Home Ceramic Guide: All About Tiles

AR
4 days ago
2 min read

1. Types of Tiles: Material Matters

Not all tiles are created equal. The choice depends on whether you want them to withstand shower steam or the weight of a refrigerator.

Ceramic Tiles: The classics. They are more affordable and easier to cut. Ideal for bathroom and kitchen walls.
Porcelain Stoneware: The "all-terrain" choice. It is much harder and resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Perfect for both indoor floors and terraces.
Glazed Stoneware: A very versatile intermediate option for moderate traffic floors.
Mosaic (Gresite): Those small pieces joined by a mesh. They are a trend in showers due to their ability to adapt to curves and their high slip resistance.

2. Trending Styles

Tiles are the "makeup" of your room. What look are you going for?

Style	Characteristics	Ideal for...
Subway	Rectangular, white, and beveled. A New York classic.	Modern kitchens and retro bathrooms.
Encaustic/Hydraulic	Geometric and floral designs with a vintage feel.	Creating visual "rugs" in the living room or bathroom floors.
Wood Effect	Porcelain tiles that mimic wood grain.	Warmth in bedrooms without the fear of humidity.
Minimalist	Large formats (XL), neutral colors, and almost invisible joints.	Visually expanding small spaces.

3. Things to Consider Before Buying

Before falling in love with a catalog design, check these three key points:

PEI Rating (Wear Resistance): If it's for the floor, look for a high PEI (3 or 4 for home use). If it's for the wall, it doesn't matter as much.
Anti-slip Rating: In the bathroom or kitchen, look for a high grip level (Class 2 or 3) to avoid unwanted "figure skating" accidents.
Tone and Gauge: Always buy boxes from the same batch. If you run short and buy more a month later, the color might vary slightly due to the firing process. Always buy an extra 10% for cuts and breakage!

4. Maintenance: How to Keep Them Shining

Tiles are grateful materials, but they aren't immortal.

Post-Construction Cleaning: After the work is done, use a "cement remover" to get rid of residue. If you don't, the tiles will always look dirty.
Grout is Key: The tile itself is usually spotless, but the grout (the white or gray line) gets dirty. Use a toothbrush with baking soda and vinegar to make them look like new.
Avoid Waxes: Unless it's porous terracotta, don't use waxes. They only create a greasy layer that attracts dust. Water with a splash of vinegar or a neutral cleaner are your best allies.

5. Fun Facts You Didn't Know

Did you know? The word "azulejo" (tile in Spanish) doesn't come from the color blue (azul). It comes from the Arabic al-zulayj, which means "polished stone." Ancient artisans sought to imitate Roman mosaics in a more affordable way.

Choosing the right tile is a mix of aesthetics and technique. Don't just go for what looks pretty; think about daily cleaning and durability. After all, you'll be seeing them every morning when you wake up!