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, 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 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/kitchen, /tiles/floor, /tiles/wall, 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.
