Ceramic tile in white kitchen that reflects natural sunlight.
Although you’re familiar with ceramic tile, can you identify it? You might have some memories of ceramics in high school art class. But for everyone else, this is a great refresher course.
We will show you how to get inspired as we go over the basics.
Talk to our tile experts today if you are thinking of re-tile your floors or adding ceramics to your backsplash.
What are ceramic tiles made of?
Let’s begin: What are ceramic tiles, and what makes this type of flooring?
Ceramics were made of clay in the ancient world. An example of this would be earthenware pottery. This is made by baking or “firing? clay in a kiln at low temperatures, about 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (compared to 2,300 for porcelain tile).
Technological advancements have broadened the definition of the term in the modern age. Materials called “advanced Ceramics” can be used today to make everything, from refrigerator magnets to medical implants!
Tiles are made of a mixture of water, clay, and sand. The grout, or spaces between tiles, is made from clay, water, and sand. It’s filled with a different mixture, called “grout,” and contains water, sand, and a cement-like material. Some installations use epoxy grout instead of cement.
A couple looking at ceramic tile samples in a flooring store
What does ceramic tile look like?
Ceramic tile comes in many styles and colors. You can create many unique designs with ceramic tile, as you might have discovered during your search for ceramic tile. We will be focusing on some trends in ceramic tile.
The current trend in kitchens and bathrooms is natural stone. Stone can be beautiful, but it is not affordable for everyone. Ceramic, natural stones look to offer all the beauty and design of stone but without the high cost. Natural stone patterns can look extremely real, thanks to advanced printing options.
Hexagons and other shapes of tiles are in high demand, but most tiles can be found in squares or rectangular rectangles. The machines used by manufacturers to create uniform edges and produce a “rectified” product are what enable the latter.
It is becoming more common to see large tiles in interior design than smaller tiles. This is good news for homeowners in big cities and renters, as large tiles can make smaller spaces seem more significant. These are some of the most common sizes for ceramic tiles:
12″ x 24-“
24″ x 24″.
12″ x 48″.
Different types of ceramic tile
There are three types of ceramic tiles available: glazed tiles (wall tiles), floor tiles (floor tiles), and wall tiles (wall tiles). Which one is best for you? What are the pros and disadvantages of each type? To find the best match, check out the below comparisons.
Glazed Ceramic Tiles
Glazed tiles have a protective coating that can be matte or glossy. For most applications, matte finishes work well with natural stone designs. Glossy ceramic tiles look chic and give off a polished appearance to any space. Wall installations are best suited for glossy finishes.
Wall tiles
You can use wall tiles in showers, backsplashes, and accent walls. Wall tiles are a great way to add a unique design element to any room, thanks to their variety of designs. They are also available in the exact sizes as floor tiles.
Floor Tiles
As mentioned previously, floor tiles are more likely to be matte than other finishes. If you find a tile that you like, be sure to inquire if it can be used for flooring. Ceramic tile can be very durable when used as flooring.
A flooring specialist instals slate grey ceramic tile in a home
Which are the best places to use ceramic tile?
Ceramic tiles are waterproof, which makes them an ideal fit for any bathroom, shower stall, or open-concept bathroom with a marble appearance.
They are easy to clean and non-absorbent, making them a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes.
Ceramic tile can be used outdoors if it is properly maintained and treated.
Buy Ceramic Tiles at Your Local Tiles Store
Tileswale offers a wide range of premium tiles for bathroom floors, including the ceramic, wall, and glazed tiles.
We have more than 500 locations nationwide that carry the top brands of ceramic tiles for floors and walls. You can customize your look with inserts, borders, and tile mosaics.
