Floor Tiles VS Wall Tiles- The Difference

Floor tiles vs Wall tiles: Many people assume that the primary distinction between wall and floor tiles is their size. Another misconception that has to be debunked is the popular idea that porcelain tiles are only used for floors and ceramic tiles for walls. Neither of those claims is correct, as it turns out.

Is it possible to use the same tile for the floor and the walls? Unfortunately, the solution is not as simple as you may believe.

The distinctions between the wall and floor tiles are even more pronounced than their proportions and looks. In fact, changes in design trends and technical improvements may have blurred the lines between these two types of tiles, making it difficult for beginner decorators and homeowners to select the best option for their house. However, since we’ve previously gone through the finest tile kinds for each area in your home, it’s about time we looked at the fundamental distinctions between floor and wall tiles.

Floor Tiles VS Wall Tiles

The difference between floor tile and wall tile is obvious, but it doesn’t end there. The difference used to be merely in the application, but as trends change and innovations emerge, the differences have grown to the point that one sort of tile is better for one application than the other. Here’s a breakdown of everything you should know about the differences between floor and wall tile. Here is some difference between floor tiles vs wall tiles.

Coefficient of Friction (COF) Rating:

COF ratings are one thing to consider when deciding which sort of tile to install on your walls or floors. Each ceramic or porcelain tile is given a COF grade. A specific level of friction is required for floor tiles to be safe to walk on. The Coefficient of Friction (COF) is a friction measurement, with higher numbers indicating more friction. It’s usually as slick as glass because traction isn’t an issue.

PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Rating:

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) grade is the second component that determines hardness and durability. If they choose to, tile businesses can use the Porcelain Enamel Institute’s (PEI) five classes of PEI ratings. Commercial settings have classifications ranging from Class 1 (no foot traffic) to Class 5 (high foot traffic). PEI ratings are often overlooked in the specifications of each tile and are a fantastic predictor of where a tile might be laid.

Thickness:

The function of a tile determines its thickness. Floor tiles are thicker because they are intended to withstand the wear and tear of human traffic and to be load-bearing. In comparison, wall tiles offer a protective purpose, mostly from water seeping through the walls, and do not require any weight-bearing capability. As a result, wall tiles are often thinner. Floor tiles can be installed on the wall but not on the floor.

Appearance:

Although there is no noticeable difference in look between ceramic and porcelain wall tiles and floor tiles, it is common to practise for wall tiles to be smaller than floor tiles. Due to its apparent nature and the difficulties of putting it on a vertical surface, wall tile tends to be smaller and lighter than floor tile.

The size of consumer-level floor tile can be up to 18 x 18 inches square. Large sizes are widespread due to the popularity of super-large format tiling. The only exception is when the flooring is made up of mosaic sheets, which are tiny tiles attached to mesh backing sheets. Bathroom floors have traditionally been covered in traditional 1-inch hexagonal mosaics.

Aesthetics:

Aesthetics are one of the most important factors to consider while selecting tiles. The design must be in keeping with the rest of the house’s aesthetic. Floor tiles are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, and they may be cut to fit any pattern. Wall tiles, like floor tiles, come in a variety of designs, and smaller sizes may be used to experiment with mosaics, fine detailing, and so on.

Water and Heat Resistance:

Ceramic and porcelain wall tiles are water-resistant in the same way as floor tiles are. In countertop constructions, wall tiles are slightly thinner and may be more susceptible to the heat of hot skillets and pans. Because floor tiles are often thicker than wall tiles, they may provide greater heat resistance when used as countertops. However, this does not apply to wall and floor installations.

For applications where heat resistance is essential, such as kitchen counters, floor tiles have a modest advantage over wall tiles. There isn’t much of a difference in water resistance between floor tiles and wall tiles.

Durability and Maintenance: 

The same maintenance profile applies to both wall and floor tiles. Simple soap and water are sufficient to clean the tiles. If the grout between the tiles becomes discoloured or cracks, it may need to be redone every few years.

Because wall tiles are thinner than floor tiles, they should not be used on floors to avoid cracking as a result of foot activity. For wall applications, however, they are extremely durable and simple to maintain. Floor tiles are thicker and more durable than wall tiles, making them suited for both wall and floor applications.

Installation:

Floor tiles and wall tiles are both put in the same way. First, a cement backer board underlayment is put against the flooring or wall studs. Thin-set adhesives applied with a notched trowel secure the tiles to the backing board. When the seams between the tiles are dry, they are filled with a paste-like, mortar-based grout that is sealed once it dries and hardens.

Because wall tiles are thinner, they are easier to cut with standard score-and-snap cutters. Floor tiles are significantly more difficult to cut than wall tiles since they are thicker. With these heavier tiles, a power wet-saw is an excellent choice.

Lifespan:

A well built and maintained tile project may last for 75 years or more. You’re more likely to replace tile because you dislike the way it looks rather than because it’s worn out. However, if a wall tile is used in a floor application by mistake, it may break fast.

Theoretically, floor tiles will survive longer than wall tiles since they are heavier, tougher materials. However, both materials are likely to last a lifetime in practice. Both wall tiles and floor tiles are equally durable when utilised for their intended functions. Floor tile, on the other hand, has a distinct advantage in floor and countertop applications.

Is it possible for one to work as the other?

Professionals advise avoiding installing floor tiles as wall tiles. In high-traffic locations, they’re significantly smaller and less resistant to damage. They’re meant to be considerably softer, so any additional pressure might lead them to break.

Because floor tiles are made to endure more wear and tear, they may also be used as wall tiles. The size of business floor tiles, on the other hand, maybe an issue. Without trimming them down to size, you might not be able to hang them on your wall.

The distinction between floor tile and wall tile is crucial since it may make or break your space’s functioning!

To Sum It Up,

The only piece of advice is to make sure that tiles put on a floor have the right hardness (PEI) and COF friction ratings for the job. A wall can be tiled with any sort of tile, but floor tile must be graded for that application.

Overall, both wall and floor tiles have their own set of applications and aesthetics. It’s simply a matter of recognising what works best for the room in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Hopefully, this tutorial has cleared up any confusion you may have had concerning the primary differences between wall and floor tiles. Stay tuned to AGL Blogs for further information on BALCONY TILES – WHICH TILES ARE BEST FOR BALCONY?