Instead of tiles - Some good alternatives

Tile is a manufactured plate that works great for use in most rooms indoors. For laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens, the tile is a given option for both hygienic and aesthetic reasons. But tiles are only installed on walls and a good floor option is of course needed for every room.

Today, there are many ways to go and a wide range of products to use instead of tiles. We will tell you more about your options when renovating your home.

REASONS FOR SEEKING ALTERNATIVES

There are several reasons for looking for building materials to use instead of tiles. Some reasons could be that you:

• Looking for a faster solution
• Want something easier to work with
• Want a cheaper alternative
• Is in need of moving materials
• Want a different look

At Stenbolaget, we want to help you find an alternative based on your needs and wishes. Here is advice for a number of substitutes.

NATURAL STONE INSTEAD OF TILE

If you want a more exclusive look, you can use natural stone instead of tiles in wet and dry areas. Natural stone is also available in tile format and as Mosaic which makes it as easy to install as normal tiles. Natural stone tiles are generally very durable and are therefore excellent instead of tiles for demanding environments. However, some rocks are more porous than others and can be sensitive to acidic liquids. Read this blog post to learn more about the different properties of the stones.

Natural stone therefore generally commands a higher price than many tiles, but can hardly be compared to tiles in terms of design, style and value-enhancing purpose.

TILES AND TILES CAN TRICK THE EYE

Today, there are an incredible number of options among tiles and clinker. There are even tiles masquerading as something else. An example of this is our granite ceramic tiles. The pressed clay ceramic tile is extremely strong and resistant and fits well on both floors and walls. Pressed under high pressure and extreme heat, you get a floor material that keeps scratches and spills at bay. Even with its photo print, which has given it its pattern and texture, you get the impression of, for example, limestone, quartz, granite and marble. Perfect for those who want the benefits of Granite ceramics but want the look of real natural stone.

INDOOR WALL PANELS ARE A QUICK SOLUTION

Indoor wall panels, or decorative panels as they are also called, are a popular option as they are quick to set up. The wall panel can be made of different materials but is usually made of wood and a larger board that you attach to the wall. It is a popular alternative to use for different rooms in the home and a substitute for tiles in, for example, kitchens. Pärlspont is an example of this.

Keep in mind that the wall panel's durability is governed by the material it is made of. For example, should you use a wooden panel as a splash guard at the sink and stove, the lifespan will not be the same as a tiled surface, and above all not as long as if you installed granite ceramics for this. Usually, wooden panels for this purpose are of the laminate type, which means that they are more durable than solid wood, but are still more sensitive than tiles, clinker and granite ceramics to moisture and dirt.

WALL TILES IN THE KITCHEN ARE EASY TO FIT

Instead of tiles, wall tiles are a common sight in kitchens. Like the wall panel, they are usually made of wood laminate, but are also available in other materials such as plastic. Wall tiles are smaller in size than panels and are easy to assemble with, for example, glue, joints or screws. Both wall panels and wall tiles may need to be dimensionally adjusted to fit in the kitchen. You can cut most variants yourself, while others can be made to measure.

Another alternative to tiles is facing stone in, for example, slate or granite. They are easy to assemble, give an exclusive look and a durable result. A facing stone gives a very robust impression and the feeling of a mountain wall. A common surface this product usually adorns is house foundations, food cellar walls, wine cellars and walls in the garden. Fun product with many uses.

PAINT AND WALLPAPER CAN BE CHEAPER THAN TILE

When looking for alternatives that are cheaper than tiles, paint and wallpaper may be of interest. They are available in a wide range with great variation in price. Paint and wallpaper, on the other hand, are materials with limitations and not perfect alternatives to tiles. For areas that are exposed to moisture and dirt, you need, for example, wet room paint or wet room wallpaper. They do not withstand wear and tear as well as tiles but can be durable enough for you and your home.

If you want to use plain paint or wallpaper as a splash guard in the kitchen, you should, for example, put a glass panel in front. You keep the pattern of the wallpaper or your chosen color, but create a surface that is easier to wipe and maintain. Then, however, we end up at a completely different price, as glass is a relatively expensive product to buy custom-made. We believe that this is not something for those looking for a cheaper solution than tiles.

MATERIALS THAT ALLOW MOVEMENT MAY BE APPLICABLE

Some homes, especially older houses, require building materials that are flexible and able to withstand movements in the walls of the house. Tiles can then be problematic with the risk of tiles and joints cracking. It is always important that tiles are installed tightly and on a stable surface such as concrete or plasterboard. If you need a material that allows movement, paint and wallpaper, but also some wall tiles and panels, are better options than tiles.

BRICKS LIKE TILES GIVE A NATURAL FEEL

Wall brick is available in many different variants and gives a natural feeling in both kitchens and bathrooms. It is a good alternative for those who, for aesthetic reasons, want something else instead of tiles. However, you cannot use brick as a tile in, for example, a shower as it is a porous material that absorbs too much liquid.