What is ceramic?

Ceramic tiles are typically used to create wall tiles, mosaics, and some less-trafficked floor tiles. Clay and sand form the two main ingredients in making ceramic tiles. Components of these products are ground into very fine powders. A mould is used to compress the mixture at high pressure, then water is added. A kiln is then used to fire these before they have been dried, primed, painted, and then glazed.

Perhaps ceramic tile is the only flooring option that can be used throughout a house. Most often, it is installed in kitchens and bathrooms as well as foyers, mudrooms, and similar high-traffic areas. However, tiles are often used in living areas and bedrooms too, especially in hot climates. Tile is, in essence, a no-fail option. Its drawbacks include its hardness and coldness, and ease of installation are problematic for DIYers.

The hard, solid surface of ceramic tiles repels dirt and dust, pollen, and other allergens. The particles stand out against a ceramic floor, so they can be easily cleaned with a mop or sponge if they do land there. As a result, asthma and allergy sufferers do not suffer from irritating materials in the air.

Ceramic Tile Cost

Among the more affordable flooring materials, ceramic tiles are one of the better choices. The price of tile flooring increases as you move into better-looking tiles and professional installations, however. The cost of installing a tile depends on its quality and complexity.

Maintenance and Repair

There is not much that needs to be done to maintain ceramic flooring-especially since their glaze makes them impervious to water and stains. That's why tile is chosen for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms that are wet all the time. Stains, dirt, and liquids are easily removed by sweeping, blotting, or wiping.

In order to keep the floor clean and free of dirt and loose materials, most routine maintenance consists of sweeping and vacuuming with a brush attachment. You can use almost any heavy-duty cleaner to remove set-in stains without having to worry about damaging the material.

Unglazed ceramic tiles, such as traditional Saltillo tiles, are more common than glazed ceramic tiles. Sealing these surfaces will protect them from liquids and stains. Additionally, all types of tiles present the risk of moisture and stains if the grout between them is not sealed regularly.

Physical damage doesn't usually affect ceramic flooring much, but cracks can occur if the installation is incorrect or the underlayment is defective. The quality of the installation can last hundreds of years if the flooring is well maintained. A single tile can be replaced relatively easily if it cracks due to a severe impact.

Design

Designers can create a wide variety of ceramic products using modern manufacturing techniques. Various designs and colors can be applied to solid tiles to make patterns and to add accents. Many hardwoods and natural stones can also be reproduced using these materials. Furthermore, the tiles themselves can be cut and shaped into triangles, rectangles, and planks.

Comfort and Convenience

Ceramic tiles are extremely hard, which makes them easy to maintain and clean. However, it can also make standing on it uncomfortable. The underlayment of hard ceramic floors cannot soften them as can be done with resilient floors. In environments where people have to stand long periods of time, these materials may not be appropriate. A dropped dish will almost certainly break against the hard surface if it is dropped in a kitchen. Also, the hardness of ceramic tiles may pose a problem in rooms where children or elderly residents are prone to falling over.

Throw rugs and area rugs can, of course, be used to offset the hardness of ceramics in strategic places, such as the kitchen work area, where people tend to stand for long periods.