Talk to the Experts: How to Select the Right Flooring and Live to Tell 

Selecting flooring for your home can be a rather tricky decision, and becomes even more difficult when presented with the wide array of materials, sizes and colors in different showrooms. The abundance and ever-changing trends can lead you to choose a bold and special style, but one that you might grow tired of quickly. How do you do it right, then? 

What Should You Consider When Choosing Tiles for Flooring? 

1. The Material 

In recent years, the most popular material for flooring is porcelain granite, a strong and durable material about 1 cm thick. It has a wide variety of colors and textures – smooth, exposed concrete, rough, and even wood-like tiles. These tiles are sturdy, their color doesn’t fade, and they don’t require any special maintenance; even years later, they will look exactly as they did the day they were installed.  

2. The Size

The size of the tile depends on the homeowner’s preference. Porcelain granite tiles are available in diverse sizes and large panels. Larger tiles will create an illusion of an open and spacious room, but these will also include additional installation and delivery fees. Additionally, there is significant depreciation in tiling, which is also something that should be considered. When designing a residential apartment, I recommend going for large tiles that create a luxurious and contemporary, yet tasteful, look. Personally, I prefer 100/100 cm or 120/120 cm. 

Pay close attention to the layout of the tiles on the floor; the fewer tiles cut, the more aesthetically pleasing the result. It’s therefore important to adjust the starting point of the tiles to standard-sized (60/60 cm, 80/80 cm). Also ensure the tiles meet the warpage standard. At Tidhar we make sure to obtain the appropriate warpage approval, without compromise. 

3. The Color 

In the past few years, many interior designers have tended to choose tiles in a gray color palette. These tones blend warm and cool designs, and complement any color and material. Most importantly, they’re practical and easy to maintain. However, some homeowners prefer a lighter color palette, especially beige and white. 

I strongly recommend visiting showrooms during daylight hours, when you can actually see the tiles in natural lighting, rather than relying on artificial and perhaps misleading lighting. Choose timeless tiles with a versatile texture and color that can suit any design style, and will last for several years. Also opt for tiles that don’t require meticulous maintenance and cleaning. 

Make sure your order covers all the characteristics of the tiles you’re looking for: shade, model, production series and manufacturing size. These details will come in handy if you need to complete the order at a later stage. 

4. The Finish 

Porcelain granite tiles are available in three different finishes: 

Polished Finish: this finish has a glossy, marble-like appearance. Those who appreciate the luxurious look of marble and prefer porcelain granite tiles will opt for the polished finish. It should be noted that the glaze of a polished finish is prone to scratches and stains. Therefore, proper maintenance and cleanliness are essential. 

Matte Finish: a matte finish properly camouflages dirt and is more resistant to scratches. However, it may appear less clean at times, especially if you’ve chosen darker tones. Matte finishes are particularly sensitive to dust, and if you don’t clean regularly, footprints might become visible on the floor. 

Lappato Finish: also known as semi-polished tiles, this is an option somewhere between polished and matte. It’s resistant to scratches but still has a glossy effect, making it perfect for those who aren’t into the matte look. This finish is practical and easy to maintain. 

5. Grout, Not Just for Filling 

Grout is used to seal the spaces between tiles (grout lines). There are many types of grout, and they come in a wide selection of colors. High-quality grout will endure for many years. Acrylic grout is based on cement (powder). It’s worth noting that light-colored grout may turn black over time because it absorbs dirty water during cleaning. Therefore, I recommend choosing grout in a shade of gray. 

Image: Givatayim West project. The image is for illustration purposes only, for marketing and simulation. It does not obligate the Tidhar Group and/or anyone on its behalf. 

Photo: Givatayim West project. The picture is for illustration only, for marketing and impression purposes only, does not bind the Tadhar group and/or anyone on its behalf.

1. Parquet 

You’d be surprised to hear that there are many types of parquet, coming in different shades, styles and prices. Most of our clients currently choose porcelain granite tiles, but 20% of our clients prefer parquet. They often select one of these two options: 

Synthetic Parquet (Laminate): made from materials that simulate the natural appearance of wood. In recent years, synthetic parquets have come a long way and now look very much like the real thing. Synthetic parquets have a protective coating layer that makes the floor durable against wear and scratches. As such, it’s low-maintenance, resistant to dust, and is even available in varieties resistant to liquids. 

Wooden Parquet: unlike synthetic parquets, this option is made from real wood, and therefore has a warm and natural feel. Wooden parquet is more expensive than the laminated variety, is susceptible to damage, and requires maintenance. Over the years, the shade of the parquet changes but generally improves. 

Parquet is laid on a leveled subfloor, so make sure to take care of that beforehand. If you choose to go with a parquet floor, your apartment floor will first be covered with inexpensive or B-grade tiles, and then the parquet will be laid on top. The height of the wooden parquet floor ranges from 15-20 mm, while laminate parquet has a height ranging from 10-12 mm. Make sure to choose the type of parquet in advance to avoid having to adjust door heights, floor level variations, and other issues. 

Disclaimer: Everything said in this post is strictly a recommendation. Culpability for use of any products purchased as a result of this recommendation lies solely with the purchasing party.