Ceramic tiles can make almost any room look nice. These ceramic tiles are available in a variety of color and styles, including a square ceramic tile, which makes the tiles an appropriate addition to most decor.

When you are considering laying a ceramic tile floor, wall, work surface or accents, you must take these ceramic tile basics into consideration:

1. Decide on the style, layout and design of ceramic tiles you need for your project.

2. Think about the process of laying the ceramic tiles, either as a do-it-yourself project or having them professionally installed.

3. Ensure that you know how to care for the ceramic tiles.

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Plan and design the ceramic tiles in a room to ensure they compliment the decor

With the varied selection of ceramic tiles available, it is possible to make a ceramic tile surface, including a ceramic tile floor, work with almost any decor. In addition to making the room look appealing, ceramic tile can decrease allergens, as the tile doesn't hold allergens like carpet does. You should make sure that the tile is appropriate for use in the room in which you will install it. For example, ceramic tiles with a slip resistant additive are ideal for a child's room, stairs or a bathroom.

I recommend: Barefootfloor.com has numerous articles and design tools to help you choose the right tiles and design for your needs. Ceramic Tile Institute of America offers detailed ceramic tile information, including the latest safety standards and maintenance tips.

Decide on the method of installation for your ceramic tiles

You can choose to lay ceramic tiles as a do-it-yourself project or you can choose to have a professional lay the tiles. Laying the tiles yourself is a way to save a little money. Before you begin laying the tiles, you must ensure that you understand how to ceramic tile the surface so you don't have to rip tiles up and lay new ones, which could cost you more than a professional installation.

I recommend: FloorsTransformed.com has ceramic tile how to articles, including how to install ceramic tile on a budget and how to install ceramic tile kitchen accents, such as back splashes, or odd shaped tiles, such as hexagon ceramic tile. FlooringGuide.com has in depth articles about ceramic tile installation, including how to prepare the surface on which you will lay the ceramic tiles.

Consider the maintenance factor of ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is fairly simple to clean and maintain. It is important that you understand how to clean the tiles, as well as how to repair or replace a section of tile. Knowing how to care for the grout is important as well because dirty or dingy grout takes away from the visual effect of the tile.

I recommend: Ceramic-tile.com offers instructional guides about repairing and maintaining ceramic tiles. These articles are specific to the type of tiles, such as hexagon ceramic tile, and grout, including wide grout areas, with which you are working. The Tile Doctor offers detailed ceramic tile information, including ceramic tile how to articles about cleaning, maintaining and repairing tiles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use slip resistant ceramic floor tile or a slip resistant rug on top of the tiles to lessen the chance of someone falling.

Ceramic tile is enjoying resurgence in popularity due to its durability, good looks and wide availability. As the supply has become more abundant, the price has also come down on this tough, attractive flooring, making it a value in the end.

Ceramic floor tile today comes in a wide array of colors and finishes to complement any decorating scheme. Choose from different sizes and shapes, including hexagon ceramic tile to add interest and eye appeal to your application. All but the most capable do-it-yourselfer should consider hiring expert installers to apply ceramic tiles. Doing so requires special tools, knowledge and skill. To find the right ceramic tile for your home or business, consider the following:

1. Amount of traffic the ceramic tile will be exposed to – high, medium or low. Ceramic floor tile comes in different degrees of hardness and finishes.
2. Atmospheric conditions in the area where tile will be installed – such as ceramic tile flooring in an entryway or bathroom ceramic tile. The industry rates tile for porosity from impervious (non-absorbent) to non-vitreous (absorbent).
3. Maintenance requirements – seal unglazed ceramic tiles periodically. Light-colored grouts will stain easily.

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Visit a gallery to view samples of ceramic tile

You can go to a local storefront, or visit that storefront online at their website. There are many websites containing all the ceramic tile information you need. You can view pictures to narrow your choices and order samples of your favorites. For variety, look for interesting borders and hexagon ceramic tile.

I recommend: Fast Floors offers a huge selection of ceramic tile manufacturers and a wealth of ceramic tile information. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse is a good source for ceramic and porcelain tile. Georgia Carpet also has a large selection and great prices on ceramic tiles that can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.

Find a ceramic tile installation specialist

Sit down with a professional tile installer and go over your project. Have them make recommendations, help you select tile and then give you a bid for the ceramic tile installation. Ask for references in your area and go view their handiwork.

I recommend: Building Pros lets you type in your zip code and choose the type of service you need. It returns several qualified professionals in your area, or try 1800Contractor for a list of ceramic tile installers.

Know how to maintain ceramic floor and wall tile

Ceramic tile distributors will be able to inform you of steps to take to maintain your tile in great condition. Ceramic floor tile is easy to keep clean with a few basic cleaning tools, an all-purpose cleaner and water.

I recommend: Find a great selection of floor cleaning and maintenance products at Home Depot, or try ReStockIt's selection of floor care products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check local building codes and get required permits, if any. A local contractor can advise you about building codes and requirements.
• •  Choose a non-skid finish for floor tiles to guard against slips and falls. These ceramic tiles have a rough, gritty surface.
• •  Ceramic wall tile is thinner than that used for floors. Don't expect very thick tiles to stick to a wall.
• •  Don't use cleaners with ammonia or acid on some tiles.

Ceramic tiles, including ceramic floor tiles and accent tiles, can bring out almost any room's features. In addition to the visual effects of ceramic tiles, they have some added health benefits, as they don't trap dust and allergens like carpeting.

Making the most of ceramic tile involves careful planning. In order to use your ceramic tiles in the most effective way, consider these suggestions:

1. Make a statement in a room with ceramic tile murals.

2. Use ceramic tiles instead of paint to make a wall stand out.

3. Place ceramic tile accents strategically around the room to add depth.

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Express yourself with ceramic tile murals

Ceramic tile murals are a creative way to add life to a room. These murals can be for use with ceramic floor tile to create an area of focus, much like the effect a rug has in a room. You can also use these to create a permanent picture on the wall.

I recommend: The Tile Mural Store offers a varied selection of ceramic tile wall murals. This company has the murals separated on the website by placement categories, including kitchen and bath. Woodchuck Creations sells hand made ceramic tile murals. This company makes all of the tiles as they are ordered and it offers a quality guarantee.

Consider installing ceramic wall tile

Ceramic tile walls are a popular addition in many kitchens and bathrooms. In some cases, the ceramic tile is only on the walls in the shower area or behind the stove and sink. In these cases, the wall is visually pleasing and it is protected as ceramic is easy to wipe clean. When you purchase ceramic wall tiles, take note of the locations suitable for the ceramic tile. Kitchen tiles can withstand heat without cracking. Bathroom ceramic tile won't be affected by extremely humid air.

I recommend: You can find information about removing old tiles and setting ceramic wall tiles at The Tile Doctor. This site offers detailed, step by step how to articles, as well as DVDs for people who learn better by watching as opposed to reading. Mosaic House offers different types of ceramic wall tiles, including tiles suitable for outdoor use and use in hot areas, such as behind a stove. This company offers ceramic tile information, including videos on the About Us page that show how ceramic tiles are made.

Get creative with ceramic tile accents

Ceramic tile accents, such as a decorated tiles strategically placed, add depth to the room. If you are unsure of how ceramic tile accents will look in a room, it is possible to use temporary adhesive to place them where you want them. Once you do this, step back and look at it to see if you like it. If you like it, leave the room for a few minutes and then come back in and look at again to ensure that you still find it appealing.

I recommend: The Tile Shop has an easy to use website that simplifies the process of selecting accent ceramic tiles. This website also offers do-it-yourself articles and information, including do-it-yourself ceramic tile installation tips. TilesWithStyle.com has ceramic tile accents in numerous shapes, including animal shapes and hexagon ceramic tile. This company offers support via phone or email to help you make the most of these accent tiles. There is a tool to help you calculate the number of accent tiles you need for your project.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take the color scheme and decor of the rooms in which you will lay ceramic tiles to ensure that the colors and styles compliment each other.

There is a lot of terminology unique to the subject of ceramic tile, and certain ceramic tile key terms are necessary for anyone who works with them. The beauty, durability and versatility of ceramic tile have made it an outstanding choice for floors and more for thousands of years. Today's seemingly endless style, size and color options ensure there's something for every taste and every budget in both commercial and residential applications.

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Ceramic

Most tiles made from clay or a clay mixture and kiln-fired are considered ceramic. They are typically classified into two groups: porcelain and non-porcelain.

I recommend: Anchor Bay Tile does a great job explaining exactly what ceramic tile is and how it differs from porcelain tile.

Glaze

Glaze is a liquid form of colored glass poured or sprayed onto tile, then fused and hardened at extremely high temperatures. It provides color and texture and also helps prevent staining.

I recommend: Read the informative facts about the glaze used on ceramic tile and the factors that can affect hardness or wear rating at Home Resource Guide.

PEI wear rating

Wear ratings developed by The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) are used industry wide to help both contractors and consumers make informed decisions when purchasing ceramic tile. The rating scale -- ranging from Group I (light foot traffic) to Group V (heavy foot traffic) -- refers only to durability and does not determine tile price or quality. Some in the industry include a Group 0, which allows no foot traffic and is for decorative purposes only.

I recommend: Take a look at the PEI Wear Rating Table and the "wearability" associated with each group at FloorBiz, Inc.

Moisture absorption

Understanding moisture absorption and density are important when selecting tile. In general, the denser (heavier) ceramic tile is, the less moisture it is able to absorb and the stronger it is.

I recommend: Check out the four categories ceramic tile can fall into in the areas of moisture absorption and density with ratings developed by The American National Standards Institute at Starcraft Custom Builders.

Monocottura or bicottura

Ceramic tiles that are fired once after the glaze is put on are called monocuttura, or single fired. Ceramic tiles that are fired after the green tile is dried and then fired again after glaze is applied are called bicottura, or double fired.

I recommend: There's an all-you-need-to-know article about both the monocottura and the bicottura firing process at Build Direct.

Grout

Grout is the cement used to fill the space and provide support between tiles. There are many types and colors to choose from.

I recommend: The Tile Doctor has a very informative section on the types of grout that are available and applications for each.