Royal Stone Dimensional Porcelain Tiles

The use of ceramic tile can be traced back centuries from the creation of clay roof coverings. Despite the fact that it has been around a while, it is still popular today as technological advances in tile have meant that it can be used on walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces, in murals, and even as an exterior cladding.

Over time, the designs for ceramic tile and porcelain tile have included not only  roof tiles, but have developed to become ornamental as well as functional. All over the world, Brightly colored brick-and-tile panels have adorned homes and public buildings.  These are particularly popular in Spain and Turkey, where moasic tiles were commonly used from the bathroom to the dining room in the Roman Empire. In Burma, glazed ceramic plaque tiles were used to tell mythic stories in temples and shrines.

Because of its versatility and elegance,  porcelain floor tiles are an innovative product that is gaining popularity among homeowners, builders, and interior designers. Porcelain tiles are Created from super-fine porcelain clay and fired at a higher temperature than ordinary ceramic tile. Porcelain tiles are dense and tough and made for today's demanding applications both indoors and out. Available in glazed and unglazed, high-gloss and refined or textured to resemble natural stone.

The terms “ceramic tile” and “porcelain tile” are often used interchangeably, but ceramic and porcelain tiles each have their own unique attributes and benefits. 

True ceramic is made of clay mixed with various minerals and water. This composition is processed with heat to create a solid product. Since ceramic material is porous, the top surface is usually sealed with a glaze, which applies the ceramic tile’s color, design and texture. Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, and it is also one of the easiest surfaces to clean. When coated in a high-quality glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching, burning and moisture. 

The main ingredient in the composition of porcelain tile is finely ground sand. Unlike ceramic, processing porcelain tile involved pressure and extremely high temperature. The end result is a very dense material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. The density and composition of porcelain tile allows it to be used in a variety of applications indoor and outside in the most extreme weather conditions. 

Tile has transformed living spaces into extraordinary works of art since ancient times. Early Egyptians first began using tiles as a way to enhance architecture. The living quarters of affluent families and the tombs of honored pharaohs were adorned with handcrafted tiles made of stone and clay. 

The use of tile transmitted to other civilizations in the Middle East. Tile art is seen on ancient Islamic mosques and depicted in early Christian scriptures. By the 13 century European cathedrals began installing hand crafted tiles on their floors, and wealthy families began enhancing public and private spaces with glazed tiles.

As the industry flourished, the art of using tile became a rite of passage for the prosperous. Aspiring families often attempted to emulate the intricate designs and textures in their own hand crafted design. The Industrial Revolution contributed to the success of the tile trade in Europe and brought the benefits of tile to the masses. The tradition of using tile as a decorative building material quickly became a custom that people around the world adopted.