About Ceramic Tile
You've always admired the colorful, intricate tile work of Mediterranean-style houses in your favorite design magazines. But did you ever imagine you could have that beautiful tile in your own home? Ceramic tiles have been around for centuries, withstanding decade after decade of wear, weather, and everything else that’s crossed its path. If ceramic tile flooring can hold up to all that, you can bet it can handle your active family.
And don't think you're limited to the kitchen or bathroom when it comes to tile. Ceramic tiles are actually a common go-to for indoor/outdoor spaces since they can withstand the heat!
Appearance
Adding ceramic tiles to your home doesn't mean you're tied to boring neutrals. Ceramic tile options have come a long way since the pastel squares of the '60s and '70s. Now you can find printed and embossed ceramic tile, wood look ceramic tile that mimics natural hardwood, and even ceramic tile of various shapes to create beautifully patterned mosaics. Now, you can easily complement whatever design style your heart desires.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
Looking to simplify your family's daily routine with a flooring option that's easier to maintain? That's one benefit of ceramic tile flooring. Other advantages include:
- Lifespan as they can last for decades and decades if you take good care of them
- Better indoor air quality with easy-to-clean ceramic tiles
- Impervious to drastic temperature changes
- Easy to replace if a tile is chipped or cracked
But what if you’re looking to install ceramic in your bathroom? Are there any downsides of bathroom floor tiles made of ceramic? There may be a couple to consider, like:
- Can feel cold and hard underfoot, but this can also feel refreshing in hotter climates and seasons
- Tricky, time-consuming installation, but hopefully you're only doing it one time over the course of several decades
- Best installed in spots that don't receive a lot of moisture
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile
Now that you've got an idea about the pros and cons of ceramic tile, how does it compare to porcelain? They're similar in a lot of ways, like where and how they're installed. The main distinction is what they're composed of.
- Ceramic tiles consist of a malleable clay mixture that's dried and fired in a kiln. You'll often find them glazed to protect them from scratches and fading.
- Porcelain tiles are made of a finer clay mixture, resulting in denser tiles that are entirely waterproof after the kiln-firing process.
Durability
You've got an open-door policy with friends and family, which means it can feel like Grand Central Station some days. Your new flooring selection needs to weather the traffic without a problem, and ceramic tile can do just that. Ceramic floors are strong enough to resist stains, scratches, and most damage. And if a tile does chip, you can replace one or two without having to re-tile the entire area.
How to Maintain Ceramic Tile
Ceramic floor tiles are fairly low effort to maintain once they’re underfoot. Regularly sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. If you make a mess in the kitchen after cooking, simply wipe the tiles with a mop or sponge. You always want to follow the cleaning guidance provided by the manufacturer for your specific ceramic floor tiles.
Lifespan and Installation
As you decide on your next flooring investment, longevity matters to you. You don't want replacing ceramic tile to be a task on your to-do list a few years after installation. The good news is that ceramic tile is a long-lasting option that can withstand several decades of wear if cared for correctly.
One of the keys to a long life for ceramic tile flooring is proper installation. Though the process may seem straightforward, don't be fooled into thinking you can crank it out as a quick weekend project. There are a number of ways you can accidentally mess it up, and you don't want to inadvertently void your warranty.
Instead, rely on your local Flooring America experts who will ensure your ceramic tile is installed the right way —and quickly, so you can begin living on your new floors in no time.
Ceramic Tile FAQs
- How long does ceramic tile last? Ceramic tile can last many decades if you take good care of it! To get the most from your new ceramic floor tiles, ensure they’re installed properly and maintained according to the manufacturer's guidance.
- Is ceramic tile slippery? It's true that ceramic tiles can feel slippery underfoot because of their smooth surface. If you're looking to install bathroom floor tiles or tile in other moisture-prone areas of your home, look for a tile product's slip resistance rating.
- Is ceramic tile waterproof? Yes, ceramic tile is absolutely waterproof! The area you have to pay attention to is the grout surrounding the tiles. Those seams need to be well sealed and maintained for true water resistance.
- Are ceramic tiles good for flooring? Yes, and for several reasons! Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, hold up to your family's constant foot traffic, and are available in a wide range of styles and colors, making it easy to find a design that fits your aesthetic.
