When choosing a tile for your flooring, there are plenty of factors to consider before hiring your tiling contractor. Things such as the shape, size, colour, and texture can affect the performance of the tile and how it feels underfoot. Tile texture is often an overlooked component when selecting tiles and this can make a huge difference in their overall look and feel. If you’re in the market for a brand new set of tiles, you want to make sure the tiles fit your specific requirements. These tips will let you know whether you should pick up rough tiles or smooth tiles.
Traction
Textured tiles provide better foot traction whether you’re barefoot or wearing slippers. This helps eliminate any potential slip hazards and make it a much safer choice for home floors. The more textured the tile, the grippier it’ll feel. Textured tiles are great for areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and poolside where the tiles usually get soaked with water or grease.
Cleaning
What smooth tiles lack traction, they more than make up for it in terms of cleaning. Smooth tiles are very easy to clean and because they have a flat surface, dust, dirt, and debris won’t have anything to cling onto. Cleaning smooth tiles is as simple as running a vacuum over the surface and following up with a wet mop afterwards. Most porcelain or ceramic tiles are great at handling spills and you won’t have to worry about them getting stained over time.
Texture tiles, on the other hand, are much more difficult to keep clean. The little nooks and crannies on the tile’s surface can trap dirt, dust and other tiny particles which can accumulate over time. Rough tiles are generally made of stone and since these are porous in nature, they tend to absorb spills and stains. Porous tiles usually require a sealant to protect the surface from blemishes and discolouration
Design and aesthetics
In terms of design and aesthetics, both smooth and rough tiles have their own unique look. Smooth tiles tend to look more sophisticated compared to rough tiles, especially the glazed ones which give them a luxurious appeal. They come in a multitude of designs and some colour options make smooth tiles pop even more.
Rough tiles exude an antiquated aesthetic that some owners may find appealing. When paired with a vintage design choice, rough tiles look even better as they compliment an old-school appeal quite well. But that’s not to say that rough tiles are for the old-fashioned. There are numerous designs on rough tiles that are made to look contemporary and up-to-date.
You can utilize both smooth and rough tiles on different parts of your home. If you want a more upscale look on your shower or bathtub, then use smooth tiles. If you want a more laid-back appeal on your fireplace or entryway, then use rough tiles to match. It all comes down to your own personal taste and how you want your tiles to match your interior decor.
Temperature
Almost all tiles get cold during the winter months, whether it be a smooth tile or a rough tile. If you live in an area with a polar climate, we suggest installing in-floor heat to keep your tiles warm underfoot. If you don’t want to deal with underfloor heating, then you should opt for natural stone tiles. This type of tile absorbs heat fairly quickly and is able to retain that heat for longer periods as opposed to porcelain or ceramic tiles. All you need is a fireplace or wood burner and the tiles will feel warm and cozy.
Which tile should you choose
Both smooth and rough tiles have their own pros and cons and choosing between the two will mostly depend on your needs and preferences. Most homeowners use a combination of both tiles to mix things up and add a bit of variety to their home floors. For example, you can use a smooth tile on the living room to make the area look more elegant and use a rough tile for the bathroom for safety purposes. Before you purchase a set of tiles, make sure to consider its intended applications to ensure optimal performance.
