Ceramic tiles are used throughout the world for mosaic artworks and installations. The tile-making process of taking lumps of clay and turning it into tiles is relatively basic. Ceramic tiles are found in many forms and provide one of the most durable and easily maintained surface treatments for both homes and commercial buildings. The range of possibilities is endless due to its malleability and with glazes range of colors available.  

Ceramic vs. Porcelain

Porcelain tiles use heavier, denser clays and they tend to begin as white clays mixed with feldspar and sand. Colored versions are manufactured and the color runs through the entire clay body. These dense materials make porcelain tiles especially durable and good for floors. They absorb less water and are stain-resistant. A challenge with using porcelain tiles is that their density and hardness can make them difficult to cut.

The manufacturing process of porcelain tiles, in a nutshell, is: the clay is crushed and sent to a huge milling machine where it is ground into a sand-like consistency. This enables the clay to mix well with other ingredients in the tile recipe: sand, water, feldspar, and other chemicals which vary depending on the particular recipe. Once there is a suitable mixture all air must be removed, air bubbles severely impact the durability of the tiles. Wedging the clay, aggressively folding it onto itself, removes the air bubbles. After the air is removed the clay mixture is forced through a metal die which forces the clay into one long thick sheet, this process is called extrusion.

Ceramic tiles follow a similar process, right up until the extrusion step. Instead of being fed through a die, ceramic tile mixture is poured into a mold and pressed into the desired shape. This is possible because the clay used for ceramic tiles is more pliable and less liable to crack under pressure. The ceramic tiles are dried, and kiln fired, glazes are added (a whole world in and of itself, goggle it) and tiles are ready for market.

The ceramic tile is a symbol of human technological advancement. Huge effort goes into research and development and there are constantly cutting-edge advancements.Â