Fundamental Facts Buyers Should Know about Ceramic Tiles

Are you planning to renovate your home, or replace your kitchen countertop, bathroom wall or bedroom floor? Have you ever wondered how your home or office's ceramic tiles are made, or how they are classified according to use? If you want to know more about these products, here are some facts you need to check out.

Manufacturing Process

Understanding how ceramic tiles are manufactured allows you to evaluate its performance aspects and in turn determine the styles that suit your preferences and budget. The process begins with clay and mineral raw materials blended and mixed into a semi-fine powder, which is then added with water to achieve mud-like consistency. The clay is then pressed and formed into tile shapes, which will then be glazed and fired in the kiln at a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Different Styles

Three types of ceramic tile styles include glazed, unglazed and porcelain. Glazed ceramic tiles are coated with glass-forming minerals and ceramic stains for improved stain and moisture resistance, while unglazed ones are very hard and dense, providing good slip resistance. Porcelain tiles are the hardest and densest of the three, credited for being non-porous and scratch- and temperature-resistant.

Durability Classes

Ceramic tile manufacturers follow a rating system supported by the American Society for Testing and Materials. They have a 5-class rating on abrasion resistance and overall tile durability, with 1 for interior wall applications with no foot traffic, and 5 for floor and wall applications at supermarkets, airports and subways with extra heavy traffic.

Buying Tips

With the multitude of styles, texture and patterns, choosing the right ceramic tile Sarasota dealers sell can be challenging. Before you buy, familiarize with terms like floor tile trims, moisture absorption and tile density. You should also consider your home or office's design to ensure that the ceramic tile product you choose suits your existing interiors.

Expert Consultation

After having bought the right ceramic tile products, you should consult reliable Sarasota tile experts to know how to properly install those on your walls and floors. Let the professionals do the job since they know about the substrate, layout plan and grout. Their experience in servicing your fellow homeowners will deliver solid results for your home or office.

Care and Maintenance

Now that you have newly-installed ceramic tile walls and floors, it's time to know how to preserve their pristine condition. Though it takes years before their quality deteriorates, Sarasota tile professionals still recommend proper care and maintenance. Consult your local ceramic tile experts to know essential maintenance tips. You may also visit wfca.org if you wish to know more on the subject of ceramic tiles.

Kathy Carbone - About Author:
For more details, search Sarasota tile and tile Sarasota in Google.

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