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If you are in the market for new flooring for your home, you should strongly count installing ceramic and porcelain tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been near for hundreds of years and have been used to adorn cathedrals, palaces, mosques, and other important buildings. Its beauty is timeless and with new manufacturing processes, is available in a multitude of colors and varieties never before seen.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have been around since antiquity, but people often wonder if there is a difference between the two. Ceramic tiles are manufactured by firing a mixture of clay, minerals, and water in a kiln to produce a hard, solid tile. The tile surface is porous, however, unless glazed. Glazing is a process in which a special coating is applied to the ceramic tile and fired in a kiln, which gives the tile color and durability. Porcelain tiles are a subset of ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles contain more silica than ceramic tiles and require a higher firing temperature in the kiln. The result is a denser, less porous tile that has a translucent look when held up in the light. Porcelain tiles are slightly higher in quality than ceramic tiles and mostly cost more.
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles have many benefits over other flooring options like hardwood, laminate, and carpet. For one, ceramic and porcelain tiles are very cost effective. Initially, ceramic and porcelain tiles cost about the same or slightly more than other flooring options, but they are very long-wearing and can last for centuries. In fact, many historic buildings dating from Roman times still have their original ceramic tile floors and mosaics intact. Because they last so long, ceramic floors do not need to be replaced like carpet or sanded and refinished like hardwood, saving money and time for the homeowner. Ceramic tiles are beautiful and highly sought out by home buyers, meaning that installing ceramic and porcelain tiles can increase the resale value of your home.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles owe their longevity to their durability. Ceramic tiles are extremely hard and resist scratching. A homeowner who installs ceramic or porcelain tiles will never have to worry about their floor being marked up and scratched by furniture or by heavy traffic. Also, the glazed tiles are water resistant and will not stain if exposed to colored liquids. Porcelain tiles are also resistant to fading, which is important in areas like Phoenix, in which the sun shines brightly for much of the year. Ceramic tiles are also fire resistant and will not burn or scorch, making them the perfect surface for kitchen counter tops.
One of the best features about ceramic and porcelain tiles is their versatility. Unlike hardwood flooring, ceramic tiles can be laid anywhere on top of any subsurface. They can be used for flooring, to cover bathroom walls, and even to cover kitchen counter tops and backsplashes. Also, the tiles come in an almost infinite variety of colors, finishes, and textures and can be cut to any size, making creating intricate and beautiful mosaics possible. Ceramic and porcelain tiles fit any decor, from Victorian to southwestern designs that are popular in the Phoenix area.
Finally, ceramic and porcelain tiles are low maintenance, requiring only occasional vacuuming, and washing with a damp mop. Occasionally, the grout will need to be cleaned and the tile may need to be sealed, but both of these maintenance activities do not have to be done with any regularity.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a great option for any home. They can provide stunning results, sure to please any homeowner or potential buyer.
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