Beautiful, versatile and durable - ceramic tiles are a flooring option that never goes out of style. Ceramic tiles have been used for centuries to create intricate patterned floors and walls, and they continue to be a popular choice. They're resistant to moisture and staining, come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and can be arranged in nearly limitless designs to create unique treatments for bathrooms, kitchens, patios and just about any other room in your house.
Ceramic tiles are made of natural clay that has been fired to harden it. The thicker the tile, and the longer the firing period, the stronger the finished tile. Floor tiles are typically thicker and fired for longer periods than tiles meant for walls and countertops, making them as hard as most stone, and virtually unbreakable. Just how durable are ceramic tiles? Archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered nearly undamaged intricate mosaic floors. If ceramic tile floors could survive the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, they should be able to handle anything your family can dish out!
There are several different finishes that are commonly applied to ceramic tiles. Colored glazes are the most common. The glaze and its firing make the tile waterproof. It can also, however, make tiles dangerously slippery when wet. To combat that in floor tiles - especially in bathrooms or around pools - there are non-slip finishes available. You can also choose unglazed ceramic tiles, which will be more porous and less resistant to moisture damage and staining. If you do, you can coat them with a penetrating sealant to make them easier to clean.
When choosing a ceramic tile pattern or design for your floors, take into account the room and its usual traffic. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes, from tiny mosaic tiles that are as small as 1/4" to 12" squares. Consider the size of your room when deciding on the pattern and size of your tiles. Generally, large scale patterns will overpower a small area like a hallway or foyer while small patterns can look too 'busy' in a large room. Mosaic tiles are a popular choice for bathroom floors, where their small size and the number of grout lines can make them less slippery. Larger tiles are suitable for use in a kitchen, or on a patio.
Because ceramic tiles are available in so many sizes and shapes, it's possible to create unique patterns. You can mix and match sizes, colors and shapes to add a border around a room, or create a 'central' area defined by a square of diamond or hexagonal tiles. A monotone pattern in different shapes can be elegantly timeless. The same pattern in contrasting colors can bring in a contemporary, modern feel to your decor.
The glazing process used can create colors that have an amazing depth and richness, or a more 'flat' opaque color. Italian ceramics are particularly well-known for the vibrant quality of their colors. Deep marine blues, garnet and brick reds, rich forest greens - any of those can create a stunning background for more neutral colors in furnishings.
Whatever colors, styles and shapes you choose, you can be sure of one thing - a ceramic tile floor will last a lifetime!