Gloss tiles add a touch of sophistication and elegance to a room, and their wipe-clean nature makes them especially ideal for bathrooms, flooring and kitchen splashbacks. However, even though gloss tiles are highly aesthetic, there are still disadvantages you need to consider.
So what are some of the pros and cons of gloss tiles?
Pros
Visually gloss tiles are very appealing. The surface is polished smooth so light reflects off the tiles. Gloss tiles are ideal for small bathrooms, as they can make the room appear a lot brighter and larger, especially when the tiles are white. Plus they are easily cleaned by wiping down with a squeegee or cloth.
Gloss tiles can make a statement piece around a fireplace or as a kitchen splashback, again because of their protective surface, it’s easy to clean off soot or food spills from them. Many people also choose to use gloss tiles as flooring as they add a luxurious feel and a modern touch to a kitchen, living room, hallway or master bedroom.
Cons
The biggest concern that people have with gloss tiles is that the surface sometimes shows water spots and smears more than matte ones do. If you have hard water in your home with a high mineral content, you might find you need to clean or mop your tiles more regularly, however, with soft water there shouldn’t be a problem.
People also worry that gloss tiles are more slippery than matte ones and that injuries will occur. In fact, you’re just as likely to slip on matte floor tiles as you are on gloss ones, especially if there is water on the floor. If you’re concerned, then use a bath mat in the bathroom, a doormat by any entrance doors and mop up water spillages straight away.
Gloss tiles can need extra care to maintain their appearance as they can have a lower scratch resistance than matte tiles. Abrasive dirt such as sand needs to be swept off the floor before mopping as it can cause scratches. If you have gloss tiles near an external door then placing a doormat here is a good idea to trap any dirt. Dragging or pulling furniture can also mark gloss tiles, so you’ll need to be careful and pick up pieces of furniture to re-position them.
How to Choose?
Overall it really is down to your personal preference and the look you want. If you have a smaller space and don’t mind cleaning regularly, gloss tiles are probably the best option for you. If you love the idea of gloss tiles for a space in your home but still aren’t sure, come in and visit our showroom to see how great they can look and talk to our tiling experts on the best solution for your home.