The Holy Grail of flooring materials should be fashionable, inexpensive, and low maintenance, right? It sounds too good to be true, yet you want something that will look fantastic year after year with very little effort. Porcelain and ceramic floor tiles can be used for that. These floor tiles not only come in a huge selection of shapes, sizes, hues, and patterns, but they also provide adaptable choices that suit almost any budget.

You'll be astounded to see how well this surface treatment accentuates just about any design aesthetic when you enter a home with tile floors! Regardless of whether your environment is contemporary, traditional, modern, or minimalist,

Discover some inspiration as we go through the fundamentals, such as the advantages of ceramic and porcelain flooring, the best and most efficient locations to utilize them, why it's a popular option for flooring, and how to take care of it.

What are ceramic tiles?

It's useful to comprehend the steps involved in making ceramic before you get into buying your tiles. In this manner, you may assess its performance characteristics and be certain that you're making an informed decision right away.

Clay, other natural materials like feldspar, and other ingredients are combined to create ceramic tile, which is then ground into an extremely fine powder. The mixture is then created and fashioned into tiles when water is added to help the materials stick together. The shaped product is now referred to as "green tile."

To give the body its tensile strength, it is heated to an incredibly high temperature and fired in a kiln. The item is then dried to get rid of any remaining moisture, primed, painted, and sealed before being fired in a kiln at about 2500°F.

Ceramic Tiles: Glazed vs. Unglazed

The top layer of ceramic tiles is fused with glaze, liquid glass, or enamel during the firing process, creating a non-porous, impermeable surface that is stain resistant and simple to clean. Glazed ceramic floor tiles, which come in matte and glossy textures, are best suited for moist, humid sections of the house like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.

Ceramic tile skips the coating step and goes straight to the firing kiln if it is left unglazed. Unglazed tiles offer a drab, more porous appearance with a natural earth tone. After installation, we advise using a clear sealer to stain and weatherproof unglazed tile.

What distinguishes ceramic from porcelain tiles?

Ceramic and porcelain both start with clay that is burnt to form a solid, long-lasting substance. Throughout human history, handcrafted clay tiles have been a mainstay of building; yet, as craftsmen improved their methods and technology developed, porcelain tiles were created.

Ceramic and porcelain materials are both comprised of clay, however porcelain is a denser mixture. Because of their makeup, they are less porous and can be burnt at greater temperatures, creating a non-porous material that is incredibly strong. Due to the technique, porcelain is ideally suited for outdoor tiles in locations with great temperature variations, such as cold or intense heat, or even high traffic flooring in commercial settings.

While porcelain is the chameleon of building materials, ceramic tile typically has a vivid glaze or an artistic finish. With none of its flaws, it can be completed with marble, wood grain, concrete, or other surfaces.

Porcelain and ceramic floor tiles have advantages.

Flooring tiles made of ceramic or porcelain are a fantastic option for a durable surface that offers tremendous adaptability and usability. Continue reading to see why these useful materials still play a big part in the design industry.

Hard and durable
The hard-fired surface of this classic yet extremely contemporary material makes maintenance incredibly straightforward. Ceramic tiles are quite resilient due to their strength and finish, making them perfect for busy homes and even businesses. When installed and maintained properly, their outstanding performance provides peace of mind for the next 20 years or longer, no matter what life throws at them.

Pristine and sanitary
The non-porous surface stops dust, filth, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens from gathering in the house. These floor tiles are a great option for people who are concerned about allergies because they are simple to clean and can lower airborne allergens.

These tiles provide a clean and hygienic floor since they are fully constructed of inorganic and inert materials that inhibit the formation of mold, mildew, and germs. Even better, you can wipe them clean with water instead of using harsh chemicals to clean them!

A variety of styles
Ceramic tiles are a popular flooring option for a variety of reasons, not only because they are durable and simple to maintain. Beyond the "plain white squares," things have become more exciting as a result of recent developments in HD Inkjet printing. These tiles expertly imitate the most popular wood and stone looks, and innovative pattern designs are breaking new ground with a wide range of colors and textures to ideally match any style of decoration.

Environmentally responsible building materials
The durability of porcelain and ceramic flooring makes it a fantastic alternative for anyone who appreciates eco-friendly products, since we are becoming more and more aware of the need of sustainable building and materials around us. Compared to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and plastic-based flooring materials, clay tiles have a healthy benefit that is simple to live with every day thanks to naturally occurring minerals and clays.

Simple to keep and clean
The ease and low care required to maintain ceramic tile is one of the factors contributing to its popularity as a flooring option. Your porcelain floor tiles can be simply cleaned with a short sweep or some water-only cleaning because stains and debris collect on the surface. If the grout lines become dirtier than you would like, using a grout cleaner that has been carefully made on occasion will help keep them looking good.

Resistant to stains and water
Water and spills are no match for this dense and impenetrable material because to the additional protective layer that glaze provides. Ceramic tiles will meet any humidity issues and last significantly longer in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens, even with the application of a sealer every four years.

Resistant to scratches
Due to tile's inherent scratch resistance, you won't have to worry about your floor being damaged by your daily wear and tear of high heels, energetic children and dogs, or any other tough challenges.

The Ideal Locations for Ceramic Floor Tile Installation

Porcelain and ceramic floors can be laid in countless ways throughout the house to create a look tailored to your personal tastes, thanks to a broader selection of designs to impress all styles and budgets. There is a tile floor for every interior and exterior project, whether you want a timeless, neutral appearance or fancy something daring and exciting.

In the bathroom
There is a lot to be said about the benefits of ceramic tile for bathrooms: whether you have a traditional or modern area, this hardy, hygienic, and simple-to-clean material is prepared to make a bold statement under your feet.
Non-slip floor tiles are one of the most versatile design components you can use to decorate your bathroom. They come in a variety of designs, from spotless, bright white tiles to fashionable natural stone looks.

For an eclectic yet well-coordinated aesthetic, use a boldly colored geometric floor tile to create a stunning finish and combine it with a rather straightforward wall tile. Consider a neutral hue like white, beige, or gray and combine it with a bold pattern choice in your shower to maintain it stylish but current. To maintain a unified, modern impression, choose an equally neutral wall tile.

In the kitchen
Since the kitchen is a gathering place for everyone, you want tile flooring that is both lovely and useful. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are a practical flooring option for a cluttered room, whether you are creating a new kitchen or remodeling an old one. Additionally, it's simple to design an environment that flawlessly matches your individual taste thanks to the wide variety of styles, colors, and patterns. Use our assortment of backsplash tiles to add some fun to your kitchen design!

Inside the hallway
Tiles are a fantastic choice for corridors because they offer several advantages similar to those of installing them in the bathroom and kitchen. Ceramic floor tiles can withstand the most foot traffic without experiencing much wear and tear because they are the focal point of the house.

Even more, its classic beauty establishes a truly solid anchor and instantly exudes style the moment you enter. Modern printing methods provide a plethora of authentic colors and aesthetically arresting patterns, allowing you to express your creativity with a special finish for your hallway floors.

In the bedroom
Ceramic tiles in the bedroom may seem like an unusual choice for the appearance and ambiance of sleeping quarters, but they may add a lovely depth and complexity. Tile floors are a great way to update the appearance of the bedroom because they come in a variety of colors and finishes.

To get a cohesive finish, you should ideally choose tiles that reflect the style of the room's wall color and furnishings. Consider incorporating natural textures with ceramic floor tiles that mimic wood for a cozy, distinctive design statement.

In the living room
You want functional flooring that expresses your taste while requiring the least amount of care or repairs when it comes to living room tile ideas. Stone has unique beauty, but it may be expensive and requires more upkeep than non-porous flooring materials.

Outdoors
Ceramic floor tiles with a PEI grade, which indicates appropriate strength, are a suitable finish for outdoor installation when properly cared for and maintained. With little work and maintenance, they provide statement style to patios, decks, lanais, courtyards, and any other outdoor entertaining area. Bold and striking colors are a fun and stand-out way to add personality, while earthy tones will blend beautifully with the surrounding vegetation.

What we particularly appreciate about ceramic floor tiles is how well and conveniently they combine with various other materials and furniture to create a fashionable and cohesive aesthetic.

Porcelain and ceramic floor tile cleaning and maintenance

All ceramic floor tiles actually require to maintain their finest appearance is dust mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment a few times a week. Glazed flooring is relatively simple to maintain even when used in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens because to the protective top layer that renders them impermeable to moisture. When liquids and stains condense on the surface, they can be removed with just water, a light detergent, or a mop without risking damage to the fabric.

To keep its surface free of liquids and stains, grout lines should be regularly cleaned and sealed. Additionally, most grout on all kinds of tiles darkens with time as a result of moisture, stains, and grime. Cleaning grout lines with a low VOC or commercially prepared cleanser and sealing it frequently for protection will help prevent dirty-looking grout lines.

Although ceramic and porcelain floors are incredibly durable, they can be easily replaced if they sustain a serious impact or show signs of obvious cracking during installation. It's important to remember that, depending on how well it's maintained, a good installation with no hidden problems can last for hundreds of years or more.