The last few decades have seen a gradual spread of ceramic floors in homes and other buildings. The most widely used is porcelain stoneware, a type of ceramic with excellent characteristics in terms of resistance and durability. Why is this material so popular? It is simple! Not only is it possible to create large, strong surfaces with ceramics, but the investment required for purchase and installation is no greater than for traditional wall and floor tiles. In addition, the ease of recreating the different aspects of ceramic glazing allows for the reproduction of wood, parquet, stone and more to give a pleasing optical effect.
Ceramic flooring: practical, solid and durable
Made of terracotta, earthenware or stoneware, ceramic tiles offer many advantages. First of all, it is a very resistant material. Ceramic is known for its high resistance to abrasion, wear and tear, weather conditions, humidity and UV rays. To be more durable, ceramic tiles receive a special treatment to withstand moisture and marks. However, it is important to know that there are two types of tiles depending on the firing. The raw materials used are mainly clay, sand, natural earth. But they can be fired either once or twice. The single-firing ceramic is the most economical. It results from the simultaneous firing of the support and the glaze. They have an excellent resistance to shocks like porcelain stoneware, ideal for rooms where there is a lot of traffic. Double-fired ceramics, on the other hand, first fires the substrate and then the glaze is added. This results in brighter and lighter products. However, this is a much more delicate type of tile. It is more suitable for wall covering. Earthenware, cottoforte and terracotta tiles fall into this category. In addition, ceramic is a very convenient product to clean: just a little soap and water to preserve its beauty over time. It is generally very popular in the kitchen and bathroom, because it is very resistant to stains and moisture. Finally, thanks to its specific thermal conductivity, ceramic tile is ideal for wall or floor heating in a room. The efficiency of the installation will be much higher than with a coating of another material. Ceramic is also known for its thermal self-adjustment. Once the balance between the room temperature and the ceramic floor ceases to release heat into the room.
A wide choice of ceramic flooring
Secondly, it is a product of great versatility. Ceramic has always been a product characterized by great versatility. Just think of the modularity and the wide variety of sizes, colors and finishes in which it is sold. This makes them perfect for meeting everyone's aesthetic needs when it comes to flooring. Every room, from the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room, can be dressed with ceramic flooring. The choice can be made between traditional square or rectangular formats, for example, and original and innovative solutions such as pre-assembled planks and mosaics. Recently, hexagonal tiles, inspired by the style of the early 1900s, have also become very popular again. In addition, new treatments are now available to reproduce any color, texture, pattern or material effect. For a modern and elegant look, choose imitation stone or wood tiles. This type of product can be obtained by digital inkjet printing. The result is exceptional: they are specially created to reproduce a very bluffing trompe l'oeil. You can also choose more colorful tones for a touch of pizzazz in your room. The idea that a porcelain floor would give your room a solid look is therefore to be forgotten. By opting for ceramic flooring, you have the opportunity to recreate a fresh new look in your home.
Ceramic: non-toxic and economical
Another significant advantage of any ceramic coating is its non-toxicity. As an inert material, it does not absorb odors or other contaminants. Therefore, ceramic tiles do not release any substances that are harmful to health. In addition, the way they are laid, with solvent-free adhesives, makes them safer and more fire-resistant. Ceramic tiles are made from natural materials and contain almost no toxic substances. In addition to being environmentally friendly, it is therefore ideal for people with intolerances and allergies as well as for young children. Finally, choosing a ceramic tile is above all an economical solution. It does represent a significant cost compared to other materials such as vinyl or classic tiles. But it is a very robust product that will not need to be changed for several years. This will save you the trouble of having to renew your home's floor every year.