Tiles, as an ancient yet modern building material, are widely used in various buildings for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of maintenance. 

 Whether in home renovations, commercial spaces, or public buildings, tiles play a crucial role. 

This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to choose the right tiles from a wide variety of products available on the market, as well as how to correctly lay tiles to ensure a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality.

 I. Standards for selecting tiles

1. Observe the appearance quality of tiles

When choosing tiles, first pay attention to whether the surface is flat and smooth, the edges are regular, and the corners are neat.

The surface of high-quality tiles should be free of obvious defects such as cracks, color differences, spots, etc.

2. Understand the water absorption rate of tiles

The water absorption rate of tiles is a crucial factor in determining their functionality.

Generally speaking, the lower the water absorption rate of the tiles, the stronger their stain resistance, making them suitable for humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

National standards stipulate that the water absorption rate of tiles should be indicated on the packaging.

3. Check the wear resistance of tiles

Different laying positions have different requirements for wear resistance of tiles.

Tiles with strong wear resistance should be selected in public areas or areas with frequent walking to ensure the service life of tiles.

4. Consider the anti-slip of tiles

In particular, in places where water can easily accumulate, such as bathrooms and kitchens, it is important to choose tiles with good anti-slip effect to avoid slipping accidents.

5. Size and color of tiles

There are tiles of various sizes and colors available on the market. 

Large tiles can make the space appear more spacious, while small tiles are suitable for small spaces or areas that need decoration.

The correct way to lay tiles

1. Preparation

Before laying tiles, ensure that the floor is flat, clean and dust free. 

Uneven floors should be leveled with cement mortar beforehand.

2. Reasonable planning of laying order

The most common and recommended method is to lay from the center of the room outward.

This ensures visual symmetry and aesthetics of the tiles.

3. Use the appropriate adhesive

Choosing the right adhesive is crucial to the final effect and life of the tile.

Different types of tiles require the use of corresponding adhesives.

4. Pay attention to the treatment of gaps

When laying tiles, appropriate gaps should be left to facilitate the filling of expansion joints, thereby preventing tile cracking caused by temperature changes.

The width of the gaps is usually 1-2mm.

Alignment and adjustment

During the laying process, the alignment of the tiles should be checked constantly and fine adjustments should be made when necessary. 

Ensure that each tile is flat and evenly spaced to avoid unevenness.

6. Cleaning and maintenance after construction

After the tiles are laid, it is necessary to remove the surface slurry and dust and keep the floor dry.

In addition, daily maintenance should avoid using acidic or strongly alkaline cleaning agents to prevent damage to the tile surface.

Common problems and solutions of tiles

1. The tiles are empty

The cause may be uneven application of adhesive or insufficient pressure when laying.

 The solution is to remove the problematic tiles, clean the underlying layer and lay them again.

2. Brick cracks

It may be due to the unstable ground base or defects in the tiles themselves. 

The cracked tiles can only be replaced.

3. Color difference of ceramic tiles

When buying tiles, try to choose the same batch of products to avoid color difference.

Summary

Proper selection and correct installation of tiles are crucial for ensuring the quality of your renovation and extending their lifespan.

By understanding the basics of tiles and mastering the fundamental installation techniques, you can make your living or working space more aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Tiles are not just a simple building material, the right choice and laying techniques can significantly impact the overall design and functionality of the space.

We hope this article will help you make wiser decisions during the renovation process and create a beautiful and comfortable environment.