Ceramic Tile

From the ancient Greeks and Sumerians to thetile body and create the glazed surface. The modern
Mesopotamians and Polynesians, ceramic tiles haveday method of making ceramic tiles is a lot more
been an integral part of mankinds creative pursuits.advanced. Processes such as dust-pressing have
These tiles have been used for several centuries tomechanized the art of making ceramic tiles and
carve beautiful works of art and as unique decorativeenabled mass production in the same.
pieces. Beautiful tiles surfaces have been found inOnce the tile is made, it has little significance unless it
ancient ruins dating back to over 4000 years ago.is decorated. Over the years, various methods of
Over the years, ceramic tiles have been used todecorating ceramic tiles have evolved. From plain
depict everything from portraits of kings andglazed tiles and hand-painted tiles, to mosaic and
emperors to historic events and abstract art.tube-lined ones, each one has its own individual
The origin of the term ceramic tile can be tracedbeauty and uniqueness. The tiles also come in a
back to the ancient Greeks. The word ceramic isvariety of shapes and sizes, depending on their utility.
derived from the Greek word keramos, which meansNowadays, ceramic tiles are used almost everywhere
pottery. Ceramic tiles are made from thin layers ofon walls, ceilings and floors, in fireplaces, and on
fired clay, ergo the reference to pottery. Thepavements. What makes ceramic tiles popular is their
process of making ceramic tiles is more complex thandurability and resistance to most chemical and thermal
that of normal tiles. In earlier times, wooden mouldsreactions.
were filled with clay and dried. After the dryingFrom the ancient tombs and churches to the modern
process, these clay slabs were shaved flat and thenday high-rises, ceramic tiles have done their little bit
fired in a kiln under high temperature, to harden theto add color and beauty to our everyday life.