Let’s take a look at the differences between tiles that are rough and tiles that are smooth.
There are just an infinite number of decisions that need to be made when a homeowner sets out to get tiles for their homes. With so much option and varieties of tiles available, the decision has become an increasingly complex one to make these days. You have to take into account so many things when it comes to choosing tiles. These factors include things such as the color of the tiles, the patterns, the size, the particular type of tile and also even grout; these all have to be taken into consideration if you want to make the correct decision and ensure that you get the tiles that best suit your needs and requirements. While the above mentioned factors are all very important, it is also important to take into consideration what type of texture you want on your tiles. Whether you choose a smooth or rough tile, this decision will have a very big impact on the look and also the performance of these tiles no matter where they are installed.
Let’s take a look at a few factors that should definitely influence your decision when you decide to choose between rough and smooth tiles.
Traction
This is a very common scenario. Someone walks on a tiled floor which is very smooth and glazed while they are wearing socks and as a result, they slip. This happens all the time on floors such as these. Now, imagine that the same surface was also wet, the smooth, glazed surface combined with water is quite simply, a disaster waiting to happen.
Textured tiles, on the other hand, have much more traction than does smooth tiles. When you walk on a floor that has textured tiles, you will have more grip when you are walking even if you happen to be wearing the slipperiest of socks. In fact, textured tiles offer so much friction and grip that they are even comfortable to walk on even when they are wet. The point we are trying to make here is that, the more textured the tiles are, the more traction it will offer.
This is a very useful quality to have in a tile as there are rooms and areas within the home that are prone to get wet and get wet quite regularly. The places included rooms within the home such as the bathroom or the kitchen. Both of these areas within the home have a very real chance of getting wet quite often and the last thing you would want in an area like this is to have a slip related accident.
Cleaning
While smooth tiles are much slicker under the foot, they also happen to be much easier to clean. With just mopping the floor with a sponge or mop in order to get rid of the accumulated grime and dirt will do the job. This makes smooth tiles the perfect choice for backsplashes and countertops as well.
On the other hand, textured tiles are much harder to clean. This is due to all the nooks and crannies that they have. The general rule of thumb is that the rougher the tile is, the harder it will be to clean. In order to get into all the nooks, you will have to make use of a bristled brush to get the job done properly.
Although textured tiles are much harder to clean, they are also better at hiding dirt than smooth tiles are. In fact, with textured tiles, the texture actually casts shadows that make it seem as though the dirt and debris that have accumulated actually blend right in. The result is a very desirable one. It means you will not have to clean textured tiles as much as you would have to clean tiles of the smoother variety.
Aesthetics
When you are choosing between smooth and rough tiles, know that personal taste has a big part to play in the decision.
Smooth tiles generally give off a more luxurious vibe because of their glossy look. Smooth tiles which are glazed are even more appealing and sophisticated looking. Meanwhile, tiles that are of the textured variety have in them a look that is much more natural and is one that some may find to be more interesting and appealing than their alternatives.
While the decision is a completely personal one, smooth tiles are generally fit for places that want to give off a more upscale vibe. This can include obvious places such as the bathtub or the shower.
Image Credits: Andrew Ridley
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