Lattialaatta

Lattialaatta, meaning floor tile in Finnish, refers to a flat, rigid tile designed to cover interior or exterior floor surfaces. It is a common finishing material in homes, offices, and public buildings, valued for durability, ease of cleaning, and design versatility. The main material groups are ceramic tiles (glazed or unglazed), porcelain tiles (a dense, low-porosity subtype of ceramic), natural stone tiles (such as marble, granite, and travertine), and engineered options like cementitious or glass tiles.

Porcelain tiles are particularly noted for their low water absorption and high durability, making them suitable for wet areas and outdoor use in temperate climates. Glazed tiles offer a wide range of colors and patterns, while unglazed tiles often provide higher slip resistance. Tiles come in various formats, from small mosaics to large-format slabs, and in differing thicknesses to suit foot traffic and installation location. Edge treatments include square, beveled, or rectified edges to enable tighter, more seamless layouts in modern designs.

Installation typically requires a prepared substrate, appropriate tile adhesive, and grout. In wet zones, moisture barriers or waterproofing may be necessary, and proper substrate flatness is important for long-term performance. Maintenance generally involves regular sweeping and mopping with a neutral cleaner; porous tiles may require periodic sealing.

Environmental considerations include the tile’s long service life, potential for recycling at end of life, and considerations related to production energy use. In Finland and other Nordic regions, frost resistance and suitability for outdoor applications are factors in material selection. Standards and testing for tiles address properties such as slip resistance, water absorption, and dimensional accuracy.