A Collage of Ceramics: Which Would Look Best with Your Home Renovation?

Ceramic tiles are a useful floor covering because they are made by machine and each tile is consistent and predictable. The tile has low absorbency which prevents problems while the tiles set after being laid. They tend to be light-weight and relatively thin relative to stone. The bottom of ceramic tiles are specially roughened or lined to facilitate proper setting.
Unglazed tiles are useful for high traffic or wet areas and are slip resistant. They are scratch resistant but vulnerable to staining and therefore require a sealant and wax after installation. Glazed are less thick and dense than unglazed, but allow for a greater variety in color and style and are more resistant to stains. The different glazes can affect the strength and durability of the tile, so be sure to note how strong the tile is.

Consider the thickness of the tile as it impacts its durability and weight. Depending on the type of tile, it can also affect the cost. Also, if the height varies between rooms, ensure that there won’t be step ups which can be easily tripped over if you use two different types of tiles.
Three practical things to think about are: size of the tile, sub-floor suitability, and how easily it is cleaned. The larger the tiles, the fewer you’ll need to fill a room, but each tile may be more expensive. The sub-floor may not accommodate certain types of tile. Check with the manufacturer. Ensure that the floor can be easily cleaned, particularly if it’s in the bathroom or kitchen. If it’s in a low traffic area or a wall tile, this is not as important, and is up to you.
Tip: avoid ceramic tiles with bright reflective surfaces for your floor because they are not resistant to abrasion and pose a slip hazard.
Porcelain Tiles
o Made with the dust pressed method (what does that mean?)
Advantages
o Dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth
o Available in mat, unglazed or a high polished finish
o Manufactured in various thickness and sizes
o Can be used as a floor tile or wall tile
o Moisture resistant
o Glazed: easier to keep clean
o Unglazed: slip-resistant
o Hypoallergenic
Disadvantages
o There is no give – anything breakable that lands on it will break
o Difficult to cut because it is so hard
o Requires a certain level of experience to install
Recommended locations
o Bathroom
o Kitchen
o Laundry room

Quarry Tiles
o made by the extrusion process from natural clay or shale
Advantages
o Glazed or unglazed tile
o Very low absorption
o Low slip-hazard
o Lots of variety and choice in colors and textures
o Hard and durable
Disadvantages
o Cold to stand on
o Difficult to install

Mexican Tiles/ Terracota
o hand-made from clay
Advantages
o Varies in colour, texture and appearance
o Available in various shapes and sizes
o Traditional old-world beauty
o Many choices for the gloss finish
Disadvantages
o May require additional work if not pre-finished: application of various types of sealers or coatings on site to provide a wearing surface
o High absorption
o Minimal color choices: beige, yellow, orange, brown
o An incorrect sealer can lead to numerous problems

Terrazzo Tiles
o Made of marble or granite chips in cement (true Terrazzo)
Advantages
o various thicknesses and sizes
o Low to no absorption
o Minimal ongoing maintenance
Disadvantages
o “Etching” risk from acid based cleaners
o No buffing machines – they will grind into the surface

Agglomerate Tiles
o a mix of graded marble or granite chips of various sizes with resin or epoxy binders
Advantages
o Thickness may vary from 6mm to 20mm - may be ordered in other thicknesses to meet specifications
o Almost any style, design and finish is available
o Factory made – more precise than quarry stones
o Little or no variation between batches
o Very hard, therefore will not chip or break easily
o Extremely low absorption range
Disadvantages
o Requires a sealer to protect it
o If made of marble or limestone, the finish is not resistant to acidic liquids
o Grouting process can scratch the surface