Everybody knows what tiles are. They typically feature in bathroom, kitchen, or garden areas and can feature wonderful patterns and designs to accentuate the style of a space.
However, there’s much more to tiles than people might initially consider. Their presence isn’t just a formality; they can contribute significantly to the atmosphere and functionality of your home. Because of this, it’s essential that you don’t underestimate their qualities and appeal and that you instead utilise them to their utmost capabilities.
If you’re unaware of how the inclusion tiles benefit you as a homeowner, then their perks are worth learning. So, what are the main benefits of featuring tiles in your property? Take a look at some of our insights down below.
They’re Easy to Maintain
While people make an effort to minimise spills and mess wherever possible, accidents will inevitably occur sooner or later. It’s best to be prepared for when they do arrive, and tiles play an important role in making that happen.
There is nothing worse than a stained carpet. Moreover, while some people attest to game-changing methods of removing stains from them, even these efforts can be convoluted, requiring different supplies, waiting periods, and scrubbing. A sobering amount of time is likely lost if you add up all the minutes and hours you spend trying to remove stains.
By comparison, tiles are easy to clean and maintain. While some high-end variations may require a solution and a wipe down, even these tasks are quick, easy, and less taxing. Put simply, tiles are a more convenient addition to your home, freeing up your time for other things.
You may appreciate this perk more once you’re older, too. After all, maintaining a property becomes a more arduous task in one’s elder years, so something like tiles can ensure you can manage more efficiently through the years.
They’re Durable
Homes are often falling apart in one way or another. Chaotic family lives, boisterous pets, numerous guests – wear and tear is bound to occur over the years.
However, the chances of such occurring with porcelain tiles are incredibly slim. Durable stock can be found when you shop for tiles online, with some providers focusing on durability, versatility, and water and heat resistance. Because of these efforts, every tile can feature without issue, either indoors or outdoors, functioning flawlessly.
While replacing parts of a home overtime is common, decisions around durability can lead shoppers to stressful circumstances. Comparisons can be made and unmade, products bought and returned, and ultimately the entire process can be dreary and complicated. Much of this bother is avoided with the addition of tiles.
Moreover, if you have guests or young kids, establishing ground rules to protect homely features can be tense. For example, you understandably may be uneasy about people drinking soft drinks in carpeted areas. However, because your tiles can take a bit of punishment, these concerns can ebb away a fraction, giving you more peace of mind.
They’re (Potentially) Historical
Though homes are full of materialistic qualities, many of the stuff featured within them tells a story of the present and previous owners. Tiles are an important part of this, as they last for an extraordinarily long time because they are largely impervious to accidents and elements.
In fact, some tiles last so long that archaeology teams are still uncovering medieval variations today, still in an impeccable condition, all things considered. If you were to have period types in your property, it would undoubtedly add value and create a more special energy around your home.
It might sound strange to read, but tiles can also imbue you with a sense of perspective. What techniques when into making the older tiles that you see? Where were they made? Which trends and patterns did people from long ago follow? If you’re an inquisitive sort who loves to learn, tiles of this nature can send you down a path of enrichment and further learning.
Your own personal history with your tiles matters too. If you are one for home comforts, and you’ve settled in your home over the span of years, tiles can resonate with you because they’re always there. Kitchen units can be replaced walls repainted – but the tiles are perhaps most likely to stay the same through all the years of constant change. They could even be passed down with the property. In the end, it’s all surprisingly meaningful.
They’re Often Eco-Friendly
It’s not just the past that should be thought about when purchasing eco-friendly tiles, but the future as well. One of the main benefits of tiles that can’t be understated is that they’re often a green product, both in manufacturing and in use.
Of course, anything that doesn’t need to be disposed of for potential lifetimes is worth keeping around from an environmental standpoint. That’s certainly worth remembering, but there are other environmental benefits too.
On the creation side of things, levels of sustainability will inevitably vary from maker to maker. Many use recycled materials to create their porcelain tile offerings. A better tile shop will attempt to source their goods locally, too. Harmful waterproofing agents and varnishes may also be omitted from the production process. Ultimately, it’s easy for manufacturers to stay green.
In particular, porcelain tiles can be energy efficient in their use. They maintain the thermal energy they are exposed to and release heat effectively, therefore playing an active role in maintaining the temperatures of the rooms the tiles feature in. Considering people are struggling to heat their homes in recent times, the energy savings incurred here could be game-changing.
They Can be Grand in Appearance
Tiles come in all different shapes and sizes. They don’t just need to form the perimeter of a kitchen counter or bathtub and can serve as impressionable features in their own right and appearances.
For example, large format tiles can excel in open plan living arrangements. Traditional grey and white marbles can be explored, or you can browse options that are more inspired by natural beauty and floral patterns. Designer tiles are often redefined with rich and rewarding trends, and you can explore terrazzo, natural stone effects, and more.
The point here is that there are many stylish embellishments you can make to your property with the addition of tiles. Everything can appear to be more grand and sophisticated, from the floors to the walls, due to the tiles you feature.
They’re the Best Choice for Underfloor Heating
Porcelain tiles can be rather grand in appearance. That said, they make equally extravagant perks possible as well.
Underfloor heating is a luxury, but it can make a huge difference in how much one enjoys their home. If you have aspirations to enjoy these particular finer things one day, you’re much more likely to do so with porcelain tiles beneath your feet, because they retain heat so well, as mentioned. Porcelain is also a surprisingly thin material, allowing the feet to travel to your toes faster.
Something like this could make a real difference to your mood, especially if you’re a remote worker. You may also be able to impress guests more capably, who will undoubtedly assume you’re enjoying a fine standard of living if they experience your underfloor heating. Often, inclusions like these are symbolic of success, so it’s worth appreciating the part that tiles play in this equation.