Ceramic Tile FAQs
Where can I install ceramic tile flooring in my home?
Ceramic tile flooring can be installed in almost any room. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor spaces, on any floor (including below grade, basement spaces). Tile is a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its durability and natural resistance to moisture.
How do you install tile flooring?
Typically, tile flooring must be adhered to your home's sub-flooring using a tile adhesive or mortar. Once secured, the joints between tiles must then be sealed using grout to fill in the space and create a uniform, secure surface for your new tile flooring.
If you have specific questions regarding installation, the team at A&M can help! We offer installation services in the Fresno area, and can offer tips if you decide to complete the installation DIY-style.*
*Note: While DIY installation for tile flooring is certainly possible, we always recommend using a professional to ensure maximum quality and safety for your new floors.
What makes porcelain tile different from ceramic tile?
Let's start with what makes them similar - porcelain is a type of ceramic tile, meaning it is also made from clay and fired in a kiln.
However, porcelain tile is made from a specific type of clay. Most ceramic tile is made from red or white clay. Porcelain tile is made from a light-colored clay that has a slightly different chemical composition from the other clay types. When fired at high temperatures, this lighter clay creates an incredibly durable type of tile, called porcelain. Porcelain is also more moisture-resistant than other ceramic tile types.
What is the difference between glazed and unglazed tile?
Unglazed tile is tile without any additional coating. It is clay, fired in a kiln, and left its natural color. Unglazed tile is more durable, but less resistant to moisture. Because they only come in natural tones, they are also not as versatile for design.
Glazed tile, on the other hand, has a non-porous glass coating applied after its initial firing. Upon being fired again, this coating, or glaze, fuses with the tile. Glazed tile works very well in areas of the home where moisture is present, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and offers a wide variety of options for color and pattern that glazed tile cannot.
What are ceramic flooring tiles made from?
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay, heated to incredibly high temperatures in a kiln. This process is called firing, and it hardens the clay into tile.
