One of the most important aspects of a building’s interior is wall tiles also known as backsplash tiles. These are types of tiles that are specifically installed on the walls. Decorative wall tiles are an excellent choice for updating a bathroom or kitchen adding personality to a feature wall or simply protecting your walls from moisture and damage. Wall tiles in Kenya are mostly recommended for kitchens and bathrooms because they are usually wet most of the time because of frequent water usage. Water splashing on the walls can be disastrous hence why wall tiles are used to protect the walls from moisture and other external factors. They are also provisions to improve the overall aesthetics of the room interior. Different colors, patterns, and designs are used to make wall tiles more appealing and pleasing.
Wall Tiles Materials In Kenya
It is crucial to understand that wall tiles can be made from many different materials. Tiles are manufactured as a piece of hard-wearing material using ceramic, stone, glass, and porcelain. Below are materials used in the manufacture of wall tiles in Kenya
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Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common wall tiles used in Kenya. porcelain absorbs water at a slower rate and is best for high-moisture spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain tiles are produced from finer, denser, and more impervious clay than ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles on the other hand are not as hard as porcelain so can be cut easier.
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Mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles are decorative designs made up of small materials arranged to create a pattern. Individual mosaic patterns vary greatly, featuring diverse materials, colors, and tile shapes. These tiles are normally used for backsplashes and walls.
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Natural stone tile
These tiles remain popular due to their ability to withstand wear and tear while retaining their aesthetics .they are normally made from granite, marble, slate, and travertine. All stone tiles are porous, it is important to seal them before installation is complete. Mainly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways
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Glass tiles
Mostly used on feature walls
Choosing Wall Tiles In Kenya
Here are some of the things when purchasing wall tiles in Kenya
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Main objective
You need to consider the main objective as to why you want to purchase wall tiles as the reasons for installing wall tiles in the bathroom may be different from that for installing wall tiles in the kitchen. For example, you might need tiles that will not absorb oil stains and are more heat-resistant in the kitchen while, waterproof, slip-resistant wall tiles may serve you better in the bathroom.
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Style
Whether traditional, modern, or contemporary, choose wall tiles that match your style preferences and taste.
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Color
When purchasing wall tiles color is the most important factor to consider. When the space is small tiles in lighter shades make a room feel more spacious while darker shades add more depth and richness if the room is large.
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Maintenance
Last but not least, when buying wall tiles, choose tiles that require little maintenance and do not need any special maintenance.
Key takeaway
Since they are harder than their ceramic counterparts, porcelain tiles are the best choice for wall tiles in Kenya. They offer greater resistance to wear and tear and abrasion. With their less porous nature, porcelain tiles are more suitable for splash zones like bathroom wall tiles. This however doesn’t mean ceramic tiles won’t perform a similar task, they can be used but over time, there is a greater chance of chips and stains occurring.
MAIN KEYWORDS: WALL TILES IN KENYA
