Homogeneous Tiles: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Tiles are one of the most common flooring materials that can be seen in most homes. Tile shopping can be quite nerve-racking for most homeowners as they are so many different tiles available in the market today. From ceramic to porcelain, to granite and marble, the list is endless. Some of these tiles might be easy on the eyes not on the pocket, and some might be easy to maintain than others. If longevity and affordability are a priority to you then the homogenous tiles might be worth considering.

Homogeneous tile is one of the fast-growing tiles in the industry and if you’re curious why that is, stick with us on this post. In this article, we’ve put together a complete guide to making the right decision when considering homogenous tiles for your renovation.

 

What are Homogenous Tiles?

Homogenous tiles, also known as full-body porcelain tiles are a kind of non-porous porcelain tile. What this means is that the color of the tiles is uniform right from the surface and throughout the depth of the tile which makes it noticeably different from the usual porcelain tiles. This also means is when it’s accidentally chipped, no white base will be exposed. In addition to this, homogenous tiles are unglazed as opposed to porcelain tiles.

Homogenous tile is sturdier compared to porcelain, hence, making them more durable and water-resistance. For this reason, they can be used in both outdoor and indoor spaces. However, consider using non-slip homogenous tiles in the bathroom for safety measures. This type of tile is also used in high-traffic commercial spaces such as airports, offices, and malls. Homogenous tiles are heavy heavy-duty tiles and would not show degradation for a long despite high traffic.

 

 

How Do Homogenous Tiles Compare to Other Types of Tiles?

To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of homogenous tiles and other types of flooring:

Homogeneous Tiles Vs Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl flooring is another popular flooring option that is very popular and affordable. Vinyl tiles are composed of several materials compressed together to form a flat yet highly-durable, and affordable floor covering. Vinyl tiles can be ideal for tight-budget renovation projects as they can be laid over your existing flooring. The difference between homogeneous tiles and vinyl flooring is that it can be homogenous tiles will have more longevity but also cost more than vinyl flooring which has a shorter life span.

Homogeneous tiles are water-resistance while vinyl flooring is prone to water damage and may risk having wear and tear in the bathroom and kitchen. Vinyl tiles can be easy to install while homogeneous tiles may require professional help. Homogenous tile is an eco-friendly flooring option whiles vinyl tile requires green-label certification.

Homogeneous Tiles vs Porcelain Tiles

The differences between homogenous tiles and porcelain tiles can be confusing for many. As mentioned earlier, homogeneous is full-body porcelain tile, hence the color runs through the entirety of the tiles. Whereas grazed porcelain tiles are covered with a glazed pattern.

This means that porcelain tiles can have a digitally printed customized design to suit your preference as opposed to homogeneous tiles. So if you want a more unique and aesthetically pleasing tile, the porcelain tile may be the best option for you but if you need more durable tiles, then consider the homogenous tiles.

Homogeneous Tiles Vs Marble Tiles

Marble tiles are a type of metamorphic rock that is made of natural stones such as quartz, slate, and travertine. The stone in marble tiles is heat and water resistance, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

Due to their durability and sturdiness, these tiles are traced back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks and Egyptians used these to build temples. But are these better homogeneous tiles? This is question is relative to individual needs. Due to their nature, marble tiles require more maintenance and a more complex installation than homogeneous tiles.

While marbles are more visually appealing, they are also heavier and slippery in wet environments compared to homogeneous tiles. In terms of costs, marble tiles are more expensive than homogenous tiles. This includes the cost costs for frequent resealing.

Homogeneous Tiles vs Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are victorian-style tiles that are made up of a mixture of clays and natural materials, such as sand, water, and quartz. This type of tile can be seen almost anywhere, for example; in train stations, schools, hospitals, houses, restaurants, and offices. Ceramics are easy to clean and maintain than homogeneous tiles. However, homogenous tile is a more durable mad non-porous flooring option due to its high temperature as opposed to ceramic.

Ceramic tiles are less porous and less water-resistance hence not the most ideal option for bathrooms and kitchens. Accidental cracks and dents are more visible on ceramic tiles while these damages may be less visible on a homogeneous tile due to its discolored surface.

 

 

Homogenous Tiles Price

Homogeneous tiles might not be the cheapest flooring option compared to counterparts like vinyl and ceramic tiles but it’s relatively cheap for the longevity and durability you get. The price estimate of homogenous tiles 60×60 is somewhere between $25.30 to $40.90 PSF. Bear the mind the cost of installation as well when budgeting for this. also, compare prices from various merchants before making your purchase.

How to Maintain Homogeneous Tiles

Just like most types of tiles, homogeneous floor tiles are easy to clean and maintain provided that the surface is cleaned on a regular basis. Drying mopping is one of the most recommended ways to clean this type of tile. This will keep your floor looking its best and remove any debris and dirt that can leave scratch marks on the surface.

Using diluted alcohol to wipe the surface is another effective method to clean homogeneous tiles. Then, rinse off the alcohol from the tile and dry the surface. The PH-neutral cleaner is another cleaning solution that is safe for kinds of tiles. Remember to read the instruction on the label before applying the solution.

 

 

Conclusion

Flooring is a major investment in any renovation project. We hope this artcile has helped you understand the homogenous tile and how it differs from its counterparts and help you make an informed decision. If you have any questions about the homogeneous tiles, leave a comment in the box below and we’ll try to answer them the best we can.