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.