Last modified: 2020-02-18 | Approximate reading time 
3 mins
Are you thinking about installing tiles on a wall surface? Learn more about the different characteristics of this material, which is both durable and customizable.
What are tiles made of?
Ceramic is the most common material used for tiles. It comes from a solidification process where different minerals are heated at high temperatures. Other materials, like porcelain, are a part of the same family as ceramic but they tend to be identified separately. The type of ceramic that is used for wall tiles is made of clay, whereas porcelain is made of a mix of clay and pigments. Also available are terracotta (baked clay) tiles or mineral glass tiles.
Other types of tiles
The surface of the tiles is usually enamelled, which gives it a finish that is smooth and shiny. Different colours, sizes and designs are available – some imitate other materials like wood. Tiles can also be painted, if you wish to adapt them to your home décor.
There are innumerous ways to install and set up your tiles, from straight horizontal lines to complex mosaics.
To learn more about the different types of tiles available on the market, here is an article that is useful:
The pros of tiles as a wall covering
In most cases, wall tiles are either installed in the kitchen, in the bathroom or in the basement. However, they can adapt to any room. Tiles have many advantages. First of all, they are both durable and resistant. If you clean them on a weekly basis with a bit of soapy water, they will last a lifetime. For a quick cleanup, you may also want to use a vacuum cleaner or a broom.
Ceramic tiles are waterproof, which means that they are well suited for surfaces that often come into contact with water or vapour (bathroom, kitchen backsplash, etc.) They are also quite easy to install: each tile is glued to the wall using glue, grout or a self-adhesive product which is applied directly on the back of the tile.
The cons
However, porcelain and other types of tiles also come with a few drawbacks. First of all, tiles tend to amplify sound and are quite bad at retaining heat. Therefore, given Canada’s weather conditions, this type of wall covering is not recommended for bedrooms and living rooms.
Another disadvantage is that if you use grout to install the tiles, they will quickly gather dust and other types of dirt inside the joints. Be sure to clean these parts using special tools or a water spray pump. A toothbrush will also do the job.
The price of wall tiles
In terms of prices, on average, tiles cost about $1 to $7 per square foot. The costs will increase if you hire professionals for the installation process. Don’t forget to calculate the number of tiles you will need according to the size of the surface. Always get extra tiles in case some of the ones you buy break or are defective.
Maintenance tips for a tiled wall covering
The maintenance you do with your tile flooring plays a big role in how long its lifespan will be and how much of its appeal it can keep. That's why it's important to perform regular cleaning and sometimes even more thorough maintenance, to make sure the tiles and joints remain beautiful and in good condition.
For your weekly cleaning, it is important to choose the right products to clean without damaging the surfaces of the tiles. Indeed, certain products can be effective on the spot but harmful in the long run. For example, it is best to avoid using alkaline and acidic products too often, which help remove stubborn dirt but are rather harmful if used on a weekly basis.
Instead, it is preferable to choose neutral detergent products that are easily found in hardware stores and cleaning supply stores.
You can find more detailed tips on tile maintenance in this article, which mostly discusses floors but also applies to wallcovering:
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