0301
2024.12.27
In the world of decoration, floor decoration is of paramount importance. Ceramic floor tiles, with their numerous advantages, have become the top choice for countless families. Today, let's have an in-depth discussion about these essential ceramic floor tiles for our homes.
I. Exploration of Materials and Crafts
Ceramic floor tiles are mainly made from natural materials such as clay and quartz sand through high-temperature firing. Their production process is quite elaborate. From the screening and grinding of raw materials, to molding, glazing, and finally high-temperature sintering, each step is crucial to the quality of the tiles. Advanced techniques can make the tiles more compact in texture and higher in hardness. For example, those high-quality polished tiles have a mirror-like shiny surface and excellent wear resistance. Daily trampling and furniture dragging hardly leave any marks on them, enabling them to maintain their beauty for a long time.
II. Rich and Diverse Styles
Walking into the building materials market, you'll be dazzled by the various styles of ceramic floor tiles. Tiles in a simple and modern style usually feature solid colors or simple geometric patterns, with smooth lines that can create a simple and elegant spatial sense for the home, suitable for living rooms and bedrooms decorated in a minimalist style. European retro-style tiles, on the other hand, have exquisite carvings and elegant colors, as if telling ancient stories. When laid in the hall of a villa or a retro-style dining room, they can instantly enhance the style. There are also wood-grain tiles full of natural charm, which realistically mimic the texture of wood, possessing the warm texture of wooden floors and the advantages of ceramic tiles such as moisture-proof and easy cleaning. They are perfect for balconies, kitchens and other places.
III. Outstanding Performance Highlights
1.Waterproof and Moisture-proof: This is extremely important for areas with heavy moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. The low water absorption characteristic of ceramic floor tiles enables them to effectively prevent water penetration, avoiding dampness, mildew and deformation of the ground, keeping the home environment dry and comfortable all the time.
2.Easy to Clean and Maintain: Daily stains, such as spilled soup and dust footprints, can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. Unlike wooden floors, which require careful maintenance to avoid scratches and color penetration, ceramic floor tiles bring great convenience to busy modern people.
3.Durable and Abrasion-resistant: In high-traffic living rooms and corridors, ceramic floor tiles can withstand the test of time. Even after years of use, they can still maintain good flatness and gloss, reducing the trouble and cost of frequently replacing floor materials.
IV. Tips for Purchasing
1.Check the Appearance: High-quality tiles have uniform color, no obvious color differences or flaws, and clear and natural patterns. Place several tiles together and observe whether the gaps are uniform to judge the dimensional accuracy.
Touch the Texture: Touch the surface of the tile with your hand to feel its flatness and smoothness. High-quality tiles feel smooth, without uneven granularity, and the back texture is clear, which helps with firm adhesion during paving.
2.Check the Parameters: Pay attention to the water absorption rate, hardness and other indicators of the tiles. Generally, they are marked on the product manual or outer packaging. Tiles with a low water absorption rate and high hardness are more reliable in quality.
3.Ceramic floor tiles, with their beautiful, practical and durable characteristics, lay a solid and gorgeous foundation for our home life. When decorating, carefully selecting suitable ceramic floor tiles will surely make your home look brand new and start a comfortable living experience.
0302
2024.12.27
I. Classification of Ceramic Tile Floors
In terms of craftsmanship, there are polished tiles, glazed tiles, antique tiles, etc. Polished tiles have a mirror-like shiny surface and extremely strong wear resistance. It's very difficult for daily walking and furniture moving to leave scratches on them, making them very suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and corridors. Glazed tiles are superior in the glaze process, with rich and diverse colors and patterns. The imitation stone and imitation wood grain effects are very realistic, and they can easily create various styles of home spaces. Using them in bedrooms and dining rooms can immediately enhance the appearance. Antique tiles focus on the retro feeling, with a sense of the passage of time, and outstanding anti-slip performance. For places like bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies that are prone to moisture and water stains, choosing them greatly increases the safety factor.
From the perspective of material subdivision, there are porcelain tiles and stoneware tiles. Porcelain tiles have a dense texture, low water absorption, excellent anti-fouling and antibacterial capabilities, and are easy to clean and maintain. Stoneware tiles have a relatively looser structure, but good toughness, and can adapt to a certain degree of thermal expansion and contraction, showing good stability when laid on the ground.
II. Key Points for Purchasing
1.Appearance inspection: Flatness is crucial. Place two tiles face to face and fit them together. Those with even and small gaps are better. If there is a height difference, it's easy to trip over when walking in the future. The color and luster should be uniform, without miscellaneous colors or color spots. High-quality tiles have clear and natural patterns without blurring or double images.
2.Performance testing: The water absorption test is simple and straightforward. Drop a few drops of water on the back of the tile. If the water penetrates slowly or not at all, the water absorption rate is low and the quality is reliable; conversely, tiles with strong water absorption are prone to moisture, mildew, and discoloration. The wear resistance can be tested by rubbing the surface with sandpaper and observing the degree of wear. Good tiles will hardly be damaged. The anti-slip property cannot be ignored. Simulate a wet ground and step on it barefoot to feel the friction. Especially for families with the elderly and children, anti-slip tiles are a must.
3.Brand and reputation check: Big brands have strict control over raw material screening, production processes, and quality inspection. Their product quality is more guaranteed. Browse more home furnishing forums and read netizen reviews. The real usage feedback can help you avoid many pitfalls.
III. Installation Precautions
1.Ground pretreatment: Ensure that the ground is flat, clean, and dry. If there are pits and hollows, they should be filled with cement mortar. Otherwise, the tiles are prone to hollowing and cracking.
2.Paving method: Use the method of leaving gaps for paving, generally 2 - 3mm is appropriate. This not only leaves room for the thermal expansion and contraction of the tiles but also makes the overall effect more beautiful. Subsequent caulking treatment can add the finishing touch.
3.Accessory selection: Tile adhesive is better than traditional cement mortar. It has strong adhesion and can effectively prevent hollowing, allowing the tiles to be firmly attached. The caulking agent should be selected to be environmentally friendly, dirt-resistant, and mildew-proof. Otherwise, the caulking will turn black and dirty soon, affecting the overall appearance.
IV. Cleaning and Maintenance
For daily cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth. If there are stains, gently wipe with a neutral cleaner. Do not use strong acids or alkalis, as they will corrode the glaze surface. Regular waxing can keep the tiles shiny and new, but the frequency should not be too high, once or twice a year is enough. For scratched tiles, minor scratches can be repeatedly rubbed with toothpaste for repair. For deeper scratches, contact professional repair personnel.
If ceramic tile floors are selected, installed, and maintained well, they can enhance the beauty of the home environment and accompany you through warm and comfortable days. I hope this article can help you avoid detours when choosing tile floors for decoration.
0303
2024.12.27
On the long journey of home decoration, the choice of ceramic tiles is undoubtedly a "highlight". As a blogger deeply involved in the home furnishing field, today I'd like to talk to you about ceramic tiles, so that you can make a well-informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls when making your selection.
I. Basic Understanding of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles, simply put, are mainly made from natural materials such as clay and fired at high temperatures. They have a long history and can be found in ancient buildings as well as modern stylish homes. According to the manufacturing process, there are glazed tiles, full-body tiles, polished tiles, and vitrified tiles. Glazed tiles have a layer of glaze on the surface, with rich colors and strong anti-fouling properties, and are commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms. Full-body tiles are uniform throughout and have excellent wear resistance, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms and corridors. Polished tiles are smooth and shiny, with a strong texture, while vitrified tiles are even better in terms of hardness and wear resistance and are often used in high-end places.
II. Key Selection Criteria
1.Hardness: This directly affects the service life of the tiles. You can gently scratch the tile surface with a hard object. If there are no obvious scratches, it indicates good hardness. However, be careful not to use anything too sharp to avoid damaging the merchant's samples.
2.Water Absorption Rate: The lower the value, the better. Tiles with a low water absorption rate have good moisture-proof performance and are less likely to deform or get moldy. Generally, drop water on the back of the tile and observe how fast the water penetrates. If the water penetrates slowly or not at all, it is a high-quality tile with a low water absorption rate.
3.Wear Resistance: Especially for tiles laid on the floor, daily walking and furniture moving will cause wear and tear. Check the wear resistance coefficient of the tiles. The higher it is, the more wear-resistant the tile is. You can also refer to the merchant's wear resistance test report.
4.Anti-slip Property: In places like bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies, anti-slip is crucial. You can step on the tile barefoot to feel the friction, or tilt the tile at a certain angle and place a cup with water on it to see if the cup slides easily.
III. Aesthetics and Matching
The colors and patterns of tiles can greatly influence the home style. For a simple and modern style, pure-colored polished tiles or vitrified tiles, such as white and gray series, can be chosen, looking clean and neat. The Nordic style prefers light-colored glazed tiles with small patterns, which are warm and natural. The Chinese style is suitable for tiles with traditional textures and warm colors, showing elegance. Moreover, there are also particularities in the combination of tiles in different areas. Laying tiles continuously in the living room and dining room can make the space look more open, and coordinating the wall and floor tiles in the bathroom will make it more visually comfortable.
IV. Brands and Prices
There are numerous brands on the market. Big brands are more reliable in terms of quality control and after-sales service, but the prices are relatively high. Some emerging brands also offer cost-effective options. Friends with sufficient budgets can consider well-known brands such as Marco Polo and Dongpeng. If you pursue cost performance, there are also many hidden gems among second-tier brands. When purchasing, don't just look at the unit price, but also calculate the comprehensive costs including wastage and installation fees.
V. Installation Precautions
After choosing the tiles, the installation process is also not to be overlooked. Ensure the ground is level and do the base treatment in advance. The gaps between the tiles should be uniform, generally leaving 1 - 3mm to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Use professional tile adhesives for a stronger bond and to avoid hollowing. Also, do not place heavy objects or step on newly installed tiles in the short term to ensure firm adhesion.
In conclusion, there are many tricks and considerations in the selection and installation of ceramic tiles. Do more research and comparisons, and combine your actual situation at home. You will surely be able to make the floors and walls of your home both beautiful and durable, and start a comfortable home life. If you still have any questions about tiles, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section. Let's discuss together.
0304
2024.12.27
On the long journey of decoration, floor tiles, as the "base layer" of indoor space, play a crucial role. Today, let's talk about these ceramic floor tiles to help friends who are about to embark on the decoration journey (oh no, it's the beginning of the decoration journey) avoid some detours.
I. The Material Mystery Is as Deep as the Sea
Ceramic floor tiles are mostly made from natural minerals such as clay. After being fired at high temperatures, they are extremely hard. They can withstand years of "wear and tear" from daily friction of tables and chairs and people walking around, as long as there is no violent damage with a big hammer. Moreover, today's craftsmanship is becoming more and more exquisite, ranging from matte to glossy, from solid colors to various textures like imitation marble and wood grain. There is almost nothing that can't be imitated. For example, the ceramic tiles imitating wood grain, when laid in the bedroom, not only have the warm texture of wooden floors but also don't need to worry about problems such as moisture deformation and insect damage. Are our friends in the south instantly attracted?
II. There Is Much to Consider When Choosing the Specification
The common tile specifications are dazzling. There are 300×300mm, 600×600mm, 800×800mm, and nowadays, the popular large specifications like 900×1800mm or even larger. In small-sized spaces, choosing small-sized tiles and matching them properly can make the space look more dynamic, avoid waste caused by cutting large tiles, and can also create various patterns through different paving methods. For example, using 300×300mm tiles in the kitchen and bathroom is very suitable. It is easy to make the drainage slope, and the corners are also easy to handle. In large-sized and open-plan spaces, laying large-sized tiles from end to end can reduce the gaps and visually stretch the space infinitely. Using 800×800mm or larger specifications in the living room can instantly enhance the sense of luxury, and the sweeping robot can run smoothly.
III. Color Matching Sets the Tone
The color of tiles is like the soul painter of the indoor style. Light colors such as off-white and light gray are suitable for Nordic, Japanese, and modern minimalist styles, making the space bright and warm. Choosing them for north-facing rooms with poor lighting is definitely the right choice. Dark colors such as dark gray and coffee brown are used for industrial and retro styles. When paired with metal lamps and leather furniture, they look extremely cool. If you want to add some personality, patterned tiles can help. Using retro patterned tiles on the kitchen and bathroom floors and adding some colorfully jumping patterned tiles as partial embellishments on the walls can instantly bid farewell to monotony and turn the space into an exquisite corner like an internet-famous check-in place.
IV. The Laying Process Holds Hidden Mysteries
Don't underestimate the laying process. It is a technical job. The flatness must be strictly controlled; otherwise, it will feel like walking on a seesaw. Leaving gaps between tiles is crucial. Generally, it is 1 - 3mm, which not only leaves room for thermal expansion and contraction but also facilitates the filling of caulking agents. The color of the caulking also needs to match the tiles and the overall style. White tiles paired with silver caulking look fresh and simple; dark tiles with gold caulking look luxurious and retro. To know whether a master's craftsmanship is good or not, just look at the corners and the drain. Neat 45-degree miter cuts and smooth and beautiful drainage at the drain are the marks of an "old master".
V. Daily Maintenance Is Not Complicated
The cleaning of ceramic floor tiles is relatively easy. Just mop up the daily dust. If there are stains, wipe the kitchen oil stains with a little detergent, and wipe the water stains in the bathroom with a mixture of white vinegar and water, and they will be as clean as new immediately. Regular waxing can make the tile surface more wear-resistant and the gloss last longer. However, don't do it too frequently. Once or twice a year is enough. Otherwise, if the wax layer is too thick, it will be easy to slip, which outweighs the benefits.
All in all, choosing and using ceramic floor tiles properly can lay a solid and beautiful foundation for indoor space. Dear Zhihu friends, if you are preparing for decoration, you might as well visit the building materials market more often, touch the actual products, and refer to online cases to create your own dream home.
0305
2024.12.27
On the long journey of decoration, choosing indoor ceramic tiles is a crucial step. A suitable tile can not only enhance the overall appearance of your home but also affect your living experience. Today, as an experienced blogger who has gone through numerous decoration pitfalls, I'm here to talk to you about indoor ceramic tiles.
I. Types of Ceramic Tiles
There is a wide variety of indoor ceramic tiles on the market, which can be quite dazzling. First, there is the glazed tile. Its crystal-clear glazed surface is rich in color, and its imitation stone and wood effects are extremely realistic, making it easy to create various high-end styles. Whether it's modern simplicity or European luxury, it can fit perfectly. Moreover, the glazed tile has good wear resistance. Daily walking and furniture dragging usually won't leave ugly scratches.
Similar to it is the polished tile. It is finely polished and as shiny as a mirror, with extremely high hardness, especially suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and corridors. However, the polished tile has relatively weak anti-slip properties. If there are elderly people or children at home, you need to be cautious when choosing it for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Antique tiles, as the name suggests, follow a retro style. Their unique textures and aged colors create a sense of time-honored charm, which literature and art lovers will surely adore. They are mostly used in Mediterranean, pastoral, industrial and other styles of decoration. They have excellent anti-slip performance and a comfortable feel underfoot, but they are a bit troublesome to clean as the gaps tend to accumulate dirt.
There is also the stone tile. Its crystal structure makes its surface dazzling and luxurious, and it is often used for decorative parts such as feature walls to enhance the grade of the space. However, due to its delicate surface, it is afraid of being scratched by sharp objects, so you need to be more careful during daily use.
II. Key Indicators for Selecting Tiles
Water Absorption Rate: This is of the utmost importance. Simply put, the lower the water absorption rate, the better the quality of the tile. Place the tile face down and pour some water on it, then observe the speed and amount of water penetration. High-quality tiles absorb water very slowly or not at all, while tiles with a high water absorption rate are prone to moisture, deformation, and mildew in the future. Especially in humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens, you must choose tiles with a low water absorption rate.
Hardness: You can gently tap the tile with a hard object. Tiles that produce a clear and crisp sound usually have higher hardness; if the sound is dull, the hardness may be insufficient. Tiles with high hardness are less likely to be damaged during transportation, installation, and subsequent use.
Wear Resistance: This determines the service life of the tile. Scratch the tile surface a few times with a hard object like a key to see if obvious marks are left. In areas such as living rooms and hallways where there is frequent walking and friction, tiles with poor wear resistance will soon become “scratched all over”.
Anti-slip Property: For areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies where water stains are likely to occur, anti-slip property is crucial. Pour some water on the tile surface and then walk on it wearing slippers to feel the friction. Never judge the anti-slip performance only by looking at the texture of the tile. Some tiles with seemingly textured surfaces can actually be very slippery when wet.
III. Tile Selection for Different Areas
Living Room: The living room is the face of the home, and the choice of tiles should balance aesthetics and durability. Glazed tiles or polished tiles are common choices. The size can be determined according to the area of the living room. For a large living room, 800×800mm or even larger 规格 tiles can be selected, which will make the space look more spacious and magnificent visually; for a small living room, 600×600mm tiles are suitable to avoid making the space look too cramped. In terms of color, light colors can make the living room brighter and more transparent, while dark colors are more calm and elegant. By matching the furniture and soft furnishings well, you can create the desired effect.
Bedroom: The bedroom pursues warmth and comfort. You can choose soft-gloss tiles or ceramic tiles with the texture of wooden floors. Soft-gloss tiles have a soft light reflection that is not dazzling, making people feel relaxed; imitation wooden floor tiles have the warm texture of wooden floors and also possess the advantages of being easy to clean and moisture-proof. In winter, stepping on them won't be as cold as on real wooden floors.
Bathroom: Waterproof, anti-slip, and easy to clean are essential requirements for bathroom tiles. Antique tiles and anti-slip floor tiles are the top choices. For the walls, glazed tiles can be used for easy wiping of water stains and dirt. In terms of color, cool colors can make the bathroom look cleaner and fresher and also have the visual effect of enlarging the space. For a small bathroom, you can choose vertically striped tiles to visually stretch the height of the space.
Kitchen: The kitchen has a lot of oil fumes and water stains, so the tiles need to be resistant to dirt, wear, and easy to scrub. Glossy glazed tiles are the best choice as oil stains can be wiped off easily. The floor tiles also need to be anti-slip to prevent accidental slips. Considering the layout of kitchen cabinets and electrical appliances, the tile size can be flexibly selected. Small tiles are convenient for cutting and fitting into corner spaces, while large tiles reduce gaps and enhance the overall integrity.
IV. Brands and Prices
In terms of brand selection, first-tier brands such as Marco Polo, Dongpeng, and Nobel have guaranteed quality, exquisite craftsmanship, trendy flower and color designs, and relatively complete after-sales services, but their prices are relatively high. Second-tier brands like Mona Lisa, Guanzhu, and Xinzhongyuan have outstanding cost performance, and their product quality should not be underestimated, which can meet the needs of most families. Of course, there are also some niche brands that may have great price advantages, but when purchasing, you must carefully distinguish the quality, look at more samples, and compare more parameters.
In terms of price, there is a large price difference among different types, specifications, and brands of tiles. Ordinary glazed tiles range from dozens to hundreds of yuan per square meter, while microcrystalline stone tiles may cost several hundred yuan per square meter. When on a tight budget, don't blindly pursue high-priced brands. You can make a reasonable combination. For example, use medium-priced tiles in the living room and bedroom, and choose cost-effective styles for the bathroom and kitchen. This way, you can ensure the overall effect and control the cost.
All in all, choosing indoor ceramic tiles requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. Do more research, visit more building materials markets, and look at more actual cases to select the most suitable tile for your home. I hope this article can help you avoid some pitfalls in the tile selection process during decoration and successfully create your ideal home!
0306
2024.12.27
On the long journey of decoration, choosing ceramic tiles is a crucial matter. Today, let's talk about indoor matte ceramic tiles.
Beauty of Matte, Where Appearance Matters
Matte ceramic tiles have a unique texture and an inherent sense of luxury as soon as they make an appearance. Different from the highly reflective glossy tiles, they are like a low-key gentleman, emitting a soft and restrained luster. When light shines on them, there is no harsh reflection. Instead, the light is gently absorbed and scattered, creating a quiet and warm atmosphere. Whether it's modern minimalist style or styles that advocate natural simplicity like Nordic and Japanese styles, matte tiles can fit in perfectly and easily become the visual focus of the space.
Upgraded Touch, Skin-friendly Experience
Gently stroking the matte ceramic tile with your hand, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that it has a delicate frosted texture, just like touching an antique polished by time. Unlike glossy tiles that sometimes feel cold and slippery, matte tiles are a bit more warm and smooth. Walking barefoot on the floor paved with matte tiles, every step feels like an intimate embrace with the ground, giving a full sense of security. This skin-friendly experience is especially suitable for families with the elderly and children, and its anti-slip performance is also excellent.
Wear-resistant and Anti-fouling, Capable and Reliable
Don't think that just because it has a matte surface, it is delicate. High-quality indoor matte ceramic tiles are not inferior in terms of wear resistance at all. Daily movements of furniture and people walking around are no problem for them, and scratches won't appear easily. In terms of anti-fouling, thanks to the special surface treatment technology, it's very difficult for stains to penetrate into the tile body. A simple wipe can make it clean and shiny again. Even if you accidentally spill coffee or sauce, as long as you clean it up in time, you don't need to worry about leaving ugly marks at all, greatly reducing your housework burden.
Skillful Matching, Space Magic
Using matte tiles in the living room and matching them with light wooden furniture and green plants can instantly create a lazy and cozy leisure corner. When choosing them for the kitchen, oil stains are not obvious, and they complement the simple cabinets well, making the cooking space fresh and pleasant. The bathroom is an even better place for matte tiles. They are anti-slip and are anti-slip and