All About Ceramic Tiles

Many homeowners and do it yourselfers have heard the term porcelain tile. This refers to tiles which are made from special “porcelain” clays and have been fired at very high temperatures. This process vitrifies the tile which makes it very hard, like glass. This also makes the tile dense, forms a strong solid structure and a hard surface which doesn’t absorb water (classified as impervious), doesn’t stain, and isn’t affected by wear and tear over time.

There are two main types of porcelain tile. Glazed porcelain and through-bodied porcelain. Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and then a glaze is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile. It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong bodied tile. Many tile manufacturers are switching their production to porcelain bodied tile because for a slightly higher cost, they can produce a superior grade tile - glazed porcelain tiles.

Through-bodied porcelain does not have a glaze. The clay is pressed and then fired. It may have texture and color applied to the surface before firing but it is still the porcelain material from top to bottom. The result is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic. There is no glaze that can wear off. If the tile chips, the same or similar color is underneath.

Because of the high cost of manufacturing this type of tile, only a very small percentage of the tiles you might see in a tile store are true through bodied porcelain tiles.

Most often this type of porcelain tile is installed by commercial users who have a need for the strength and durability of through bodied material.

Porcelain tiles typically have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Ceramic tiles have water absorption greater than 0.5%. Because porcelain tiles have a low water absorption, they are usually frost resistant – although, not always. To know if a tile is frost resistant, you should check the manufacturer’s literature and product specs. Porcelain tiles tend to cost more but are well worth the extra cost.

Understanding the terms shade and caliber
Ceramic Tile is a natural material with a natural composition which becomes resistant when fired at very high temperatures. This process, however, can cause slight differences in the shades of color of a tile between one batch and the next. Therefore, tiles are grouped before packaging according to their “dye lots” or shade and their caliber. The “dye lot” (or shade of that batch of material) is then indicated on the label of every box.

This is why when placing your order for tile, it is very important to order enough tile to not only complete the jo ut also to have extra for any repairs that may need to occur sometime down the line. Five to ten percent extra tile on most orders should be sufficient.

Grading of Tile
PEI ratings PEI rates are more applicable for floor tiles and are ratings that measure the abrasive resistance of the tile’s glaze on a scale of 0-5. This test is only for glazed tiles and does not apply to unglazed porcelain tile or other unglazed types of tile.

Class 1 (PEI 1): Recommended for wall use
May be used both on interior walls or bath floors without direct access to outdoor elements. 

Recommended for tiles that are suitable for residential bathrooms with light barefoot foot traffic. Some wall tiles may be used on the floor.

Class 2 (PEI 2): Light Residential Use
May be used where abrasive foot traffic is minimal – such as bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and sunrooms. Tiles can be used in residential areas, but not areas with high foot traffic such as kitchens, hallways etc.

Class 3 (PEI 3): All Residential floors
For floors subject to normal foot traffic and usage (including kitchens, outdoor entryways and hallways). These tiles can be recommended for all residential installations with normal foot traffic.

Class 4 (PEI 4): All Residential floors and light-medium Commercial floors with moderate traffic Suitable for light to medium commercial applications. Will withstand light to moderate foot traffic in many commercial areas (commercial kitchens, hotel rooms, small offices, etc).

Class 5 (PEI 5): All Residential and busy Commercial
Ideally suited for all residential and heavy traffic commercial areas under normal foot traffic conditions (shopping centers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and industrial applications). For very high traffic areas, consider an unglazed through-body color porcelain.

Marble tiles are the most spectacular flooring media on the market. In popularity, they beat even the highest grades of granite hands down. They are most commonly used in formal master bathrooms, both on the floors and walls, but have a variety of applications.

However, there are certain precautions that must be taken before using them. First of all, be sure that you understand the basics of marble – what kind of maintenance is required, the grades available, the going rates attached to each, and the drawbacks of the material.

Yes, there are drawbacks to using marble tiles. Apart from the fact that they require far more careful cleaning other tiles, natural marble tiles (unless they are of the pristine white variety) usually cannot be laid out in a visually seamless manner. This is because most natural marble has subtle veining and color variations that will, under most circumstances, not permit a perfect visual match.

It must be borne in mind that marble tiles are usually the ‘leftovers’ from the cutting of larger slabs, since the largest possible sizes are given preference in the cutting and grading processes. This being so, finding a set of visually and texturally compatible tiles large enough for one’s purpose can be quite a chore.

For this reason, care must be taken on two counts – first, buy marble only form an authorized and reputed dealer. Second, employ the services of an experienced installer, since the only time that reasonable consistency can be ensured is at the installation stage.

The installer will also ensure that there is no future warping of the marbled surface by embedding it in a consistent mortar bed. Colored marble tiles such as the green and black kinds have a tendency to wrap or ‘curl’ when they are exposed to too much water. An experienced installer will anticipate this and take appropriate precautions.

If you are prepared to maintain and install your marble tiles properly, you will enjoy the benefits of this fine and beautiful material.

Wood Flooring provides detailed information about wood flooring, laminate wood flooring, hard wood flooring, engineered wood flooring and more. Wood Flooring is the sister site of How To Clean Marble

It may look strange at the beginning, that is because White Mosaic Bathroom Wall Tiles redecoration is based on similar looking natural stones glued onto a 12" x 12" mesh back. One thing is sure: most of these tiles are originated from one part of the world - that is the exotic Indonesian islands.

We can easily find various decorative applications: Kitchen, walls, bathrooms & showers, flooring, counter tops, patio floors, swimming pools & fireplaces.

What are the main benefits?

Let’s quickly examine what is in it for us:

• Impervious to water and other liquids.
• Durable to most common home detergents.
• Provides natural and luxurious look and feel to any coated surface.

Practical tips to go!

• Test the sealers on a small area first to ensure it is giving you the result you want.
• If this is the first time you install these tiles, it is recommended to learn from other’s experience - there are plenty of forums and demonstrational videos on the internet where you can find useful information about first time installation.
• Measure the designated area first, and then add 5%-7% more to your order just as a backup for future use and in case you may need to repair or cut small tile pieces in order to tile small/narrow spaces.

We could list many other important great benefits provided by this enjoyable home improvement technique simply because you quickly discover the wide variety and opportunities provided by these natural panels.

Granite is in for countertops as more people go with green home designs. However granite tile counter tops for the kitchen or bathroom have been making a splash in the home as well. Offering the same good looks home owners are increasingly choosing to use granite tile. One reason is the comparatively lower cost when compared to choosing granite slabs. Since granite is a natural stone this has added to its appeal.

Many find having their kitchen or bathroom created from natural materials in a time when the man made materials appear to dominate an added benefit. Synthetic and artificial materials which had gained in popularity a few decades ago because of their cheap cost and newness are slowly declining as choice as homeowners come to realize the aesthetic value in natural materials, such as granite, and their inherent beauty and uniqueness. Granite floor tiles for bathroom and kitchen

With granite tiles for your counter top material you will receive the same rich and elegant look in your room that is offered by a slab of granite at a fraction of the cost. Best of all granite tiles can be laid out to look just like a solid piece of granite.

Simply put granite tiles are basically stone polished and cut to shape; their beauty comes from natural processes which have been going on for millions of years. Granite is one of the hardest natural materials that we have, this quality makes it ideal for kitchens and even bathrooms. It has the inherent qualities to withstand the high traffic and daily abuse of a kitchen or bathroom. Its ability to endure and continue to look good makes this tile countertop choice a sensible one also.

The sturdiness and durability of a granite counter material or work top is a large part of its appeal, the only thing that will scratch granite are granite itself or diamonds. The desirability of a surface that resists scratching and will retain its color and look of newness for a life time is one which it is difficult to resist.

For instance, if you remove a hot pot or pan from the stove and set it on a granite tile countertop it has no effect because granite is impervious to heat. It does not burn the surface like a formica or butcher block counter will. With each surface coming from a piece of granite rock that is entirely unique you will also find a subtle element of variety with which laminate and other surfaces cannot possibly compete. In reality granite tile countertops are almost indestructible, but they are more than functional polished surfaces they are a mirror of nature we might look into and reflect.

You can have granite tile professionally installed or if you have ever laid ceramic tile yourself you can install a granite tile countertop and save. The steps are basically the same and not too complicated. Just make sure you use the correct adhesive for granite. It is a fairly simple do-it-yourself project if you have any knowledge of laying tiles and plan your project.

With so many different counter top choices available you have your work cut out for you in finding what fits your design needs. When it comes to durabilty, beauty and elegance granite really distinguishes it self. For cost savings and realizing all the benefits of granite in your home you can’t go wrong when you consider a granite tile countertop or bathroom countertop.

In the world of tile one of the latest entrants for new homes and renovations, is Limestone natural stone tile.

Limestone is a beautiful stone, generally available in light browns, beiges and yellow shades.

Limestone tile is usually provided with a matt finish, which makes it safer to walk on if there

is any liquid spilled. Limestone tile is installed using the same methods as one would use for any other natural stone such as granite or marble and the joints in between tiles should be filled with a grout. To avoid the possibility of permanent staining the limestone tiles should be sealed with a high quality, penetrating, sealer.

Limestone comes in a variety of square and rectangular sizes and is usually 3/16 to a ¼ of an inch thick. Limestone is cut using a wet saw with a diamond impregnated blade. It cuts fast and has a relatively smooth cut line which can be easily filed to a very smooth finish.

As with any natural stone, color matching can be a challenge and it is important that you purchase some extra tiles to ensure that the limestone tile was all cut from the same slab of material. The rule of thumb, if you are using a square grid pattern, is a minimum of 10% more than the calculated square footage of the area to be covered. If you are installing a diamond pattern the recommendation is 20% more than the calculated square footage of the area to be covered.

With all the good points about the product, there of course, has to be a negative. Limestone should not be used in kitchens or bathrooms. In many areas, building codes, do not allow the use of limestone in restaurant kitchens. Limestone is a very porous stone that cannot be easily sealed hence, the pores within the stone become a haven for bacteria growth. Not what a home owner wants for his family, or guests in a kitchen or bathroom.

For foyers, dining rooms and hallways limestone stone wall tiles provides elegance and richness and blends in nicely with almost any choice of décor.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Glass tiles are perfect for your kitchen especially if you’re thinking of having a contemporary or modern look. These provide a very clean and sleek look that will surely bring in lots of light into the area. Glass tiles are durable as well and are not very hard to maintain aside from what most people would think. Here are some design tips when using glass tiles.

There are different types of glass tiles and colors can vary from transparent to colored opaque.

These acquire colors through mixed pigments in molten glass during manufacturing. The color and shade permeate within the tiles’ body. During the firing method, a layer of pigment is fused to the tiles’ surface. As a result, colors of them are permanent and well-protected against moisture. Color is generally uniform among batches of glass tiles. Clear glass tiles do not use any pigments and are simply molten then fired.

Glass tiles have many advantages. It is moisture-proof which makes it very useful and sturdy in the kitchen. It works best and is most commonly used in walls where it allows light to enter the area without heat.

It is very aesthetic as well considering the variety of colors so people usually create mosaics which serve as a centerpiece of the kitchen. It is good both indoors and outdoors and with its non-permeable quality, endures moisture, heat, fire and ultraviolet rays. By installing glass  wall tiles, other surrounding structures are protected against instant temperature changes.

Smalti is a type of glass tile made up of melted silica with sodium. Some metals and metal oxides are used to stabilize the material before it is fired and hand-cut. Fused glass tiles are usually translucent in nature with a visible opaque layer. Sintered ones usually come in 1 to 3 square feet measurement. It is manufactured by pressing glass powder then heating to fuse particles.

Terrazzo glass tiles involve a cast method using glass and concrete amalgam. Cast tiles have a layered appearance created by putting glass chunks into a mold. Slumped glass has a contoured or curved appearance.

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What are slate bathroom wall tiles? Do they come in one design? What colors do they come in?

These are some of the common questions you might think about when you think about these bathroom wall tiles.

What are slate bathroom wall tiles?

They are ‘natural stone tiles’. These are a more sophisticated tile that you would notice in many classy homes. They give a ‘rich and exuberant look’ to their bathrooms.

Do they come in one design?

Bathroom slate wall tiles do not come in one design they come in 7,000 different designs. They are very uniquely designed along with color and structure variations. It depends on you to choose one of the several designs that best suits your bathroom.

What colors do they come in?

Slate tiles come in various colors as; Tianbao dark color, Tainbao light color, Deoli Gold, Mahu

multi color, Kund muti color, Silver green, Silver shine, Natural slate, Ardosia preta-grafite etc.

The list for the colors is non-ending; the above colors are to give you a start to understand different colors available.

Uses of slate tiles

They are usually recommended for their Aesthetic value, slip resistance and high durability.

Aesthetic value:

Aesthetic value of these bathroom ceramic wall tiles offer design and great variety of natural colors.

Each slate bathroom wall tile is unique from the other and hence can make your bathroom look so different and natural. The designs give a very sophisticated and kingly look to the bathroom.

Slip resistance:

Slip resistance of the slate tiles could be preserved if the application of the finish is exact.

Saying that there is no doubt that the slip resistance quality of these wall tiles is different because of their rocky surface and unevenness throughout.

High Durability:

High durability of slate tile lies in enduring the capacity of extreme hard wear. Sealers used for them give designs and different patterns to the bathroom. Homeowners definitely choose slate tiles due to their durability and uniqueness of structure within the tiles.

Some of the drawbacks of these tiles:

If the tiles are not sealed sufficiently then there is danger of fading easily. It is important that slate tiles are used in places where they are not exposed to large amount of water. Sealers can be regularly used to maintain the durability of the tiles.

In conclusion, nonetheless, even with this drawback bathroom slate wall tiles create uniqueness and sophisticated look and so you can definitely take a risk with all the precautions if they are what you desire.

You can learn more about bathroom tile designs, and get much more information, articles and resources about bathroom tiles by visiting Bathroom Tile Designs.

The wet rooms of your home kitchen and bathroom, are also one of the main selling factors when people come to look around your home with a view to buying it. This fact is more relevant today than ever with the falling house prices that we are all faced with.

Any advantage that you can get over the other homes that are being sold that are similar to yours is needed to help with a speedy sale with a good price. Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen if done well has also been shown to be one very good way to give your home more value.

Besides putting in new cupboards or fittings it is necessary to give the walls a makeover as well. With these areas being prone to condensation and water related problems it makes good sense to use a water proof wall covering, not just paint or paper. One of the popular choices for such rooms is using wall tiles. Using wall tiles can have a dramatic effect on the overall appearance of the room and if chosen well will give the room a luxurious feel.

There are so many choices available to prospective buyer that it can be really hard to decide which ones to go for. There are a number of materials used in the manufacture of wall tiles nowadays such as ceramic, porcelain and glass. The most common materials due to there manufacturing costs are porcelain and ceramics these are available in a huge array of designs, colors, patterns and textures. This is why it can be very hard to choose which tile to use in the particular room.

There are other option available other than the man made wall tiles there are the natural products that are available these are things like slate, stone and marble and give a room a feel of nature and the great outdoors. There are a number of made made ceramic tiles that have been designed to look like the more natural products, but some how they just don’t look and feel the same with depth of color and feeling of warmth. Although the natural type of wall tiles are a little more costly but you could potentially get the cost back from using them in the value that they would add to your home.

Marble in particular is a great finish for your walls due to it’s overall appearance and the effect it can have on the area. With it’s wide array of patterns and colours the possibilities are endless. The reason for the visual aspects of marble are due to how it is formed. Starting out as limestone which is as you know is a soft material it undergoes a chemical change which make it harder while still remaining flexible to a point.

Looking for bathroom tiles? Check out complete guide to bathroom tiles.

Resource: Are Marble Tiles Better Than Ceramic Tiles?
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