How To Beautify A Home With Ceramic Tile

By Mattie Knight


The key to success in any home build or renovation is selecting the right construction materials. You have a nearly endless variety of choices, but you must choose the right material for the job. Local San Francisco, CA suppliers offer a wide variety of options if you want to use ceramic tile for floors or countertops in your bathrooms and kitchen.

The raw materials used to make these tiles are minerals, clay, and water. The manufacturing process involves mixing these materials and exposing each tile to extremely high temperatures. Some tiles are glazed, meaning they are reheated after applying a liquid glass to the surface. The result is a scratch and stain resistant material that is extremely durable.

This type of tile offers an attractive finish that is less expensive than natural stone such as granite or marble. It works well in hallways, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. This material is lighter than stone, so it may be used in second floor rooms without worrying if there is ample support. If you have a pet or small children, ceramic is a good option because it is easy to maintain.

Choosing the right grout and proper installation are necessary to avoid any problems caused by moisture and humidity. Unlike the tile itself, grout is porous and can absorb liquids easily. Some liquids can cause grout discoloration if left to sit. Using smaller tiles with thinner grout lines between them can prevent the growth of mildew or mold.

When you buy materials for your project, you should always purchase more tiles than you actually need. This will come in handy in the future if you ever need to replace cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. You can easily replace a single tile saving the expense of installing a new floor. Some tile manufactures can make matching tiles, but the process is expensive.

These tiles will contract and expand with changes in pressure and temperature. Installing the grout properly will prevent these fluctuations from damaging the tiles. Using a water resistant adhesive, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, will ensure the tiles stay firmly in place.

Ceramic is resistant to staining and high heat. This makes it a good material for kitchen countertops as long as you do not mind having an uneven surface. To protect the grout from stains, use a grout made with epoxy or acrylic. Use a light touch when cleaning as being overly aggressive can damage a high-gloss finish.

Some floor tiles have a slip resistant coating. Waxy cleansers and oily detergents can cause this coating to deteriorate. To keep the coating intact, check the manufacturer's specifications for the best cleaning solution to use. Keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure the tiles do not become dangerously slippery due to built-up dirt, detergents, and grease.

You cannot go wrong with tiles made of ceramic for creative interior design to match any size budget. There are endless ways to mix colors and styles to add personality to any room in the house. With proper installation your renovation or new construction project will endure for years to come.




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