Types of Flooring Tiles

Flooring Tiles in India have over the years gained popularity over the cemented and concrete flooring Tiles are available in different patterns, designs and utility options. Usually they are costlier than the cement concrete flooring and its cost depends upon the type of tile being used.

Various types of flooring tiles used in India include the

• Terrazzo Tiles,
• Chequered Tiles
• Glazed Tiles
• Vitrified Tiles
• PVC Tiles

A wide variety of tiles are currently available in the market and the home owner has make a choice depending upon the finishing to be provided in the house, the location, local availability as well as the budget for putting up the floor.

1. Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles are available in the market with sizes varying from 20 cm x 20 cm to 30 cm x 30 cm and thickness varying between 2 cm to 3 cm. Such tiles can be used in the living room, bed rooms etc as also in the treads and risers of the stairs.

The tiles are laid on the base concrete or RCC slab usually by providing a cement sand mortar of average 3 cm thickness. Before putting the tile on this mortar bed, they should be thoroughly cleaned and ultimately laid in the desired slope. Tiling should be done with care such that they are laid in a straight line. The floor should be kept wet for about 7 days and finally ground and polished as in the case of Terrazzo flooring.

It is advisable to keep some extra tiles in the house which may be required as and when some of them require replacement.

2. Chequered Tiles

The chequered tiles are similar to the terrazzo tiles except that they have groves of about 2.5 cm in both directions. The method of laying such tiles is similar to that of laying other tiles. Care has to be taken to finish the grooves in a proper manner.

Chequered tiles can also be provided on the walls to give a different look. Usually they are costlier than the plain terrazzo tiles.

3. Glazed Tiles

Glazed tiles are available in the market having either a glossy finish or a mat finish. Tiles having a mat finish are usually provided in wet locations in the house like kitchen, bath, WC or in exterior locations like balconies etc to reduce the chances of slipping.

They are usually available in sizes of 10 cm x 10 cm, 15 cm x 15 cm or 10 cm x 20 cm in white or different colours. Tiles having patterns are also available in the market. They are laid in the same manner as any other type of tile. The joints between the tiles are flush pointed to give an even surface. Such tiles do not require grinding and/or polishing.

4. Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are increasingly being adopted for construction of floors in residential buildings. They are quite sturdy and can be provided with equal ease both on a new surface and on existing flooring. Although they give a good look and can be cleaned easily, they are quite costly as compared to the other type of tile flooring.

Vitrified tiles are available in glossy or mat finish having different design and patterns. Sizes upto 60 cm x 60 cm are also available and accordingly each tile covers a large area. The flooring is provided in the same manner as that of other types of tiles, however care has to be taken to match the patterns while laying the same.

5. PVC Tiles

PVC tiles are being used for flooring in residential as well as non residential buildings. They can be provided for decorating the floors.

These tiles are costly and acoustically they have a superior performance although they are combustible. They are however easy to clean and maintain.

PVC tiles are usually square in shape having sides of 30 cm, 60 cm or 90 cm. Sheets and rolls of PVC are also available for providing larger floors These tiles are fixed to the floor tops with the help of adhesives, especially recommended for the purpose.