Ceramic tile flooring is a type of floor covering made from ceramics e.g. earthenware and porcelain. They are made from clay which are shaped and dried then fired in a kiln at very hot temperatures. Ceramic tiles are commonly used as floor and wall covering in showers and toilets due to their ability to resist stains, odors, allergens or bacteria. They are also used in countertops as well as roofing materials. Modern ceramic manufacturing technology has created a variety of colors, sizes, styles, shapes and textures of ceramic tiles that give unlimited design possibilities to a room.
Types of Ceramic Tiles
Glazed Tiles
Glazed tiles are coated with liquid glass and baked into the surface of the tile. The glaze allows various designs to be introduced in the tile as well as protect it from stain. The glaze gives the tile a stain, textured or gloss finish.
Unglazed Tiles
Unglazed tiles have a matte finish and look like natural clay or stone.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made from a highly refined white clay baked at extremely high temperatures for a longer period of time than ordinary ceramic tiles.
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are low-density natural clay tiles typically made in Mexico or Europe. The clay is baked at a lower temperature than ordinary ceramic. They are naturally reddish brown in color. Each tile is subtly unique, giving a handcrafted and rustic character look to the floors.
Installation of Ceramic Tiles
Installation of ceramic tile flooring starts with the preparation of the substrate or tile foundation. The substrate should be free from dirt, moisture and oil that can interfere with the adhesion of the ceramic tiles. The surface of the substrate should also be level in order to provide a strong support base for the tiles and prevent chipping or cracking when weight is applied. For areas exposed to moisture such as kitchens, bathrooms and exteriors, waterproofing should be applied prior to laying of tiles. Tiles are directly adhered on a backerboard or CBU (cement backer unit) which is nailed to a plywood or concrete substrate using a thin layer of mortar. Once all the tiles have been set in place, they are left to fully cure for 12 to 24 hours, after which, tile grout is applied and left to dry for another 12 hours.
Disclaimer; This wiki article is contributed by our members without formal peer review and should not be taken as legal or contractual advice. All information read here is without any implied warranty of fitness for any purpose or use whatsoever. Even articles that have been vetted by informal review may later have been edited inappropriately, just before you view them.