On the long journey of home decoration, the choice of floor tiles and ceramics is a crucial step, which directly affects the appearance and comfort of your home. Today, let's have a good chat about these floor tiles and ceramics that people love but also find confusing.

I. Can't Tell the Difference Between Tiles and Ceramics?

Many people think that tiles and ceramics are similar, but in fact, they are quite different. Ceramics are generally made from clay and fired at a relatively low temperature. They have a simple and soft texture and are commonly seen in traditional vases and ornaments. Tiles, on the other hand, mostly use kaolin and other materials as raw materials and are fired at a high temperature. They are harder, more wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, specially designed for paving floors and walls, and can withstand all kinds of daily "abuse".

II. Diverse Materials of Floor Tiles

1.Polished Tiles: The surface is as shiny as a mirror, which can make the space look more spacious visually. It is suitable for large areas such as modern minimalist living rooms and lobbies. However, its anti-slip property is a bit weak. If you use it in the kitchen or bathroom, you need to be careful of slipping on water stains.

2.Glazed Tiles: The glaze is rich, with variable colors and patterns. The imitation wood and stone textures are so realistic that they can be almost indistinguishable from the real ones, and the decorative effect is excellent. It's easy to clean in daily life; just a gentle wipe can remove all the stains. But the wear resistance of the glaze is slightly inferior to that of polished tiles.

3.Antique Tiles: They focus on the retro charm, with aged textures and colors, as if telling the story of the years. The anti-slip performance is excellent and they are mostly used in stylish tea rooms and retro restaurants. Walking on them gives a full sense of artistry.

4.Full-Body Tiles: They are the same inside and out, with the same material from the surface to the inside. The wear resistance is extremely strong. Even if the surface layer is worn off, it doesn't affect the appearance. They are very reassuring to use in public buildings and outdoor terraces.

III. Must-See Parameters When Choosing Tiles

1.Hardness: The higher the Mohs hardness, the better. It won't be afraid of scratches from daily keys, tables and chairs. It should be ≥5 to be "tough enough".

2.Anti-slip Property: Especially in kitchens, bathrooms and balconies where there is water, the friction coefficient should be ≥0.5 to ensure walking safety. When choosing tiles, pour some water and step on them to feel it.

3.Water Absorption Rate: The lower, the better. Tiles with a water absorption rate of ＜0.5% have excellent moisture-proof performance and are not easy to breed mold, change color or deform due to moisture. In humid southern regions, you should pay more attention to this indicator.

IV. Key Points for Installation and Laying

1.Base Treatment: The ground should be flat, clean and dry, otherwise the tiles are prone to hollowing and loosening. The proper ratio of cement mortar is required to firmly "hold" the tiles.

2.Jointing: Don't do seamless splicing just for the sake of beauty. Thermal expansion and contraction will cause the tiles to squeeze and crack each other. A regular 1 - 2mm gap, with beautiful jointing done, combines both beauty and practicality.

V. Secrets of Cleaning and Maintenance

Use a neutral cleaner for daily wiping to avoid corrosion of the glaze by strong acids and alkalis. For regular deep cleaning, you can use a small brush dipped in cleaner to clean the gaps, and then apply a seam sealer as a "protective cover" to keep the tiles always looking new.

All in all, when choosing floor tiles and ceramics, you need to consider various aspects such as your home style, budget and usage scenarios. Do more research and visit more building materials markets. I believe everyone can pick the one they like and lay a happy foundation for their home.

#Floor Tiles #Decoration Materials Selection #Home Aesthetics