Ceramic Tile Flooring, Walls and Floors

Ceramic tiles are a stunning option that is easy to maintain and long-lasting. It's the ideal option for every room in the home. When deciding on a porcelain or ceramic tile for your next project, there are a lot of things to think about. Educating yourself on the differences between these two types of tiles is an important first step.

Floor Tile

Ceramic tile flooring is a long-lasting, water-resistant, and attractive option for any room in your home. Choose from a wide selection of colors and designs to match your style, from patterned tiles that add interest and texture to tile floors that are glazed to give sleek design. It's easy to clean and is sturdy enough for a busy family. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and sand. They are then ground into tiny particles, and then compressed under high pressure to form the mold. They are then baked in the kiln, which gives the tiles their toughness. The tiles are then glazed or left unglazed, depending on the purpose for which they are intended. Unglazed tiles are perfect for areas with little foot traffic. They absorb between 3% to 7% of moisture. They are available in a wide variety of styles including Saltillo the traditional Mexican tile made from natural clays or porcelain-based tiles with an appearance of granite. Glazed tiles can be installed on floors, walls or backsplashes. It is a good choice for bathrooms with moderate traffic. They are available in a variety of finishes and colors as well as decorative options like mosaics, borders, and inlays. They are also available in a range of sizes as well as large-format pieces for wall and floor applications.

Wall Tile

Ceramic wall tiles are popular in bathrooms and kitchens since they resist water, odors, bacteria and scratching. It is also easy to clean and comes in many colors and designs. It can be used for almost any pattern of installation. Trim pieces, borders, and inlays can also be used to emphasize decorative elements. Ceramic tile is made of low-fired clays, unlike porcelain that is fired to extreme temperatures. The addition of a fluxing agentlike feldsparcan allow the tile to be made at lower temperatures for production, which in turn conserves energy and reduces emissions. The subway tile is a very popular ceramic wall tile. It can be laid in a grid pattern or in a running-bond pattern. These kinds of tiles are typically made by semi-dry pressing and one firing. Installing ceramic wall tiles with a thin-set adhesive will yield the most effective results. Use a trowel with a notched edge to apply the adhesive following the guidelines of the tile manufacturer. While you work to apply the adhesive, gently rub the back of the tile against your knee or a short block of wood, allowing it to set it in the adhesive. Once all tiles are in position it is time to grout. Utilize a professional tile-level to ensure a level grout line prior to grouting.

Bathroom Tile

Ceramic tile is a well-liked option for flooring and walls in bathrooms. It is resistant to odors, stains and bacterial. Available in a range of colors and designs, it can be used in a variety of design styles. Use borders, mosaics and inlays to create visual interest. You can also use the same style throughout your space to create a cohesive appearance. Like porcelain ceramic tile, ceramic tile is an excellent option for showers and kitchen backsplashes. It's easy to clean and holds up well to repeated exposure to water making it an excellent option for homes that are busy. The hardness of it can be an issue in areas that are frequented by children or older people who could drop items and break them against the surface. It's also not flexible enough for comfort underfoot. This is why it is not suitable for rooms with furniture, or for people who need to stand for an extended period of time. Ceramic tiles are made from clay mixed with sand or other raw materials, which are then fired to form the hard material that makes them durable and adaptable. The manufacturing process and raw materials differ, leading to different kinds of ceramic tiles. Some are more porous than others and require a different maintenance routine. Some are glazed for decorative designs and colors. The differences in porosity and hardness make it essential to be aware of what you're buying before laying ceramic tile flooring.

Kitchen Tile

If you're creating your dream kitchen from scratch or re-imagining an existing galley area You can't go wrong with ceramic tile backsplashes. It's simple to install and can be easily customized. It's an excellent choice for those who want an affordable, durable option to shield their walls from moisture and staining. This timeless material comes in a range of colors, shapes and sizes. It lets you design your kitchen in a way that best matches your preferences. Select from the classic look of subway tiles, the warmth of wood-look ceramics, or the elegance of stone-like imitations. There are also textured surfaces that add a touch of elegance to your design. Ceramic is a tough flooring material, but it can still be damaged by significant impacts. It's important to have a skilled installer finish your ceramic tile flooring installation project. They are able to handle any unexpected challenges during the process to ensure your floor will look its best. Ceramic tiles can be hard on your joints, feet, and back, especially if you are standing for long periods in your kitchen. Consider putting a cushioned rug on the stove or in the sink to help reduce this discomfort. Like any tile ceramic, it can feel cold underfoot during the winter, which is why you may consider adding an electric radiant heating system.