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Ceramic Tile: A Versatile Addition

Whether you're redecorating your kitchen or your bathroom, ceramic tile offers many attractive options. Ceramic tile can turn an ordinary room into an elegant spot. Tough and durable when correctly installed, ceramic tile is a solid investment that can last as long as your house stands.

Kitchen and Bathroom Uses for Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is popular, in part, because it can be used in so many ways. A ceramic tile floor looks impressive in both the kitchen and the bathroom, but ceramic tile can also be used as a wall cover (for both showers and regular walls), as a countertop cover or as a sink backsplash.

Ceramic tile also makes a wonderful decorative accent where a kitchen or bathroom counter meets the wall. Plus, it can protect the wall from damage.

Ceramic Floor Tile Advantages

Ceramic tile flooring absorbs heat, and, thus, is a natural choice for the kitchen. As an added bonus, with proper installation and maintenance, ceramic tile flooring should never chip or stain.

Ceramic floor tile can be slippery when wet, however, so you should place mats or rugs in the bathroom to prevent someone from falling. Ceramic flooring responds to the temperature of the room, so floor tiles will be warm in the winter but pleasantly cool in the summer.

Choosing Ceramic Tile

It's one thing to see a style of tile and think it's attractive and quite another to have the tile function properly in your home. When searching for the right tile it's important to choose a type of tile that is right for your home, your family and the area you are tiling.

Types of ceramic tile include:

Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Generally man-made, these tiles come in a large variety of colors and, because they are glazed, are incredibly stain-resistant. Glazed ceramic tiles are often used on countertops and walls.
Porcelain Tiles: Because they are fired at a high temperature, porcelain tiles are very dense and, therefore, the most durable. They are versatile and don't wear down, even under heavy traffic. Porcelain tiles can be used in any room as well as outdoors.
Terracotta Tiles: These tiles are made of baked clay and offer a natural, handcrafted look. Terracotta tiles are the most high-maintenance because they are very porous. A coat of sealer should be applied once a year.
Unglazed Quarry Tiles: Naturally stain- and slip-resistant, this tile offers both durability and style. Unlike glazed tiles, the natural color of quarry tile is there from the start and is actually part of the tile.

Tools of the Trade

Before you begin your installation be sure you have all the required equipment on hand. Here is a short list of most of the tools you'll need:

buckets (you'll need several)
grout float
hammer
knee pads
level
notched trowel
pliers
putty knife
rags
rubber mallet
safety glasses
sanded or non-sanded grout
setting material
sponges (you'll need several large sponges)
tape measure
tiles (both full and trimmed tiles)
tile spacers
tile nippers.

Installing Floor Tile and Ceramic Wall Tiles

You should install floor tiles very carefully. If you doubt your own abilities, it's better to hire outside help when installing ceramic tiles. Incorrectly installing ceramic tiles will lead to chipped, stained and/or loose tiles.

The type of glue you use when installing ceramic tiles is very important. Installing ceramic floor tiles requires floor mortar glue. Mosaic glue should be used when installing ceramic tile on walls.

Chose the grout you use between the flooring tiles carefully. A dark grout is better for high-traffic areas, as lighter colors will get dirty quickly. White or light grouting is not the best choice for flooring tiles and requires constant cleaning.

If ceramic flooring tiles are glazed, the flooring is protected against stains. However, if you are using non-glazed ceramic floor tiles, you will have to apply a clear seal to finish the flooring.

After Installation: Ceramic Tile Care

Once you've finished installing floor tiles, maintenance is quite simple. Simply wash your ceramic tiles with water and a gentle, non-foaming detergent. Rinse with clean water.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools and never wax a ceramic tile floor. Use floor protectors to prevent furniture feet from scratching your ceramic flooring and avoid placing sharp objects on the tile. If you treat your ceramic tile right it'll be gorgeous and will last a lifetime!

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