Sunday, June 21, 2015

Choosing Artisan Tile For Your Wall

By Freida Michael


Tiles are not new, but they do change the face of decor in a home or office. Artisan tile, in particular, adds aesthetic beauty and visual interest. They are selected for their durability and utility and also for their unique designs and textures. Indoors and out, ceramic tile is a top choice favored by many architects and decorators. They are waterproof, easy to clean, and lovely to look at.

Because its surface is easy to wipe clean, tiles are best used for floors and splash backs. They may be as simple as square ones/forms or as complex as mosaics. Ceramic is the most common material used for tiles but there are other varieties such as the ones made from concrete, glass or stone. Glazed tiles are used for interiors such as the bathroom while the non-glazed variety is used for roofing.

As mentioned, tiles are not new and date back 7,000 years or more. They were relegated to the rich however, unlike today. Manufactured tiles are readily accessible; and when purchased in volume, the cost can be lowered. People can choose from thousands of designs and colors as well as among different techniques used. There is no end to the imagination when it comes to tiles.

The grade of a tile is a significant factor in its beauty and price. If you want heavy duty, you opt for grade 1. By contrast, grade 2 is thinner and cheaper. You can use both types for most flooring, but not grade 3 which is brittle and thus to be limited to walls.

Most people use commercial tiles for cost reasons and also volume. If they want something special, they can elect to get those that are artisan made. Each would be unique if that is the desired look. No two are alike, just as with snowflakes. Tiles done by hand are made to order and can take a long time to produce. That is a factor worth considering. But it is often well worth waiting for something creative and imaginative, in essence a work of art.

Handmade tiles are customized in shops. After a client and the artist finalizes the design, the tile makers create each tile from solid clay and cut down to the specified shape and texture. After it has dried, they are applied with glaze. Handmade tiles are most often in neutral colors and its beauty are most often accentuated by the interior's lighting. Otherwise, the tile's color must be indicated at first because it might change as the it is baked depending on its material. It is then baked at nearly 2,000 degrees for 8 hours in a kiln.

Once the tile has been made, it will be boxed for pick up or shipping if the customer resides far away. Like commercial tiles, it can be fragile as it is baked clay. Appropriate strength is required for walls versus floors and ceilings. An experienced tiler will know what to do to make your surfaces look wonderful. The more intricate the pattern, however, the more costly the process.

In choosing tiles, begin with the end in mind. Choosing tiles depends on your intended use. Artisan tiles are best if the homeowner want uniqueness and design aside from the tile's usual functionality.




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