Paul WatsonThe applications of tiles are as endless as your creative imagination. However, one of the most prominent and pervasive use-cases for a tile is flooring. In their most common application, a tile is expected to withstand the constant pressure of foot traffic, it’s a practical requirement that cannot be overlooked. Understanding what foot traffic pressure truly entails for the tile can help you steer your choice of floor tiles in the right direction!
The Anatomy of Foot Traffic
Foot traffic is of course the amount of expected people to walk, stand, and overall have some interaction with a tile. Foot traffic thus subjects flooring to continuous wear and tear, in residential, commercial, and public applications. The near constant pressure, friction, and abrasion from shoes, footwear, and other walking instruments can take a toll on floor surfaces overtime. Cracks, faded designs, or general instability are common in low quality tiles not safe for foot traffic.
Quality Tiles for Higher Durability
A good, high-quality tile is a tile that is fully durable. Unfortunately, not all floor tiles are created equal, and not all tiles are meant to sustain foot traffic. To ensure that your chosen tile has the ability to endure the rigors of continuous use, here are some parameters to check:
- Material Matters
A durable tile is itself crafted from naturally durable materials. Commonly, this would include porcelain or dense ceramics known for their resilience. These are materials that resist chipping, cracking, or breaking under the stress of foot traffic. They can form a robust yet aesthetically pleasing foundation for spaces with heavy usage – confirming long-term performance.
- Slip Resistance
Another concern of foot traffic extends beyond the physical wear of the tile to the safety of the traffic itself. A high-quality floor tile must provide a secure surface to stand and walk on. This drives the creation and installation of tiles that can effectively provide friction with shoes and other footwear. In areas like bathrooms or kitchens, where water is guaranteed, slip-resistant tiles are an essential safety addition.
- Reputed Sellers
Possibly the best way to identify floor tiles that can sustain foot traffic is to purchase only from reputed sellers. These source the best tiles from the best brands, ensuring that any tile you purchase is cost-effective in its purpose!
Hence, choosing the right floor tile matters- both in terms of beauty and durability.
Paul Watson
Shown Jenny
Robert Desauza