Are you seeking flooring that is possible to be utilized in multiple rooms of the house, such as the living room, the kitchen, and the bathroom?
Ceramic tile is a beautiful flooring option, but it has several pros and cons that you should learn before putting it down in your home’s flooring.
Additionally, determining if ceramic tiles are the ideal choice for the new floors is dependent on your own style preferences and financial constraints.
Let’s take a look at ceramic tiles in detail to learn if they are a wonderful alternative for your home’s flooring.
About Ceramic Tile Flooring
Clay is used to make ceramic tile, which is a durable tile used for flooring. The material is then kiln-fired, making it a long-lasting and sturdy product.
Colour, size, and shape options for ceramic tiles abound. Homeowners and business owners alike can benefit from their utilization.
Ceramic tile, porcelain tile, and non-porcelain tile are all terms used to describe the same thing. Compared to non-porcelain tiles, porcelain tiles are stronger and denser than their counterparts.
A wide range of ceramic tile designs is possible depending on the manufacturing technique. Marble, granite, and slate are just a few of the quarry stone kinds that can be used as tile.
Tile comes in a plethora of variants and colors, enabling anyone to find the floor that fits their style. Ceramic tiles are less expensive, however, they do not last as long as natural stone tiles.
Making Of Ceramic Tile
During the prehistoric age, pottery was crafted from clay using basic methods. There are several examples of this, including earthenware pottery, which is baked in a kiln at lower temperatures than 2,300 degrees needed to make tiles today.
A variety of printing and embossing options are available to ceramic makers because of modern manufacturing techniques.
There are a variety of ways to incorporate solid tiles into patterns or unique designs. In addition, it can be printed to resemble a variety of hardwoods and natural stones.
Rectangles, planks, and several other shapes can be cut out of the tiles themselves. Ceramic tiles may differ in the materials they are made of, the finishes they have, and the uses for which they are put, but they are all made using the same basic process.
Here’s a look at the manufacturing process of the ceramic tile.
Mining
A mine is a place where used for raw materials extraction. Minerals and clay make up the majority of the basic ingredients.
Mixing & Blending
A semi-fine powder is formed by blending and mixing the clay and mineral mixture. To create a mud-like consistency, water is added to the slurry. A big drier is subsequently used to dry the slurry. This produces clay powder that resembles fine sand.
Pressing
The tile begins to take shape at this point. The clay is pressed into the required shape by the manufacturer. Extrusion can also be used to replace the pressing process here.
The tile is not pressed; rather, the clay is forced through a mold to form the required size and shape. Once the tiles have been pressed or extruded, part of the moisture is removed by drying them.
Glazing
Tiles that require a glaze can avoid this step and proceed directly to the kiln, while those that do not must go through it.
Ceramic tiles can be coated with colorful dyes and glazes by either pouring the liquid directly on the surface or spraying it with a high-pressure nozzle.
Firing
A kiln heated to roughly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit is used to bake the prepared ceramic tiles.
Ceramic Tiles Flooring Pros & Cons – Pros (Advantages)
Ceramic tile flooring is popular because of its long life, natural beauty, and low care requirements. This type of flooring, however, is not without its drawbacks.
Concerns about weight and maintenance, along with an uncomfortable underfoot sensation, are among them.
Water Resistance
In addition to their beautiful appearance, ceramic tiles also have the advantage of being very water-resistant. This is ideal for locations with high moisture or the potential for liquid spills, allowing you to rest easy knowing that your floors are protected.
Protective coating on the textile makes it stain and water-resistant. A ceramic tile is a good option for both bathrooms and kitchens due to its durability.
Saltillo tile, for example, is unglazed and must be sealed to preserve the floor from any fluids or liquids it may come into contact with.
Because grout lines are vulnerable to moisture, they must be properly sealed. If water seeps into the lines, it can damage the installation and expose it to the danger of mold.
In the long run, this could lead to costly issues.
Durable
Ceramic floors are extremely durable and can last for years, making them perfect for use in high-traffic areas. It is very resistant to dust, grime, and other allergens because of its durable surface construction.
Ceramic tile is resistant to microbiological growth because of its hard, glazed surface. There are no bacteria lurking on your floor that could cause illness.
Because of its high abrasion resistance and hardness, ceramics are often used in high-traffic areas. Ceramic flooring with extremely high PEI ratings is generally recommended for commercial spaces that see a lot of foot traffic.
Affordable
If you are looking for one of the most cost-effective options for flooring ceramic flooring is your pick. There is a wide range of pricing points, so you can find something to suit your tastes and your budget.
A typical square foot of tile will cost between $5 and $10 per tile. Wooden flooring is the more expensive yet tile is the most cost-effective.
Ceramic tiles range in price from $0.50 each square foot for low-end options to $15 per square foot for high-end options.
Make sure to account for all additional costs for installation including personnel, tools, and materials when finalizing your budget.
This is due to the fact that if you look at the better-looking tiles and skilled installation, tile flooring might cost more than premium hardwood flooring.
Aesthetics
Aside from its beauty, ceramic tile is popular as well for its aesthetics. A quick and easy approach to improve the look of your home is by putting in this kind of floor covering.
Advanced printing and embossing techniques are used by today’s ceramic tile makers to create intricate designs on the floor tiles.
Ceramic floor patterns can replicate a variety of natural stone or hardwood floor patterns. Options for ceramic tiles that replicate travertine or wood planks abound; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Non-Toxic
As long as you use a non-toxic grout, you can have allergy-friendly flooring installed. Ceramic tiles, like other hard and solid surface flooring, do not attract dirt, pollen, dust, or any of the other myriad allergens that disrupt the life of so many American citizens.
Asthma sufferers can breathe easier knowing that the air they breathe is devoid of irritants.
Low Maintenance
Ceramic is one of the simpler natural stone flooring options to clean and maintain. Because of the ceramic surface’s sturdiness, dust, filth, and liquid stains are less likely to penetrate the flooring.
Using a bucket with a wet mop, you can quickly remove any surface filth from your ceramic tiles. A vacuum cleaner is another option for removing dirt and debris from the surface.
Perfect For High Traffic Areas
Ceramic tiles’ ability to withstand high levels of foot traffic is one of their many advantages. As a result, you won’t have to worry about wearing them out or hearing creaking noises when you walk on them on a daily basis.
Keep in mind, however, that the quality will endure more abuse than more expensive tile. Compared to porcelain or stone tiles, ceramic is more resistant to cracking because of its high-temperature firing.
Quality tile flooring should last at least 20 years if properly maintained, which might add value to your home.
Wide Variety
Many different colors, textures, and styles are available for ceramic tiles. Patterns can be constructed utilizing a wide range of adjustable tile sizes.
There are a variety of natural stones and hardwoods that can be mimicked by printing on them. They may be used with just about any color scheme or theme you can think of.
With the evolution of digital printing technology, we can now print on ceramic tiles anything that we want.
Resistant To Allergen
Ceramic tiles have less porosity than other building materials because of their hard, solid surface. As a result, they are more immune to the bacteria and allergens that might harm the health of those who live in the residence where they are kept.
They are an excellent alternative for families with children who suffer from asthma and other allergic reactions because they are so easy to identify and remove.
Ceramic tiles are an excellent solution for folks who want to keep their home free of allergies and unpleasant things in the air.
Ceramic Tiles Flooring Pros & Cons – Cons (Disadvantages)
Ceramic tiling has numerous benefits, but it also has certain negatives to consider:
Cold
Ceramic tiles’ hard, solid surface is not intended to retain heat well. As a result, during the winter, they are at risk of experiencing extreme cold.
In the morning, your feet will feel a “shock” every time they step on a surface that has been installed around your home, such as in your bedroom.
Consider this if you want to use these tiles in a public place where people will be standing for lengthy periods of time.
When it’s sweltering outside, stepping on the chilly floor will be a welcome relief. With area rugs, you’ll be able to cover the floor in places where people frequently stand.
Maintenance
Despite the fact that ceramic tiles are simple to clean and maintain, there are still a few concerns that arise with time.
Mold and mildew may begin to form at the seams where the ceramic floor meets various structural surfaces because of water penetration. As a result, caulk should be used to seal these transitional seams.
The grout lines are another maintenance issue. The ceramic tile itself is splashproof, but the grout is not and needs to be coated in order to prevent staining.
As a result, water damage, discoloration, and mold/mildew growth can occur when grout lines of ceramic are not properly sealed.
Slippery When Wet
Ceramic floor tiles can become dangerously slippery when wet. This is another downside. If you have children or the elderly in your house, this could be a danger.
Tiles that are wet or covered in ice are extremely dangerous to step on since they can cause individuals to slip and fall.
If you’re placing these floors in a high-traffic location, you’ll want to do all in your power to keep people safe. Install them in areas where any liquid is frequently spilled on the floor, which can lead to injury.
Installation
Ceramic tile installation is time-consuming and challenging. Amateurs can do it, but it’s more difficult to do it yourself with tile than it is with vinyl or laminate.
When installing floor tiles, the first step is to lay down a coat of cement board on top of the wood subfloor. A cementitious thin-set adhesive is used to secure the tiles to the backer board, and grout is used to fill in the gaps between tiles.
Homeowners who want to install their own tile should avoid natural clay, polished stone tile, or Saltillo tile, all of which are better left to the professionals, as they are difficult to install.
Depending on the weight of the ceramic tile, the floor structure needs to be rigid and sturdy to avoid cracking.
As a result, tile may not be the best option for certain installations, such as those on upper floors or floors with poor structural integrity.
Can I Use Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile, similar to natural stone tile, is an excellent choice for flooring because of its attractive appearance and long-lasting nature.
Ceramic tiles can be created to seem like actual stone surfaces, although they aren’t nearly as expensive as natural stone surfaces.
Ceramic flooring, on the other hand, is an excellent value for the money. Because of their rarity, natural stone flooring such as marble and granite command a higher price tag than their ceramic counterparts.
Natural stones, on the other hand, are subject to color and texture variations since they are stiffed by natural processes. Comparatively speaking, kiln-dried ceramic tiles are man-made.
Color, pattern, and texture variation are less likely to occur as a result. For maximum moisture and stain resistance, most ceramic tile manufacturers use glazed surfaces on their tiles.
Natural stone surfaces, on the other hand, are more susceptible to water and liquid stains than ceramic. Wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms benefit greatly from ceramic tile flooring because of this.
