Ceramic Flooring Tile - A Practical Extravagance

Combine beauty and strength with timeless good looks in quality ceramic floor tiles for the kitchen or bathroom.

This natural floor covering adds value to any family home whether in classic styles or contemporary patterns. Ceramic tile manufacturers use the same organic materials that have made up ceramic and porcelain floors for centuries.

Glazed tiles are coated with liquid glass then fired for a maintenance free, no wax floor. This allows for an unlimited range of colors and designs and stain protection, making ceramic ideal for residential use.

 

Unglazed squares do not show wear and are great in commercial settings. Laying ceramic tile flooring can be complicated so it is good to hire professional installers. Once installed with a grout and sealer, the care and maintenance of these durable and practical floors is easy.

Both porcelain and ceramic flooring tiles are highly rated with respect to damage, moisture and stain resistance. Porcelain tile is fired at extreme temperatures to produce a harder denser tile than granite. Install ceramic tile floors indoors or use outside and take advantage of its exceptional resistance to fading and scratching.

Grout joints require a penetrating sealant that is absorbed into the surface to prevent stains. A polishing compound and buffer may be used, though they are not necessary. Manufacturers recommended cleaning products are the best way to maintain ceramic floors.

Occasionally a cracked tile may need to be replaced. Take on the repair job by slowly and carefully scraping the grout out with a pointed tool, removing the damaged piece along with old adhesive and debris. Add adhesive to the new square and press into position. Regrout when the glue has set.

Create mosaics and patterns on the walls as well as underfoot in tile sizes that range from 1 inch to 2 foot square. Some are suitable for light traffic such as residential bath rooms. Others are rated for busy areas like the front entrance or even commercial buildings.

Choose from a variety of flooring options including warm and rustic textured stone, a smooth matte finish or a more formal high gloss marble look. The latter tends to become slippery when wet. A non-skid finish works outdoors on patios or around a swimming pool.