Kitchen Wall Tiles

Ceramic India

Formed from clay mixtures and usually fired at high temperatures, ceramic tiles is commonly employed for floors, counter tops, bath surrounds, wall coverings and many more. Generally, these tiles, which are used for counters and walls, are glazed. It is because glazed tiles are great for keeping water away and they are also way easy to clean. Also, ceramic kitchen wall tiles are employed to add a touch of style to your otherwise drab-looking kitchen.

But ceramic tiles aren't the sole type of that can be used for kitchen walls. Porcelain and stone tiles can also be employed. Just make sure that you are knowledgeable of the differences of each type for you to make the right choice.

Installing Ceramic Kitchen Wall Tiles

Whether you are thinking of functionality or stylish looks, ceramic kitchen wall tiles can be an excellent choice. This type of tiles can be ideal for your counter tops, around and behind the kitchen sink and on walls because they have the capability to protect them from moisture and water. Another reason why ceramic tiles are used is because they allow you to create attractive accent on your walls.

Before installing your kitchen wall tiles, the very first thing that you must do is to measure the kitchen wall in order to know the number of tile that you will need. Also, decide on the size of tile that will best fit your wall and the theme of your kitchen. If you are planning to employ a unique design, then you must get different tile sizes; you can purchase tiles with different colors too. If colorful kitchen is cool for you, you can also use various tile colors all through your kitchen wall.

Grout held the ceramic wall tiles together. This is a type of mortar that is put between tiles to make them stay in place and fill the gaps between them. The excess can simply be wiped away. Once the grout is dry, it naturally hardens in order to hold each tile together and in their respective places. Grout also comes in different colors and applying this is one of the most significant steps when installing kitchen wall tiles.

You can apply the ceramic tiles directly over drywall. If the wall is likely to be damp, a special drywall that's moisture resistant should be employed. Or else, the tile can be mounted to a backer board or a mortar bed. A backer board is composed of a ceramic aggregate core encrusted with a thin fiberglass mesh. It is used to help protect your kitchen wall structure from possible damages and also to make the ceramic tiles stick longer and better. For those who apply tiles to kitchen walls having a thick mortar bed, mortar-type adhesive or thinner mastic is important.

If one or some of your ceramic tiles get chipped or cracked, they can't be repaired anymore. The best and only solution is to get a replacement. If you notice loose kitchen wall tiles, check first the condition underneath before you refasten them. Moisture beneath the tiles commonly causes loosening. Be very sure that you remedied the problem and the backing is in tiptop condition. When looking for replacement tiles, be sure to find one that's similar to your existing wall tile.

Your kitchen wall tiles should be attractive enough to make your kitchen livelier; they must contrast, stand out or blend with the kitchen cabinets and floor tiles.

Ceramic Tiles

Floor Tiles

Historically Ceramic tiles have been made by man for almost 4000 years. Be it decorative tile work of Persia, mosaics of Spain, the majolica floor tiles of renaissance Italy, the faiences of Antwerp or the tile iconography of Netherlands all remain landmarks in the history of ceramic tile. Though Ceramic tiles of modern world had humble beginnings as simple white or beige color squares for bathrooms and kitchens, today they come in all sorts of shape, size, color and design and have made their way into the rest of the home.

What's more Ceramic tiles have a true "Green" pedigree as it is made entirely from natural, recyclable and biodegradable materials. Being naturally waterproof and mold/mildew resistant, ceramic tiles improve indoor air quality and as they need no polishing are installed faster.

There are various types of ceramic tile products available in market that can be used as floor tiles, wall tiles or roof tiles with literally thousands of styles and grades to choose from. However based upon the material and properties of ceramic tiles they are divided into few broad categories:

Vitrified tiles: These tiles are compact, scratch and acid resistant and possess better mechanical strength. They are practically replacing stone and marble as flooring due to their stone like qualities such as seamless joint and uniform color and texture.

Porcelain tiles: These versatile tiles come with a plain, rough, or polished finish and can be used in interiors and are an excellent choice for outdoor conditions as they don't wear easily under heavy traffic.

Mosaic tiles: These are small tiles, about .75 inches to 1 inch in size mounted on paper sheets or latex mesh for easy installation. These tiles can be ceramic, porcelain or glass and are most suitable on walls, curved surfaces as murals, in water pools, and low traffic floors. They do not chip easily and due to numerous grout joints are slip resistant too.

Glazed tiles: These non porous, smooth surface tiles are stain proof, most suitable for low traffic areas, walls and counter tops. The large format glazed tiles with satin finish are quite popular these days.

Quarry tiles: These thick and dense tiles are mostly used in heavy commercial establishments. Their natural color and rugged surface texture gives them naturally stain resistant and slip resistant qualities.

Terracotta tiles: These handmade or machine made tiles are often used as roof tiles, they feature a rustic look and stay cool in summers and warm in winters though unglazed terracotta tiles need a coat of sealer every year.

Design Trends
Tiles are the most versatile medium and design possibilities are limited only by imagination. The latest tile design trends range from bold colors to black and white scheme and from large sizes to tiny mosaic patterns. While black and white is the minimalist design expression in step patterns, diagonal designs and combination of patterns and textures, the vibrant color palette brighten up the spaces and works well in homes. Bold colors tiles can also accentuate the black and white layout. Another recent trend is the metallic finish tiles in steel, copper, bronze, gold or silver, with fresh as well as rusted and classic appearance. Ceramic tiles with steel inlays and Stainless steel finish borders can give the most contemporary look. Oxidized and weathered steel look are the other designer finishes in demand. In terms of size large format tiles are the hottest look that gives a grand look to the space.

With their flawless jointing and eye-catching finishes they almost look like stone. Besides as the focus is now on natural materials, they are being emulated in tiles too such as stone, wood and textiles, even natural elements like bamboo and pebbles are being reproduced in tile finishes. As natural design does not repeat itself similarly the emerging concept based tiles- that are designs made using a combination of tiles, too break monotonous pattern and are thus popular with designers. Similarly there is also an inclination towards history and heritage; Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers are increasingly borrowing from the past to capture the essence of old world and reproducing in tiles. Retro is one of the hard to miss old school style reemerging today with lime green, orange colors and checkerboard pattern. For luxury spaces there are now high end tiles with gold and silver texture and Swarovski inlays. As also the exclusive digitally printed ceramic tiles that are custom made with complete image permanence.

Ceramic tiles nowadays have become a major lifestyle product and designer tiles have caught the fancy of Indian customers. With technological innovations and designs, the options are endless in terms of finishes and aesthetics as well as application for various uses. Today tiles are used all over for interiors, residential as well as commercial spaces and in fact are considered new fashion statement.

Sanitary Ware