Multifamily Tile:
The Ultimate Durability Guide

Selecting the right tile for a multifamily project is vital in high-traffic and shared spaces. The tile must transcend aesthetic appeal but embody resilience and the ability to endure daily wear and tear. Whether for floors or walls, tiles must retain their beauty over time.

Inspired by UMORE, which embodies the essence of a mood, this guide will enrich your multifamily projects with dynamic energy, acknowledging your mood’s pivotal role from ambiance to concept. We’ll offer insights into durable multifamily options, spotlighting key features and materials for lasting impact. You’ll see how our products elevate your project, revealing possibilities that exceed expectations.

 

Understanding Durability: Key Considerations

Aesthetics matter, but tiles face more than admiring looks in multifamily spaces; they potentially face years of wear and tear. So, let’s go deeper than surface level to uncover the essence of durability. Explore the essential qualities ensuring your chosen tiles are resilient:

High-Traffic Resistance

Look for tiles with PEI ratings of 3, 4, or 5, ideal for busy areas like hallways, lobbies, and shared spaces. These tiles can handle heavy foot traffic without succumbing to wear and tear.

Scratch & Slip Resistance

Prioritize safety in high-traffic zones with glazed and textured finishes. A glazed tile helps resist scratching but will not prevent it. Slip resistance not only has to do with texture as much as sheen level. Textured tiles improve slip resistance, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, preventing accidents and creating a safer environment for residents.

Fire Resistance

In common areas and escape routes, prioritize fire-resistant materials like ceramic, porcelain, or engineered stone tiles. These tiles offer an added layer of protection in case of emergencies.

 

Top Materials for Multifamily Spaces

Forget generic tiles! Let’s explore the top materials designed to conquer the unique demands of multifamily spaces. Each offers distinct strengths, ensuring you find the perfect match for lasting beauty and resilience:

Porcelain Tiles

Renowned for their exceptional durability, low porosity, and diverse design options, porcelain tiles are ideal for high-traffic floors and walls. Our Classico 5 collection, featuring porcelain mosaics in various patterns, exemplifies this versatility.

Ceramic Tiles

While slightly less resistant to scratches than porcelain, ceramic tiles offer affordability and come in many styles. Our Salerno collection, inspired by Italian charm, showcases the timeless elegance of ceramic wall tiles.

Natural Stone Tiles

Combining the beauty of natural stone with the resilience of porcelain, natural stone tiles like our Milan collection, featuring calacatta marble, provide a luxurious aesthetic with superior durability, perfect for high-impact areas.

 

Design Considerations: Balancing Beauty & Functionality

Durability shouldn’t compromise aesthetics. Here are some design tips to achieve the perfect balance:

Mix and Match

Combine our Siena collection’s large-format tiles with square mosaics for a spacious feel with added texture. This combination creates a visually striking and practical design.

Embrace Texture

Introduce visual interest and improve slip resistance with textured tiles like our Rho collection, inspired by woven textiles. This combination adds depth and dimension while enhancing safety.

Timeless Classics

Subway tiles like our Classico 4 collection never go out of style and offer enduring charm for various spaces. Opt for classic designs that ensure elegance and longevity.

Tile Size and Sheen Level

Designers are now interested in incorporating different-sized tiles of the same collection on the same project with different sheen levels. We see this in the Bologna collection with its unique multi-finish Hexagon Mosaic.

 

Installation Best Practices: Ensuring Long-Term Performance

Professional installation is vital to maximizing tile durability. Here are some pointers:

Use the Right Mortar & Grout

Choose high-quality materials suitable for the specific tile type and application. Incorrect materials can compromise the longevity and performance of your tiles.

Proper Subfloor Preparation

Ensure a level and stable subfloor to prevent cracking or movement. Invest in proper subfloor preparation to create a solid foundation for your tiles.

 

Find Your Umore: Your One-Stop Shop for Durable Tile Solutions

Unleash endless possibilities for your multifamily project with Umore’s curated collection of exquisite, long-lasting tiles. Discover styles like the timeless elegance of Classico, the modern edge of Salerno, the industrial chic of Siena, the bold texture of Rho, and the warm sophistication of Bari. Each unique collection caters to specific design aspirations, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your vision. Discover the art of mood-driven design. Dive into UMORE.