Ceramic Floor Tile
Ceramic floor tile is durable, classic and, best of all, versatile. The variety of shapes, styles and colors that ceramic tile comes in is a large part of its appeal and popularity.
Ceramic floor tile is durable, classic and, best of all, versatile. The variety of shapes, styles and colors that ceramic tile comes in is a large part of its appeal and popularity.
Designing With Color
Blue, red, green, orange, grey, black, brown and classic white—ceramic tile comes in a rainbow of beautiful colors, adding to its appeal. With our wide selection of colored tile, faux finishes and patterns, you can create just about any look with ceramic tile, from kitchen floors that are as durable as they are beautiful to functional and inviting entryways.
Featured Tile: Yard Black
Featured Tile: Portugalia Patchwork
Featured Tile: Agrigento
Create Interest and Movement With Shape
Plank, mosaic, hexagonal, square and rectangular ceramic floor tiles all add beautiful style to your floor. Different shapes can drastically affect the feeling of your space. A herringbone or chevron ceramic bathroom floor tile creates elegant movement, while a simple square can create an appealing checkerboard pattern.
Featured Tile: Uddo Kyoto.
Featured Tile: Now Silver
Featured Tile: Assorted Zellige Charcoal Chabone
Natural Stone- and Wood-Look Ceramic Tile
If you like the look of natural wood or stone but want a material that’s easier to maintain, ceramic is a great option. Install wood-look ceramic tile in a bathroom for an easy-to-clean and durable floor that matches your main floor. You don’t need to limit yourself to the bathroom or kitchen, wood- or stone-look bedroom floor tiles will lend an air of distinction.
Featured Tile: Altamira Natural
Featured Tile: Alaska
Featured Tile: Vince Blanco
Our Experts Can Help
We know there’s a lot to consider when selecting your floor tile, but we have a wide selection and all the tools and materials you need for installation and care. Visit your local Tile Shop showroom and let one of our friendly sales associates help you find the right ceramic floor tile for your project.
Ask the Tile Experts
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Ceramic and porcelain are both man-made tiles that are produced from firing clay or other materials. The main difference is determined by the genetic makeup of the tile bisque. The size of the grain and temperature of the kiln will determine the strength of the tile. Some ceramics are stronger than porcelains and vice versa, so it’s all about where the tile is being installed and the look you are going for.
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Only some ceramic tile can be used outdoors, so be sure to check your local The Tile Shop before installing.
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The sheer amount of styles, shapes and finishes of ceramic tile make it a solution for any room in your home. From modern to rustic to traditional, there’s a ceramic tile flooring option for any décor. Add personality to your bathroom, kitchen, shower, garage—anywhere you want flooring that’s functional and fashionable.
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Simply put, a very long time. With proper installation and care, a ceramic tile floor can last for many years. This is one advantage of tile over other materials. While cheap options might be appealing at the time, a quality tile floor will last much longer and be well worth it in the long run.
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With a higher luster, glazed ceramic tile is more prone to scratches than its unglazed alternative, which won’t show as many scrapes and marks.
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Ceramic tile that is finished with a protective glaze is impervious to stains. Unglazed ceramic is vulnerable to staining, so definitely keep that in mind when choosing a finish for your tile.
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Make sure that your ceramic tile retains its finish by cleaning it with a Grout & Tile Cleaner from Superior Adhesives & Chemicals.
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There’s no need to wax or shine your ceramic floor—just be sure to keep up on regular sweeping and cleaning.
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If you have a glazed finish on your ceramic tile, it will be more slippery than an unglazed tile. For areas that are more likely to be wet (like laundry rooms, kitchens and outdoors), unfinished and textured tiles are a much better choice.
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Since it’s made from natural ingredients like clay, sand, minerals, quartz and water, ceramic is considered a green material. Many types of ceramic tile are made with recycled content, too. Ceramic tile can also lower your home’s energy footprint by storing heat, reducing consumption and increasing efficiency.
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The short answer is no. You might think the lack of grout will make your job look better, but if you want your floor to last, you need to use grout. Tile installed without grout has a much higher chance of breaking—even the thinnest lines make a big difference. It’s technically possible to install without grout, but it’s not recommended.
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Ceramic tile is made from clay that’s shaped and fired at a high temperature in a large industrial oven known as a kiln. Materials commonly used for the clay include natural rock, slate, marble and even glass.
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This tile is manufactured in countries all over the world, including Morocco, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United States, China, Vietnam, New Zealand and Brazil.
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Sealing glazed ceramic flooring is not necessary, but the grout lines should be sealed in order to prevent mold and water damage between your tiles.
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Glaze is the color that is added to the top of a tile bisque. This can be matte or shiny. Glazed tiles can also add in fine aggregate to create a non-slip surface. Unglazed tiles are essentially just the body of a tile or what's underneath most tiles. It can be finished smooth, but it is very hard to find an unglazed ceramic tile besides quarry tiles, which are usually used in commercial kitchens.
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Yes! Ceramic is great to use on walls and backsplashes. Have fun with your tile combinations—you can coordinate your wall tile and floor tile, contrast them to really let one shine or use the same tile in both locations. Your design is only limited by your imagination and preferences.
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It’s possible to install ceramic tiling over your existing flooring, but it’s hard to recommend it in every case. In order to be sure that your ceramic tile installation will work, stop into The Tile Shop to get helpful advice on your specific project.