shiningarticles.com shiningarticles.com shiningarticles.com
Home Page About Us Privacy Terms of Use Place Your Link Submit Article
Search:   
Add Url
 

Policies & Law

Art & Culture

Education & Learning

Health & Therapy

Internet & Computers

Malls & Shopping

Employment & Careers

People & Society

Music & Entertainment

Indoor Games

Automotive

Events & News

Investment & Finance

Children & Teens

Hotels & Travel

Home Family & Garden

Medical Care

Research & Science

Self Management

Property & Estate

Business & Companies

Sports

Fashion & Lifestyle

Eating & Drinking

 

Home Page › Home Family & Garden › Home Construction & Renovation
 

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 wont 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 youll 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 its in the bathroom or kitchen. If its 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

Author: Rebecca Naylor
 
Author Bio:
Rebecca Naylor is a notable scripter. Rebecca likes to pen down articles about this field.
This article can be searched using: lowes home improvement, home improvement loan, home improvement products, home improvement stores
 
 
 

Related Articles

 
Alarm System Industry Changes Will Effect All Security Alarm Users in 2006
 
Parenting Your Teenager: Are You the Guide or the Enemy?
 
All About Labor and Delivery
 
Home improvement: BargainValueDeal
 
Does your Child Struggle in School? You Can Get Extra Help for Free
 
Dining Room Curtain Designs
 
New York Travel Highlights
 
Your Home is Your Symphony
 
Confident Kids : Why Some Parents Should Carry a Health Warning
 
How To Pick The Right Pet Bunny Rabbit For You!
 
 
 
Home Page -> Privacy -> Terms of Use
Copyright © 2008 www.shiningarticles.com All Rights Reserved.