18.11.15

How To Beautify A Home With Ceramic Tile

By Mattie Knight


The key to success in any home build or renovation is selecting the right construction materials. You have a nearly endless variety of choices, but you must choose the right material for the job. Local San Francisco, CA suppliers offer a wide variety of options if you want to use ceramic tile for floors or countertops in your bathrooms and kitchen.

Clay, water, and various minerals are mixed together to produce ceramic. The material must be fired at very high temperatures to make it suitable for use in construction. Glazed tiles are exposed to heat a second time after application of a liquid glass material. Glazing produces a durable surface that resists stains and scratches.

Ceramic is an easy material to maintain, making it a good option for households with pets and small children. It is less expensive than marble, granite, and other natural stone materials. It is also lightweight enough to use on a second story. Weight is often an issue in older buildings. Kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, entryways, and other high traffic areas are good places to use ceramic floor tiles.

Choosing the right grout and proper installation are necessary to avoid any problems caused by moisture and humidity. Unlike the tile itself, grout is porous and can absorb liquids easily. Some liquids can cause grout discoloration if left to sit. Using smaller tiles with thinner grout lines between them can prevent the growth of mildew or mold.

You should always buy more material than you need for your current project. This allows you to replace any single tile that breaks, chips, or cracks and saves you the expensive of replacing the whole floor. You can order custom-made tiles to match, but they are expensive.

You must use water resistant adhesive if you installing these tiles in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. This keeps the tiles firmly in place even if they get wet. The material expands and contracts with air pressure and temperature changes. By installing the grout properly, you can avoid damage to individual tiles caused by contraction and expansion of the material

Ceramic is resistant to staining and high heat. This makes it a good material for kitchen countertops as long as you do not mind having an uneven surface. To protect the grout from stains, use a grout made with epoxy or acrylic. Use a light touch when cleaning as being overly aggressive can damage a high-gloss finish.

Use a cleaning agent that matches the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important if your floor tiles are treated to resist slipping. Detergents containing oil or cleansers made with wax can cause deterioration of the non-slip coating. Failing to maintain ceramic regularly will cause a build-up of debris and grease, which makes them slippery.

These tiles offer nearly endless ways to enhance any interior design. They are more affordable than other types of tile and come in a vast array of designs, colors, and styles. You can opt for solid colors for a conservative look or mix multiple colors to come up with creative designs that are unique.




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