What is a Ceramic Tile?

Thinking about to make a dream space, you might heard this term - "ceramic tile" and perhaps concerned about "what is a ceramic tile". Most homes have ceramic tile flooring, homes you have spent perhaps decades in, You could even be reading this blog while sitting in a space with ceramic tiles!

Ceramic tile is a thin slab, is made from a mixture of clays, dyes, and natural materials such as sand and water which are used for floors and walls. Yet we know very little about ceramic tiles. It’s time to familiarise yourself so that you can make good decisions for your home as ceramic tiles come in many forms.

Let’s start at the very beginning:

What are Ceramic Tiles Made of?

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, sand, quartz, water and various other high-quality raw materials. These materials are mixed in certain quantities depending on the type of ceramic wanted as a final result. The mixture is then hard-pressed and compressed, The methodology of compressing varies depending on the goal.

In ancient times, the compressed mixture (mainly comprising clay) would be put directly into a kiln to bake at around 1400 degrees Fahrenheit to produce a very pure form of ceramic. However, with advanced technology and the demand for high-quality, waterproof, durable, and versatile ceramic, the process has become much more complicated.

‘Advanced ceramics’ have emerged capable of producing medical equipment to lithium batteries. In context to ceramic tiles, the spaces between the tiles are called ‘grout.’ this is a mixture of sand, water and cement-like material. The cement can also be replaced with epoxy. The final step usually involves turning the mixture into ‘firing clay’.

What are Ceramic Tiles Used for?

Ceramic tiles are used for various things due to their irreplaceable properties. For example:

1. Floor Tiles
Ceramic tiles are used as floor tiles indoors because they are easy to maintain, and clean and are extremely durable therefore, they are the best choice in high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen.
2. Outdoor Tiles
Ceramic tile flooring is durable enough for outdoor use in areas such as patios, decks, lanais, and other enclosures or courtyards, provided it is treated and maintained appropriately.
3. Bathroom and Shower Stall
Ceramic tiles are waterproof which makes them the must-need for bathrooms and shower stalls in the form of floor, wall and countertop tiles. They are easy to clean, and maintain, and good looking and the ceramic tiles price is also reasonable. Open-concept bathrooms often have ceramic tiles with a marble look.
4. Kitchen
Ceramic tile flooring is non-absorbent and easy to clean, making it the perfect option for the kitchen. They are available in various designs and styles, allowing you to make your kitchen look designer and elegant.

What are The Characteristics of Ceramic Tiles?

As discussed earlier, ceramic tiles are affordable while having excellent characteristics. It is, therefore, a perfect option for most spaces.

1. Durable
They face no sort of deformation or discolouration over the years unlike other materials when subjected to heat, sunlight, water and humidity.
2. Scratch-resistant
Ceramic tiles aren’t ruined by scratches unlike natural wood or wooden flooring. Ceramic is a highly resistant material that can even resist scratches formed by beach sand. Their look is therefore unaffected by enacted abrasion most of the time. Suitable therefore for high-traffic areas like outdoors, living rooms and kitchens.
3. Fire-resistant
In case of a fire, when a flame comes in contact with a flammable surface, the fire can spread and even burn any toxic substance like plastics that the surface is composed of and cause the emission of noxious flames. Ceramics don’t contain plastics therefore, they cannot emit toxic fumes most importantly ceramics are fireproof and prevent the spread of fire. They cannot burn or melt with heat.
4. Recyclable
Ceramic tiles are also recyclable, becoming a popular option today as one can send their old tiles for recycling. New ceramic tiles can also be created from the ceramic waste created during the production process of ceramic tiles. Many types of ceramic contain recyclable components from the very beginning making it a perfectly sustainable product.
5. Hygienic
Ceramic tiles' characteristics make them easy to clean allowing you to utilise small quantities of disinfectant products to kill bacteria, large quantities of disinfectant itself can be hazardous. Additionally, ceramic tiles are unaltered by acidic contact, making them stable and hygienic. Today some advanced ceramic tiles have inherent bacteria-killing properties making them perfect for outdoor spaces.
6. Waterproof
Ceramic tiles are very resistant to water, which is why they are a popular choice in bathrooms if you spill any water it would probably evaporate over time instead of getting absorbed. However, the porosity of ceramic tiles is greatest through their backs and never through the enamel on the front. The back can be red, white, or grey and is porous. In most cases, absorption ranges from 12% to 20%, but it occasionally reaches 25%.

What are The Types of Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles exist in various forms, depending on the type of classification:

1. For its finish ceramic tiles can either be glazed or unglazed, glazed provides an extra shine with more protection from water.
2. By manufacturing process ceramic tiles can either be made from pressing or extrusion, most tiles are made from pressing.
3. By water absorption capacity, ceramic tiles can either be rated high, medium or low.

What are The Advantages of Ceramic Tiles?

1. Water-resistant
Ceramic tiles have a high resistance to humidity and water, making them popular options for bathroom and kitchen flooring and countertops. Glazed ceramic tiles provide additional protection from stains and water absorption. The grout in between the tiles is still capable of absorbing water and leads to the growth of mould if tiles aren't installed securely.
2. Durability
They are long-lasting and crack-free. With a life of over 20 years, even if one tile breaks due to sudden and extreme pressure it can be individually replaced.
3. Maintenance
They are low maintenance as they are easy to clean. Stains and dirt can be easily removed using soap and water. In case of harsh stains, chemical cleaners don’t damage the tile either due to its high resistance to chemical attacks.
4. Designs
Ceramic tiles offer various designs allowing you to customise according to your aesthetic preferences. Karishma tiles provide ceramic options in various designer tiles like facade tiles, and project slabs and in addition, you have the option of selecting ceramic tiles that are designed to look like natural stones or wood.

What are The Disadvantages of Ceramic Tiles?

1. Installation
Ceramic tiles are hard to install, they require professionals. The tiles are heavy and one needs to use mortars, grouts and expensive tools. Bad tiling can cause various issues in the future like the growth of mould by water seeping into loose tiles.
2. Weight
Ceramic tiles can create issues on higher floors due to their weight, professionals are required therefore to ascertain whether the infrastructure of the building can support ceramic tiles on multiple floors.
3. Surface Temperature
Unless you have installed a constant heating system you will be walking on a cold and hard surface as ceramic tiles characteristics do not include preserving heat too well.
4. Hardness
The toughness of ceramic flooring makes it last for years and easy to clean. But it isn’t a good choice for areas where people will be forced to stand for extended periods. Unfortunately, you can’t soften ceramic tile flooring with padded underlayment.

Conclusion

Ceramic tiles are a wonderful option for almost all kinds of spaces, indoor, outdoor; kitchen, and bathroom. They are affordable and also available in many designs. The cons include the hardness of the floor and less durability in comparison to porcelain tiles.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between ceramic tiles and normal tiles?
Normal tiles can be made from a variety of materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone, whereas ceramic tiles are made from clay and other natural materials.
2. What are ceramic tiles used for?
Ceramic tiles are used for countertops, walls, floors, and accent pieces. Because of their resilience to water and longevity, they are a common fixture in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
3. What is considered ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile is a tile made from clay that has been permanently hardened by heat, often coated with a glaze.
4. Which is better, vitrified or ceramic tiles?
Vitrified tiles are known for their low porosity, high strength, and resistance to stains, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. On the other hand, ceramic tiles offer a wide range of designs, colours, and textures, making them a popular choice for interior applications.
5. What are the disadvantages of ceramic tiles?
Ceramic tiles can be problematic if you decide to install them on your own, as they are complicated and heavy to install. They don’t provide any insulation. They aren't easy to heat, meaning the surface temperature will usually be cool and they’re hard to stand on for long because of their hardness.
6. Which tile type is best?
Ceramic tiles are versatile and come in a wide range of designs, making them suitable for various applications. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are known for their durability and low water absorption, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.
7. Are ceramic tiles expensive?
Ceramic tiles can vary in price depending on the quality and design. Generally, they are more affordable compared to other types of tiles such as natural stone or porcelain. At Karishma Tiles, we provide tiles at competitive prices.
8. Which tile is better, porcelain or ceramic?
Porcelain tiles are denser and less absorbent than ceramic tiles. But ceramic tiles offer more variety of designs and are easier to cut and install. It depends on your needs to decide which is better.
9. What is the best material for tile?
Ceramic tiles come in many designs, making them suitable for various applications. Porcelain tiles are durable with a low water absorption rate, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Natural stone tiles offer a rough, natural look but are high maintenance.
10. How to tell if tiles are porcelain or ceramic?
By placing a few drops of water at the back of a tile, if the water is quickly absorbed it is ceramic otherwise it is probably a porcelain tile.