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

To Know Vitrified Tiles

Floor Tiles

Hardwood flooring looks elegant and is a great choice for the modern home. Unfortunately, these are really delicate and require a lot of care in order to maintain their great looks. Those who find it too difficult to maintain their hardwood flooring have a wonderful option these days which is not only attractive but are much tougher than hardwood floors. So what is this option and what makes them so special? Vitrified tiles is one of the best options for giving your home a modern look and is a wonderful alternative to hardwood flooring.

Vitrified Tiles: What Are They?

These tiles are made using the vitrification process which combines 40% clay and 60% silica in order to form vitrified tiles. The process of vitrification makes the output product non-porous and hard and this also gives them the added advantages over marble and similar natural stones which are porous and requires a great deal of care.

Vitrified tiles do not require any kind of maintenance at all. These are non abrasive and can also be used in areas which are made use of a lot. Another great advantage these tiles have over hardwood or any other type of flooring is that the designs are printed using soluble salts and has the capacity of penetrating the surface of the tile to about 3mm. Basically, this means that your vitrified tiles has designs which are at a depth of about 30% of the thickness of the tiles.

With so many advantages, these tiles have only one disadvantage. These tiles are not yet available in numerous colors and shades. Apart from this, the benefits they offer is beyond compare and will ensure an elegant and durable flooring option for the entire home.

Other Advantages

Some of the other advantages offered by vitrified tiles are as follows:

- Changes in moisture level or temperature does not contract or expand the tiles unlike it does to a wooden flooring.
- You can make use of spacers to create uniform gaps at the time of fixing them or filling them.
- No maintenance is needed. All you need to do to care for your tiles is sweep them.

Cleaning Tips

- To keep dusts away, you can use floor mats at entrance points.
- Do not make use of harsh chemical solvents or cleaners on the tiles.
- Scrape out cracked or powdery joints and refill them at least once every year so that they are maintained in good condition. Damp mopping is also appropriate.
Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic Wall Tiles

Floor Tiles

Installing ceramic wall tiles is a step-by-step process that you can do.

This article describes the tools and materials you need and the steps to installing wall tiles the right way!

The Base

Ceramic tiles can be installed over many different materials, including sheet rock. One of the best base materials, especially around water, is cement board. Especially for tub surrounds and showers, cement board is the best choice.

Cement board is installed with special screws. The joints are taped with a special adhesive tapes. The taped joints are covered with thin-set, like you would tape and mud sheet rock.

Lay Out Wall

Find the center of the room. Measure the width and height of the wall and strike lines to determine the center. Use these lines as the guides to lay the tile. Strike chalk lines every few rows and columns to guide yourself.

Before actually laying tiles on the wall, lay out some tiles on a floor to see how the tiles will work with your wall dimensions. Dry setting of tiles lets you visualize how the finished floor will look before you get adhesive spread all over!
Vitrified Tiles
Sometimes centering the job may not be best. Depending on the layout of the wall or the room, it may be best to start at one side and work across the room. Also from top to bottom, it may be best to start with a full tiles. Or it may be best to start with a partial piece on the bottom and use a partial piece on top too. There's art to laying tiles.

Choose And Use The Adhesive

For walls, you might choose a latex adhesive or glue. There are many types of ceramic tiles adhesive. Some people use a masonry thin-set, just like what's usually used on floors. Your dealer can help you pick the best product.

Installing Wall Tiles
 

Once you like your layout, you're ready to start applying the adhesive. The adhesive you'll use is spread with a trowel. The tile trowel will have a smooth edge on one side and notches on the other. The notches help you get just the right amount of thin-set. For larger tiles, use a trowel with 1/4 inch notches. Smaller tile will require a trowel with smaller notches.

Continually check alignment with your level. Make horizontal lines at every row or two to make sure you're staying straight. The original vertical lines will be there all the way up the wall.

A cap piece is usually used on top to trim out the wall top.

Grouting

After the tiles have set for 24 - 48 hours, apply the grout. Grout is used to fill the spaces between the tiles and is applied with a rubber trowel.

Grout comes as sanded or unsanded. Sanded grout contains sand to give it more strength and is used in joints wider than 1/8 inch.

Cleaning Ceramic Wall Tiles

Clean the grout off the tile when it starts to haze. You can clean it about an hour later for a second time. Clean with water and sponge.

Use the same process for shower walls, tub surrounds, tile on bathroom walls, backsplashes or most any wall.

Installing ceramic wall tiles is a great project! Add beauty and practical value to your home.

Sanitary Ware

Sanitary Wares

Ceramic Tiles

India is a highly populated country whose 27% of the population belongs to urban areas. But there is a large disparity in amenities between urban and rural population of the country. According to the 1994 study, about 70% of the urban population had access to adequate sanitation, wherein rural community, only 14% had its access. As per the Government's estimation, around 50% of the urban population is deprived of sanitation facilities and the condition of rural areas is even terrible where only 6% of population is accounted for sanitation facility.

Although the sanitary ware market in India has grown exponentially in the past five or six years, with the key companies multiplying their production capacities. The industry's phenomenal growth is directly proportional to the development in real estate. At present, the housing demands are on a rise. This has led people to take interest in premium sanitary ware and raised their purchasing power. The increased sanitary ware demand not only emerges from upcoming new projects, but over and above from replacement markets as well. Due to the dramatic growth faced by the industry, the Indian Sanitary Ware manufacturers are now upgrading their manufacturing system and adopting latest imported technology such as Fast Firing Cycle Kiln, and setting up Beam casting and Battery Casting. The Indian companies are also adopting an aggressive advertising campaign to educate people to go for higher value sanitary wares. With 15 to 17% growth in sanitary ware demand per year, Indian manufacturers have strengthened their dealer network by offering showroom incentives to the international brands and by opening their own retail outlets in big cities.

The Indian sanitary ware industry is categorized into two wide sectors: organized and unorganized. The organized companies and best of raw materials to produce fully vitrified products, while unorganized sector adopts local Indian technology and manufacturers basic sanitary wares. Most of the companies have set up their factories in Rajasthan and Gujarat because of the availability of abundance of raw material and cheap labor there.

The current sanitary ware market size in India is of approx 500 crores and represents an annual growth rate of 3-4% in the industry. India is expected to become one of the largest consuming countries in the next decade, which would give the industry a boom and would encourage the companies to manufacture and export the products on a much larger scale. Moreover, the increasing urbanization and government's impetus to improve sanitation and hygiene has also regulated the growth of Indian sanitary ware industry. The companies are adopting accurate standards by using top machinery and stern quality control measures with latest designs and manifestation to produce finest quality products.

India is on a verge of becoming the biggest manufacturing hub for international sanitary ware brands. Most of the international brands have already incepted their operation in India. In India, the cost of sanitary wares production is substantially low because of the availability of abundance raw material and low labor cost, as compared to other countries. This has led Indian sanitary wares to be capaciously competitive among neighboring countries and hence the export from India is increasing everyday.

Wall Tiles

Ceramic Tiles Vs Vitrified Tiles

Floor Tiles

Since the beginning of time, ceramic tiles have been the popular choice for counter tops, walls, floors and even in roofing in every home. Vitrified Tiles on the other hand have the distinct facade of colored glass. The word "vitrify" literally refers to the phrase "to change into glass or anything that looks like glass by undergoing some heat process. If you really want to know what's up with these two, you better check the tale of the tape, ceramic tiles versus vitrified tiles.

When it comes to properties, ceramic and vitrified tiles are both products of men or man made products, as it is popularly called. Ceramic are created from clay. The clay body is topped with a ceramic glaze. On the other hand, vitrified tiles are made by fusing silica and clay. The mixture are then heated or placed under high - fiery temperatures, which would then result to a non - porous tile with glass - like texture. The vitrified type doesn't need additional glaze to be added on to it.

Concerning the price tag, ceramics are definitely cheaper. However, both of them come in huge varieties of prices, colors, patterns and sizes. But ceramics are far cheaper and are much more commonly used at home compared to the vitrified ones. So when it comes to the price, ceramic tiles are much more desirable than vitrified.

When durability is concerned, vitrified tiles are sure winners. These tiles are much stronger than natural granite, which is one of the most durable products for modern homes. Vitrified tiles owns ceramic tiles when strength with regards to strength, ability to resist scratches and ability to withstand acids, alkalis, and chemicals without being damaged.

The composition of vitrified tiles is homogeneous in nature. Ceramic Tiles only have a decorative glaze on top of its clay layer. To achieve a glossy look, vitrified tiles are manually polished. Ceramic tiles however bases its beauty to the durability of the glaze applied over it. However, most glazes are not that durable and scratch resistant and over time, it yellows, it cracks and it chips.

Both vitrified and ceramic tiles are difficult to stain because of its non - porous properties. However, the grout that places them intact is the one who is more likely to be stained.

Maintaining vitrified tiles and Ceramic Tiles don't go far off from each other. Both have nearly similar ways of maintenance and cleaning. Both vitrified and ceramic doesn't need any special maintenance ritual after installation. Cleaning both types of tiles is also not so difficult. Both can be cleaned using a damp cloth. However, if the going gets tough, the tough gets rougher. In cases that your tiles are really greasy, you could use strong cleaning chemicals such as detergents and bleach. It is safe to use these chemicals on any type of vitrified tiles or Ceramic Tiles. The non - porous surface of both tiles makes it impossible for molds and mildew to occur. That is why it is perfect for pools, bathrooms and kitchens.

Wall Tiles