Choosing flooring certainly isn't the most glamorous part of opening your own shop, but it's one of the most important. You need a solid option that stands up to everything your customers will throw at it. If you've opted for porcelain tile flooring, don't think your job is done just yet. You still need to decide whether you want to go with glazed tiles or unglazed tiles. Unglazed tiles are full body porcelain, which means the whole tile is composed of natural clays. Glazed tiles are mainly porcelain, aside from the liquid glass layer they're covered with. Both options have their pros and cons. For example, glazed tiles can have any image or design printing on them. However, unglazed porcelain tiles are generally considered the most ideal for commercial spaces. Here are 2 reasons to choose unglazed porcelain tiles for your new shop floor.

1. They're Resistant

If you build a great business, your shop is sure to get a lot of foot traffic. People will be in and out of your store all day, walking around to browse. Constant trampling takes a toll on flooring. It's easy to think that a glazed tile would be better at resisting wear -- after all, a glaze is a form of protection. However, as the tiles are glazed with a liquid glass, their surface is more fragile than hardy full body clay. A glazed tile will show wear in high traffic areas over time. Unglazed tiles, however, are far more resistant to scratching and abrasion. The less wear your tiles receive, the better they'll look down the line. You'll save money on maintenance as unglazed tiles are less lightly to become unsightly.

2. They're Safer

Unsurprisingly, the smooth surface of glazed tiles can be slippery when wet. While you may think slips and falls are unlikely to occur in a dry shop setting, remember that patrons can bring moisture in with them. On rainy days, customers will enter your shop with wet shoes and dripping coats. While a doormat will absorb some moisture, you'll still find that tiles become wet. Cleaning can also leave moisture around, and even "wet floor" signs may not be enough to deter the most eager customers. Unglazed tiles don't have the same polished surface, so they offer better grip. The unnecessary expense you'll end up with on your hands is a personal injury lawsuit, so you'll want to do as much as you can to minimise risk to customers.

For more information on porcelain tile options, contact a company like Bayside Tiles to best determine what will work the best in your shop.