The WOW factor tiles can create (in an entryway, a kitchen, or a bathroom) is significant.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at some fun and fascinating facts (along with a few tips) that can help you make the most of these geometrically shaped pieces of ceramic or porcelain.
Tiles have been around for a long time. In fact, the earliest known tiles were found in an archaeological dig in Egypt, and they date back to about 4,700 BC.
Tiles have been used in buildings around the world since the 19th century B.C.
TIP: The best way to clean tiles is with a mixture of hot water and vinegar.
The Arabs introduced the use of tiles to Europe, and with them, they decorated majestic buildings such as the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada.
The Sydney Opera House has more than 1 million ceramic tiles that make up the dome of the opera house. It also took 14 years to complete and involved 10,000 construction workers.
Ceramic tiles are key components to space shuttles as they insulate them from the extreme temperatures created while re-entering the earth’s atmosphere. Each space shuttle is covered by more than 24,000 of 6×6 blocks.
Ceramic tiles are the most common type of tile and offer the widest variety.
TIP: Tiles must be installed on a flat surface, or they will crack or loosen over time. Cereting can fix uneven floors, and walls can be filled or plastered if there are small holes or imperfections.
The word ceramic comes from the Greek word ‘Keramos’, which roughly translates to potters clay or pottery.
Tiles are the number one choice of wall covering in bathrooms because they are easy to clean, non-porous when glazed, and mould resistant.
Tiles even have a National Tile Day which is February 23.
TIP: By using large format tiles they can make a room feel larger.
A ceramic tile can easily withstand pressure over 500MPA. This means a ceramic tile could withstand the weight of over 10 elephants without breaking.
Armoured jackets, used by SWAT teams, the military and bodyguards contain ceramic materials to deflect and absorb the impact of high calibre rifle fire.
Ceramic materials are incredibly strong and durable. This means that the edge of a ceramic knife stays sharper than a stainless steel knife
Ceramic is now bio-engineered to fuse with the bone and other body tissue with minimal risk of rejection. It has also been used in the dental industry to manufacture crowns.
TIP: Glass tiles are reflective. It will bring in the light with an attractive window covering, they reflect off the walls or the floor
