Diverse in its decorative qualities, vast in its uses, and a lot more cost-efficient than stone, ceramic tile tops the list for bath and kitchen surfaces---and also foyers and mud rooms. Creatively speaking, it's an all-around winner. Virtually any color, any decorative design (considering you can paint and fire them yourself) can be had. Relief tiles, antique tiles and murals further its uses and its appeal. The term "ceramic" applies to any hard-bodied material made mainly of clay and fired at a high temperature. Though not technically ceramic, the cement-bodied tiles, like terra-cotta and saltillo, fall into the ceramic category.
The uses for ceramic tiles are many.
Ceramic
Today's ceramic tiles are made of refined clay, ground shale or gypsum and ingredients that reduce the shrinkage that would otherwise occur during firing. These materials are mixed with water to make what is called the bisque, which is then molded into whatever shape the tile is to become. To harden the bisque, the tiles are fired in temperatures of 900 to 2,500 degrees F. The higher the temperature, the denser the tile. Unglazed tiles are fired once, and are prone to stains; more decorative tiles are fired many times.
You'll find ceramic tiles in a diverse range of sizes, from 12- by 12-inch pavers to tiny mosaic tiles stuck to webbed backings. Because tiles are inflexible, you must apply them to a solid base or they will crack.
Glaze
With its super shine and bright array of color choices, glaze is a wonderful thing. Tiles may be glazed once or many times---some glazes are applied to the bisque before it has been fired; others are applied afterward. For texture---and slip-resistance---you can introduce additives into the glaze. Glazed tiles are super water-resistant, though their grout joints are not. It's best to both grout the joints and seal them.
Porcelain
The benefit of porcelain is its low porosity. Made with highly refined clay that is fired at an extremely high temperature, these tiles absorb very little, if any, water. For this reason, you may consider using them for indoor or outdoor uses. Many porcelain tiles mimic the look of stone.
Terra-Cotta
Suitable for dry areas, traditional terra-cotta is fired at a low temperature and therefore is not a true ceramic. It is believed that terra-cotta has been handmade since civilization began, and many consider the making of it a timeless art. Its weathered, slightly scratched look is rich with rustic charm. It's available in squares, triangles and other geometric shapes. Color choices include earth tones that range from red to wheat to gold to walnut. Some of the newer terra-cotta products available are fired at higher temperatures to produce more durable tiles that patina over time.
Saltillo
Known for its rustic Southwestern roots, saltillo tiles are handmade and dried rather than fired. Technically they are not ceramic tiles. However, they are used in many of the ways ceramic tiles are used. True saltillo tiles are handmade via a complex process that includes a careful selection of clay, the molding of the clay and the drying and baking of the tile. The result is a nonvitreous product with rough texture and natural imperfections that lend to its attractiveness. It's available in the expected shapes, plus octagons and hexagons.
Related posts
Ceramic tiled floorCeramic tile, due to its ability to conduct and retain heat, is an excellent choice for installation on a radiant-heated floor. It is wonderful to step out of bed on a cold fros...
Ceramic tile can add a distinctive touch to interior walls."Gypsum wallboard" is another term for drywall, which is the most common material used for interior walls today. If you're inst...
Ceramic tile floor tiles are an eco-smart, durable, easily maintained and beautiful flooring solution. Installed properly, quality ceramic tile will last a lifetime. Ceramic tile has been the floo...
Replacing old tile with new can be a do-it-yourself project.Putting ceramic tile around a bathtub is one of the easiest tile installation jobs a homeowner can tackle. The surface around the tub sh...
Choosing TileTo choose the right tile, consider the use and placement of the bathroom tile. If it is going to be on the floor, the main concern is its slickness. You should try and find tile that...
