What can you expect from ceramic & porcelain tile?

Ceramic tile is manufactured from clay materials that are quarried, prepared, and then formed into a mold. Common forming methods for ceramic tile include dry press, extruded, and slush mold. The dry press forming method involves a mixture of dry material being pressed into a mold under extreme pressure. Extruded ceramic tile is formed when a mixture of slightly wet material is extruded into a mold. Slush mold is a forming method in which a mixture of very wet material is poured into a mold and then hardened in a kiln at an extremely high temperature. Porcelain vs. Non-Porcelain Ceramic tile can best be characterized as either porcelain or non-porcelain. Traditional ceramic tile is non-porcelain and is made from white, red, and/or brown clay and other minerals. Porcelain ceramic tile is made from clay and minerals as well, but it also contains 50% of a white dust or sand called feldspar. Feldspar is a type of crystal found in rock that acts as a “flux” during the kiln-drying process, melting into a glass-like material and bonding all of the molded ingredients together. Minor modifications to the ingredients of ceramic tile or the kiln-drying process (i.e., to the temperature and type of kiln) create enormous variety in the appearance and characteristics of manufactured ceramic tile flooring products. Porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic tile can be either unglazed or glazed. Glazed tile has a matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish applied to the surface during the manufacturing process. In the past, glazed tile was kiln-fired twice, once to harden the tile mold and a second time to harden the glaze. Today, in addition to double-fired ceramic tiles, an automated single-fired manufacturing process called Monocuttura hardens a glazed mold in one step. Glazed tiles have increased stain resistance, scratch resistance, and traction, as well as decreased water absorption, in comparison to an unglazed tile. Non-porcelain, ceramic tile is among the most economical types of tile flooring. Porcelain ceramic flooring is more expensive than non-porcelain and can be harder to work with. However, it offers greater durability, natural stain resistance, minimal water absorption, and through-bodied color. Many types of tile are manufactured in a similar fashion to ceramic tile, but they are less common. These include brick, cement, glass, encaustic, saltillo, and terra cotta tile. The varying materials and manufacturing processes create distinctive product characteristics.

The durability you get in these materials is perfect for commercial applications and you can bring that same kind of protection into your home. Expect fewer scratches, stains, chips, and cracks while taking advantage of an easy to care for materials. You’ll appreciate the fact that, in most cases, only a broom and mop are needed to keep these floors looking their best. For added protection, consider a few carefully placed area rugs to trap and catch dirt and debris. Ceramic tile comes in many different colors, patterns, textures, and sizes, allowing you to easily customize the look of your home without spending a fortune. You can keep the look simple with neutrals that match any type of décor, or go for a deeper, darker color for a more modern look. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to talk with a flooring professional, as well, about the necessity of professional installation with tile floors. It assures the materials will be put in with care and you only pay for what gets used on your floors. Porcelain and ceramic tile floors are an excellent alternative to hardwood and carpet flooring. Tiles have the cool beauty and surface feel of natural stone, and they’re durable, easily maintained and less costly than stone. Tile flooring has a polished, smooth-finished grandeur that resonates color depth and captures the intricate design details of veins and pores seen in natural stones. Tile ideas are endless for the bathroom, kitchen flooring, or any indoor or outdoor area where the decor of the room is highlighted by flooring and window treatments. Versatility for any style Ceramic tile is a great flooring option if you are looking for something that is very durable, easy to clean and resistant to stains. It is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, laundry rooms or even your higher traffic living areas. Ceramic is moisture-resistant, so it won't get ruined when it gets wet. It is very easy to maintain and can easily last for many years in your home. Ceramic options for you Ceramic tile comes in many different colors, patterns, textures, and sizes, allowing you to easily customize the look of your home without spending a fortune. You can keep the look simple with neutrals that match any type of décor, or go for a deeper, darker color for a more modern look. The possibilities are endless.