Wall tiles are a type of tile that are installed specifically on the walls. Wall tiles are known by many different names, including dado tiles, backsplash tiles, bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles, decorative tiles, and so on.
Wall tiles are one of the most important aspects of any building’s interior.
Decorative wall tiles are an excellent choice for updating an outmoded bathroom or kitchen, adding personality to a feature wall, or simply protecting your walls from moisture and damage.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the world of wall tiles.
Purpose of Providing Wall Tiles
If you want to protect your wall for the long run, installing tiles on it is one of the wise decisions.
In general, wall tiles are strictly recommended for kitchens and bathrooms because they are wet most of the time during the day due to frequent water usage.
Water on the floor is not a problem, but water splashing on the walls can be disastrous. This is why dado tiles are installed to protect the walls from the moisture and other external factors.
In addition to this, they are provided to shield the walls from mold and mildew since the wall tile act as a water barrier to stop water from penetrating the walls.
There are also provisions to improve the aesthetic appearance of the room’s interior. Different colors, patterns, and designs are used by luxury home builders to make the wall tiles more unique and pleasing.
Types of Wall Tiles
Many advancements in the construction industry have occurred as time has passed. The resources accessible in each region of the world may differ, therefore each region has a unique type of tile to offer.
Yet, there are a few basic types of wall tiles that are broadly available.
- Ceramic Tile
- Porcelain Tile
- Glass Tile
- Natural Stone Tile
- Mosaic Tile
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are manufactured from a combination of clay and other natural elements found locally. Because they are durable, simple to maintain, and clean, they are commonly used.
Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are quite similar to ceramic tiles, however they are often burned for a longer period of time and are manufactured from slightly denser clay.
This is why this tile is less porous and more resilient than ceramic ones.
Glass Tile
Luxurious and expensive residences use these type of tiles. Typically, they are mostly used on feature walls.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stones like marble, granite, slate, limestone, etc. are used to make these kinds of tiles. They are frequently utilised to scale up the aesthetic appearance, much like glass tiles.
Therefore, more attention is required to keep this tile looking good. They are equally as resilient as the other tiles.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tile is yet another popular variety. There are various types of mosaic tiles. They are created from tiny pieces of stone, ceramic, or glass.
Mosaic tiles are typically used to create distinctive patterns and designs to enhance the interior’s overall appearance.
There are many different types of wall tiles available in your neighbourhood shop. Nearly every tile that is offered is reliable and serves your objective. It is up to you to select the best tile for your needs and budget.
Things to Consider While Buying Wall Tiles
When purchasing tiles for a new home or remodelling an existing one, you should exercise extreme caution when choosing the tiles that will be used.
We’ve covered a few key points below that you should think about when choosing your dado tiles.
1. What’s your Main objective?
Yes, you read that correctly! It is important to know why you are installing wall tiles because the main reason for installing dado tiles in the kitchen is different from installing wall tiles in the bathroom.
You could require tiles for your kitchen that can withstand more heat and won’t readily absorb oil stains. While in the bathroom, tiles that are waterproof and slip-resistant might serve your needs.
2. Style
Since you are the one who is living in your ideal home, you should also have a say in the tiles that are installed while taking your family into account.
Often times, engineers or interior designers will try to persuade you to choose particular tiles, but in the end, it is your choice.
Hence, choose a style that suits your preferences, whether they be traditional or modern.
3. Color
This is the most important factor to consider when choosing the tiles for wall.
If the room in which the tiles will be installed is small, it is always a good idea to choose tiles in lighter shades as they make the room feel more spacious, whereas dark shades add more depth and richness if the room is large.
If you are undecided, choose white, beige, or grey tiles because they are always classy, versatile, and timeless.
4. Maintenance
Last but not least, keep an eye out for tile maintenance. Choose tiles that do not require any special maintenance.
Best Size of Wall Tiles
What size of wall tile should I use in my bathrooms or kitchen? Well, this is one of the most divisive topic among homeowners and construction experts. However, there is no ideal answer.
Each manufacturer of wall tiles has a variety of sizes to offer, which are determined by market trends. Some manufacturers may specialize in specific tile sizes or shapes, whereas others may provide a broader range of choices.
Furthermore, the dimensions of wall tiles may differ depending on the nation in which they are manufactured and sold.
We’ve listed a few typical wall tile sizes below that can be considered the ideal size.
4″ x 4″ : These small tiles appear lovely on kitchen wall and are specifically designed for use as backsplashes.
6″ x 6″ : If you believe the above 4 x 4 is a little small, this 6 x 6 is for you. This tile can be used on the wall surfaces of both the bathroom and the kitchen.
8″ × 8″ : This size of wall tiles can be used in larger kitchens or bathrooms. They can cover the walls more quickly than the previously stated tiles.
In addition to the square tiles mentioned above, there are numerous rectangle tiles in various sizes. The most popular and commonly used rectangular wall tile sizes are 3″ x 6″, 4″ x 8″, 6″ x 12″, 10″ x 12″, and many others.
You can even get a custom size. Yes, you read that correctly. There are many tile manufacturers nowadays who manufacture custom tiles upon request; the only catch is that they have a specific order limit that you must exceed.
This offer is ideal if you have a large project or need a large quantity of tiles. These tiles are commonly used to match the size of the floor tiles.
The majority of commercial buildings with big open living areas or waiting rooms use these much larger wall tiles. They can also be used to give surfaces a sleek and contemporary appearance.
Also Read : Skirting Tiles : Everything You Need to Know