TILE
Durable, time tested, and low maintenance.
Tile is beautiful and has so much to offer: durability, ease-of-maintenance, and timeless beauty—an ideal choice for residential and commercial buildings alike.
It presents almost endless design possibilities and is available in numerous shapes, colors, patterns, and glazes. The process by which tiles are manufactured results in two basic types: glazed and unglazed tile. The addition of glaze to a tile presents the opportunity for a variety of colors and patterns. Unglazed tiles are limited in appearance to the natural colors of clay.
GENERAL INFO
Ceramic tiles are made from clay that is heated to very high temperatures in a kiln. This process of “firing” the clay hardens it, creating a material that is useful for all kinds of applications. After tile is fired within a kiln, a coating, or glaze similar to glass can be applied to the tile’s surface, at which point the tile is fired in the kiln again. Because of slight differences in the final product, there are differences in the way that glazed and unglazed tiles are used and installed.
Porcelain tiles are a specific kind of ceramic tile, made from a specific kind of clay. Whereas most ceramic tiles are made from red or white clay, porcelain tiles are made from a light-colored clay with a slightly different chemical composition. Porcelain clay, when fired at high temperatures, creates a tile that is more durable and more moisture-resistant than other ceramic tiles.
INSTALLATION
Ceramic tiles can be installed almost anywhere. They can be used both indoors and out and are appropriate for installations at, above or below grade (ground-level). They are frequent choices for kitchens and baths because they are durable and moisture-resistant. Generally speaking, tile flooring has to be adhered to a subfloor with a tile adhesive or mortar. Once it has been secured, the joints between tiles need to be sealed with grout to fill in the space and create a uniform, secure flooring surface.
If installed properly and maintained, ceramic tiles can last many, many years. There are slight differences in the durability of different kinds of tile. Glazed tiles will wear more easily than unglazed tiles and porcelain tiles will last longer than other ceramic tiles.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Ceramic tile floors are incredibly easy to maintain. You should sweep or vacuum regularly and mop them according to manufacturer recommendations. Grout should also be cleaned periodically, though some build-up and fading in color is inevitable.
FAQ’s
Hypoallergenic
A perfect choice for those who suffer from allergies, tile is not host to mold, germs, dust mites, or bacteria.
Durable
Impact resistant, and difficult to abuse or scratch compared to other coverings, a tiled surface will not need replacing anytime soon. There is no need for cutting boards or pot holders to protect tile countertops from damage. Properly installed, tile can last a lifetime.
Green
Tile is a choice you can feel good about. Ceramic and porcelain tile do not emit VOCs and are created with naturally occurring clay and minerals that are heated to high temperatures.
Low Maintenance
There is no need for harsh detergents, powders, or chemical cleaners. Tile does not require repetitive sealing either. An installation of tile will mean simple maintenance for the lifetime of the application.
Beautiful
With so many color, texture, and shape options, tile makes it easy for you to unleash your creativity in any room, inside or out. Versatility is truly the cornerstone of tile.