Ceramic Tile Flooring, Walls and Floors

Ceramic tiles are an attractive option that is easy to clean and long-lasting. It's a fantastic option for any room in the home.

When deciding between ceramic and porcelain tile for your next project, there are many aspects to take into account. It is crucial to understand the differences between these two tile types.

Floor Tile

Ceramic tile flooring is a stunning durable, long-lasting and water-resistant choice for any room of your home. Choose from a wide selection of designs and colors to match your style, from patterned tile that adds interest and texture, to flooring tiles that are glazed for an elegant look. It's easy to clean and robust enough to withstand the demands of a busy family.

The main ingredients in ceramic are clay and sand, which are ground into fine particles, pressed under pressure to form shapes and then fired in an oven to give the tile its durability. These tiles are then either glazed or left unglazed, based on their intended usage.

Unglazed tiles can absorb between 3% and 7% moisture, making them ideal for indoor use in areas that have minimal foot traffic. They are available in a wide range of styles, including Saltillo which is a traditional Mexican tile made of natural clays or porcelain-based tiles with an appearance of granite.

Glazed tiles can be used for floors, walls, or backsplashes. They are ideal for bathrooms that have moderate traffic. They are available in a variety of finishes and colors and also with decorative options such as borders, mosaics, and inlays. They are also available in a range of sizes, including large-format pieces for floor and wall use.

Wall Tile

Ceramic wall tiles are popular in bathrooms and kitchens since they are resistant to moisture, bacteria, odors, and scratching. It is also easy to clean and comes in a variety of patterns and colors. It can be used to create almost any pattern of installation. Trim pieces borders, borders, and inlays can also be used to emphasize decorative elements.

Ceramic tile is made of clays that are low-fired, unlike porcelain, which is fired to extremely high temperatures. The addition of a fluxing agent -- such as feldspar -allows the tile to be produced at lower production temperatures, which in turn conserves energy and reduces emissions.

A very popular type of wall tile is the subway tile that can be laid in a running bond design with straight vertical joints, or a straight grid pattern. These kinds of tiles are typically created by semi-dry pressing and one firing.

Installing ceramic wall tiles using thin-set glue will yield the best results. Use a notched trowel to apply the adhesive according to the instructions of the tile manufacturer. As you work to apply the adhesive, gently rub the back of the tile with your knee or a block of wood, allowing it to set it in the adhesive. Once all the tiles are in place and you are ready to grout. To ensure a consistent grout line, use a pro tile level to verify the level of the tile prior to grouting.

Bathroom Tile

A popular option for floors and bathroom walls Ceramic tile is impervious to moisture, resists stains and odors and is abrasion-resistant. Ceramic tile comes in a range of colors and patterns, permitting it to be used to create a variety of styles. Use borders, mosaics and inlays to add visual interest, or repeat the same design throughout your home to create a cohesive appearance.

Like porcelain as well, ceramic tile is an excellent option for showers and kitchen backsplashes. It is easy to clean and holds well against repeated exposure to water which makes it a great option for homes with busy schedules. The hardness of it can be a problem in areas that are frequented by older or children, who may drop items and break them on the surface. It's also not soft enough to provide comfort for the feet which makes it unsuitable for areas with furniture or for anyone who needs to stand for extended periods of time.

Ceramic tiles are clay, sand or other raw materials, which are then fired to create the hard material that makes them tough and versatile. Ceramic tiles are made using different raw materials and manufacturing methods. Certain tiles are more porous than others and require a different maintenance routine. Certain ceramic tiles are coated with decorative finishes and colors. It is important to comprehend the variations in porosity, color and hardness prior to putting in ceramic tiles.

Kitchen Tile

Ceramic tile backsplashes are a great option for any kitchen whether you're building or renovating a new one. It's easy to install and highly customizable, it's a great choice for those who want a durable and budget-friendly material to shield their kitchen walls from stains and moisture.

Available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and patterns, this timeless material allows you to create an interior that is a reflection of your personal taste. Choose from the classic charm of subway tiles as well as the warmth of wood-look ceramics, or even the elegant look of stone-like imitations. There are also textured surfaces to help you to enhance your design.

Although ceramic is a long-lasting flooring option, it's still susceptible to scratches and chips if subjected to intense impact. This is why it's important to have a professional installer complete the installation of your ceramic tile flooring project. They are able to take on any unexpected issues that arise during the process to ensure that your floor will look its best.

Ceramic tiles can be rough on your joints, feet and back if you are standing for long periods of time in your kitchen. You might want to consider putting a cushioned mat in the kitchen sink and stove to reduce this discomfort. Ceramic tiles can be cold to the touch in winter. You might want to consider an electric radiant heating system.