stunning.

If you want an earthy and elegant look, try Onyx with a gold or copper veining running through it. This type of Onyx is often used for bathroom vanities and surrounds or wall cladding in living rooms and can be paired with brass or dark-coloured decorative accents to highlight the beauty of the stone.

When choosing Onyx for your home, make sure that you perform a dry layout before installing the tile. This will help prevent specific colours or shades from grouping together in one area and allow you to adjust the form before you begin setting your tiles. Performing this simple task will also ensure you have enough tiles to cover any breakage or errors during installation.

Since Onyx is a porous material, it will require sealing to keep water and stain damage at bay. The good news is that this stone is incredibly durable and will last a lifetime with the proper care and maintenance. Having your onyx tile re-sealed every year or so is recommended to maintain its beauty and durability.

While Onyx can be installed in any room in your home, it is particularly well-suited for bathrooms and kitchens. This is because it is a very durable natural stone and is easy to clean. When cleaning Onyx, use a soft cloth or mop so you do not scratch or dull the surface. In addition, using a mild detergent with warm water is a good idea to remove any soap residue before it can dry and harden on the surface. For the best quality tiles, check this out.