Ceramic Tile Patterns - How to Pick the Best Tile Patterns

One of the greatest things about living in the twenty first century is the sheer abundance of showers. They are always a joy to use, and efficient with their use of water. Also, they give you a wonderful surface with which to make ceramic tile patterns. These patterns can be made in a number of ways, each with their own pros and cons.

Ceramic tile patterns come typically with two different types. Large format tiles and small mosaic tiles. Large format tiles are usually set side-to-side, creating ceramic tile patterns with variations of color or surface texture. Large format tiles have the extra benefit of superior waterproofing properties. Tiles are obviously waterproof but the grouting that is placed between them isn't. Grout is porous, and water can seep through it. So the great surface area of large format tiles requires less grout, thus your ceramic tile patterns will have a slimmer chance of moisture problems. While this is an excellent attribute, large format tiles can't make the most artistic patterns.

Smaller mosaic tiles are enormously versatile since they are so small. They can be placed in a number of ceramic tile patterns, from square to round patterns. However, you have to be sure that the waterproof layer under the small mosaic tiles is very well placed, since there will be a bit of grout between the small mosaic tiles, which can lead to leakage. However, the sheer variety of ceramic tile patterns that a small mosaic tile allows is astonishing. By connecting an interesting pattern, with other colours and textures, you can make terrific ceramic tile patterns in your shower. Nevertheless why would you limit these patterns to your shower when you have a huge surface like a wall or floor to work with?

Since a bathroom's floor and walls are traditionally tiled, it makes sense to make it an interesting area to look at or walk into since you will need to look at it every day. When there is little to no water to worry about, the porous issues becomes a complete side-issue and your personal taste comes into play. Small mosaic tiles can be used liberally without the worry of leaking and flooding.

Small mosaic tiles can have many sharp edges that you can cut your skin on if they aren't set correctly. This a heavy concern when you have small kids or babies in the household, since they can easily injure themselves. Large format tiles have a smaller amount sharp edges, since there are fewer tiles required. Large format tiles will cost less too, since you won't need as many. You will need a lot of smaller mosaic tiles to handle a floor or a wall, so they are likely better suited to shower surfaces if you have a smaller budget.

Tile patterns flourish when you exercise your creativity, and consider your budget, to create bathroom and shower surfaces that are safe, waterproof and visually beautiful.

The are many styles and options when it comes to ceramic tile patterns. For patterns, ideas and tips on tile products please visit, http://www.ceramictilepatterns.net

A Ceramic Tile Counter Top in the Kitchen

The latest trend in kitchen counter tops or worktops, as they are also called, is to cover them in ceramic tiles. The ceramic tiles are the same ones that go on your floor or walls. individuals no longer care for the old MDF plastic coated worktops, pretty as they seemed to be until not so long ago. They are now so old-fashioned, darling! You simply must have a ceramic tile counter top in the kitchen.

There is such a broad assortment of ceramic tiles as well. There are thousands of styles of tiles in dozens of materials. There are stone, slate, ceramic and quarry tiles to name but a few of the materials used to make tiles. However, most individuals go for the ceramic tiles for their counter top, because there is more choice and they are not so expensive.

Some of the designs obtainable for a tiled counter top are plain, riven, patterned, mosaic, floral, rustic, country or artistic, but really, the world is your oyster when it comes to selecting ceramic tiles. They are also available in different sizes, but the most common are: 25 mm (one inch); 150 mm (six inches); 225 mm (nine inches) and 300 mm (one foot).

As you probably already know from your preceding experience with tiling the kitchen and bathroom, ceramic tiles are very versatile. They can be cut or snapped fairly easily, once you get the hang of it and they are easily bedded down although some tilers would rather one method and others another.

In Europe tiles are usually laid on lines of adhesive which have been laid down with an adhesive applicator. This technique uses approximately half the adhesive you would normally use. In Asia they tend to lay tiles on a full bed of cement. It does not matter which technique you use for walls or your counter top as the tiles will not be subject to any weight.

A ceramic tile counter top in the kitchen is an outstanding idea because there is lots of variety, they are simple to lay, hard-wearing and heat-resistant. It is a surprise that they did not catch on a long time ago.

Some individuals count the ceramic tiles above the work surface as part of the counter top although it is not really. It is part of the wall tiling. Anyway, choose your tiles carefully, because you will be seeing them often. A lot of people choose to have an off-white splashback with a number of picture tiles placed at random but with a panel of six or eight tiles making a fresco in the centre. A granite counter top cut neatly around your hob and sink looks great. This style works best if you have a built-in sink and cooker.

Black is too harsh for many, so they might pick a lighter, say, marbled tile. This looks great too. It is all a matter of getting the colours of the splashback and the counter top co-ordinated well, but it is not hard. You could also have a panel in the ceramic tile counter top. If you are stuck for ideas, just walk around a home improvement centre and look at their show kitchens. What they have in MDF, you can do in ceramic tiles.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on quite a few subjects, but is at present concerned solid fuel cookers. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Electric Freestanding Cooker.

Ceramic Tile Floor Designs That Make Your Home Proud

Ceramic tile floor designs are quite popular with many homeowners as it's one of the best ways to decorate any room. There are many different types of tiles that can be chosen from which often include quite sparkling displays of colors available.

They are used mostly by people who really like to be creative in their home decoration, and have a good eye for design. It is not very easy to install them and they are not the cheapest either, however they are really popular as many homes have been made much more comfortable and attractive only by using this flooring in the various rooms.

One way to install them is by hiring a professional who knows his craft either to do the actual job or simply to give you guidance on doing it the right way on your own. Many interior designers know right away what exactly needs to be done to your room and most will completely agree with adding ceramic tile floor design to enhance its appearance. Also they can tell you exactly what design works best with your room and how to use the space in the room the best way so those flooring designs will be brought into spotlight.

When choosing the right designs, you can go either locally in various shops or browsing online through various sites that have many pictures and patterns on their sites so you can see exactly what you are getting for your own flooring. You can even mix and match colors, shades and patterns for best effect. It is however important to go for quality material while not forgetting about the price. Ceramic tiles are not cheap, however many manufacturers and stores have discounts in place that will help you save some money.

So when you next look for the ceramic tile floor designs that you want to install in your room, don't forget to first ask for ideas from an interior decorator, so you really end with a great room (or rooms) that will make your home proud.

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative but just as beautiful, why don't you check out the Congoleum vinyl flooring information on vinyl wood flooring to get more information.