Choosing Porcelain & Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are made of inorganic materials, but they have some of the properties of metal in their chemical, mechanical and thermal strength, which makes them useful in many areas of the home. Their varying styles also make them a beautiful addition to any space.
Use tile options to bring your personal style to life
Tile comes in a range of materials, such as glass, porcelain and stone, and even pebbles. At the same time, beautiful glazes can bring out the natural body of tile that can match any design scheme. Glazed tiles are decorated with natural and artificial colors, and can include color variation or uniform color depending on your design needs. The metallic lustre of glazed ceramics can be a very special type of decoration that reflects and scatters light.
You may want to start with your surface area and what you think will fit the space in the best way. Rectangular like subway tile are popular for bathrooms, while faux bois flooring will suit a kitchen, hall, or sunroom. Square tiles are a fantastic addition to an entranceway or to a backsplash in the kitchen. Interlocking tile looks fabulous on decks or in kitchens. Mosaic tile can provide a dramatic pattern that can either be used as an accent or as a full wall or floor.
Match your tiles to your space needs, simply and easily
Design is a consideration that many homeowners think about first. Do you want a smooth surface under your feet, or would a textured or patterned tile best suit the space?
Tiles can have different finishes which make them glossy or matte. Consider how you will use the room. Rougher textures can serve a purpose in a bathroom, where a smoother tile may be too slippery for someone emerging from the shower or bath.
Tiles can often be either three-dimensional or flat as well. A pattern is sometimes engraved in outline on the surface of the tile, or a design can be carved in relief pressed into the tile. These tiles are often painted to place an emphasis on the textured appearance of the design.
Transfer printing allows a tile to be design with the imprint of a copper plate, leaving color only in the engraved parts. Modern geometric designs are also aligned over several tiles which can be joined together or switched to create patterns.
Stephanie Mancuso
Renting a house with flooring that looks like the last photo. It is dark brown and deeply textured. It looks awful with wiped up lighter paint that wasn’t completely removed and don’t know what else. Brush scrubbing with multiple cleaners doesn’t work. The landlord said ” it will probably come off the market because you can’t clean it”. He said it was porcelain, don’t know that for sure or who manufactured it.
I sure hope you or someone has a solution for this problem! I’m sure it cost plenty and it really looks dirty.
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Stephanie,
If you can, send me some pics to my email at aimeezeiner@builddirect.com so I can see what you’re dealing with.
Here is a link to how to treat what I think may be you’re flooring.
//www.builddirect.com/pdf/ceramic-porcelain/care-maintenance/CeramicPorcelainTile-Care-Maintenance.pdf
I hope I can help too!!
Regards,
Aimee
Gina Cheeks
Can I install tri angle porcelain tile in a home with high cathedral ceilings
Valerie Etchison
I would like a seamless look to my porcelain wood look tile to make it look more like a natural wood floor installment, could I choose the color grout I want to get this look?