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Ceramic tiles come in a new hue
The living room will look great with a wooden floor. But the cost and maintenance hassles of a wooden floor are enough to put you off. You relegate the idea to the back of your mind and opt for ceramic tiles, the no-nonsense, hard-wearing, easy-maintenance material.
After all, looks take a backseat to strength and utility, right? Today, thanks to the availability of a new range of Indian and imported ceramic tiles in various textures, finishes and surfaces, your walls or floor can wear a wood, metal or natural-stone finish without compromising on durability or hardness. The exquisite finish hides a hard ceramic substrate that makes the tile tough enough for rough use.
“Ceramic tile manufacturers offer so many variations in stone, metal and wood finish that the customer can never hope to get otherwise,” says V. Sethu of an experience shop for tiles and sanitary fittings. He, however, feels that the increasing acceptance of the new range by architects and designers has not been matched by customer awareness.
Stately appeal
Tiles in natural stone finish can emulate the appeal of historical, stately homes. They are available in granite, sandstone, slate or marble texture and in finishes such as cobblestone or rough, rutted surface to match the original. The sheer elegance and solidity of stone makes them ideal for both indoor and exterior application.
Thomas P. Kurien, proprietor of a Thiruvananthapuram-based tile store, says ceramic tiles in stone finish are gaining acceptance because they can lend a natural elegance and character to a room, patio or walkway.
“There is almost nothing to distinguish them from the original. The visual appeal of natural stone combined with the durability and easy maintenance of ceramics makes these tiles an attractive option for discerning customers. Being stain-proof and hard-wearing, the tiles are also suited for high-traffic areas, gardens and driveways.”
Metallic finish tiles are available in steel, copper, bronze, gold or silver, with fresh as well as rusted, worn-out looks for the classic appearance. They are mostly used for indoor applications, such as facades, flooring and cladding. Kitchen walls and bathroom floors are preferred areas. Highlighters to make an area stand out are a major application.
Tile dealers say the demand for rusted metal looks is picking up. Commercial institutions are also making increased use of the new range of tiles for hotel lobbies, reception areas, workspaces and lounges.
Faux wood tiles come in oak, mahogany, birch and teak finishes. They are available in light and dark veneer to suit individual tastes. The wood grains are meticulously reproduced to impart the look of real wood. Some manufacturers also offer tiles in rectangular shape to resemble wooden planks in dimension.
T. NANDAKUMAR
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