Ceramic Tiles - Types, Advantages And Disadvantages

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What Are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles are made by mixing several materials like clay, sand, quartz, and water. Ceramic tiles are extensively used in places like houses, shops, restaurants, hotels, oﬃces, hospitals, etc.

It is very popular and commonly used as a flooring material as well as tiles for covering Walls. The installation process of ceramic tiles is less complex and hence it is preferred more.

Another reason why it is used widely is the cost of ceramic tiles. It is usually available at a reasonable price which is aﬀordable to almost everyone.

Ceramic tiles are available in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. They are mostly found in rectangular or square shapes. But it can be cut into shapes using a cutter, specially made for cutting tiles. It has great options for customization.

Ceramics possess good strength and is capable of resisting high temperature. Ceramic tiles are brittle in nature and weak in tension and shearing. Due to its brittleness, sometimes the handling of tiles becomes diﬃcult.

Types Of Ceramic Tiles

There are three main types of ceramic tiles available in the market. They are as follows:

Glazed ceramic tiles,
Ceramic wall tiles, and
Ceramic floor tiles.

1. Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Glazed tiles are made up of two basic materials, clay and water. Clay is mined, ground, and blended to form a fine powder. This powder is mixed with water and pressed to form the body of the tile.

The body of the tile is dried to reduce the moisture content in it. Once the body is ready, the surface of the tile is made. It is coated with a colored glaze, which is similar to glass.

Both of them are fused to form the final product. The surface of the tile may be glossy or Matt. Matt-finished tiles are preferred for flooring and tiles with a glossy finish are usually used as wall tiles.

2. Wall Tiles

These tiles are mainly used for walls in bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Wall tiles are usually obtained in a glossy finish.

They are available in a variety of colors, designs, and sizes as well. It is also used as a decorative element for bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms.

The space between two tiles, known as a groove, is filled with a material called grout. Grout is available in various colors and finishes. It enhances the aesthetics of the wall.

3. Floor Tiles

Floor tiles are usually found in matt’s finish and glossy finish. Matt’s finish are slip resistant than glossy finish. Floor tiles are also available in a variety of colors, sizes and designs.

The durability and strength are core features of floor tiles. It is more durable and stronger than wall tiles, as they have to bear the live load and the dead load.

Properties Of Ceramic Tiles

1. Strength and durability – Ceramic tiles are highly durable and possess great strength. The breaking strength of ceramic tiles is about 350 kg/m2 to 400 kg/m2.

2. Slip-resistant – The surface of the tile is made in such a way that they are anti-slip.

3. Ceramic tiles can be easily cleaned with a wet cloth. No special chemicals are needed to clean them.

4. They are lightweight. So they are easy to handle during its transportation.

5. These tiles are scratch-resistant. Even objects with sharp edges can’t leave scratches on their surface.

6. They are highly fireproof.

7. Colors permanence – Floorings are exposed to various materials such as chemicals and sunlight. Despite that, the tiles would not lose their color.

Advantages

• These tiles possess high strength and are highly durable.

• It is resistant to fire.

• The surface of the tiles is slip-resistant.

• Easy to install.

• Repairs and maintenance are relatively easier.

• Relatively cheaper compared to other tiles.

• They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs.

• It is impervious to water and stains.

• Ceramic tiles are lightweight.

• Enhanced aesthetics due to its wide range of colors and designs.

Disadvantages

• These tiles are hard and brittle. So there are chances of breaking.

• Large size tiles sometimes become hard to handle, and their installation becomes complex.

• Sometimes, the tiles are bent during their manufacturing or transportation.

• Ceramic is a cold material. It does not hold heat for a longer period. So in winter, these tiles become very cold.

• It has a hard surface which makes it uncomfortable to stand for a long time. Also, the tiles cannot be softened using padded underpayment.

So these were the types of ceramic tiles. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.