Area Rugs Oriental Rugs - Alexanian Carpet and Flooring Ontario Canada

Ceramic , Slate and Porcelain Information

Topics: What are Ceramic Tiles?, Slate Tiles , Porcelain Tiles , Ceramic Tile Installation, Ceramic Care Tips

Alexanian's carries ceramic, slate and porcelain tile lines from the major manufacturing areas of the world, including Mexico, Italy, Spain and the USA.
A ceramic tile floor will add a great deal of value to your home. Ceramic tile looks luxurious and is actually very cost effective in the long term. There are many styles, colours, and textures of tile to choose from, so you can easily give your home a very individual look. Other features like versatility and easy care and maintenance make tile a very popular flooring choice.

Stop by an Alexanian store and check out the selection of ceramic, slate and porcelain tiles.

What are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tile has been used as a flooring material for over 3,500 years. In fact there are Roman tile floors over 2,000 years old that are still intact. The simple, natural and enduring look of ceramic tile are key features of its lasting appeal. Timeless style!
Ceramic tiles are made from powdered clays and sand which are pressed under high pressure into the desired shape. The tiles can be glazed with different colours, silk screened or left natural. The tiles are then fired at high temperatures resulting in a finished product that is very hard, durable and easy to maintain.

Features

Ceramic tile floors are a very durable long lasting surface. Ceramic tile will not mildew, burn or fade. Moisture will not affect it. It will not shrink, expand or delaminate. Ceramic tile floors are highly stain-resistant and strong. Substances like grease, dirt, smoke and germs will not penetrate it.

The versatility of ceramic tile is another big feature. Tile can go just about anywhere in the home....and not just floors. Tile works great in everything from family rooms, living rooms and bedrooms to walls and counter tops.

Slate Tile

Slate tile is made from slate, a metamorphic rock which can be found in large deposits all over the world. Slate tile has been used in roofing and flooring for centuries. Slate comes in a range of colors, which is part of the appeal. It can be gray, bluish, green, red, orange, or brown, often with veins of color running through the tile.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5Êpercent that are used to cover floors and walls. They can either be unglazed or glazed. They can be patterned and are available in many colours

Installation of Ceramic Tile
Alexanian's can arrange a professional installation of the tile you select. The installation of ceramic tile is a complex procedure. Following proper preparation of the substrate, the technique involves the placing of tiles in a thin cement based layer called the mortar (or the mud). Grout, a cement mix for filling joints, is applied between the tiles.

Care Tips

Ceramic tile requires very little maintenance. The tile surface is non-porous very durable and highly stain-resistant. Normally all that is ever required is damp sponge mopping, using a small amount of soapless detergent in warm water. If you ever need to use a stronger cleaner make sure it is neutral i.e. non-acidic and non-alkaline.
For soiled areas you can use an all-purpose household cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for ceramic tile.
A few important things to keep in mind:
Don't use soap on tile because it leaves a film which dulls the surface.
Do not use use steel wool pads or similar abrasive cleaning pads. Loose particles of steel can cause rust stains in grout.
Acid based cleaners can affect the colour of the grout and can cause marble tiles to dull. You should not use vinegar and water for example. Vinegar is an acid.

Alexanians carries a wide selection of quality oriental and area rugs from around the world. Online or in our Ontario, Canada stores.
Shop by area rug type: hand-knotted area rugs, machine-made area rugs, tufted area rugs, Braided, Sisal, & Shag area Rugs, Outdoor and Patio Area Rugs.
And we service what we sell with carpet and area rug cleaning.

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