Advantages of Ceramic Tiles

There are endless reasons for the popularity of ceramic tiles in residential properties. The motivation for our love affair comes from a mix of the practical and the aesthetic considerations. The tiles possess a balanced list of attributes to attract both the installer and the designer, producing an enduring combination that is destined to remain in the most beautiful homes, while providing pragmatic properties.

The clay kilns that produce ceramic tiles use a variety of fiery temperatures to create tiles that have resistive attributes. Different classes define tiles that will resist scratches and cracks, delivering durable material designed for application in a kitchen splash back at one end of the scale and, at the most durable end of the class scale, ceramic tiles built for floor applications where constant foot traffic is expected. Should wear or a hairline crack appear on any tile, have it replaced from the box of extra tiles you have in storage. Otherwise, enjoy the classic, timeless appeal of the material, washing and wiping occasionally, sealing the material every few years if the tiles aren’t glazed.

What you see is what you get when you install a ceramic tile floor in your bathroom or kitchen. The stylish tiles and their inherently warm, textured finish, have no fibers to trap dirt. The smooth glaze requires only a few quick wipes, perhaps a cup of added disinfectant, to remove dirt. Sticky messes won’t present a problem, giving in to a moist cloth with no resistance. A glazed floor is smooth, non-porous and won’t discolor over time. Follow guidelines for un-glazed ceramic tiles. The material is porous, more susceptible to staining.

Expect to see beautiful, richly colored ceramic tiles on floors in bathrooms, kitchens, and patios, but don’t limit their application. Tiles work just as well on walls, acting as a splash guard and a stylish accent above a kitchen counter. They’re found on walls around a shower recess, above a bath tub, and many more locations. They evoke images of classical Mediterranean influences when formed of tiny, colorful mosaic tiles, interlocked in artistic configurations, or as foot square herringbone designs for a truly appealing design that strays from the familiar square shape. A wall becomes a blank palette for the tile designer.

Manufacturers hire designers to create fascinating textures that enhance ceramic tiles, but the natural clay, fired and glazed, delivers patterns and textures of its own, coupled with natural impurities, minerals and substrate that require little additional design influence. The vitreous enamel imbues the tile with a color shift and additional durability.

As cost-effective as it is ancient, a ceramic tile has endless applications. Its low-maintenance features are only matched by a tile’s multipurpose nature, popping up in everything from fireplace accents to shower enclosures. Even if you were to disregard these stunning features and factors of functionality, you can’t ignore the intrinsic beauty of ceramic tiles, an aesthetic attraction that captures warmth and classical appeal. Accounting for all these elements, ceramic tiles might be prohibitively expensive, and they can be, but they’re also extremely affordable if you’re willing to sacrifice some of the more exotic forms made from high-end glass, offered from a designer label. The tiles are often cheaper than many other tile types, making a fine and affordable option for installation, emphasizing the stylish allure of your home.