Everything you need to know about ceramic tiles

These days, you’ll be hard pressed to find an interior without ceramic tiles. This material is highly sought after, and for good reason. It’s moisture-resistant, quite sturdy, resistant to mechanical damage, and also very attractive. Tiles come in countless designs and surfaces that go well with any room’s design. Ceramic tiles find the widest use in bathrooms, but they are also popular in kitchens, hallways, and other rooms. Read this article to learn everything you need to know about tiles, including their properties, types, and unique features.

What are tiles?

Ceramic tile is a popular finishing material made from white or red clay with various additives. It may include such components as sand, feldspar, carbonates, and dyes. These ingredients are combined to form a mixture that is then ground, compacted, glazed for a striking look, and eventually kiln-fired.

Wear resistance of glazed ceramic floor tiles

Depending on the glaze’s resistance to mechanical damage, it is assigned one of the five PEI ratings:

• PEI 1 is ideal for low-traffic areas with minimal abrasive load, such as bathrooms or washrooms.
• PEI 2 is suitable for light-traffic areas where people typically walk barefoot or in soft-soled shoes, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
• PEI 3 is appropriate for areas with more substantial foot traffic, including those where outdoor shoes are worn, such as in offices, hotels, and residential block hallways.
• PEI 4 best fits areas with medium to high traffic, such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls.
• PEI 5, with the highest wear resistance, is suitable for very high-traffic public areas.

When selecting tiles, you should consider these categories to find the best fit for your particular space.

Types of ceramic tiles available on the market

Ceramic tiles are classified into several types, depending on the raw materials and production process.

1. Monocottura is a pressed glazed tile that undergoes a single kiln-firing process. It’s quite strong and hard, suitable for both walls and floors.
2. Bicottura tiles are kiln-fired twice. These tiles are moisture-resistant and durable, working well for residential space walls.
3. Cotto is one of the oldest types of finishing materials. This unglazed red clay tile is kiln-fired once and is quite porous, therefore not being very resistant to moisture. It’s primarily used as flooring in retro-styled interiors.
4. Majolica undergoes two firing stages: initially at a low temperature without glaze, and then at a higher one after designs are applied. It is adorned with various patterns, giving it a striking appearance. Majolica is used for walls and murals.
5. Clinker is made from soft shale clay with very little additives. Its characteristic properties include low moisture absorption, high thickness, and durability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
6. Monoporosa is a ceramic wall tile produced with a single firing stage. Made from white clay, it has high moisture absorption and porosity rates, so it’s best used in dry, heated environments.
7. Red clay tiles are sturdy, moisture-resistant, and affordable, available in various decorative glazes.

Pros and cons

Ceramic tiles have numerous advantages:

• they are eco-friendly, made from natural components;
• they are resistant to high temperatures and non-flammable;
• some types have low moisture absorption and handle water exposure well;
• high thermal conductivity makes them suitable for underfloor heating solutions;
• extremely versatile, they can be used on various surfaces and look appropriate and attractive in all kinds of rooms;
• resistant to household chemicals, they are easy to maintain and clean;
• they are available in a wide range of colors and surface types, allowing for a perfect match with any interior.

However, they also have some disadvantages, such as:

• they are quite brittle and prone to cracking and chipping if not properly handled or poorly installed;
• they require professional installation work.

Tile thickness

Thickness is a crucial factor to consider when selecting ceramic finishing products. It typically ranges from 3 to 10 mm, although outliers also exist. Wall tiles are generally thinner, between 4 and 9 mm, while floor tiles are 8 mm or thicker. When selecting ceramic tiles, consider their type and the conditions they’ll be used in.

Surface types

Ceramic tiles come in an array of surface types.

1. Matte. These tiles are rarely glazed, retaining a matte finish that doesn’t reflect light. They are the least slippery and durable enough to be used in high-humidity rooms.
2. Glossy. These are glazed tiles covered in shiny, smooth enamel that reflects light readily. Using them can visually expand the space, making it appear brighter and more spacious. However, they can get very slippery when wet.

Styles

Ceramic tiles are versatile enough for any interior style, be it classic, trendy, country, Provence, Modern, avant-garde, eclectic, or anything else. The easily blend into any room. Current hits include tiles that mimic textures like fabric, natural stone, and marble. 3D tiles with unique textures and intriguing light and shadow play on surfaces are also popular.

Shape and dimensions

Tiles are typically square or rectangular, though other shapes are also available. Their sizes, however, vary greatly, ranging from 15×15 to large formats like 80×160.

Conclusion

Ceramic tile is a practical, stylish finishing material suitable for both residential and commercial settings. Superb technical properties and a vast array of textures and surface types make tiles easy to seamlessly integrate into any room’s design.

For more information on ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, visit the Italon blog, with plenty of useful and interesting information on these materials, as well as design ideas.