Renvo Talk - Tiles ! Homo & Laminate

Well I think this site is quite informative and many helpful people who talk and post information.
Well its a big problem with me and hubby on the floor tiles~! I rather have all homo tiles as i think it look better and nicer then any laminated floor. This is just my own preference but hubby dont like it at all. He wants at least one room, i gave in to give him two rooms. Truthfully, i just dont like it but not to make a big fuss on it, i guess i have to compromise a little. sigh.

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Anyway here is some information about tiles. Thanks to those who shared.

http://renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44

Homogeneous, Polished
- It is a man made material to be as tough as granite
- A wider range of effects/designs and colors
- The polish of Homogeneous can last longer than the shine of marble.
- Unlike Ceramics, in an unlikely case of breakage (due to fallen objects), this
materials will not show a tile base/ body of different color.
- Unlike Marble and Granite, the pattern/ design of the homogeneous tiles are
more subtle and predictable, without the ugly crack lines and spots usually
spotted on natural stones
- The common size being 60 x 60 cm, 40 x 40 cm

Source: www.klh.com.sg

Homogeneous Tiles
- With much lower water absorption rate and higher density, Homogeneous is definitely a much tougher tile compared to Ceramics tiles, and therefore more long lasting.
- It's surface can be polished to make it reflective shine like those of a mirror, but the ceramic can only be glazed to make it shiny and it's not as long lasting as compare to the polished surface
- The whole piece of homogeneous is made up by the same material and therefore it can be round edged at the sides, without showing a different material beneath the tile
- (Ceramic tiles are made of red clay with a thin layer of "coloring" on the surface. Chamfering the edges of the tile will reveal the red base below - PVC strips will be need to cover the edges of ceramic tiles)
- Homogeneous tiles are generally 30 - 50% more expensive than Ceramic tiles, although polished homogeneous of bigger size may cost much more.
- Homogeneous tiles have almost become the choice for kitchen flooring and stove in Singaporean homes (although ceramics tiles are just as feasible).
- In an unlikely event of breakage due to fallen object, Homogenous will not leave a big crack line and it will not show a different material/ color beneath the surface
- Between these 2 materials, only Homogeneous tiles will be considered for the flooring of any commercial project, as Ceramic tiles will not be able to withstand the kind of load produced by high traffic of human flow.

Homogeneous Tiles
- Being a made-man material to match the strength of Granites, Homogeneous tiles comes in a wider variety of colors, eg light blue, pink, purple etc. These colors cannot be found on granites
- The color tone and pattern on Homogeneous tiles are usually much lighter, smoother and less bold.
- Unlike Granites, the same pattern is repeated on every piece of Homogeneous tiles - therefore you can know exactly how it will turn out even before the commencement of the renovation.
- As they are being machine made, they do not have any minor crack lines, small ugly black patches like those on granites
- Homogeneous tiles are priced much lower (2/5th) than Indian granites (though may be same or slightly more expensive than China Granites)
- Homogeneous tile can be an alternative for people who likes the hardness and durability of Granites, but prefer the lighter, more subtle and more consistent color of Natural Marbles
- Homogeneous come in a bigger variation of sizes - the more common being 20 x 20 cm, 30 x 30 cm, 40 x 40 cm, and 60 x 60 cm
- For both granite and Homogeneous, the edge of the material can be round edged and chamfered, without showing a different material on the down side of the tile.

Laminated Floor benefits
http://www.supremefloor.com.sg/faq.htm

1. Wear-resistant - resists all kinds of wear without resulting in any visible effects.
2. Impact-resistant to pressure from high heels or falling objects and long term pressure from chairs, cabinets, table legs, furniture base, etc.
3. Chemical-resistant - stubborn stains such as indelible markers or lipstick can be easily wiped away with a little acetone.
4. Burn-resistant - expresses a material ability to withstand burning or trodden-out cigarette butts without noticeable surface deterioration.
5. Easy to maintain - Just mop and clean with a slightly damp mop or vacuum.
6. Cost saving - It can be laid over existing flooring such as granite, marble, ceramic, tiles or parquet without hacking or stripping the existing finishes.
7. It is trendy, modern and contemporary in design.