Of course it is important to consider color, size and cost but it is equally important to be mindful of the amount of wear and tear the tiles will receive.

Some tiles will handle little wear whilst others are industry strength and will stand up to thousands of feet traffic daily, like that at shopping malls.

Ceramic floor tiles are put through abrasion resistance tests and then classified according to their ability to withstand abrasion.

High traffic areas such as public lobbies, restaurants, shopping malls, airports and other commercial sites, require tiles with a very high resistance to abrasion, much higher than what you would require in your own home.

And outdoor areas like plazas, parks and courtyards will also need tiles that are specified as frost resistant and slip resistance.

As is it critical, to ensure that tiles around pools be slip resistance. And how many times have you nearly fallen on someone's entrance tiles due to a lack of slip resistance. Many of the ceramic floor tiles available for the outdoors today, feature an abrasive "grit" added to the surface to assist in preventing slip.

For the outdoors, tiles should have low water absorption. Unglazed tiles or frost proof monoculture tiles are a good selection. Areas around the home such as patios, walkways, or swimming pool decks, must also have high slip resistance.

Areas that are used while wet, such as shower floors, saunas, and hot tubs, will require low water absorption and good slip resistance.

Each areas of your home needs to be considered separately for floor tiles, as different rooms and areas will have different needs.

Floors with direct access to the outdoors, as in entrances and some kitchens, will require good abrasion resistance as well as a moderate degree of slip resistance.

Floors in frequent use, such as kitchens, family rooms, and areas where chairs or equipment are often pulled across the floor will also require tiles with good abrasion resistance.

For those less frequented areas like dens and sunrooms, most of the floor tiles currently on the market should be suitable.

To Success In You Home Improvements

Bill Brennan