Why are tiles soaked in water before use?

When a tile (or a brick for that matter) is too porous, it will suck the water out of the mortar without allowing it to set properly, leaving weak bonds between mortar and tile.

1. For the proper laying of tiles. hire an experienced mason.
2. Before fixing, tiles must be soaked in water for about an hour. Soaking of tiles is not required in case of fixing with chemical adhesive.
3. The wall surface is to be rough plastered using mortar composed of one part cement and two parts sand.
4. On the wall surface, a coat of very thin cement slurry should be applied by brush at the time of fixing the tiles.
5. The mortar is to be spread on the backside of the tile. This should be composed of one part cement and two parts sand.
6. Tiles so placed in the mortar should be gently raped to ensure total mortar contact.
7. Shade and Size variation is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tiles. Before fixing, the tiles should be mixed separate boxes to have random blending and avoid obvious patches.
8. Mixing of time with cement, careless mixing or deliberate use of rich mixes will lead to wall tile failure.

For more information Visit India’s Largest collection store Somany Ceramics.

Which tile is good for living rooms: vitrified or ceramic tiles?

Here I share with you the Advantages and Disadvantages of the two most common types of tiles used in homes: ceramic and vitrified tiles.

Ceramic tiles
 These tiles are made with natural clay mixed with water and then baked in a kiln. They have a natural, earthy look, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are most often glazed, for protection against water, stains, and scratches.

The hard protective layer provided by the glaze makes these tiles a good bet for flooring, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. They are most commonly used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as they are water-resistant, easy to clean and less prone to harboring germs.

Advantages

• Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain. Soap and warm water work well most of the time to remove dirt and grime. For tough stains, strong agents can be used without fear of damage to tiles.
• They are cost-effective. Ceramic tiles price is relatively cheaper than most other kinds of tiles.
• They offer endless design options. Ceramic tiles can be made in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, and textures.
• They are easy to replace. If a tile (or several) get damaged, they can be changed.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to maintain grout lines. While the tiles themselves are low-maintenance, the grout lines require sealing to avoid moisture and mildew seeping in (the latter can be managed with a little vinegar and water).
• Ceramic tiles are not the best option for flooring in cold climes. Ceramic tiles can get very cold in the winter, proving extremely unpleasant to bare feet.
• Direct sunlight may fade the color over time.
• They are restricted in size. Ceramic tiles rarely come in sizes larger than 12 inches x 12 inches.

Vitrified tiles
Vitrified tiles are similar to ceramic tiles – with the difference that the clay is mixed with silica, quartz, and feldspar before being fired in the kiln. These extra ingredients, when baked at high temperatures, fuse together, creating a vitreous surface that is glossy and hard. The tile gets its name from the process of manufacturing, called vitrification

Vitrified floor tiles are extremely durable and low on maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. That’s why they are used extensively in commercial areas.
They are a less expensive alternative to natural stone such as marble and granite while offering similar looks and better durability. This makes them a good choice for residences.

Advantages

• Vitrified tiles are hard, virtually non-porous and impervious to stains and scratches, making them ideal indoors as well as outdoors.
• The dye mixed in the clay before it is fired gives the tile a uniform color right through, so even if the tile is scratched, the color will stay the same.
• They can be used within 48 hours of laying, as they need practically no set time or polishing.
• Vitrified tiles are available in large sizes, so the number of joints are fewer.

Disadvantages

• The installation of vitrified tiles is a painstaking affair, as the tiles need to be laid evenly, with barely noticeable joints. They also need a stronger adhesive than ceramic tiles, making them more expensive to install.
• The tiles themselves are more expensive than ceramic tiles because of their extra qualities.
• Glossy vitrified tiles (as opposed to the matte ones) can be extremely slippery when wet.
• Vitrified tiles are not environment-friendly as the process of making them is heavy in the use of energy and production of carbon dioxide.

Conclusion:

So, which is better: vitrified or ceramic tiles?
 In the end, I used both kinds. You don’t have to pick one over the other; use a combination of the two types, depending on the place and the look needed. Vitrified tiles work well for flooring; however, for a little more character and color and to balance out the slightly industrial, man-made look of vitrified tiles, use ceramic.

I’d recommend using vitrified tiles for high-traffic areas (the living room, bedroom) and the outdoors; ceramic for the kitchen, bathroom, and stairs. However, there are no hard and fast rules – the deciding factor would be the overall look you are trying to create.

For more information visit India’s Largest wall & floor tiles collection Somany ceramics.

Which is the best place to buy bathroom tiles in Delhi?

Tiles are an important decision in bathroom design. By their nature, they create a lot of texture, so it may as well be an inspiring tile design and something you enjoy. Grout is another consideration. Be sure to find bathroom tiles that you love and hire a professional to help you work through the tile layout if you are unsure.

The best spot to purchase Bathroom tiles is Somany as per my Experience.

Somany is 45-year-old brand and has a significant presence not only in India but Africa, Middle East, United Kingdom, and Russia also, which exports more than 65 countries across the globe.

Somany has a wide range of:
 1. Ceramic wall & floor tiles
 2. Polished vitrified tiles
 3. Glazed vitrified tiles
 4. Digital tiles
 5. Sanitary wares
 6. Bath Fittings

Types/Series: – There are Huge Types and series Visit Somany Bathroom tiles

Finishes – Matt, Glossy, Rustic, Semi-glossy, Satin, Full Polished

Sizes – 200 mm x 1000 mm, 300 mm x 300 mm, 600 mm x 600 mm, 605 mm x 605 mm, 800 mm x 800 mm, 800 mm x 1200 mm, 1000 mm x 1000 mm.

Somany has 9 plants across India which is spread in Gujarat, Haryana and other states.

Somany manufacture each tile with 100% imported Italian technology and designs with Italian and Spanish collaboration. From which they made Slip Shield using anti-skid technology which is for the aged people and wet areas like the bathroom.

Somany has a production capacity of over 60 million square meters a year.

Somany has more than 250 states of the art showroom.

For more information Visit Somany Ceramics