Ceramic tiles are suitable for all types of residential areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. They may not be quite so hard-wearing as porcelain tiles but they are still highly durable and very beautiful and available in a staggering range of colours and patterns. So there is sure to be a ceramic tile to suit any type of home from contemporary high gloss white floor tiles through to more traditional or rustic styles suitable for period or country homes.

But, what are the advantages of installing ceramic tiles rather than wall or floor coverings such as wallpaper and paint, or wooden flooring and carpet?

The most important feature of ceramic tiles is how long they last – for example ceramic tiles on the walls of a bathroom can substantially outlast painted or wall-papered walls.

But ceramic floor tiles are also much more resistant to wear and staining than, say, carpet or wooden flooring. Carpet can quickly become dirty or stained and can be difficult to clean. Wooden floors are easier to clean but can become warped (especially in older houses) and can easily become dented and scuffed in high traffic areas.

You would have none of these problems with ceramic tiles because they require minimal maintenance – just a regular sweep and mop – and will stay looking as good as new for years to come. They are also much more hygienic than carpet, for instance.

So they are durable, beautiful and water-resistant. They will not fade or change colour over time like wood, carpet, paint and wallpaper can if exposed to bright sunlight. These features make them an almost perfect type of solution for covering your walls in kitchens and bathrooms and also for floor tiles in all areas of your home. They can be particularly luxurious when installed over underfloor heating in cold climates.

There is very little to dislike about ceramic tiles and the wide range of patterns and colours in which they are available ensures that there is a design to suit everyone’s tastes and all types of homes. From period geometric designs in the hallways of classic period homes to terracotta style tiling in rustic country cottages or sleek gloss tiles in large sizes in upmarket apartments. Ceramic tiles will suit all sorts of interior design schemes.

In addition to all those advantages, ceramic tiles are also relatively inexpensive, especially when compared with porcelain tiles or natural stone tiles such as marble, limestone or slate tiling. This means they are perfect even for those who are remodelling their homes on a budget or even doing the work themselves. A key advantage or ceramic tiles for DIY enthusiasts is that they are easy to cut and install, You would not need any professional cutting equipment or tools. As they are suitable for DIY they are an even more cost-effective option enabling those on a budget to get a high end look without a high-end price.