If you want to beautify your home or workplace, ceramic tiles is one of the best options. In other words, it is suitable for all types of applications, ranging from residential to commercial purposes. Ceramic tiles are perhaps the most durable flooring option now available on the market. A ceramic tile is simply a mixture of natural clays that have been molded and fired at high temperature. Sometimes, it is made out of such recycled materials as auto windshields, old florescent bulbs, and ground glass. It offers many advantages over other flooring options like marble and wood, which include durability, resistance to fire and moisture, resistance to tread wear and abrasion, resistance to frost, easy maintenance, slip resistance, thermal shock and stain resistance, and color permanence. Above all, they are easy to clean and provide an upscale look to your living space and work place. Ceramics have been used from centuries by people of different culture and region to embellish in it beautiful works of art. Depending upon the texture, color, design, and pattern, different types are now available in the market. Ceramics may be either glazed or unglazed, or porous or waterproof. Glazed types are mostly machine made, and are pressed in a die as well as fired in a kiln, which in turn provides hard surface and color to the product. Among unglazed ceramics are quarry tiles and en caustic tiles. Noted for its durability and versatility, porcelain is another popular type of ceramic. Saltillos are available in two varieties: machine-made and handmade. Based on the specific purposes, ceramic tiles are further classified into floor products and wall products. As the name indicates, the floor type is a great option to surface floors. Produced using methods like bicottura and monocottura, floor tiles are mostly porcelain, and are more durable. Further, they are categorized into several classes. For instance, class 2 floor tiles are best for high traffic areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms. Class 3 can be used for any home installation. Likewise, class 4 are recommended for small as well as medium commercial applications, whereas class 5 is usually recommended for such areas as shopping malls and restaurants. There are also products in order to apply exclusively in areas like gardens and swimming pools. Grouped under class 1, ceramic wall tiles are considered a perfect choice for counter top and wall applications. Compared to the floor type, they are less durable and are more prone to slippery, since they are glazed with a matte or semi-gloss surface. Apart from its usage in kitchens, fireplaces, and rooms, they are also widely applied outdoors. One of the recent additions are designer tiles as well as decorative ceramics. Hand painted products are of special demand nowadays. Luster painting, transfer painting, and carving are the other popular methods for designing ceramic tiles. Almost all designs that are imaginable are now depicted. But, all-time favorite designs are those of flowers, vines, leaves, and seashells. Sometimes they are inlaid with white pipe clay or mosaic, which makes it stand out from other designs. However, most popular are those containing traditional designs. For instance, ceramic tiles graced with Asian mythological figurines are really sought-after. In addition to designs, colors also play a dominant role in providing aesthetic look. From the aforesaid discussion, it is evident that ceramic tiles arrive in a myriad of size, shape, pattern, design, and color. Hence, prior to tiling it must be ensured whether tiles you have chosen are suitable for your space. Size is another thing to be considered. If your room or office is small, it would be better to apply small tiles. Also, while selecting a tile, check whether its texture goes with your room theme. Likewise, during installation process, use such a grout that complements your tile. It must also be checked whether products you have selected are easy to clean as well as maintain. In addition, as some are prone to slippery, it may turn dangerous during winter months. Hence, it must be checked.
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