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Ceramic Tile Installation

Bet you can´t pick just one

Of the different aspects of a tile project, the hardest has to be choosing the tile itself. Fortunately, your tiling contractor may have not only the craftmanship to lay and grout your tile, but also the artistic background to help you create a truly custom tile design.

Tile is one of the most artistic, durable, and cost-effective wall and floor coverings. Tile is hard, strong, easy to clean, and fire resistant. Tiles can be glazed or unglazed and the variation in color spans the full spectrum.

Ceramic tiles are made from different mixtures and types of clay, sands, and other natural substances. The tile body is molded into shape, then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. Glazes are created from different minerals, mixed with a clay base, and applied to the tile. The tile is then fired. The process of tile creation, as well as materials used, allows an infinite range of design, shape, and color variations.

Tiles may be made not only of clay. Fired glass as well as cut from stone such as marble, granite, limestone, and slate may also be used. Tiles may be mass produced or created individually by an artist.

The following table provides the briefest of introductions to this amazing material:

Tile type	Characterics	Application
Ceramic	Most is glazed with color baked on during the firing process. Available in high-gloss, matte, and slip-resistant finishes. May come plain, painted, or with applied designs.	Commonly used for walls, countertops, backsplashes, and floors. Floor tile may be used on walls, but wall tile may not be suitable for floors.
Porcelain	Porcelain clay is a variation of ceramic tile. It is fired at higher temperatures and produces a finer, harder tile.	Heavy traffic area floors indoors. Outdoors pavers if they have a slip-resistant finish.
Mosaic	Made from different types of clay with color pigments added so the color goes all the way through the tile.	Suitable for almost any surface because mosaic tiles resist moisture, are stain-proof and don´t easily chip.
Quarry tile	Broad classification for any tile made out of a mixture of clays. They are usually deep red in color and left unglazed. Includes earthy terra cotta type tile.	Interior floors because they´re usually porous and irregular in shape. Surface may be sealed or not, though if left unsealed they may get stained.
Natural stone	Slate, marble, granite, and limestone cut into thin pieces and installed like tile.	High-end tile projects for floors, counters, and walls.
Glass	Multicolored, and some are iridescent. Impervious to moisture. May be smooth or rough. May be hand painted.	Useful indoors and out for backsplashes, floors (if slip-resistant), walls, swimming pools, and fountains.
Art tile	Hand-crafted individually designed tile made of any of the materials above. Glazed tile is similar in characteristics to other ceramic tile. Tiles may be regular in shape or free form.	Use is determined by type of material and glazing technique.

Tips for purchasing tile

A professional tile contractor has all the tools and experience needed to install any tile you choose. The following tips may help you select tile that is easy to install and easy to live with.

Purchase only consistently sized tiles. Ceramic tile may shrink a little during the cooling process and pieces may vary slightly in size. Pieces that vary more than 1/8" should be rejected.
Choose tile from the same batch and lot number to maintain consistency in color and finish.
Avoid fully vitrified porcelain for interior installations, if you´re a do-it-yourselfer, because the tile is difficult to cut.
Choose relatively smooth tile with straight, flush side to make grouting easier.
Use 8" x 8" or smaller sized tiles on walls and countertops. Use 14" x 14" or smaller tiles for floors; larger tiles require a completely level surface and may crack if installed incorrectly.
Use tile with some "tooth" to provide traction on floors.

How to get estimates for Ceramic Tile Installation.

Submit our form. The short form on the service pages identifies your ZIP code location. When you enter your ZIP code and submit, it takes you to service type/task form.
Once you've submitted your request, your project is matched against contractors qualified for your job.
Up to four contractors contact you.
You interview each contractor, take their bid, and make your choice.

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