Wednesday, November 18, 2015

How To Beautify A Home With Ceramic Tile

By Mattie Knight


The key to success in any home build or renovation is selecting the right construction materials. You have a nearly endless variety of choices, but you must choose the right material for the job. Local San Francisco, CA suppliers offer a wide variety of options if you want to use ceramic tile for floors or countertops in your bathrooms and kitchen.

Clay, water, and various minerals are mixed together to produce ceramic. The material must be fired at very high temperatures to make it suitable for use in construction. Glazed tiles are exposed to heat a second time after application of a liquid glass material. Glazing produces a durable surface that resists stains and scratches.

Ceramic is an easy material to maintain, making it a good option for households with pets and small children. It is less expensive than marble, granite, and other natural stone materials. It is also lightweight enough to use on a second story. Weight is often an issue in older buildings. Kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, entryways, and other high traffic areas are good places to use ceramic floor tiles.

Ceramic is resistant to water but grout lines can cause problems when used in the kitchen or bathroom because the material is porous. You should wipe up any liquid that can cause staining immediately to avoid grout discoloration. One way to reduce problems with mildew or mold growing on the grout is to use small tiles and thin grout lines.

When you buy materials for your project, you should always purchase more tiles than you actually need. This will come in handy in the future if you ever need to replace cracked, chipped, or broken tiles. You can easily replace a single tile saving the expense of installing a new floor. Some tile manufactures can make matching tiles, but the process is expensive.

Kitchen and bathroom tiles require adhesive that is resistant to water. This ensures they stay in place with changes in temperature and air pressure. Proper grout installation is necessary to avoid damage caused by expansion and contraction.

Ceramic is resistant to staining and high heat. This makes it a good material for kitchen countertops as long as you do not mind having an uneven surface. To protect the grout from stains, use a grout made with epoxy or acrylic. Use a light touch when cleaning as being overly aggressive can damage a high-gloss finish.

Use a cleaning agent that matches the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important if your floor tiles are treated to resist slipping. Detergents containing oil or cleansers made with wax can cause deterioration of the non-slip coating. Failing to maintain ceramic regularly will cause a build-up of debris and grease, which makes them slippery.

These tiles offer nearly endless ways to enhance any interior design. They are more affordable than other types of tile and come in a vast array of designs, colors, and styles. You can opt for solid colors for a conservative look or mix multiple colors to come up with creative designs that are unique.




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