Art & Crafts

Ceramic Floor Tiles For Homes

There is a long history of ceramics being used for floors. Floor tiles have been popular for centuries, especially in hot, dry climates. Spain is an excellent example of a culture that uses ceramics on their floors. They brought this preference to the New World with them, and it has been very popular from California and down through Central and South America. It is a hard material with a long wear life. It can be decorated in many colors and styles. Tiles can be combined to create a beautiful pattern.

The versatility of tile is one of the strongest points when choosing flooring options. Colors can be mixed into the clay used to form the tiles. It can also be added later, right before it is glazed and fired. Because of these options, the range of colors offered in flooring can be very individual. No décor color needs to be abandoned when choosing ceramics. Designs are also possible with tiles. One, several or all tiles can have a design. Again, versatility is very apparent with this option.

Texture is a consideration for some people when choosing flooring. There are people who want an absolutely smooth surface for easy cleaning. Others prefer a raised texture to add character. Texture can also be used to mimic the appearance of other materials. Ceramic tiles that look like hardwood flooring use both texture and color to mimic wood perfectly. They are becoming a popular option in today’s flooring markets. The colors and appearance of the wood can be recreated perfectly with the use of ceramic decals. These decals or ceramic transfers are fabricated to look exactly like pieces of hardwood. They are then applied to the textured surface and give it the look and texture of a real wood floor.

The amazing versatility of ceramics is being explored constantly. Flooring options are just a small facet of this material. Combinations of color and texture are easy to add during the shaping of these pieces. For large projects, stamps can be used to add texture to clay that has been given the correct coloring before shaping. This saves time and money for the manufacturer, and it provides a cost effective method to obtain a durable floor for consumers.