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.