Ceramic Tile Flooring, Walls and Floors

Ceramic tiles are a beautiful option that is easy to maintain and long-lasting. It's the ideal option for all rooms of the home. When you are deciding between porcelain and ceramic tile for your next project, there are a lot of things to think about. Learning about the differences between the two types of tile is a must first step.

Floor Tile

Ceramic tile flooring is a beautiful durable, long-lasting and water-resistant choice for any room of your home. Pick from a range of patterns and colors to fit your style. From patterned tiles that provide interest and texture, to floor tiles that are glazed to create a sleek look. It is easy to clean and durable enough for busy families. Ceramic tiles are made from clay and sand. They are then ground into tiny particles, and then pressed under pressure to form an mold. They are then baked in the kiln, giving the tiles their durability. The tiles are then glazed, or left unglazed based on the intended usage. Unglazed tiles are great for areas with little foot traffic. They absorb anywhere from three to seven percent of moisture. They can be found in a selection of styles like Saltillo which is a traditional Mexican tile made from natural clays, or porcelain-based tiles with a granite-like surface. Glazed tiles can be used as flooring, walls or backsplashes. They are recommended for bathrooms in residential areas that experience moderate traffic. They come in a wide selection of colors and finishes and also include decorative options such as mosaics, borders, and inlays. Also available in a variety of sizes, including large-format pieces that are suitable for wall and flooring applications.

Wall Tile

Ceramic wall tile is a favorite for kitchens and bathrooms due to its resistance to moisture, odors, bacteria as well as scratches. It is also easy to clean and comes in many styles and colors. It can be used in almost any installation pattern, and edges, trim pieces, and inlays are commonly added to highlight decorative elements. Ceramic tile is made of clays that have been fired low, unlike porcelain, which is fired to extreme temperatures. By using a fluxing agent such as feldspar, the tile can be made at lower temperatures. This saves energy and lowers emissions. The most popular type of ceramic wall tile is the subway tile which can be laid in a running bond pattern with straight vertical joints or in a straight grid. These kinds of tiles are usually made by semi-dry pressing and one firing. Installing ceramic wall tiles with a thin-set glue will give the best results. Utilize a trowel that is notched to apply the adhesive, following the guidelines of the tile manufacturer. While you work you can gently rub the back of the tile against your knee or a block of wood to set it in the adhesive. Once all the tiles are in place, you can grout. To ensure a smooth grout line, you can make use of a professional tile level to determine the level of the floor prior to grouting.

Bathroom Tile

A popular option for bathroom walls and floors Ceramic tiles are impervious to moisture and odors, it is resistant to stains and odors and is also resistant to bacteria. Available in a variety of designs and colors it can be used for an array of design styles. Use borders, inlays and mosaics to create visual interest. Also, you can repeat the same design across your space to create a cohesive appearance. Ceramic tile is an excellent option for kitchen backsplashes and showers. It is easy to clean and it can withstand repeated exposure to water. This makes it a great choice for busy households. Its hardness could be a problem in areas that are frequented by older people or children, who may drop items and break them on the surface. It's also not flexible enough to be comfortable underfoot. This makes it unsuitable for rooms with furniture or for people who need to stand for long period of time. Ceramic tiles are a mix of sand and clay or other raw materials. They are then fired to create the hard substance which makes them strong and flexible. The manufacturing process and raw materials are different, which results in different kinds of ceramic tiles. Certain tiles are porous and require different care. Some ceramic tiles are glazed with artistic finishes and colors. The different porosity levels and hardness make it essential to know what you're purchasing before you install ceramic tile flooring.

Kitchen Tile

Ceramic tile backsplashes make a great choice for any kitchen, whether you're renovating or building an entirely new one. They are easy to install and customizable, it's an excellent choice for those who want a durable and budget-friendly material to shield their kitchen walls from moisture and stains. This timeless material is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. It lets you design your kitchen in a way that best matches your preferences. Choose from the classic charm and warmth of wood-look tiles or the sophistication and elegance of stone-like imitations. There are also textured options that offer an appealing tactile surface to enhance your design style. Although ceramic is a long-lasting option for floor tiles however, it is still susceptible to scratches and chips if exposed to significant impact. Therefore, it's important to have a professional installer finish your ceramic tile flooring installation project. They can handle any unexpected issues during the installation process to make sure your floor looks fantastic. The hardness of ceramic tiles can be a challenge for your feet, back and joints if you sit for long periods of time in your kitchen. Consider adding a cushioned rug on the stove or in the sink to help ease this discomfort. Like all tiles ceramic, it can be cold underfoot in winter months, so you might need to consider radiant heating.