Tile flooring: Advantages, disadvantages, classification, and considerations when laying tiles.

Tile flooring is a floor surface finished with paving tiles primarily composed of clay, stone powder, or minerals, fired or pressed at high temperatures. This material has five outstanding advantages: high mechanical strength (hardness of 5-8 Mohs), good water resistance (water absorption <0,5% according to ISO 10545-3), fire resistance (A1 rating), easy to clean, and an average lifespan of 10-25 years if installed correctly.

However, tile flooring has four limitations that users need to consider: heavy weight (20-35 kg/m² depending on the type), limited thermal insulation (thermal conductivity coefficient 0,8-1,3 W/mK), difficulty in removal and replacement (re-installation takes 2-3 days/10 m²), and grout lines that easily accumulate dirt and mold in humid environments.

There are 7 popular types of floor tiles suitable for many architectural styles:

Tiling requires adherence to 5 technical factors: Checking the flatness of the subfloor according to TCVN 9259:2012 (deviation ≤ 3mm/2m), selecting adhesive compatible with each type of tile (mix 1kg of adhesive/0,25 – 0,3 liters of water), grouting the correct size (2 – 3mm for small tiles, 3 – 5mm for large tiles), coordinating colors harmoniously, and allowing the tiles to dry for 48 – 72 hours after installation.

What are the benefits of tiled floors?

Tiled floors offer five benefits for both residential and commercial spaces: excellent mechanical durability, superior water resistance, good fire resistance, easy cleaning, and long lifespan.

1. Good mechanical strengthFloor tiles with good load-bearing capacity and a hardness of 5-8 Mohs are suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, hallways, and shopping malls.
2. Outstanding waterproofing abilityTile flooring with a water absorption rate of <0,5% (according to ISO 10545-3 standard) is particularly suitable for the rainy and humid conditions in Vietnam.
3. Good fire resistance: Through fire resistance tests according to EN 13501-1 standard, the bricks achieve fire resistance level A1 – non-combustible under any temperature conditions.
4. Easy to clean and maintainNano-silver antibacterial technology, applied in high-end tile lines, is capable of eliminating up to 99,9% of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria after 24 hours of contact, according to test results from QUATEST 3.
5. Long life: If installed correctly, tile flooring can last from 10 to 25 years while maintaining its aesthetic appeal and stability.
   

"Tile flooring has a point load-bearing capacity of up to 200-300 kg/cm², because the tile structure is fired at high temperatures from 1000-1200°C, which increases the density and strength of the material."—According to the Asian Centre for Urban Architecture Research (2024).

What are the limitations of using tile flooring?

Tile flooring has four limitations that users should consider before installation: heavy weight, limited thermal insulation, difficulty in replacement, and easy staining of the grout lines.

1. Heavy weight: The weight of the tile floor (20–25 kg/m² for regular tiles and 30–35 kg/m² for large-sized granite tiles) creates a significant load on the building structure.
2. Limited thermal insulation capabilities: The high thermal conductivity of tiles (with a thermal conductivity coefficient λ ranging from 0,8 – 1,3 W/mK, 3 – 4 times higher than wood) makes the floor easily absorb and radiate heat quickly, creating a cold feeling in winter.
3. Difficult to disassemble and replace: The tile replacement process requires removing the old tiles, cleaning the subfloor, and laying new ones, generating considerable noise and dust, with an average construction time of 2-3 days per 10m².
4. Grout lines are prone to dirt and mold: In humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens, grout lines are prone to discoloration or mold growth after prolonged use.
   

What are some beautiful and popular types of floor tiles?

To meet the diverse design needs of users, the tile market offers seven different product lines, including: glazed tiles, patterned tiles, polished tiles, granite tiles, ceramic tiles, terrazzo tiles, and wood-look tiles. Depending on different design styles, customers can choose the appropriate type of tile.

Ceramic tile flooring

Ceramic floor tiles are primarily manufactured from natural materials such as clay, gypsum, kaolin, and some mineral additives. After shaping, the mixture is fired at temperatures of approximately 1.000–1.300°C, giving the tiles a hardness of 5–6 on the Mohs scale. The tile surface is coated with a thin layer of glaze, providing a beautiful glossy finish, easy cleaning, and limited water absorption (water absorption rate below 3%).

Beautiful living room design with ceramic tile flooring.

The office floor is tiled with luxurious, glossy ceramic tiles.

The floor is made of patterned tiles.

Patterned tile flooring is made from a mixture of cement, stone powder, fine sand, and mineral color additives. The tile consists of three layers: a top layer containing white cement and colored powder for decorative patterns, a middle layer of gray cement for added durability, and a base layer made from coarse cement mortar. Each tile has an average thickness of 16-20mm and a density ranging from 2,2-2,4 g/cm³.

Thanks to their durability, patterned tiles retain their color for a long time and are easy to maintain, making them popular with many families in rural areas. Nowadays, patterned tiles are also used in urban constructions, cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels with retro or classic styles.

Cozy vintage-style patterned floor tiles

Applications of patterned tiles for bathroom flooring.

Glossy tile floor

Polished porcelain tiles are primarily made from refined natural stone powder. During the manufacturing process, the raw material mixture is compressed, dried, and fired at approximately 1.200°C, resulting in tiles with high hardness and reduced warping. With a polished surface achieved using glazing or full-polishing technology, polished porcelain tiles offer a natural shine.

This material is commonly used in large-scale projects such as shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and high-end resorts. Currently, polished porcelain tiles are popular in standard sizes of 800 × 800 mm. Additionally, polished porcelain tiles are available in 600 × 600 mm or 1000 × 1000 mm sizes to suit various design styles.

The actual project involved laying polished porcelain tiles for the floor.

The living room floor is tiled with durable and beautiful polished porcelain tiles.

Granite floor tiles

Granite floor tiles are made from clay, feldspar, and natural minerals, fired at high temperatures to create a particularly strong microcrystalline structure. The mineral composition of granite tiles includes 65-70% silicon dioxide (SiO₂), 15-20% alumina (Al₂O₃), and 8-10% alkali metal oxides, with a Mohs hardness of 6-8, approaching the hardness of natural granite.

With extremely low water absorption (<0,1% according to EN ISO 10545-3), granite tiles are completely waterproof and can withstand harsh conditions. Granite tiles are versatile and can be used in living rooms, bathrooms, terraces, cafes, or outdoor areas.

Luxurious and unique granite floor tile designs.

Applications of black granite tiles for flooring.

Ceramic tile flooring

Ceramic tiles are a popular flooring material, primarily made from clay, sand, and natural minerals, then fired at temperatures around 1.000°C to achieve high hardness and durability. Thanks to the technically precise firing process, this type of tile has good load-bearing capacity, limited water absorption (average moisture absorption of only 3-6%), and is easy to clean.

Ceramic tiles have a lower thermal conductivity coefficient (0,6 – 0,8 W/mK) compared to granite, giving a warmer feeling underfoot when walking directly on them. However, their durability and abrasion resistance are lower, with a PEI rating of only II – III, making them unsuitable for high-traffic areas or those subjected to heavy loads.

Actual project with ceramic tile flooring.

The living room floor is tiled with beautiful, glossy ceramic tiles.

Terrazzo tile flooring

Terrazzo floor tiles are made from a mixture of white or colored cement, combined with finely ground aggregates (marble, granite, quartz) and mineral additives. The standard mixing ratio usually ranges from 70-75% stone fragments (2-10mm in size) and 25-30% modified polymer cement matrix, giving the tiles superior crack resistance.

With an average compressive strength of 55-65 MPa and an abrasion resistance of less than 1,5 mm/500 cycles, terrazzo tiles meet the technical requirements for high-traffic areas such as lobbies, cafes, shopping malls, and public spaces. Currently, terrazzo tiles are produced in five common sizes: 300 × 600 mm, 300 × 800 mm, 600 × 600 mm, 800 × 800 mm, and 600 × 1200 mm.

Terrazzo tiles offer a youthful and stylish look for flooring.

Applications of Terrazzo floor tiles

Wood-look floor tiles

Wood-look floor tiles are the perfect combination of the natural beauty of wood and the physical advantages of ceramic or porcelain tiles. With modern 3D printing technology, the tile surface has a high degree of realism, reaching 95% resemblance to real wood, while overcoming many limitations of natural materials such as warping, insect infestation, and fading.

The bedroom features wood-look tile flooring.

The living room floor is tiled with warm, wood-look tiles.

What factors should be considered when laying floor tiles?

To ensure durable, beautiful, and shiny tile floors, installers need to pay attention to the following five points:

1. Inspect and treat the foundation: The concrete floor must meet the flatness standard TCVN 9259:2012, with a deviation of no more than 3mm over a length of 2m.
2. Choose the right tile adhesive: The adhesive must be compatible with each type of tile (ceramic, granite, porcelain, etc.) and environmental conditions. The ideal mixing ratio is 1 kg of adhesive to 0,25 – 0,3 liters of water, ensuring optimal consistency and setting time.
3. Proper grout application techniques: For small tiles, a grout line of 2-3mm is recommended, while for larger tiles, it should be 3-5mm.
4. Ensure harmony in the design: Floor tiles should be in the same tone as wall tiles, though they can differ in lightness or darkness to create visual depth.
5. Proper maintenance after construction: After installation, the tile floor needs to be left undisturbed for a minimum of 48-72 hours, at a temperature of 20-25°C and humidity not exceeding 65%, to allow the adhesive and grout to achieve maximum durability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tile Flooring

How to clean and maintain tiled floors?

During use, users need to clean and maintain tiled floors according to the following 5 tips:

1. Clean the floor surface daily with warm water mixed with neutral soap or a specialized cleaning solution (ratio 1:10).
2. Treat stubborn stains with a mixture of baking soda and water (1:2 ratio) or white vinegar and water (1:4 ratio).
3. Avoid dragging heavy objects directly across the floor to prevent scratches.
4. Clean the grout with a soft brush and a mild cleaning solution, once or twice a month, to prevent black mold and yellow stains.
5. Regular inspection and maintenance every 3-6 months are necessary to maintain the stability of the floor.

What specifications should you consider when choosing floor tiles?

When choosing floor tiles, considering these six technical specifications is crucial to ensuring the durability and aesthetic value of your project:

1. Water Absorption: This parameter reflects the water absorption capacity of the tile. Tiles with low water absorption (≤0,5%) will effectively prevent water leakage, inhibit mold growth, and protect the underlying layer.
2. Surface hardnessMeasured on the Mohs scale, the higher the hardness, the better the resistance to scratches and impacts. For areas subject to heavy loads such as garages, gardens, or hallways, tiles with a Mohs hardness of 6-8 are recommended.
3. Flexural strength (Modulus of Rupture): This indicates the ability of the tile to withstand lateral impact forces. Standard floor tiles typically have a flexural strength of 30-45 N/mm², which helps to minimize cracking.
4. Slip Resistance Factor: A crucial factor in ensuring user safety. Tiles with a slip resistance rating of R10-R13 are recommended for bathrooms, terraces, or public areas.
5. Heat resistance and acid resistanceFor kitchen or workshop areas, tiles need to have good heat resistance (up to 120°C) and be resistant to the effects of cleaning chemicals.
6. Color uniformity and durabilityTiles with low color deviation (≤3%) will help create a uniform floor, adding elegance to the space. In addition, tiles that meet colorfastness standards level 4-5 according to ISO 105-A02 will retain their beauty for a long time.

Should you choose tile flooring or engineered Laminate flooring?

The choice between tile flooring and engineered Laminate flooring depends on the user's intended use and the specific conditions of the space.To make the selection easier, customers can refer to the following comparison table:

Where should I contact if I want to buy floor tiles?

If you are looking to buy high-quality floor tiles, the official distributors of Kosmos Vietnam are a reliable choice. With a nationwide network of distributors, Kosmos offers a wide variety of floor tiles to meet all needs, from ceramic tiles and granite tiles to high-end wood-look tiles.

All products undergo rigorous quality testing, ensuring optimal durability, scratch resistance, and waterproofing for each type of construction project. Furthermore, the consulting team at Kosmos dealerships is always ready to assist customers in selecting tile designs that suit their style and budget.

To be quickly connected with the nearest dealer, please contact Kosmos Warehouse directly via hotline. 0932 067 388 For detailed advice and assistance regarding designs, prices, and home delivery policies, please contact us.

Tile flooring is a popular choice in many construction projects due to its high durability, water resistance, scratch resistance, and ease of cleaning. However, choosing the right type of tile for each space will help extend the lifespan and enhance the aesthetics of the project. If you are looking for a reputable place to buy quality floor tiles, the official distributors of Kosmos Vietnam are a reliable choice.