The Basics of Ceramic Tile Ceramic tile is basically just a sheet of clay that has been harden with heat and then finished with glaze. The thickness of a ceramic tile will determine how much weight and traffic the tile will be able to handle without breaking. Because of this, wall tiles will be thinner than floor tiles.

In order to install ceramic tile you will need the proper tools and materials to work with. Ceramic tile is not easy to cut, so you will need a special saw to cut tiles to fit around corners and to fit tiles into a grid. You will also need the proper backing material, cement is preferable, the proper adhesive and the proper grout. Because tile work is so labor intensive and requires tiling expertise, it is a good idea to hire a contractor to complete large tiling projects for you, especially if you have a tight completion schedule.

Types of Ceramic Tile There are several different types of ceramic tiles that you will want to familiarize yourself with before you hit the home improvement stores. The first type is a pre-grouted ceramic tile. These tiles come pre-assembled in sheets. To install pre-grouted ceramic tiles all you have to do is to prepare the floor or wall, apply an adhesive and place the tile grouping. Depending on the manufacturer's recommendation you may also need to grout the tiles once installed. This type of ceramic tile is used frequently in bathrooms and swimming pools.

The second type of ceramic tile is the quarry tile. This type of tile is best suited for high traffic areas of a home. They are a thick and water-resistant ceramic tile that stands up against kids, pets, furniture and heavy foot traffic. These tiles not only work well indoors, but they also work well outdoors and in transition zones.

Ceramic Tile Size In addition to considering the thickness of your ceramic tiles, you will also want to consider the height and width of the tile. The size of the tile that you use needs to fit the scale of the room. For example, because bathrooms are smaller, they tend to use smaller tiles. However, large entry ways will generally need larger tile sizes to keep the look of the area in balance.

Ceramic Tile Designs Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of designs. You can select from basic white, basic colors, hand painted designs or photo impressions. The design and color of your ceramic tiles need to compliment the decor of your room. Also, because ceramic flooring lasts a long time, you will want to keep the tiles neutral so that they will complement just about any changes you make to your interior design.

Ceramic Wall Tiles In addition to using ceramic tiles on the floor, you can also use ceramic tiles on your countertops and walls. Wall tiles and countertop tiles come in a great variety of sizes, shapes, colors and designs. For flat surfaces you can select from traditional square tiles, mosaic tiles or rectangular tiles. For edging and transitions from horizontal surfaces to vertical surfaces you can use edgier tiles that create a rounded transition between the two dimensions of your tile project. Pre-grouted tiles are a great option for both countertop and backsplash tiling projects, especially if you don't have a lot of experience laying tile.

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