Ceramic tiles have a history almost as long as civilization itself. The coloured tiles at the Chogha Zanbil Royal Gate in Iran are reckoned to be about 4,000 years old – and they still look pretty good for their age. So, what are the continuing advantages of ceramic tiles, and why are they still such a popular choice?
Durability is part of what makes these tiles so appealing for architects and designers. You may not need the tiling in your building to survive for four millennia, but the fact remains that ceramic tiles are remarkably durable and long-lasting. They can withstand the worst of the weather. They are tough enough to resist most chemicals and pollutants. Good for indoors, outdoors, cold, warm, dry or damp environments, they are certainly versatile. They never really lose the vibrancy of their colours, and can handle heavy footfall when used for flooring.
Whether the tiles are used for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or ceramic tile murals, they will always need to be kept clean and fresh looking. Decorative outdoor floor tiles will still look great after many years of being walked on, so long as they get a good thorough clean now and then.
Keeping the tiles clean is especially important in public buildings such as restaurants, libraries and swimming pools, where hygiene is obviously a key concern. Materials that soak up liquids, harbour germs and hold stains can present real problems in public spaces.
The good news is that ceramic tiles are very easy to clean. They are water-resistant and non-absorbent, which means that spills and splashes sit on the surface and can be wiped away easily, without leaving unsightly stains. A large glass of red wine knocked over onto a ceramic floor will leave no mark, and a quick wipe with a warm, damp cloth will have the tile looking as good as new.
Additionally, the low absorbency of the tiles inhibits the spread of bacteria, which is hugely important in places such as food preparation areas, hospitals and poolside walkways. For daily cleaning, ceramic tiles can be washed with warm water without the need for powerful chemical detergents that could harm the environment. That said, if a deeper clean is required, most strong detergents can be used without fear of damaging the tile surfaces, although in practice this should rarely be needed.
Made from sustainable, totally recyclable natural resources, ceramic tiles are one of the most eco-friendly materials available to designers and builders. Manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly eco-compatible as producers become more aware of the consumer concern over environmental issues.
Modern production methods are efficient, consuming very little energy compared with older methods. The production of the tiles does not create the toxic gases that can be problematic in other manufacturing processes. As architects, builders and designers become more aware of the need to protect the environment, it is unsurprising that ceramic tiles are an increasingly popular choice.
Ceramic tiles can be produced in any colour, shade, shape or texture, using state-of-the-art printing methods. This versatility is at the heart of their success. The tiles can be made to harmonize with any design concept, colour scheme or aesthetic. The tones, patterns, images and textures available are essentially limitless, so that the vision of the artist or designer can be recreated faithfully. For more information on how we match colours at Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, take a look at our colour matched glazes page.
Ceramic tiles can be installed very easily and quickly, and can be put almost anywhere, in any shape, pattern, or design. With the correct surface preparation, precise cutting, and the proper use of adhesive and grout, the installation should be quick, permanent and faultless when performed by experienced professionals.
Your building will be quickly transformed with the rich colours and textures of custom ceramic tiles beautifully arranged and installed, creating a perfect compliment to other elements of the design.
When tiles are used for floors in gyms, pools and leisure centres, it is vital to do everything possible prevent accidents by ensuring they have adequate anti-slip surfaces. At Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, we can provide custom ceramic tiles with very high anti-slip ratings. These are perfect for flooring in public buildings where safety is a concern.
4000 years on from the earliest known ceramic tiles, they are still being produced to the highest standards, and adorning interior and exterior designs around the world. They continue to be a popular choice for designers, architects and artists.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
