When we think about renovation and/or decoration of the house, perhaps the hardest part is choosing the floor. That’s because there is a multitude of colors, textures, sizes, and materials that match the most diverse environments.
The porcelain tile, for example, is one of the floors that currently have more pleased, and this is due because of the numerous advantages offered by the product, such as ease of cleaning, durability, and various color options and sizes.
And it is precisely because it presents so many options that, while searching for the ideal porcelain tile, many people end up having doubts about which model to choose. To clarify all your questions, we have prepared this post with a series of tips that will help you choose the ideal type of flooring. Check out!
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Consider the style of the environment
The first step is to define the style of the environment in which the coating will be applied. For example, if the environment has a more rustic feel, look for an enameled porcelain tile, with a more accentuated texture and a print that imitates wood or burnt cement.
For more modern and refined environments, polished porcelain is a great choice. Its brightness gives a sophisticated touch to the space and also helps to increase light reproduction, giving the impression of a larger and brighter environment. Bet on light colors and marbled prints to maintain the elegance of the environment.
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Know the footage of the place where you want to install it and the amount of porcelain that must be purchased
Before buying porcelain, it is necessary to calculate the area in which the floor will be applied in order to know the exact amount to be purchased.
The calculation you must do is the length x width, the result is the equivalent of the area in square meters. For example: in a room 3.00m long by 4.00m wide, we have: 3.00×4.00= 12.00m². Take this calculation written down on paper at the time of purchase.
The ideal is to buy about 15% more than necessary, so if something unforeseen occurs during the installation you will already be prepared.
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Choose the type of porcelain tile
There are three versions of this floor that are most used, namely: satin, polished, and enameled. To choose the ideal porcelain for your home, it is important to know the details of each type. Check it out!
Satin: has a matte and rougher coating; being less slippery than the others. It is extremely easy to clean and is ideal for damp and outdoor areas;
Polished: This is the most sophisticated type and, consequently, the most sought after. It has an intense shine and a completely smooth surface. It can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms (it is only not recommended for the box area, as it is more slippery than the others);
Enamel: This coating is covered with a layer of enamel and can have a smooth, glossy, or matte surface. To find out which environments it can be installed in, it is necessary to consult the PEI number; this number classifies the surface resistance of each floor, that is, the greater the PEI, the greater the resistance of the porcelain tile enamel.
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Define the size of the porcelain
There are several sizes of porcelain tiles available. So, when choosing yours, make sure that the size of the board is suitable for the environment where it will be installed.
Large boards when installed in small rooms make the impression of an even smaller space. So opt for large boards for spacious spaces and small ones for smaller spaces.
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Grout for porcelain
The grout serves to fill the expansion joints between the floors and also has the function of protecting and waterproofing the sides of the plates.
Epoxy is a type of grout that is highly recommended by porcelain tile manufacturers, as it is resistant to water penetration, mold, and the formation of bacteria. For a prettier result, use a hue close to the floor color.
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Choose quality materials
Finally, it is worth emphasizing that, when it comes to building materials, it is essential to choose products of proven quality.
Paying a little more for quality materials can prevent future headaches and can be very cost-effective in the long run, avoiding increased expenses for floor maintenance and re-installation.
