our process June 2, 2011 5:27 pm Published by

So you have sorted through the many flooring options and are leaning toward the purchase of ceramic tile. Great choice! Ceramic tile is a popular choice for today’s homes. It is durable, easy to clean and gives rooms an upscale look. Ceramic tile is available in a number of sizes, shapes, textures and colors, and can match almost any decorating style.

Ceramic flooring tile comes in a few different sizes ranging from 1 inch to 24 square inches. Most tiles are 12 inches or 18 inches; small 1-inch mosaic tiles that come in sheets are also common. Mosaic tiles can cover an entire floor or can be used with larger tiles to add visual interest. For less spacious rooms, stick to smaller ceramic floor tiles, such as 12-inch squares or smaller. Larger tiles may overpower the décor in the room. Consider using larger tiles for big rooms. The larger the square, the less busy the finished product will look.

Types of Ceramic Flooring Tile

  • Glazed tiles are available in high-gloss, matte, and abrasive slip-resistant finishes. High-gloss tiles will become slippery when wet, so they are probably not a good choice for flooring. Hand-painted glazed tiles come in beautiful and intricate patterns, but the glaze doesn’t go all the way through, so if it gets chipped, you’re going to see the color inside, which will give your tile a discordant look.
  • Mosaic tile is made from different types of clay with color pigments added so the color goes all the way through the tile. These tiles are available in glazed or unglazed finishes. They also resist moisture and will not chip as easily as other types of tiles.
  • Quarry tile is made from a mixture of unglazed clays. These tiles come in earth tones: gray, red and brown. The color comes from the clay as well as the temperature and duration of firing. These tiles are usually porous and may stain if left unsealed. Quarry tiles come in squares, rectangles and hexagons.
  • Porcelain tile is fired at extreme temperatures, making them stronger and harder than other ceramic tiles. They are extremely wear-resistant and absorb less water than other ceramic tiles, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of the home, especially those regularly exposed to moisture.

If you would like a free consultation with one of our design specialists, please call 913-596-0000 today!