Some Things to Look for in Ceramic Wall Tiles

In contrast to more durable ceramic floor tiles, ceramic wall tiles are lighter in feel and emotion. Generally, this is due to the overall decision, by designers, that a floor is grounding so it should have a grounding feel to it. This does not allow for all that much latitude in design past the need to feel attached to the floor. This, however, is not to suggest that many have not taken advantage of the possibilities available as floor tiles can, and are, being used in designs that are very light and uplifting.

Ceramic wall tiles

Any type of tile can be used as a wall tile. Laminate, stone or porcelain; they are all being used in varying designs and styles. Porcelain ceramic wall tiles, however, are one of the more popular choices due to their shine and diverse acceptance of glaze. Any combination of colors is possible for ceramic wall tiles as is the painting of pictures on them. The opaque color that is generated in many firings gives ceramic wall tiles a slippery and shiny appearance that can lift moods and make people inspired.

Custom tiles

One of the more stylish trends in ceramic wall tiles today is custom ceramic wall tiles. In this instance, the customer is prepared to pay top dollar for the tile and ready to wait, in some instances 6 months to one year are needed for delivery. It should also be pointed out that custom tiles are just that, custom. Each tile is unique and as such is not easily replaced.

This is particularly important when considering a custom painted tile. Many customers have an image that they would like on a set of tiles. Religious symbols or a loved ones are particularly popular. In one instance a celebrity had a pool tiled with his girlfriend’s image only later to have her become an ex-girlfriend.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is always an issue to consider when thinking about ceramic wall tiles. A standard tile manufacturer will have fewer problems in this regard but the issue does exist at all levels. As tiles are fired they will lose moisture as they dry. Since the clay comes from a geologic formation it can never really be controlled to a point where 100 percent certainty is involved. Because of this moisture content may vary in individual ceramic wall tiles. Generally, this means that there could be a few tiles that are smaller or larger than the others due to inconsistent moisture content.

What to ask for

There is really no guarantee one way or another that 100 percent of the ceramic wall tiles will be within tolerance. However, the chances go up if a batch number is asked for. This makes it known that all of the tiles in the purchase came from the same firing. Also, check to make sure that moisture content is less than 5 percent. A salesman may look oddly at you but it is still a good check.

No matter how much you check for quality, ceramic tiles still don’t cut it. Your best option would be to go for porcelain tiles. It clearly exceeds ceramic tiles.