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Many home builders, designers, and homeowners find that using tiles in decor and in high traffic areas provides a flooring that will remain pristine for much longer than other materials.
When properly installed tiles provide an easy to maintain surface that does not sag, wear, or stain.
It can be installed to enhance a decor or to provide a natural element to a room or home.
The materials that tiles are made of differ greatly.
Tiles made from natural stone provide a beautiful and natural element in a location.
However, many of the natural stones are porous and break easily if not maintained properly.
In response to the demand of consumers for a product that would look like stone, but be more durable, manufacturers have designed many alternatives that provide the look of natural stone, but with more durability.
Many people are overwhelmed with the many tiles that are available.
Having a basic knowledge of some of the popular tiles now on the market may help an individual in making the selection that will best meet their needs.
Ceramic tiles are created by reducing different types of clay to a fine powder, the mixing with other materials.
The tiles are then fired in a kiln at high temperature.
When ceramic tiles are glazed, they have been covered with a finely ground glass substance and re-fired.
The glass melts on the tile sealing it and creating the hi-gloss surface found on the tiles.
The tiles are very durable and resistant to water and staining.
Mixing clays and other materials with a finely ground sand produces the ingredients from which Porcelain tiles are made.
These tiles are also fired at extreme temperatures and when the sand melts one sees the glass-like quality of each tile.
While these tiles are more durable in many ways than ceramic tiles, they do chip and are not recommended for high traffic areas.
When the tiles are installed special equipment must be used to cut the tiles so that do not chip and become damaged.
Agglomerate tiles are made using a combination of polyester resin with marble or granite chips.
This tile looks like marble or granite when it is done.
It is extremely strong, has the classic look of natural stone, and is resistant to wear.
Many businesses use these tiles in foyers and other areas where an elegant tile is desired.
This is also a popular tile for counter-tops and bathrooms.
Combining natural clays, one of them being red, results in the earthen red color of the Quarry tile.
These tiles provide a beautiful earthen flooring that is water and weather resistant.
The clays can also be tinted to create other colors.
Quarry tiles are extremely popular in regions with extreme weather conditions because it does not crack or break in freezing conditions.
Similar to Agglomerate tile in the way it is made Terrazzo is a very popular tile for people wishing to put floating tile flooring in a room.
The tile, when sealed, provides the resistance to damage of Agglomerate.
It is available in a variety of natural stone colors as well as a variety of other colors.
Mexican tiles are beautiful handmade tiles that vary in texture, appearance, and color.
These tiles are used primarily in desert regions because they emit cool temperatures in hot areas.
The tiles are sealed after being installed and provide a home with a beautiful old world or rustic charm.
The small mosaics are made from ceramic, glass, porcelain, or natural stone.
Mosaics are most popular as decorative additions to tile design.
They are also growing in popularity as contemporary back-splashes in kitchens.
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