When we recommend tiles, many people wonder about the difference between wall tiles and floor tiles. You might think it’s obvious: wall tiles are for walls, and floor tiles are for floors. But that’s not the case anymore. Thanks to advances in technology and design, the line between wall tiles and floor tiles has blurred. In fact, there are now many overlapping points between them.
If you are not very familiar with tiles, you may be confused about what I am saying.So I can give you an example. People often say that small tiles are used to stick to walls and large tiles are used to lay floors. In fact, this statement is incorrect. Today, you might notice people using large tiles for walls and small tiles for floors. This is quite common. As a dedicated tile retailer, I want to share this information with everyone. So this short article will cover the key differences between wall and floor tiles, helping you clear the picture.
What’s a floor tile?
Simply put, a floor tile is a ceramic tile that can be laid on the ground and needs to be very sturdy and wear-resistant. No one wants their tiles to crack or wear out just months after installation. At our company, we use the PEI Rating to check if a tile is suitable for floors. This rating shows the wear resistance of ceramic tiles, ranging from 0 to 5. Grade 0 tiles are for walls only. Grade 5 tiles work well in hotel lobbies where traffic is high. Tiles with PEI Rating levels 1 to 5 are suitable for flooring.Floor tiles have specific needs for wear resistance and other factors. However, these needs are not much greater than those for wall tiles.
Even floor tiles can vary
Floor tiles can be ceramic or porcelain. Ceramic tiles are soft and wear out easily. They work well in bathrooms, kitchens, or homes, but not in busy commercial areas. In contrast, porcelain tiles are very dense and durable. Porcelain tile works well in high foot traffic areas. You can use it in most home spaces and many light commercial floors like bars, shops, and restaurants. If you’re unsure, just check the PEI Rating of the tiles.
What’s a wall tile?
Wall tiles with zero wear resistance usually aren’t slip resistant and can’t hold much weight. But that makes them perfect for kitchen and bathroom walls. They’re easy to install and clean. Plus, wall tiles keep your room looking bright and fresh.
a-kitchen-with-blue-wall-tiles
a-blue-wall tile
This is what people think of as wall brick, made of small tiles. If you look closely at our photos, you’ll see that the bottom of the tiles is light-colored porcelain, topped with a layer of light blue glaze. We offer many styles and patterns in this size, fitting any trendy decoration needs.
And now floor tiles can be used on walls
Tiles with PEI Rating 0 can only be used on walls. However, there’s no rule against using PEI Rating 1 to 5 on walls. So, why do we put floor tiles on walls? Here are my thoughts:
1.The current trend is to pursue larger and more seamless tiles
We see tiles of 600×600 mm and larger as large-sized. However, many people now want even bigger floor tiles. Tiles of this size are stunning in any space, from a big hotel lobby to a small bathroom. Using more tiles and fewer grout lines can make the area feel bigger. Our super wear-resistant marble series can give your home the look of pricey Italian marble flooring.It’s easy to create a luxurious atmosphere at a low price, and this series of tiles is suitable for most furniture styles!
2.The design trend of modern style
Now designing a decoration full of modern style is the choice of most people. If you want a modern look, you’ll love this room with high-end tiles. It’s a great way to bring a sense of calm. By using large areas of tiles and seamless connections with the tiles on the walls, a quiet yet modern atmosphere can be created in the room.This design is very suitable and fashionable whether used at home or in a hotel.
a-modern-style-living-room
Our tiles have the same look as natural marble tiles, but are much cheaper and do not require the same hassle-free care as marble.
3.A richer design concept
Today, better technology allows tile makers to create more beautiful designs. Ceramic tiles come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. We have it all. From common rectangular tiles to unique hexagonal ones. Plus, we offer wood-grain imitation flooring and special-patterned options too.
a-black-tile-with-patterns
Although many of them are produced as floor tiles, I think their function is to cover. You can choose to cover it anywhere you like: the floor, the wall, or elsewhere. This way, your tiles will offer both beauty and quality.
As people’s taste evolves, their decoration needs grow. Now, styles are more diverse than ever. But now we have a rich variety of tile sizes, styles and types, you can achieve any unique design style you want.
4.Glossy tiles
Glossy tiles are highly favored for their luxurious style. If you’re renovating a big space and want a luxurious feel, this is your best option. But if glossy tiles are so popular, why do we only use them on walls or floors? Polished tiles in two or more colors have long been favored in bathrooms. Recently, using glossy tiles in kitchens as splash-proof options has become trendy. These tiles look like pricey marble but are affordable and easy to maintain.
a-comparison-between-marble-tiles-and-ceramic-tiles
The left side of the picture shows an expensive marble splash-proof plate. The right side displays our imitation marble tile. It’s hard for you to tell the difference.When professionals stick to weight limits and use tile adhesive correctly, floor tiles can provide lasting value on walls. This value often surpasses that of traditional building materials.
5.Better material performance
Ceramic floor tiles are a great option for walls. They have a very low water absorption rate of ≤0.5%. Their dense vitrified body helps block water vapor. Plus, they are hard and wear-resistant, which protects walls from scratches. Even after being in cabinets for a long time, bumped, or scrubbed often, the surface can stay smooth and clean. Also, the vitrified surface of the floor tiles, made by high-temperature firing, has nearly zero porosity. Combined with the glaze on the surface of the tiles, it is difficult for oil and pigments to penetrate and adhere. Kitchen fumes and bathroom dirt wipe off easily. This cuts down on maintenance costs. Its strong thermal stability and anti-freeze features stop cracking or warping in extreme temperatures, like those in kitchens and balcony.
But there are still points you need to pay attention to
This does not mean that you can lay any floor tiles on any wall.
Before you start, think about the adhesive’s hold, the tile weight, and the wall’s strength. If you plan to stick tiles on a solid wall or existing tiles, that’s usually fine. But attaching larger tiles to a plastered wall may risk overloading it. If you have doubts, asking a tile expert is a good idea.
When buying tiles, look at the packaging. Check for clear markings and details. Pay special attention to the purpose and the water absorption rate. Also, tell the salesperson where you plan to use them, like on a floor or wall, in a kitchen or bathroom. They can suggest the best products for you.
Avoid using tiles labeled “wall tiles” or those with high water absorption on the ground. They can be unsafe and lack durability.
To sum up finally
Dividing tiles into just wall and floor categories is outdated. Tiles can be used in many areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Advances in design and technology make it tough to choose the right place. Still, wall tiles are here to stay. Their small size and stylish patterns make them unique. Compared to floor tiles, wall tiles are thinner and lighter. Thin wall tiles are the best choice for non-load-bearing walls, gypsum board walls, and lightweight partitions.But before buying wall tiles, it’s smart to check out other tile series, like floor tiles. You might even be pleasantly surprised!
