CERAMIC TILE:

Ceramic Tile is comprised of two basic elements, clay and water. Various clays are mined, ground and blended to a fine powder, and pressed together to form the body of the tile. The pressed clay body is then dried to reduce the moisture content.

Next, the surface of the tile is coated with a colored glaze (similar to glass). The glaze is then permanently fused to the surface of the tile by firing it in kilns at approximately 2000° Fahrenheit, to form the finished product.

PORCELAIN TILE:

There are two main types of porcelain tile. Glazed porcelain and through-bodied porcelain.

Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and then a glaze is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile. It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong bodied tile. Many tile manufacturers are switching their production to porcelain bodied tile because for a slightly higher cost, they can produce a superior grade tile.

Through-bodied porcelain does not have a glaze. The clay is pressed and then fired. It may have texture and color applied to the surface before firing but it is still the porcelain material from top to bottom. The result is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic. There is no glaze that can wear off. If the tile chips, the same or similar color is underneath.

NATURAL STONE:

Stone is a product of nature and its appearance is a result of millions of years of geologic change and mineral composition. Extreme color variations, as well as variations in veining, shade, finish, texture, strength, hardness and density are all characteristics of natural stone. Some stones may contain a resin filler to fill in the natural fissures or pits in the stones surface. Special care is required for maintaining natural stone. With proper care, its beauty will last a lifetime.

DESIGN IDEAS:

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LAYOUT DESIGNS:

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CARE AND MAINTANANCE:

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WATERPROOFING

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