Our main office recently moved into a newly built block at Westlands, Nairobi and could not help but notice that most office floors in that building are finished in plastic tiles.
Plastic tiles are now the new vibe and typical of Kenyans, everyone is installing them.
I could not help but wonder why.
Are they really that good than traditional options such as ceramic or porcelain tiles?
What is a plastic tile?
Plastic tiles are basically made of plastic materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or Polypropylene, unlike ceramic tiles which are made from natural materials such as clay, sand, etc.
Types of Plastic Tiles
There are many different types out there in the market but the main varieties are;
PVC Tiles which are the most common as they are cheap, come in different finishes, colors, and are known to be quite long lasting.
Polypropylene Tiles which are very lightweight and resist moisture quite well.
They can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
SPC Tiles: These are basically PVC tiles but combined with limestone.
They are likely to be used in a commercial space like an office.
WPC Tiles: Unlike the SPC tile, this variety combines wood fibers and plastic to give the space a more natural feel.
Interlocking Tiles: Unlike the above variations they have grooves that help them fit into place without use of adhesives.
They are likely to be used in a high traffic area where even replacing them will be quite easy.
Where do you buy plastic tiles?
There are many places in which you can buy plastic tiles in Kenya.
Some of the leading suppliers include ideal floor systems East Africa limited, Eco Blocks and Tiles, A & D stores amongst many other suppliers.
You can also check with your local hardware within your locality if these tiles are available.
How much do they Cost?
The supply rates ranges between Ksh. 1,200 to Ksh.4, 500 per square meters depending on the type and qualities of the tiles you pick.
You will also need to factor in the cost of installation which is normally Ksh. 300 per square meter and installation accessories such as underlays and adhesives which is normally Ksh. 400 per square meter.
If the above factors are combined, the supply and installation rate of plastic tiles ranges between Ksh. 1900 and Ksh.5200 per square meters.
How do I Install?
Installation is quite straight forward and you can follow these easy steps:
- Ensure the floor screed has completely cured and moist free.
- Next ensure the floor is clean and level.
- Lay the underfelt (part of the accessories)
- Lay the first board at the corner and the rest of the boards to follow the approved pattern.
- Lay the last board and Install the transition strips at the doors and the skirting along the walls.
Some of the advantages of plastic tiles include;
- They are durable as they are not easy to break like ceramic tiles and tend to be scratch resistant.
- Polypropylene variations are especially ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- They are easily installed thus reducing construction timelines.
- It is easy to clean a PVC tile floor.
- Compared to ceramic tiles, they are quite affordable.
- They come in a variety of colors, patterns and designs thus you have a variety to choose from.