Kmiainfo : Best tile feedback for Residential, commercial building

There’s no one “best tile for everything.” The best tile type depends on what kind of space (residential vs commercial), the kind of use (living room, bathroom, lobby, heavy traffic, outdoor, etc.), and what you value (durability, maintenance, cost, appearance). But broadly speaking — for most residential and commercial buildings — a small set of tile types stand out for being very reliable. Here’s how I’d pick “top tile types” for both kinds of buildings, and when each excels.

🏡🏢 Top Tile Types for Both Residential & Commercial Use :::----

Porcelain tiles ::---

Why porcelain stands out :-

1. It’s very dense and non-porous — water absorption is usually < 0.5%. That makes it excellent for moisture-prone spots (bathrooms, kitchens) or outdoor/semi-outdoor zones. 

2. High durability — resistant to chips, scratches, stains and able to withstand heavy foot traffic. Suitable for busy areas in both homes and commercial buildings. 

3. Versatile: comes in many finishes (matte, polished, natural-stone look, wood/stone-effect, large format) — easy to match with design needs. 

4. Works almost everywhere: floors, walls, indoor, outdoor — so you get consistency across different parts of a building.

Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, entryways, commercial lobbies & hallways, terraces, balconies, outdoor walkways.

Vitrified tiles ::---

Why vitrified tiles are a strong choice :-

1. Low porosity and water-resistance — better than regular ceramic. This makes them good for wet zones (bathrooms, kitchens) as well as areas prone to spills or cleaning. 

2. Durable and wear-resistant: they handle heavy foot traffic and frequent use, which is ideal for commercial spaces. 

3. Often easier to maintain and clean — stain- and scratch-resistant, and less maintenance over long-term compared to many natural materials. 

4. In their “full-body” or heavy-duty versions, chip or scratch damage becomes less noticeable — good for commercial floors with trolleys, furniture movement, etc. 

Best for: living rooms, dining areas, offices, commercial hallways and lobbies, shops, balconies, semi-outdoor areas, service and common areas.

Ceramic tiles (selectively / decor-oriented) ::---

When ceramic makes sense :-

1. More budget-friendly compared to porcelain or vitrified. For less demanding spaces (e.g. bedrooms, decorative wall-cladding), ceramic gives acceptable durability at lower cost. 

2. Easier to cut/install — good for small or custom jobs, or if you want simpler installations without heavy machinery. 

3. A wide variety of designs, colors, and finishes — useful if aesthetics (patterns, textures, creative decorating) matter more than heavy-duty performance. 

Best for: low to moderate traffic zones in residential buildings — bedrooms, light-use living areas, decorative walls, some indoor walls (bathrooms/kitchens if glazed).

🧮 Choosing — What’s “Best” Depends on What You Need :::----

Here’s a rough guideline to help choose based on use-case ::---

Space / Use Recommended Tile Type

1. High-footfall floors (living room, lobby, hallway, commercial office/shop floor, terrace) Porcelain or Vitrified

2. Areas with moisture or wetness (bathroom, kitchen, balconies, outdoors) Porcelain (for moisture & durability) / Vitrified (if slip-resistant finish)

3. Decorative / Low-traffic zones (bedrooms, walls, interior accent areas) Ceramic (for affordability & variety) / Porcelain if want premium finish

4. Budget-conscious, simple renovation / small rooms Ceramic (or affordable vitrified)

5. Long-term durability and low maintenance demand Porcelain > Vitrified.

✅ My Conclusion: “Best Overall” for Most Residential & Commercial Projects ::----

1. If I were designing a residential building or a commercial building (offices, retail, etc.) and could choose only one tile type to cover most spaces — I’d go with Porcelain tiles.

2. If I want slightly lower cost but still durable, good for heavy use — especially indoors — I’d pick Vitrified tiles.

3. I’d reserve Ceramic tiles for budget-sensitive spots, wall coverings, or areas that don’t face heavy use.