Tile Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining Somany tiles — from vitrified vs ceramic to bathroom, kitchen, care, and buying tips.
Explore Bathroom Tiles, Kitchen Tiles, Floor Tiles, Wall Tiles, Vitrified Tiles, and Ceramic Tiles.
About Tiles
What are the main types of tiles Somany offers?
Somany tiles cover ceramic, glazed vitrified (GVT), polished vitrified (PVT), heavy-duty vitrified (HDVT), and large-format slabs. Each type suits different rooms, traffic levels, and design goals — from decorative walls to high-wear floors.
What tile size should I choose for my room?
Large formats create fewer grout lines and a more continuous look in open spaces. Mid sizes (such as 600×600 mm or 600×1200 mm) are versatile for most Indian homes. Smaller formats and mosaics work well for showers, curves, and detail zones. Match size to room scale and cleaning preference.
Are Somany tiles suitable for Indian homes and climates?
Yes. Somany collections are engineered for Indian residential and commercial use — including moisture-prone bathrooms, busy kitchens, and outdoor or parking zones — with finishes and technologies such as Slip Shield, VC Shield, and Temp Shield where specified.
How do I shortlist tiles before buying?
Start with application (floor vs wall, indoor vs outdoor), then filter by size, finish, and look. Preview shortlisted designs in Somany’s tile visualizer or visit an Experience Centre / authorised dealer to see samples in real light before you order.
Vitrified vs Ceramic
What is the difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles?
Vitrified tiles are denser with very low water absorption, making them stronger and more stain-resistant for floors and high-traffic areas. Ceramic tiles are typically lighter and highly versatile for walls and moderate-traffic interiors, often at a more accessible price point.
When should I choose glazed vitrified (GVT) tiles?
Choose GVT (such as Somany Duragres) when you want durable floor and wall surfaces with rich digital designs — marble, stone, wood, and contemporary looks — plus strong resistance to everyday wear in living rooms, kitchens, and commercial interiors.
When are ceramic tiles the better choice?
Ceramic tiles shine on walls, feature areas, and spaces where design variety and easy installation matter. Somany Ceramica collections offer glossy, textured, and coordinated looks for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and accent walls.
Can I mix ceramic and vitrified tiles in one home?
Yes. A common approach is vitrified floors for durability and ceramic walls or highlighters for design. Keep tones coordinated and check thickness, adhesive, and layout with your installer so transitions stay clean.
Bathroom Tiles
What tiles are best for bathroom floors?
Prioritise anti-skid or textured finishes for wet floors. Somany Slip Shield tiles add micro-textured grip for wet and soapy conditions while keeping a refined look. Matte or soft-texture surfaces usually outperform high-gloss floors in wet zones.
What tiles work best on bathroom walls?
Gloss and satin ceramic or vitrified wall tiles wipe clean easily after daily use. Use larger formats to reduce grout lines, and reserve mosaics or feature pieces for niches and shower accents.
Do bathroom tiles need special waterproofing?
Yes — waterproofing membranes behind wet-area walls and correct falls to drains matter as much as the tile itself. Pair Somany bathroom tiles with suitable adhesives and grouts, and follow installer guidance for wet zones.
Where can I browse bathroom tiles online?
Explore Somany bathroom tiles at /tiles/bathroom-tiles, then filter by size, finish, and colour. You can also read bathroom buying tips on the Somany blog and visit a dealer to confirm samples.
Kitchen Tiles
What should I look for in kitchen floor tiles?
Kitchen floors need stain resistance, easy mopping, and enough grip for busy cooking zones. Matte or soft-textured vitrified options hide everyday marks well. Mid-to-large formats reduce grout cleaning underfoot.
Which tiles are best for kitchen backsplashes?
Smooth, low-porosity wall tiles clean faster after oil and spice splashes. Glossy ceramic and VC Shield-treated surfaces help walls stay clearer under repeated wiping behind hobs and prep areas.
Can I use the same tile on kitchen floor and walls?
You can coordinate by colour family while choosing finishes for each job — grip and durability on floors, wipe-clean clarity on walls. Browse kitchen options at /tiles/kitchen-tiles to compare floor and wall applications.
Maintenance
How do I clean Somany tiles day to day?
Sweep or vacuum loose dust, then mop with a mild pH-neutral cleaner and water. Avoid harsh acids or abrasive scrubbers on glazed and polished surfaces unless the product care guide specifically allows them.
How should I care for grout lines?
Wipe spills promptly and clean grout with a soft brush and mild cleaner. Sealed grout is easier to maintain in kitchens and bathrooms. Recheck sealant periodically in wet areas.
Do polished tiles scratch easily?
Polished vitrified surfaces are dense and durable, but grit under furniture or dragged objects can mark any floor. Use felt pads, entrance mats, and regular cleaning to protect the shine.
Buying Tiles
How many tiles should I order?
Measure the area carefully and add wastage — typically about 5–10% for simple layouts, more for diagonals, patterns, or cuts. Use Somany’s tile calculator and confirm packing sizes with your dealer before finalising quantity.
How do I find a Somany dealer or Experience Centre?
Use Find Near Me on somanyceramics.com to search by city or pincode. Experience Centre pages for Delhi NCR and Mumbai list address, phone, and hours if you want to see surfaces in person.
Should I see samples before buying?
Yes. Check samples in both natural and artificial light, and compare wet vs dry appearance for bathrooms. Visualizer previews help, but physical samples remain the safest final check for colour and texture.
Where can I get more tile buying guidance?
Start with this FAQ, then explore /tiles/bathroom-tiles, /tiles/kitchen-tiles, /tiles/floor-tiles, /tiles/wall-tiles, and the Somany blog for space-specific guides. For product details, open any tile PDP and use the link back to this FAQ for general questions.
Tile basics
What is the difference between ceramic and vitrified tiles?
Vitrified tiles are fired at higher temperatures with a silica-rich body, so they absorb 0.5% water or less and are harder and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles have a more porous clay body, which makes them lighter, easier to cut and well suited to walls. Somany makes both, under its Duragres, Vitro and Ceramica ranges. Choose vitrified tiles for floors, high-traffic areas and wet zones where low water absorption matters. Ceramic tiles are a cost-effective choice for bathroom and kitchen walls, backsplashes and low-traffic rooms. Both come in matt, glossy and textured finishes, so the decision usually depends on where the tile will be used rather than how it looks.
Can I use the same tiles on walls and floors?
Only if the product is approved for both. Floor tiles need the wear and slip performance to handle foot traffic, while many decorative ceramic wall tiles are made for walls alone and should not go underfoot. Floor-rated vitrified tiles can usually go on walls with the right adhesive. Check the application listed for the exact product code before ordering. Wall tiling also needs a fixing system matched to the tile's weight and size, especially for large tiles above head height.
Tiles by space
Which tiles are best for a living room floor in India?
For most Indian living rooms, glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) or polished vitrified tiles are the best choice because they resist scratches, stains and daily foot traffic while offering marble, wood and stone looks. Somany's Duragres and Vitro ranges cover these looks, and Duragres formats such as 600x1200 mm reduce grout lines so the room feels bigger. Pick a matt or satin finish if the room gets direct sunlight or heavy use, since gloss shows scuffs more easily. Lighter shades open up compact rooms, while warm wood-look tiles suit family areas. For homes with children, elderly members or pets, consider tiles with Slip Shield anti-skid treatment.
Which tiles are best for bathrooms?
The best bathroom setup uses anti-skid vitrified or ceramic tiles with an R10 or higher slip rating on the floor and glazed ceramic or vitrified tiles on the walls. Somany's Slip Shield tiles keep their grip on wet and soapy surfaces without the rough feel of traditional anti-skid tiles, which makes them a practical choice for Indian bathrooms. Smaller floor tiles or textured finishes in the shower zone add grip because of the extra grout lines, and glossy or satin wall tiles wipe clean easily. Light colours make small bathrooms feel larger. Fix floor tiles with a polymer-modified adhesive and seal joints with epoxy grout in wet areas to stop seepage. A matt look alone does not prove slip resistance, so ask for the wet-slip rating of the exact product before ordering.
Which tiles are best for a terrace or roof to reduce heat?
Cool roof tiles with high solar reflectance are the best choice for terraces in hot Indian climates. Somany's Temp Shield tiles reflect most incoming sunlight and release stored heat quickly, cutting surface temperatures by up to 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and indoor temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in the rooms below. Choose light, high-whiteness finishes, lay them over a properly waterproofed slab, and fix them with an exterior-grade adhesive and waterproof grout. On terraces that people walk on regularly, pair cool tiles with an anti-skid finish.
Which tiles are best for car parking and driveways?
Heavy-duty vitrified tiles (HDVT) are the best choice for car parking and driveways because they carry vehicle loads and resist abrasion, oil stains and weather. Somany's Durastone range is built for these demanding outdoor and parking areas, with surfaces that keep their grip in rain. Durastone comes in 10 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm variants. Ask for the chosen tile's load specification and the base it needs, because vehicle type, turning movement, drainage and installation quality matter as much as thickness. Lay on a well-compacted, sloped concrete base and fix with a polymer-modified adhesive rather than on loose sand.
Which tiles are best for kitchen walls and backsplash?
Glazed ceramic or vitrified wall tiles with a glossy or satin finish are best for kitchen backsplashes because they wipe clean easily and resist grease, heat and moisture. Somany's kitchen range includes stain-resistant finishes, and Italmarmi subway and mosaic tiles work well for a decorative backsplash. Extend the backsplash about 450 to 600 mm above the counter, or up to the chimney behind the hob. Use epoxy grout behind the cooking area because it does not absorb oil or turmeric stains the way cement grout can.
Which tiles are best for a kitchen floor?
Matt or anti-skid vitrified tiles are the best kitchen floor tiles because they resist stains from oil and spices, handle heavy foot traffic and stay safer when wet. Somany's kitchen floor options include Slip Shield tiles, and mid-tone colours hide everyday spills better than pure white or black. Avoid high-gloss tiles on kitchen floors, because water and oil make them slippery. Larger tiles reduce the grout lines that trap dirt, and epoxy grout keeps joints easy to clean. Confirm a decorative wall design is approved for floors before using it underfoot.
Which tiles are best for balconies and outdoor areas?
Balconies and outdoor floors need weather-resistant vitrified tiles with an anti-skid surface, ideally R11 or higher, because rain and dust make floors slippery. Somany's outdoor options include Durastone heavy-duty tiles, Slip Shield anti-skid finishes and Temp Shield cool tiles for sun-exposed balconies and terraces. Lay outdoor tiles with a slight slope toward the drain, use an exterior-grade adhesive and waterproof grout, and leave expansion joints in large open areas to absorb temperature changes.
Which tiles are used for house elevation and facades?
Elevation tiles for facades should be low-absorption vitrified or porcelain tiles that withstand sun, rain and temperature swings without fading or cracking. Somany offers facade tiles in stone, brick and wood looks, and Coverstone 15 slabs also suit facades. Exterior cladding needs a deformable adhesive such as Ezy Fix SEF 777 or SEF 888. For walls above ground-floor height, follow the installer's guidance on mechanical anchoring in addition to adhesive, especially with large or heavy tiles, and plan expansion joints at every floor level.
Which tiles are best for a pooja room?
Pooja room tiles should be easy to clean and resistant to oil, ghee, kumkum and diya soot. Glossy or satin vitrified tiles in white, ivory, marble or gold-accent designs are popular choices, and Somany's pooja room range includes designer and highlighter tiles for the back wall with matching floor tiles. Use stain-resistant epoxy grout around the diya area, and choose a slightly textured floor tile if water is used during rituals. Italmarmi mosaics can frame the deity niche.
Which tiles are used for swimming pools?
Swimming pools use low-absorption vitrified or glass mosaic tiles that withstand constant immersion and pool chemicals, with anti-skid tiles on the deck and steps. Somany has a dedicated swimming pool tile range, and installation should use a pool-rated adhesive such as Ezy Fix SEF 777, SEF 888 or PU Adhesive, with epoxy grout in the joints. Waterproof the pool shell before tiling, let adhesive and grout cure fully before filling, and use R11 or higher tiles on wet surrounds. Epoxy grout resists chlorine and algae better than cement grout.
Which tiles are best for staircases and steps?
Staircases need tough step tiles with a grippy surface that stays safe in daily use. Somany's Durastone step tiles are designed for stairs, entrances and outdoor steps, combining heavy-duty strength with slip resistance, and they come as dedicated step pieces rather than cut floor tiles. Fix step tiles with a polymer-modified adhesive using full-bed coverage so the front edge does not sound hollow, and choose a contrasting edge or groove pattern so each step is clearly visible.
Which tiles are best for hospitals and clinics?
Hospitals need hygienic, non-porous tiles that resist stains and strong cleaning chemicals, with anti-skid finishes in corridors, wards and washrooms. Low-absorption vitrified tiles with epoxy-grouted joints and Slip Shield or VC Shield surfaces suit healthcare spaces, and Somany has a dedicated hospital tile range. Light colours make dirt visible and help cleaning staff. In operation theatres and labs, epoxy grout keeps joints sealed against moisture and bacteria. In high-traffic corridors, VC Shield's abrasion resistance keeps the surface looking new for longer.
Which tiles are best for bedrooms?
Wood-look vitrified tiles and soft matt marble or stone designs suit bedrooms because they feel warm, hide footprints and stay cool in Indian summers. Somany's bedroom tile range offers these looks in sizes that reduce grout lines, and lighter tones help smaller rooms feel more spacious. Somany Duragres includes wood-inspired plank designs. Matt and satin finishes are more comfortable underfoot than high gloss and show fewer marks, and rugs sit well on plank-look floors.
Which tiles are best for offices and commercial spaces?
Offices and commercial spaces need tiles with high abrasion resistance, consistent shade and easy maintenance. Large-format glazed or polished vitrified tiles work well in receptions and workspaces, while Somany's VC Shield tiles, which exceed the PEI V abrasion class, suit corridors, retail floors and other high-footfall zones. Anti-skid finishes are advisable at entrances and in washrooms, and consistent batch ordering matters more on large floor plates.
What should I check before choosing large tiles for my living room?
Check the room layout, perimeter cuts, floor flatness and site access before choosing large living room tiles. Big formats reduce visible joints, but awkward cuts at the edges can cancel that benefit, and long tiles need a flat base, careful handling and full adhesive coverage. View samples under your own lighting and agree the layout with the installer before finalising the size. Use a large-format adhesive such as Ezy Fix SEF 888 and a levelling system to keep tile edges flush.
Innovations
What are anti-skid tiles and where should I use them?
Anti-skid tiles have a textured or treated surface that increases friction, so feet keep their grip even when the floor is wet. Use them in bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, terraces, pool decks, ramps and staircases. Somany's Slip Shield range adds a micro-textured layer that improves grip while keeping the tile's original look and smooth feel. Slip resistance is usually rated on the DIN 51130 R scale, from R9 (low) to R13 (very high). Indoor wet areas generally need R10 or above, while outdoor ramps and pool surrounds benefit from higher ratings. Ask for the R value on the product specification before buying.
What is Somany Slip Shield technology?
Slip Shield is Somany's in-house anti-skid tile technology. A post-print surface treatment creates a controlled micro-textured layer that raises the coefficient of friction, so the tile grips reliably under wet and soapy conditions. Slip Shield tiles carry R10 to R11 slip resistance ratings and are available in ceramic and Duragres vitrified formats. Somany's published test values show a coefficient of friction of 0.6 to 0.7 in dry conditions and 0.5 to 0.6 in wet or soapy conditions. The surface stays easy to clean and does not feel rough underfoot, so it suits bathrooms, kitchens, balconies, terraces and pool decks.
What is VC Shield technology in tiles?
VC Shield is Somany's patented Veil Craft Hard Coat Technology. A transparent protective layer is applied above the printed glaze to form a dense shield that resists abrasion, stains and wear. VC Shield tiles withstand up to 50,000 abrasion revolutions, well beyond the 12,000+ revolutions required for the highest PEI V class. The technology earned Somany its first global patent (No. 227692) and the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Corporate Technical Achievement Award in 2014. It is available in ceramic and vitrified formats and suits high-footfall spaces such as airports, malls, corridors, retail stores and busy homes.
What is Temp Shield cool tile technology?
Temp Shield is Somany's climate-responsive cool tile technology for roofs, terraces, balconies and facades. Its high-whiteness surface reflects around 76% of solar radiation and releases absorbed heat with up to 92% thermal emittance, which can lower surface temperatures by 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and indoor temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. The tiles reach a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of up to 95, which places them among high-performance cool surface materials. Lower heat gain reduces dependence on air conditioning and helps counter the urban heat island effect in Indian cities.
Safety and ratings
What R rating should bathroom floor tiles have?
Bathroom floor tiles should have a slip resistance rating of at least R10 on the DIN 51130 scale, and R11 is a safer choice for shower zones or homes with children and elderly members. Somany's Slip Shield tiles are rated R10 to R11, which covers most residential bathroom requirements. The R scale runs from R9 to R13, with higher numbers meaning more grip. Areas that stay wet for long periods, such as pool surrounds or commercial kitchens, may need R12 or above. Keep glossy tiles without anti-skid treatment for walls.
What is the PEI rating of a tile?
The PEI rating measures how well a glazed tile's surface resists abrasion, on a scale from PEI I to PEI V. PEI I and II suit walls and light-traffic rooms, PEI III suits most homes, and PEI IV and V suit commercial floors. Somany's VC Shield tiles exceed PEI V with up to 50,000 abrasion revolutions. The rating comes from the Porcelain Enamel Institute test, where a glazed surface is rubbed with an abrasive load for a set number of revolutions until wear becomes visible. It applies to glazed tiles only. For a home living room, PEI III or higher is a sensible minimum.
Tile types
What are glazed vitrified tiles (GVT)?
Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) are vitrified tiles with a printed glaze layer on top, which allows realistic marble, wood, stone and concrete designs on a dense, low-absorption body. Somany's Duragres range is its glazed vitrified collection, built for strength and versatility across living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and commercial floors. GVT combines the hardness of vitrified tiles with the design freedom of digital printing. Because the design sits in the glaze, choose a higher PEI rating or VC Shield variants for very high-traffic areas. GVT comes in matt, satin, glossy and textured finishes.
What are polished vitrified tiles?
Polished vitrified tiles are vitrified tiles whose surface is mechanically polished to a high gloss, giving a mirror-like finish. Somany's Vitro range covers polished vitrified tiles built for lasting durability and an elegant look in living rooms, lobbies, showrooms and offices. The polished surface reflects light and makes rooms look brighter and larger. Because gloss can be slippery when wet, use polished tiles in dry indoor areas and switch to matt or anti-skid tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and entrances.
Porcelain vs vitrified tiles: which is better?
In India, porcelain and vitrified tiles are close relatives. Both are dense tiles with water absorption of 0.5% or less, so they perform similarly on floors. The real differences come from the product type, such as glazed, polished or full-body, along with finish, size and thickness, rather than the label itself. Full-body tiles carry the same colour through their thickness, so chips are less visible, which suits commercial floors. Glazed vitrified tiles offer the widest choice of designs. Somany's detailed comparison covers water absorption, durability, finishes, installation and pricing.
What are Italmarmi tiles?
Italmarmi is Somany's curated collection of designer small-format accent and highlighter tiles, including mosaics and subway tiles. They are used for feature walls, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom niches and decorative borders that add contrast to larger plain tiles. Small-format tiles have more grout lines, so the grout colour becomes part of the design. Fix glass or light-coloured mosaics with a white adhesive so the bed colour does not show through.
What is the difference between glazed vitrified and polished vitrified tiles?
Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) carry a printed glaze layer that allows marble, wood and stone designs in matt, satin or gloss, while polished vitrified tiles get their shine from mechanical polishing of the surface. Somany presents Duragres as its glazed vitrified range and Vitro as its polished vitrified range. Compare the finish, application and care of the specific design rather than the label. The terms can overlap, since some glazed tiles are also polished to a high gloss, which is why the product specification matters more than the category name. Keep polished surfaces for dry indoor floors and choose matt or anti-skid finishes for wet areas.
Slabs
What are large format slabs?
Large format slabs are oversized porcelain surfaces, often longer than 2 metres, that cover walls, floors and countertops with very few joints. Somany's Coverstone 15 slabs are 15 mm thick, come in sizes up to 800x3000 mm, and are made using FCS (Frittage Compact Slabs) technology with the Continua+ pressing method. Slabs are sintered at very high temperatures, which gives them high density, low porosity and strong edges. They suit kitchen countertops, island tops, feature walls, vanities, large floors and facades. They need specialist handling, a level substrate and a high-performance adhesive such as Ezy Fix SEF 888 Grande.
What sizes and thickness does Somany Coverstone 15 come in?
Somany Coverstone 15 slabs are 15 mm thick and available in four sizes: 800x3000 mm, 800x2600 mm, 800x2400 mm and 1200x1800 mm. The range covers Technical Porcelain full-body slabs, Contemporary Surfaces with tactile textures, and Luxury Polish high-gloss marble-inspired slabs, in matt and polished finishes. The 15 mm thickness gives higher load resistance and edge strength than standard tiles, which is why Coverstone 15 works as a countertop and cladding material as well as a floor surface.
Can porcelain slabs be used as kitchen countertops?
Yes. Sintered porcelain slabs such as Somany Coverstone 15 make durable kitchen countertops because they resist stains, abrasion and heat and have very low porosity, which keeps them hygienic. At 15 mm thick, Coverstone 15 offers the edge strength needed for countertops, kitchen islands and vanity tops. Get the slab cut and edge-profiled by a trained fabricator, support it on a flat, rigid base, and avoid sharp impact on unsupported edges. Routine cleaning needs only a mild detergent.
Is Coverstone stronger than marble?
According to Somany, Coverstone 15 full-body and technical slabs are four times stronger than marble and natural stone. The 15 mm thickness and high-temperature sintering give the slabs higher load resistance and edge strength, and unlike marble they do not need periodic sealing to resist stains. Marble is porous and reacts with acidic spills such as lemon juice and vinegar, which leaves etch marks. Porcelain slabs are non-reactive and keep their finish with routine cleaning, which makes them a practical marble alternative for kitchens and bathrooms.
What is Somany Cover9ine?
Cover9ine is Somany's slab collection that sits alongside Coverstone 15 in its Slabs range, designed for large continuous surfaces and countertops with a refined look. [Add thickness, sizes, finishes and best-fit applications from the product team before publishing.] [Add how Cover9ine differs from Coverstone 15 so AI engines can answer comparison queries accurately.]
Are large-format slabs suitable for a home renovation?
Yes, large-format slabs suit home renovations when access, surface preparation and specialist installation are planned early. Before buying Somany Coverstone slabs, which run up to 800x3000 mm, check lift and staircase access, transport, cutting space and the flatness of the existing surface. Ask the fabricator to confirm the slab's approved use and the detailing at cut-outs, corners and edges. Fix slabs with a highly deformable adhesive such as Ezy Fix SEF 888 Grande, and plan delivery so slabs are carried on edge rather than flat.
Tile looks
Are wood-look tiles better than wooden flooring?
For most Indian homes, wood-look vitrified tiles are more practical than real wooden flooring. They give the warm grain of wood but do not swell with moisture, need no polishing, resist termites and scratches, and can go into kitchens and bathrooms. Somany offers wood-look designs across its vitrified ranges. Plank formats look most realistic, laid in a staggered pattern with a grout colour that matches the tile. Real wood still feels warmer underfoot, but tiles win on maintenance and lifespan.
Are marble-look tiles better than natural marble?
Marble-look vitrified tiles and slabs give the veining of Italian marble without its main weaknesses. They do not stain from tea or lemon, do not need polishing or sealing, and cost less to install. Natural marble remains unique piece to piece, but Somany's marble-look tiles and Coverstone slabs are easier to live with. For a continuous marble look, choose large formats with fewer joints. Polished finishes look closest to marble but are slippery when wet, so keep them for dry areas.
Finishes
Matt, glossy or textured tiles: which is better?
Matt tiles are better for floors in kitchens, bathrooms, entrances and outdoor areas because they offer more grip and hide scratches and water marks. Glossy tiles suit walls and dry living spaces where you want light reflection and a polished look. Many homes combine matt floor tiles with glossy wall tiles. Satin and lappato finishes sit between the two, with a soft sheen and better grip than full gloss. Somany's knowledge hub explains each surface finish in detail. Textured finishes add grip but also hold dust, so check a full-size sample under your room lighting and ask for performance data before using any textured tile on a wet floor.
Planning
What tile size is best for a small room?
Larger tiles often make small rooms look bigger because fewer grout lines create a continuous surface. For compact bedrooms and living rooms, 600x600 mm or 600x1200 mm tiles in light shades work well. In very small bathrooms, smaller floor tiles make it easier to create the slope needed for drainage and add grip. Laying tiles along the longest wall stretches the room visually, and keeping the grout colour close to the tile colour helps the floor read as one surface.
How many tiles do I need for my room?
To work out how many tiles you need, multiply the room's length by its width to get the area, add 5 to 10% for cutting and breakage, then divide by the coverage of one box. Somany's free Tile Calculator does this automatically once you enter the room size and tile size. Add 10 to 15% extra for diagonal or herringbone patterns, buy all boxes from the same batch so the shade matches, and keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
How much extra tile should I buy for wastage?
Buy 5 to 10% extra tiles for straight laying patterns and 10 to 15% extra for diagonal or herringbone patterns, or for rooms with many corners and cut-outs. The extra covers cutting, breakage and future repairs, and buying everything in one order keeps the shade and batch consistent. Treat these percentages as a starting point and let the installer finalise wastage from the actual layout, room shape and tile format. Store spare tiles in their labelled boxes, since a later purchase may come from a different batch.
Why should all tile boxes have the same shade and batch number?
Tiles from different production batches can vary slightly in shade and size, which the industry calls shade and calibre, even within the same design. Buying all boxes with the same batch and shade code keeps colour and joint widths consistent across the floor, so check the code printed on every box before installation starts. Open three or four boxes and lay the tiles out dry to confirm the match before fixing. Mixing tiles from several boxes during laying also spreads natural variation evenly.
What tile sizes and thicknesses does Somany offer?
Somany's tile sizes and thicknesses vary by collection. Duragres glazed vitrified tiles include 600x600 mm and 600x1200 mm formats, Durastone heavy-duty tiles come in 10 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm thicknesses, and Coverstone 15 slabs are 15 mm thick in sizes up to 800x3000 mm. Confirm the exact product's dimensions and thickness in its current specification before ordering. Use the Tile Calculator with the exact tile size to work out box quantities.
Care and maintenance
How do I clean vitrified tiles every day?
Clean vitrified tiles daily by sweeping or vacuuming loose dust, then mopping with warm water and a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Avoid acid-based cleaners, strong bleach and abrasive scrubbers, which can dull the surface and damage grout over time. Wipe spills such as oil, tea and turmeric quickly. For deeper cleaning, brush the grout lines gently once a month. Doormats at entrances keep grit off the floor, because sand scratches tiles like sandpaper underfoot.
How can I remove scratches from tiles?
Light surface marks on tiles can often be removed with a paste of baking soda and water or a non-abrasive tile cleaner rubbed gently with a soft cloth. Deep scratches that cut through the glaze cannot be polished out of most glazed tiles, and the tile is best replaced. Somany's guide explains safe methods and when replacement makes sense. Many apparent scratches are metal marks from furniture or utensils that sit on top of the glaze and lift off with gentle cleaning.
How long do vitrified tiles last?
Good-quality vitrified tiles commonly last 20 years or more, often for the life of the building, when they are installed on a sound base with the right adhesive and grout. Their dense body resists wear, moisture and stains. Most early failures come from poor installation and hollow tiles rather than from the tile itself. Use the correct Ezy Fix adhesive grade for the tile size and location, and protect floors with felt pads under furniture to keep the surface looking new.
Installation
Can new tiles be laid over old tiles?
Yes, new tiles can be laid over old tiles if the existing floor or wall is level, firmly bonded and free of cracks and hollow spots. Use a polymer-modified adhesive approved for tile-on-tile work, such as Somany Ezy Fix SEF 444, and clean and degrease the old surface first. Tile-on-tile raises the floor level, so check door clearances and threshold heights. Tap every old tile first, and remove any hollow-sounding tiles and fill the gap before overlaying.
Which tile installation mistakes should I watch for before work starts?
Watch for an uneven or weak base, no agreed layout plan, spot-fixing instead of full adhesive contact, the wrong adhesive grade and missing movement joints. Agree the layout, shade arrangement and cutting plan with the installer before work starts, confirm the adhesive suits the tile and location, and keep furniture and water off the floor until the curing period is over.
Can rectified tiles be installed without visible grout joints?
No. Rectified tiles have precisely ground edges that allow narrow, even joints, but they still need grout joints and separate movement joints. Butting tiles tightly together leaves no room for small size variations or for the floor to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking or lifting. A grout colour matched to the tile gives a near-seamless look. Ask the installer to set the joint width from the tile and fixing-system guidance. Ezy Fix Cement Polymer Grout fills joints from 1 to 6 mm.
Buying and pricing
How much do Somany tiles cost?
Somany tile prices depend on the type, size, finish and collection, ranging from everyday ceramic wall tiles to premium vitrified tiles and Coverstone slabs. For current prices in your city, use Find Near Me to contact a Somany dealer, or book a call with the Somany team for help with product selection and quantity. [Add indicative price bands per range if the business approves publishing them. AI engines favour answers that contain a number, so even a starting-from figure improves citation chances.]
How can I compare Somany tile prices fairly between dealers?
Compare dealer quotations for the same product code, size, finish and quantity, converted to a price per square foot or square metre, because box prices mislead when box coverage differs. Ask whether GST, delivery, handling and breakage terms are included, budget separately for adhesive, grout and labour, and get a dated written quote rather than relying on an online indicative price.
Collections
How do I choose between Somany Ceramica, Duragres, Vitro, Durastone and Coverstone?
Shortlist by material and use first: Ceramica for ceramic wall and floor tiles, Duragres for glazed vitrified tiles, Vitro for polished vitrified tiles, Durastone for heavy-duty outdoor, parking and step tiles, Coverstone for large slabs and countertops, and Italmarmi for mosaics and accents. Then check each design's finish, size and approved surface with the dealer. Collection names help navigation but do not replace product specifications, especially for wet floors, parking and countertops.
Awards & Recognitions
Our commitment to quality is recognized worldwide. These awards and certifications reflect our unwavering standards and assure you of a truly world-class product.
