When it comes to decoration, ceramic tiles are among the most versatile materials available. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean, waterproof, thermally resistant and aesthetically versatile, making them perfect for environments of differing humidity and temperature such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Types Available:
In basic, there are three types of tiles available: ceramic, glazed and porcelain. Ceramic tiles are simply tiles of hard-baked clay. The term "ceramic tile" is often used as the generic name for all types of tile. However, the composition of true ceramic is very different from that of the other types. True ceramic is primarily a mixture of clay, various minerals and water. This composition is porous, so true ceramic will rarely be used untreated for water intensive installations.
Glazed tiles are simply ceramic tiles with a glazed design layer. Glazed tiles cope well under physical stress, especially scratching, whilst promoting an easy-to-clean environment. This is perfect for open plan areas under high levels of human traffic, such as fast food restaurants, railway underground, kitchens and bathrooms.
Whilst more expensive than ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are even more durable. A common sales pitch is that if chipped, porcelain tiles have the same composition throughout, meaning a chip would be far less noticeable. From a maintenance point of view this is a desirable property. Even so, porcelain tiles may incorporate a glazed surface as a ceramic tile does, so care should be taken in selecting if added expense is to be incurred for this reason alone.
As with any building material there are advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain is a denser material, making it stronger than its ceramic counterpart, but this hardness makes porcelain tiles more challenging to install. Porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting and shaping, which the average DIY enthusiast would not typically own.
Shapes & Sizes:
Tiles come in many shapes and sizes, but for bathroom flooring it is sensible to use the larger twelve-inch by twelve-inch tiles. With water intensive environments, the fewer places that water can collect the better. Smaller tiles would mean more grouting and more joints, typically lower than the tile surface height.
Safety:
As attractive, hygienic and durable as they are, tiles are slippery when wet. It may prove a good idea to purchase a slip proof mat or a raised floor grid to reduce the risk of slips and falls when entering and exiting the bath or shower etc.
