What You Need to Know About Ceramic Tile

Almost since the beginning of time, ceramic tile has been used as a decorative element in the construction of buildings. Their intriguing shapes, colors and designs add charm and durability to the home. Ceramic tiles are a mixture of clays, shaped and fired at temperatures up to 2200 degrees. The resulting product is glazed and decorated or may remain unglazed.

Since ceramic tile is man-made, the selection of colors, styles and sizes available are boundless. Some of the more popular ceramic tiles are made to emulate natural stone and are intentionally designed to display color variations.

As the composition of glaze varies, different styles of tile will exhibit different gloss levels and surface textures. This is important to note when choosing flooring. For example, in areas that are used while wet, such as a shower or bathroom floor, they should have low water absorption and good slip resistance.

No subfloors are perfectly level. You may hear hollow sounds where your subfloor's surface dips and ridges. This does not effect the integrity or installation of the tile. Hollow sounds are normal and are not considered a product or installation defect.

While ceramic tile is very durable, it is not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force. Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Use walk-off mats to minimize dirt being tracked in by entryways.

Grout color varies from sample to sample, and may vary at installation since it is mixed onsite. Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain caulked areas with heavy water use to prevent damage. Grout may darken over time in areas with heavy water use. Check with your Design Consultant for recommendations on products specifically designed to keep your tile and grout looking new.