Tiling was once restricted to using 152mm square, plain white tiles perhaps with a border colour. Today the range of tiles available is staggering. There are plain, patterned and textured finishes. Plain tiles are usually available in eight colours which match the most popular bathroom suite colours.
Textured tiles are usually made in the same colours in a choice of textures. Textured tiles can be used either on their own or as accents set among plain tiles. Patterned tiles are made in a large variety of standard patterns. They are usually available only to order. Transfer tiles decorated with images of birds, fish and cars are also available.
Besides these tiles there is a large range of more expensive tiles, produced for the building industry which offer an even greater variety of colours, patterns and embossed effects. For details of these, enquire at a builders’ merchant or write directly to the manufacturer.
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular surface treatments for walls and floors and can be used to brighten the appearance of a room and give it a personal touch. Half room height tiling is most often installed though interesting results can be achieved by covering complete walls. New tiles can even be laid over old ones which have cracked and dulled.
Tiles are laid mainly in kitchens and bathrooms where they provide an attractive water-resistant, wipe-clean surface. They are particularly useful for covering cracked walls and for splashbacks around sinks and wash basins. Special outdoor tiles are useful for porchways, patios and feature walls. They have been treated to withstand cold temperatures. Choice of tiles is not restricted, however, as any tile can be treated to withstand the lower temperatures, but the process can be done only at the factory and this makes the tiles more expensive.
When tiling around areas exposed to intense heat such as fireplaces and areas adjacent to solid fuel cookers, heat resistant tiles must be used. Special thick tiles are necessary if they are to withstand cracking. These special tiles are made without spacer lugs.