Everything you need to know about ceramic tiles

How are ceramic tiles made?

Ceramic tiles consist of a mixture of sand and clay fired at temperatures of 1,000 to 1,250 °C. Minerals are added to make the tile more solid. A top layer then determines the design and colour of the tile. This top layer can be applied in almost any colour. Often, one tile has several variations in top layer to create a natural effect. The more different prints there are in a series, the more natural the whole will look. Ceramic tiles with many different prints are in most cases more expensive than tiles with little variation.

Rectified tiles vs. non-rectified tiles

Rectified tilesare cut to size after the firing process. The tiles therefore have perfectly straight edges and sharp corners. This allows you to handle the tiles tighter and with a minimum joint. Non-rectified tiles are cut to size before the firing process, so the edges are less sharp. This requires a wider joint. Rectified tiles are usually more expensive than non-rectified tiles.

Particularly hard-wearing and scratch-resistant

Ceramic tiles do not warp or bend and are especially wear- and scratch-resistant. The surface wear resistance of ceramic tiles is expressed in a PEI value. By making movements on the tile with a rotating ball, it is determined how scratch-resistant a tile is. The PEI value has five classifications, with PEI 1 being the least wear-resistant and PEI 5 the most wear-resistant. Tiles with PEI value 5 are only used in places where thousands of people pass through every day, such as railway stations and airports. Ceramic tiles with PEI value 1 already offer sufficient wear and scratch resistance for indoor use.

Different shades

Ceramic tiles are fired in different groups, also known as batches. Tiles fired in different batches may differ from each other. For instance, slight colour differences may occur, as well as a slight deviation in dimensions. Therefore, always order your ceramic tiles all at once and make sure that the tiles come from the same batch and have the same shade number. These tiles all have the same 'deviation', making them fine to combine with each other. If you combine tiles from different batches, this can cause problems during installation. Purchasing a good number of tiles will ensure that you have enough of the same tiles.

At Maxaro, you can always return unused and undamaged tiles. If you do not have enough tiles, always ask for the shade number so that the tiles fit together. The shade number (or colour number) is stated on the tile box.

Different shapes, sizes and colours

Because ceramic tiles are factory-made, there are endless possibilities in shape, size and colour. There are large ceramic tiles of up to 80 x 80 cm, as well as ceramic tiles in the form of mosaic. There is alsoceramic parquet, which looks like a real wooden floor, and hexagon-shaped ceramic tiles. The possibilities are endless!

Can be used in any room

Because ceramic tiles are very durable and easy to maintain, they are ideal in the Bathroom, hallway, toilet, kitchen or living room. In fact, you can use tiles in any room! Whereas carpets attract dust, floor tiles do not. Dust and hair are not absorbed, but remain on them. A broom or hoover over them once in a while and the dust is gone. In addition, a tiled floor is a good solution for people with asthma or allergies, or if you have pets, for example.

Ideal in combination with underfloor heating

A ceramic tile floor is ideal in combination with underfloor heating. Ceramic tiles conduct heat very well, instead of trapping it at one point. Tiles also store heat well, allowing you to enjoy a warm home for an extra long time. Besides being suitable for underfloor heating, ceramic tiles are also perfect for combining with floor cooling. As with underfloor heating, tiles conduct cooling fluid well. So in summer, you can enjoy a wonderfully cool home.