0271
2024.12.31
On the long journey of home decoration, choosing the right floor is undoubtedly a crucial part. When you're on a tight budget, cheap ceramic floors often come into view. Seemingly cost-effective, but what secrets do they really hold? Let's dig deeper today.
First Impression: Low Price and Diverse Choices
The most prominent advantage of cheap ceramic floors is their affordable price. For those with a thin wallet yet in urgent need of renovating and moving in, they are like a "life-saver". Stepping into the building materials market, you'll be dazzled by the wide array of cheap ceramic floor styles. Simple solid colors, wood-grain imitations, stone-grain imitations... All kinds of styles are available, basically fulfilling the initial design ideas of most people for home decoration. Whether you aim to create a fresh Nordic style or a tough industrial style, it seems that they can fit in.
A Closer Look: Frequent Problems
Don't be fooled by the initial "beauty" for too long. Behind the low price, there are numerous hidden troubles. In terms of quality, the flatness is a major issue. Once laid at home, it feels like walking on a "springboard", uneven. Over time, the corners of the tiles may curl up, and you might easily trip over. If this is in the area where the elderly and children frequently move around, it's practically a "time bomb".
The anti-slip performance is even more worrying. It turns into an "ice rink" when it gets wet. Just imagine stepping out of the bathroom after a shower and your body losing control instantly. It's terrifying to think about. This is mainly because cheap products cut corners in the firing process and glaze treatment, resulting in insufficient surface friction.
Poor wear resistance is also a significant drawback. With daily movements of furniture and shoe friction, within a few months, the floor will be full of scratches. The brand-new floor becomes mottled and worn out, and the aesthetics plummet, constantly reminding you that it's a "cheap product". Moreover, to cut costs, some cheap ceramic floors have lax quality control over raw materials and may emit harmful substances like formaldehyde, silently eroding the health of your family.
Purchase Guide: Be Discerning to Pick the Right One
If your budget is really tight and you have no choice but to opt for cheap ceramic floors, you must be extra vigilant. Examine the appearance. Tiles with natural colors, no bubbles, no black dots, and clear and continuous pattern textures can basically help you screen out a batch of inferior products preliminarily. Listen to the sound. Gently tap them. If the sound is clear, loud, and has a long echo, it indicates a dense internal structure and relatively reliable quality. Test the water absorption rate. Drop water on the back of the tile. If it penetrates slowly or not at all, it will perform much better in terms of moisture and stain resistance in the future. Compare the weight. Under the same specifications, heavier tiles usually have sufficient materials and better strength and toughness.
Cheap ceramic floors are like a double-edged sword. If used properly, you can create a cozy home within a limited budget; if not, it will lead to endless troubles. Hope all friends who are preparing for decoration can make a well-informed decision before taking action. Don't let this seemingly attractive "cheapness" turn into a "shackle" in your future life.
#Decoration #Cheap Ceramic Floors #Home Building Materials #Floor Selection
0272
2024.12.31
In the world of decoration, the choice of exterior wall materials is quite a knowledge. And porcelain tiles, as one of the popular options, let's have a good chat about them today.
Appearance Matters? It Excels!
When it comes to the application of porcelain tiles on exterior walls, their appearance is outstanding. There is a rich variety of patterns. Whether you like the simple and modern style and use solid-color glossy porcelain tiles to create a neat sense of line, or you are fond of European retro style, those with complex patterns and aged textures can meet your needs. The imitation stone and wood textures are so realistic that it's hard to tell the difference at first glance, easily matching various architectural styles and making your house stand out from the neighborhood and become the "beauty champion".
Durability Is the Key
Exposed to wind, sun, and rain, exterior wall materials must withstand the test. Porcelain tiles have high hardness, generally reaching a Mohs hardness of 6 - 7. It's difficult for daily bumps and frictions to leave marks on them. Moreover, their water absorption rate is extremely low, usually less than 0.5%, which means that water hardly penetrates. When it snows or rains, since the water can't get in, there will be no cracking or peeling of the tiles caused by repeated freezing and thawing. Their durability far exceeds that of many ordinary materials, protecting the exterior wall of your home for decades.
The Secret of Easy Cleaning
After living for a while, you'll know that cleaning the exterior wall is really troublesome. But porcelain tiles have a natural advantage. The smooth surface makes it difficult for dust and stains to adhere. Even if some dirt accumulates, a heavy rain can wash away most of it. If you encounter stubborn stains, simply use some neutral cleaner and wipe gently with a mop or a brush, and it will become shiny and new immediately. You no longer have to worry about looking at the dirty exterior wall, saving a lot of money and energy for hiring people to clean.
Installation Requires Attention
Although porcelain tiles have many advantages, the installation can't be careless. First of all, you must choose the right adhesive. Ordinary cement may not bond firmly, while special adhesives can ensure that the tiles fit tightly to the wall, avoiding the risks of hollowing and falling off. During construction, the workers must strictly control the flatness, keeping the error within a very small range. Otherwise, it will look crooked and ugly if the tiles are pasted unevenly. Also, the gap is crucial. Appropriate gaps can not only accommodate thermal expansion and contraction but also facilitate future caulking treatment, making the overall effect more delicate.
An Environmental Bonus
Nowadays, everyone pays attention to environmental protection. The production process of porcelain tiles is relatively standardized, without problems of excessive toxic and radioactive substances, which will not cause pollution to the indoor and outdoor environment. You can live at ease and contribute to our planet.
Porcelain tiles used for exterior walls are beautiful, durable, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly, truly an excellent choice. Of course, there are differences among different brands and models. Do more research when choosing to ensure that your exterior wall decoration is free of mistakes and can still look great after many years.
#Exterior Wall Decoration #Porcelain Tiles #Home Building Materials
0273
2024.12.31
Dear friends, when it comes to choosing floor materials for decoration, are you often confused by all kinds of “tiles”? Today, let's have a good chat about floor tiles, ceramics and porcelain tiles, so that you can easily master the selection strategy.
I. The Big Family of Floor Tiles
Floor tiles are the leading players in home decoration floors. They cover a wide range and can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms. In terms of appearance, there are all kinds of patterns such as wood-grain imitation, stone-grain imitation and solid colors, which can perfectly match different decoration styles. For modern minimalist style, choosing a plain-colored soft-gloss tile can create a clean, neat and high-end look; if it's retro European style, laying the tiles with carved patterns and aged texture on the floor will make you feel like traveling through time. Moreover, they are wear-resistant. Daily walking and furniture dragging won't cause much trouble. Unlike wooden floors which are delicate and easy to scratch and wear.
II. Ceramics - The Crystallization of Tradition and Art
Ceramics has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is made from natural materials such as clay through multiple processes of firing. The delicate textures and warm textures of common ceramic tableware and vases are the manifestations of the charm of ceramics. Ceramic tiles used on the floor often have a unique handmade flavor, and the subtle differences of each tile are like the “personal signatures” of artworks. Its water absorption rate is relatively high and it is generally suitable for indoor areas with low humidity, such as living rooms and studies. Laying ceramic tiles is like laying a cultural “carpet” at home, and the peaceful atmosphere of years is immediately created.
III. Porcelain Tiles - The Capable and Hardworking Ones
Porcelain tiles can be regarded as the “top students” among tiles. Their raw materials are fine, the firing temperature is high, and the density is extremely high. This results in their super performance. The water absorption rate is extremely low, almost no water absorption, so the moisture-proof and antibacterial abilities are first-class. For humid corners such as bathrooms and basements, porcelain tiles are the most suitable. In terms of hardness, they are excellent. Heavy objects falling on them are not easy to crack, and the wear resistance is amazing. Porcelain tiles are used in shopping malls and hotel lobbies with large pedestrian flows, and they still look new after many years. Moreover, with the advanced technology nowadays, the pattern simulation degree of porcelain tiles is extremely high. The marble patterns are so realistic that they can be indistinguishable from the real ones, satisfying your pursuit of luxurious texture.
IV. Tips for Purchasing
1.Look: Observe whether there are any defects and color differences on the tile surface, and whether the texture is clear and natural. The surface of porcelain tiles should be smooth and delicate, while ceramic tiles may have a slightly granular feel.
2.Touch: Touch with your hands to feel the flatness. The edges and corners should be smooth and not cut hands. The texture of porcelain tiles is colder and harder, while ceramics are relatively mild.
3.Knock: Tap gently. The ones that make a clear sound are generally porcelain tiles, while the dull sound ones may be ceramics or other tiles with a relatively loose texture.
4.Water test: Drop water on the back of the tile. If the water penetrates slowly or not at all, it is most likely a porcelain tile; if it absorbs water quickly, it is a ceramic tile.
All in all, after understanding these aspects of floor tiles, ceramics and porcelain tiles, you will have a better idea when choosing tiles. Select according to your own space, budget and style requirements, and you will surely make the floor at your feet both beautiful and durable, opening a new chapter of happy home life.
#Decoration #Tile Selection #Home Knowledg
0274
2024.12.31
In the world of decoration, tiles and ceramic walls are definitely key elements that cannot be ignored. They not only concern the aesthetics of the space but also directly affect the durability and comfort of use. Today, let's have a good chat about these two "magic tools".
I. All about Tiles
1.Material Classification
Speaking of common porcelain tiles, they are fired from porcelain clay and have a hard texture and low water absorption rate. Generally, in places like kitchens and bathrooms where water easily accumulates, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. They have first-class moisture-proof and anti-fouling properties, and the daily cleaning is simple and straightforward. Just wipe the stains away with a mop.
As for ceramic tiles, compared with porcelain tiles, their texture is relatively loose and the water absorption rate is a bit higher. However, they excel in rich colors and a simple and rustic texture, and are mostly used for wall decoration to create a warm and artistic atmosphere. If you want to create a retro-style living room background wall, choosing ceramic tiles is definitely the right choice.
2.Size Selection
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of tile sizes on the market, ranging from small mosaic tiles of 100mm × 100mm to large slab tiles of 1200mm × 2400mm. Small-sized tiles are suitable for assembling complex and delicate patterns, such as bathroom waistlines and partial embellishments on the entrance floor, which can instantly enhance the style of the space. Large slab tiles, on the other hand, are suitable for open spaces. Laying large slab tiles throughout the living room visually stretches the space, making the home look spacious and airy, with fewer seams and easy to clean.
3.Installation Technology
The dry-laying method is the first choice for most tile installers. First, clean the base layer thoroughly, then lay a layer of dry hard cement mortar, and finally lay the tiles and tap them firmly with a rubber mallet. This method can effectively avoid hollowness, especially for larger and heavier tiles. The wet-laying method is to directly lay the tiles with cement mortar. The construction speed is a bit faster, but it requires higher craftsmanship from the installer. If not done carefully, hollowness is likely to occur, and it is commonly used for laying small-sized tiles.
II. The Charm of Ceramic Walls
1.Artistic Expression
Ceramic walls are no longer limited to traditional flat paintings. Now there are various forms such as embossed ceramic walls and 3D printed ceramic walls. The embossed ceramic walls are full of three-dimensional sense and rich in touch. Installed on the living room sofa background wall, it can immediately transform the space into an art exhibition hall. 3D printed ceramic walls can vividly reproduce various natural landscapes, famous paintings, etc., and when used in commercial spaces such as hotel lobbies, they can create a stunning visual effect and attract customers' attention.
2.Environmental Protection and Durability
High-quality ceramic walls have their harmful substances volatilized completely during the high-temperature firing process, so they have excellent environmental performance. There is no need to worry about formaldehyde and other pollutions when used indoors. Moreover, they are wear-resistant, scratch-resistant, and acid-alkali corrosion-resistant. In public places with large crowds and much wear and tear, ceramic walls can maintain their beauty for a long time and reduce maintenance costs. For example, using ceramic walls in school corridors and hospital lobbies is clean, convenient, and durable.
III. Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Purchasing
1.Look at Brands
Big brands are more strict in the selection of raw materials and the control of production processes, and their product quality is stable. For example, well-known brands like Marco Polo and Dongpeng have rich product lines and guaranteed after-sales service. When purchasing, make sure to identify the official authorized stores of the brands to avoid buying counterfeit and shoddy products.
2.Check Parameters
For tiles, pay attention to the water absorption rate. There are clear regulations in national standards. The water absorption rate of tiles used in kitchens and bathrooms should be lower than 0.5%. For ceramic walls, pay attention to parameters such as hardness and anti-fouling ability. You can scratch the surface with a key on site to see if there are scratches, and draw with an oil-based pen and then wipe it to test the anti-fouling ability.
3.Compare Prices
Don't just blindly pursue low prices. The saying "you get what you pay for" is very applicable in the fields of tiles and ceramic walls. An overly low price may mean poor raw materials and rough workmanship, and problems such as fading and cracking are likely to occur later. Consider the cost performance comprehensively and choose the best within your budget.
Whether it is to create a warm home or decorate commercial spaces, choosing the right tiles and ceramic walls can add a lot of points to the entire environment. I hope this article can help you clear the fog of decoration and smoothly start the journey of creating a wonderful space!
0275
2024.12.31
When we embark on the journey of home decoration, the floor, which is the foundation of the entire space, not only carries the basic style but also meets the practical needs. Among a wide variety of floor materials, ceramic tiles stand out and have become the favorite choice of many families. Today, let's dig deep into the reasons why they are so popular.
Versatile Styles, Space Magicians
Walking into the ceramic tile area of the home furnishing market, you will surely be amazed by the ever-changing styles of ceramic tiles. From the light and fresh colors of the Nordic style, endowing the living room with an ethereal and open feeling, as if bringing the pure aurora of the Nordic region indoors; to the rough cement-textured ceramic tiles of the industrial style, creating a unique and unrestrained ground effect for loft apartments, paired with exposed metal pipes, full of coolness. For those who pursue an artistic atmosphere, ceramic tiles with abstract patterns can even become the visual focus of the home. When laid at the entrance, guests will be attracted by the unique taste as soon as they enter the door. If you want to create a quiet and private bedroom, matte ceramic tiles in low-saturation colors, combined with soft lighting, are just like the backdrop of a gentle dreamland.
Exceptionally Hard, the King of Pressure Resistance
Daily home life is like an “endurance test” for the floor. Accidental drops when moving heavy objects, or the “violent impacts” of children's toys during chasing and playing, but ceramic tiles remain as steady as a rock. The closely intertwined internal structure endows them with super hardness, and their Mohs hardness far exceeds that of ordinary wood. This means that when sharp objects scratch the surface, at most a shallow white mark will be left, and it will disappear with a little wipe. Even if there are frequent parties at home, with people coming and going, high heels stepping on, and furniture being moved frequently, ceramic tiles will have no “complaints” and remain flat and smooth for a long time, without worrying about dents or worn pits, maximizing their durability.
Waterproof and Moisture-proof, the Guardian of Wet Areas
Water vapor is the great enemy of the home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Different from wooden floors that are in “danger” when encountering water, the dense structure of ceramic tiles is like a waterproof barrier. Around the kitchen sink, which is troubled by water splashing from washing vegetables and oil dripping all year round, ceramic tiles do not seep or leak, and can be wiped clean with a single wipe; in the bathroom shower area, with hot water flushing and steam filling the air, it can handle it with ease, without water accumulation on the ground and no moisture return on the walls, completely eliminating the breeding of mold from the root, protecting the health of family members, and keeping damp corners always fresh and dry, without having to worry about floor deformation and decay caused by moisture.
Easy to Maintain, a Boon for Busy People
After a tiring day at work, who would like to go through a lot of trouble to clean the floor? Ceramic tiles are the worry-free choice. The smooth glaze is like a lotus leaf, making it difficult for water droplets and stains to adhere. Daily dust can be swept away with a broom, and wet stains can be wiped off cleanly with a damp cloth. Occasional coffee stains and oil stains can be restored to cleanliness with a simple wipe using dishwashing detergent, without the need for complex cleaning agents and tedious wiping steps. Compared with wooden floors that require regular waxing and carpets that are easy to accumulate dust and difficult to clean, ceramic tiles can save a lot of cleaning time, allowing you to have more leisure time for a pleasant life.
Here come some tips for choosing ceramic tiles! In terms of glossiness, the polished surface makes the space look more spacious but is prone to showing water stains, while the matte surface is more textured and versatile; in terms of size, large-sized tiles look grand and open but require a high level of ground flatness, while small-sized tiles are flexible for paving. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the base layer is flat and firm, calibrated with a level gauge, and choose a high-quality mildew-proof grout to fully guarantee the perfect installation of ceramic tiles.
In conclusion, with their diverse styles, excellent performance, waterproof advantages, and easy-to-clean characteristics, ceramic tiles are undoubtedly the preferred choice for creating an ideal home floor. If you are preparing for decoration, now you have a clear idea. Go and pick the ceramic tiles that match your home style and start a new chapter of a beautiful home!
0276
2024.12.30
Today, let's have a good chat about 60x60 cm ceramic floor tiles to see what their charm is and how to choose them.
I. Size Advantages
The size of 60x60 cm is just right, neither too large nor too small. Compared with small-sized tiles, it is more time-saving and labor-saving to lay. The large-area laying can reduce the splicing gaps, making the space look more open and tidy, presenting a seamless visual effect. In an open space like the living room, using 60x60 tiles can create a strong sense of continuity from one end to the other, without the feeling of being cut into a mess by fine lines.
Compared with super-large-sized tiles, it is much lighter, greatly reducing the difficulty of transportation and construction. There is no need to hire large machinery for transportation, and ordinary decorators can handle it easily, which can also save on labor costs.
II. Highlights of Ceramic Material
Ceramic floor tiles are mainly made from natural materials such as clay and fired at high temperatures. Firstly, its hardness is quite remarkable. You don't need to worry about scratches at all when moving furniture or people walking around daily. Even if there are naughty children running around and playing with toy cars at home, ceramic tiles can withstand the "torture".
Moreover, the anti-fouling performance of ceramic is excellent. Kitchen grease and water stains in the living room can be wiped clean immediately with a gentle wipe. This is due to its dense surface structure, which makes it difficult for stains to penetrate, making daily cleaning extremely easy and reducing the burden of busy home life.
III. Style Compatibility
60x60 ceramic floor tiles are "versatile" in style. For modern minimalist decoration, choosing pure-colored, glossy 60x60 tiles and matching them with simple furniture and neat lines can maximize the fashion and high-end sense of the space. Under the illumination of lights, the glossy tiles can also reflect charming luster, making the living room look like a fashion show stage.
Like retro style? No problem! 60x60 ceramic tiles with antique textures and aged colors, when laid in the bedroom or hallway, can instantly create an atmosphere of time-honored charm. Paired with retro wooden furniture and dim yellow lights, it feels like traveling back in time. It can also easily handle pastoral and industrial styles, depending on how you match the surrounding elements.
IV. Tips for Purchasing
Check the flatness: Place two tiles face to face. If there is no obvious gap in the middle and no warping at the edges, the flatness is qualified. Otherwise, height differences may appear after laying, affecting the appearance and even causing tripping.
Listen to the sound: Gently tap the tile. If the sound is clear and pleasant, it indicates a dense internal structure and high quality; if the sound is dull, there may be quality problems such as hollowing.
Check the color difference: Take out several tiles from the same batch and compare them. Uniform color and no color difference are preferred. Otherwise, it will look like a patchwork after laying.
With so many advantages, 60x60 ceramic floor tiles have established a firm foothold in the field of home decoration. I hope that after reading this article, everyone can choose the desired tiles and create their dream homes.