What is Ceramic Tile? Types, Advantages, and Common Uses
| Catagory : BLOG
Selecting the right tiles for your home can often feel overwhelming due to the vast variety available. However, homeowners' ceramic tiles are popular for their durability and timeless appeal. Whether upgrading your kitchen or refreshing your bathroom, ceramic tiles align effortlessly with a range of design preferences.
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Here, we discuss all you want to know about ceramic tiles. From the material and its types to the ways they can uplift different spaces. We will also discuss high-end options from Simpolo Tiles and Bathware that will add a whole new level of design to your interiors.
What is Ceramic Tile?
If you are wondering what is Ceramic Tiles then you must know they are made of clay, moulded, and kilned at an extremely high temperature. The result is a hardy, long-lasting tile that wears very well. Whether glazed for their most popular glossy finish or left unglazed for the soft, neutral look of the clay, ceramic tiles offer the flexibility to work in almost any room within a home. They resist stains and water and wear well, making them particularly well-suited to high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Types of Ceramic Tiles
There are three basic categories: glazed, unglazed, and porcelain ceramic tiles.
- Glazed ceramic tiles are glazed with a layer of liquid glass that is applied to the surface of the tile and baked in an oven. This process creates a wide range of colours and designs, offering a variety of options. Cleaning them is quite easy and stain-resistant, making them a good fit for kitchen and bathroom installation.
- Unglazed ceramic tiles show the clay's natural colours and hence provide a speckly, slightly rough appearance. They are also often slip-resistant, making them important in entryways, outdoor patios, or other floors where you need some grip.
- Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic that is made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, making them very strong and less porous. They're great for high-traffic areas indoors and outdoors because they're durable and come in styles that mimic natural stone or wood.
Advantages of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles bring a long list of benefits to the table, and it’s easy to see why they’re a favourite of many homeowners. Let’s check out the advantages below:
- Durability: Ceramic tiles are extremely durable and sturdy, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and daily spills.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance, regular sweeping and occasional mopping are sufficient, making them ideal for busy households.
- Dirt Resistance: Ceramic tiles are resistant to dirt, making them a practical choice for homes with kids or pets.
- Cost-Effectiveness: They offer a luxurious appearance at a more affordable price compared to hardwood or stone.
- Practicality and Style: The combination of these benefits makes ceramic tiles both practical and stylish for any home.
Ceramic vs. Vitrified Tiles Differences
How do ceramic tiles compare to vitrified tiles? Vitrification is an added process given to the layers so that they can become denser and much more resistant to water or stains. In comparison, ceramic tiles have natural beauty and affordability, they cannot beat vitrified tiles when it comes to durability. If you're working with a high-moisture area, then vitrified tiles are probably the way to go since they take water exposure pretty well.
Simpolo Tiles and Bathware's vitrified collection, like the Spectra and Ottimo series, showcases just how stunning and hard-wearing these tiles can be. Spectra tiles, for instance, blend elegance with industrial-strength durability, making them perfect for areas that see a lot of action. Meanwhile, the Ricco 2.0 series captures an understated luxury with a modern flair, ideal for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their space.
Feature | Ceramic Tiles | Vitrified Tiles |
Composition | Made from natural clay, sand, and water | Made from a mixture of silica, quartz, and feldspar |
Manufacturing Process | Fired at a lower temperature compared to vitrified tiles | Fired at a very high temperature to vitrify |
Absorption Rate | The higher absorption rate makes them less dense | Very low absorption rate, denser and less porous |
Durability | Durable but more prone to wear and cracking | Extremely durable and resistant to wear |
Installation | Easier to cut and install, may require sealing | Harder to cut, usually pre-sealed |
AestheticVariability | A wide range of colours and, textures, glazes can be applied | Usually have a consistent colour and texture throughout |
Cost | Generally less expensive | More expensive due to the manufacturing process |
Maintenance | Requires sealing to prevent stains | Low maintenance, easier to clean |
Usage | Ideal for walls and low to moderate-traffic floors | Suitable for high-traffic areas like commercial spaces |
Why Incorporate Simpolo Tiles and Bathware in Your Decor?
Simpolo Tiles and Bathware’s range of ceramic and vitrified tiles provides endless possibilities for both style and functionality. The EL 701 series, for instance, brings rustic charm with a contemporary twist, while the EL 905 is all about sleek, modern elegance. The EL 808_EL 809 neutral tones are perfect for creating a calming atmosphere if you're after a minimalist look. For a splash of luxury, the EL 731 series offers refined designs that pair well with sophisticated decor.
Whether you’re reimagining your living room or creating a spa-like bathroom, Simpolo Tiles and Bathware ensures your design looks polished and stands up to daily wear.
Conclusion
Ceramic tiles are more than a practical choice; they are the possibility of adding beauty and longevity to your space. Whether you go for the classical ceramic or ultra-durable vitrified, each type finds its rightful place in your home, offering a whole range of advantages, from aesthetic appeal to long-term durability. Innovations like Simpolo Tiles and Bathware iM+ will not only make your tiles look good but truly shine through with regard to standards of hygiene and resilience.
Explore the vast Simpolo Tiles and Bathware collections to find that perfect piece for every room in your home, aiming at the best balance of style and function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the main benefit of ceramic tiles over vitrified tiles?
Ceramic tiles cost less and, at the same time, can be found in many different designs; therefore, they can be applied in most places indoors.
Are ceramic tiles used outdoors?
Yes, in particular, unglazed ceramic tiles: these improve slip resistance, but do check that they are rated for outdoor exposure.
How do I maintain ceramic tiles?
Regular sweeping and mopping with mild detergent keep ceramic tiles looking their best. They’re low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Are ceramic tiles environmentally friendly?
Yes, ceramic tiles are made from natural materials and can be recycled, which makes them an eco-friendly flooring option.
What types of finishes can I get with ceramic tiles?
Ceramic tiles come in high gloss, matte, and textured finishes, giving you plenty of choices to match your decor.
Is the strength of ceramic tiles the same as that of vitrified tiles?
Although both of them are strong, the strength and density of vitrified tiles make them more moisture-resistant than ceramic tiles. Thus, ceramic tiles are ideal for areas with heavy traffic or wet areas.
What areas should never be used by ceramic tiles?
Glossy ceramic tiles tend to be slippery and wet, so avoid using them in places like bathrooms without taking other anti-slip measures.