Ceramic Tile Flooring, Walls and Floors

Ceramic tiles are a gorgeous option that is easy to maintain and long-lasting. It's an ideal option for every room in the home. When deciding between ceramic and porcelain tile for your next project, there are plenty of aspects to take into account. Educating yourself on the differences between these two tile types is an essential first step.

Floor Tile

Ceramic tile flooring is an attractive waterproof, durable and water-resistant choice for any room in your home. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns to suit your style. From patterned tiles that add interest and texture, to floor tiles with glazed surfaces to create a sleek look. It's easy to clean and is durable enough for any busy family. The main ingredients of ceramic are clay and sand which are pulverized into fine particles and then compressed under high pressure to create a molded shape, and then fired in a kiln to give the tile its durability. The tiles are then glazed, or left unglazed based on the intended usage. Unglazed tiles are able to absorb between 3% and 7% moisture, which makes them suitable for indoor use in areas with light foot traffic. They are available in a range of styles, including Saltillo, a traditional Mexican tile made from natural clays or porcelain-based tiles featuring a granite-like surface. Glazed tile can be used on floors, walls or backsplashes and is recommended for bathrooms in residential homes with moderate traffic. They are available in a range of colors and finishes as well as decorative options like borders, mosaics, and inlays. Also available in various sizes, including large-format pieces for flooring or wall applications.

Wall Tile

Ceramic wall tiles are popular in bathrooms and kitchens since they resist humidity, odors, bacteria, and scratching. It's also easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors and designs for a sleek look. It can be used in virtually any design pattern, and trim pieces, borders and inlays are commonly added to enhance decorative elements. Contrary to porcelain, which can be fired at extreme temperatures and is made of low-fired clays. The addition of a fluxing agent -like feldsparpermits the tile be made at lower production temperatures, which saves energy and reduces emissions. The subway tile is a well-known ceramic wall tile. It can be laid in grid patterns or in a running-bond pattern. These tiles are typically made by a semi-dry press, followed by one firing. Installing ceramic wall tiles using a thin-set glue will give the best results. Utilize a trowel that is notched to apply the adhesive following the directions of the tile manufacturer. While you work to apply the adhesive, gently rub the back of the tile against your knee or a small block of wood to embed it in the adhesive. Once all the tiles are set then you can grout. Utilize a professional tile level to ensure a smooth grout line before grouting.

Bathroom Tile

A popular option for bathroom floors and walls Ceramic tile is impervious and odors. It also resists stains and is abrasion-resistant. Available in a wide range of colors and designs and colors, it can be used in a variety of design styles. Utilize borders, inlays and mosaics to create visual interest. Repeat the same design across your space to create a unified look. Like porcelain ceramic tile, ceramic tile is an excellent option for showers and kitchen backsplashes. It's easy to clean and holds well against repeated exposure to water and water, making it a good option for homes that are busy. Its hardness can be an issue when it comes to areas that are frequently used by older people or children, who may drop items and break them on the surface. It's also not flexible enough to allow for comfort underfoot. This is why it is not suitable for rooms with furniture, or for people who need to stand for long duration. Ceramic tiles are made from a mix of clay and sand or other raw materials, which are then fired to produce the hard material that makes them tough and adaptable. The manufacturing process and raw materials differ, resulting in different types of ceramic tiles. Certain tiles are porous and require different care. Some are glazed to make decorative finishes and colors. The differences in porosity and hardness make it important to understand what you're buying before laying ceramic tile flooring.

Kitchen Tile

Ceramic tile backsplashes are an excellent option for any kitchen, whether you're building or renovating your own. It's simple to install and highly customizable. It's a great choice for those who want an affordable, durable and budget-friendly option to shield their walls from water or staining. Available in a variety of sizes, colors shapes and patterns, this timeless material lets you to create the kitchen of your personal taste. Choose from the classic charm of subway tiles or the warmth of wood-look ceramics, or the class of stone-like imitations. There are also textured options that offer an appealing tactile surface that can enhance your design style. While ceramic is a strong flooring option however, it is still susceptible to scratches and chips if exposed to a significant amount of impact. Therefore, it's essential to hire an experienced installer to complete the installation of your ceramic tile. They are able to handle any unexpected obstacles that arise during the installation process to make sure your floor looks fantastic. The hardness of ceramic tile can be hard on your back, feet and joints, especially if you are standing for long periods of time in your kitchen. You might want to consider putting a cushioned mat on the stove and in the sink to reduce this discomfort. Like any tile ceramic, it can feel cold underfoot in winter, so you may consider adding an electric radiant heating system.