There is a long history behind the use of ceramics both in decorative pieces and for wall and roof tiles stretching back over a thousand years. Now ceramic tiles are used widely through out people's homes from walls and floors to fireplaces and showers. It is a fairly strong material and if glazed is fully water proof, if left un-glazed then it can absorb moisture.
Here are some examples of the different uses ceramics now have and how they are made etc.
History of Ceramics
The history of ceramic tiling is a long one with it being used widely through out the Roman era when they would decorate their great baths and monasteries with detailed mosaic tile designs. It became popular through out Europe during the 12th Century when they would use ceramics to decorate their entire cathedral floors in tile designs.
The tiles even spread as far as North America but due to them being imported they were expensive so would only be found in homes of the wealthy at that time. During these early centuries each tile used was made individually by hand but technology today means that they can be mass produced by machines and the first time they are even touched by human hands is when they are being applied to the surface they are going to sit on.
Different Uses For Ceramics
Ceramics are used in many different areas and not just around homes and businesses there are even ceramic tiles used on space shuttles to protect the shuttle when leaving and entering the atmosphere. The glazed ceramic tiles are great for use in areas where the surface needs to be kept clean easily such as kitchen floors and also in places where there is a lot of water like in bathrooms and showers.
It is also widely used for things such as fire places, it is very easy to keep clean as it is water proof and does not absorb dirt and grime easily so if anything is spilt on it you can just wipe it up. With the tiles now being mass produced as well they are also fairly cheap to buy especially if being bought in bulk.
How Ceramics Are Made
The tiles and other ceramic pieces are made in a similar way apart from the obvious fact a lot of work is put into the design and making of the ceramic decorative pieces and the tiles are a simple repetitive design. Firstly the clay is shaped into the desired form if this is tile then you should carve grooves into the back of the tile so it will hold the adhesive properly. Once it is shaped it needs to dry but it needs to dry evenly or it can cause its shape to warp, so you should leave it to dry covered in plastic.
Once dried it is ready for putting in the kiln this is where you need to decide if the piece is to be glazed or un-glazed for glazed pieces they should be placed in the kiln with the glaze powder layer at a very high temperature. Then when in the kiln the piece will harden and if glazed the glaze will cover the piece creating a high gloss finish. When the piece is removed that is when any imperfections need to be worked out of the finish, if the imperfection can't be removed the piece will have to be discarded.
The process for creating the ceramic finish has changed very little since it began its just the tools we use today enable us to make many more at one time. Ceramics are so versatile they can fulfill many different purposes for both domestic and industrial use.