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.