Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tile is another choice when it comes to choosing for interior décor. Ceramic tiles are available ranging from one-quarter inch to a foot on a side. They are available in rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal and round in shape. Colours available in ceramic tiles run through the spectrum which includes tiles which look like wood planks but neutral colours are most popular for residential purpose.

Ceramic tiles are generally thin slabs which are used for surface floors and walls. They are made from clay compositions and other inorganic raw materials that are ground, slipped or moulded and subsequently dried and fried at adequate temperature to make them acquire the desired properties in a stable way.

Types of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are of two types that are glazed and unglazed. Unglazed tiles undergo a single firing while glazed have a vitreous coat applied between the first and second firing or before the firing.

Installation of ceramic tiles

To install ceramic tile you need to acquire some basic material like adhesive for tiles, a grout mix, measurement tape, pencil, level, saw to cut tiles, sponge, notched trowel, tile spacer, rubber float, and spacer.

• Firstly set the right lay out of your wall and measure the length and width of the wall, then locate and begin installation from the centre of the wall. To ensure whether the tile pattern fits properly on the edges, ‘dry fit’ the tile.
• Now draw few vertical and horizontal lines on the wall with the help of pencil and the size of the tile has to be same on reaching each end.
• Now apply the tile adhesive on the wall using notched trowel and fix the tiles on the adhesive but never forget to leave some space between the tiles which can be done using tile spacer. To attach the tiles firmly to the adhesive press and twist the tile on the adhesive.
• Trim the tile if required, and if the tiles are sharper at the end sandpaper could be used to smoothen them.
• Allow the tiles to dry for about 24 hours.
• Further check the tiles next day and remove the tile spacer.
• Now mix the grout and apply it at an approximately 45 degree angle using rubber float. The excess grout must be wiped off with a sponge.
• Remove the haze that appears on the grout after 60-70 minutes.
• Finally take the caulk and seal the edges.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

• Easy to maintain as they offer ease of maintenance.
• Tiles are adaptable to every application or design.
• Long lasting
• Gives a variety of installation choices
• Highly durable
• Easy to repair

Disadvantages of ceramic tiles

• Ceramic tile is brittle
• Any impact may cause it to crack
• These tiles are slippery if wet
• Expensive than others types of flooring