Tile

Tiles are surfacing and construction materials that are made from any one of many different substances including fired clay, porcelain, concrete, cut stone, wood fiber, metal, plastic and other materials such as vinyl, rubber, cork linoleum, slate, and marble.

Most homeowners use ceramic, porcelain, or wood fiber tiles for surfacing or resurfacing floors, porcelain, granite, or marble for kitchen and bathroom countertops, and any number of other types of tiles for walls, ceilings, roofs, driveways, walkways, patios, swimming pools, fireplaces and other locations.

Choosing the right tile for a particular location is important. Tiles come in different grades with varying degrees of resistance to abrasion and water absorption. Strength and durability should be a determining factor in where tiles are placed, so the rating of the tile becomes an important factor.

The rating is also important for weather conditions. If a tile is subjected to extreme cold or heat or constantly changing environmental conditions such as rain or snow and then sunlight, it may crack or break. In such cases, the right grade of tile should be used.

Safety is also an issue when installing tile. Rough tiles give better traction when walking on them and glossy tiles become slippery when wet which may cause a fall.

Tiles are made in several sizes, ranging from pieces as small as 1"X1" up to 24"X24" and larger. The most commonly used size is !2"X12".

The shapes of tile is also important. Although most tiles are rectangular in shape, you can find them cut in circles, simi circles, triangles, hexagons, oblong, or they can be cut to order. For bathtubs, showers, and countertops, tile pieces such as V-caps and and bull nose trim are used and certain cuts can conform to the curves in a bathtub or sink.

Tiles can be decorative or plain and most are easily cleaned and maintained. They can be used in many designs and patterns, both inside and outside of the home or office, and there are literally hundreds of colors and patterns to chose from. Tiles are available in glazed, polished, honed, glossy, rustic, and mosaic.

If you decide to take on a tiling project yourself, there are several how-to books and videos for sale at the Home Depot, Lowe's, Orchard and other home improvement and hardware stores, or you may be able to find one in your local library.

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