Daily Tile Knowledge Sharing TWO

    Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of specifications. Common sizes include 300×300mm, 400×800mm, 600×600mm, 800×800mm, 750×1500mm, 900×1800mm, etc. The core principle for selecting specifications is "matching the space size + adapting to the decoration style", to avoid issues such as disproportionate proportions and messy tiling. For small spaces (such as bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, with an area of ≤10㎡), it is suitable to choose small-sized tiles, such as 300×300mm and 400×800mm. Small-sized tiles are flexible in tiling, can better fit into corners of the space, reduce cutting losses, and have superior anti-slip performance, making them suitable for wet areas. For medium-sized spaces (such as living rooms and dining rooms, with an area of 10-20㎡), it is suitable to choose tiles of 600×600mm and 800×800mm, which are of moderate size. After tiling, the overall effect is clean and elegant, balancing practicality and aesthetics, making them the mainstream specifications for home decoration. For large spaces (such as large living rooms and villa living rooms, with an area of >20㎡), it is suitable to choose large-sized tiles, such as 750×1500mm and 900×1800mm. Large-sized tiles have fewer gaps, visually stretching the space and making it appear more spacious and transparent, suitable for modern minimalist, light luxury, and other atmospheric styles. However, it is important to note that large-sized tiles are heavier and require higher flatness and load-bearing capacity of the ground base, making tiling more difficult and relatively costly. In addition, it is recommended to choose thin, small-sized, or long strip-shaped tiles (such as 400×800mm) for wall tiles, which are easy to tile and not prone to falling off; for floor tiles, the choice should be based on the size of the space and the flow of people, with priority given to wear resistance and anti-slip performance.

    The hardness of ceramic tiles refers to their ability to resist scratching and wear from external forces. It is typically graded using the Mohs scale (which ranges from 1 to 10, with higher numbers indicating greater hardness). This is an important indicator of tile durability, directly affecting the lifespan of the tiles, especially in households with children or pets, or in high-traffic areas. Commonly found ceramic tiles on the market generally have a Mohs hardness of 4 to 6: Grade 4 tiles can resist scratching from nails and wood, making them suitable for wall decoration; Grade 5 tiles can resist scratching from ordinary metals (such as keys), making them suitable for floors in living rooms, bedrooms, etc.; Grade 6 tiles can resist scratching from sharp objects such as knives, making them suitable for wear-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces. It should be noted that the hardness of ceramic tiles is closely related to their material and sintering temperature. Porcelain tiles generally have higher hardness than earthenware tiles, and the higher the sintering temperature, the greater the hardness. When purchasing, the hardness of ceramic tiles can be judged through a simple scratch test: gently scratch the surface of the tile with a key. If there are no visible scratches, it indicates good hardness; if there are visible scratches, it indicates insufficient hardness and unsuitability for flooring. Additionally, tiles with higher hardness may also have greater brittleness, so care should be taken to avoid severe impact during installation to prevent tile breakage.