young couple exploring ceramic tile varieties

Flooring type

Definition of Ceramic

Ceramic is a hard, brittle material made from clay, silica, or any other nonmetallic materials that have been molded and fired at very high temperatures.

Ceramic tiles are among the most commonly used flooring materials in both residential and commercial settings. That’s because they have a 7–10 Mohs hardness scale score, meaning they are durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and water damage.

They’re a versatile flooring option available in a variety of colors, textures, styles, and finishes. For instance, you can get ceramic tiles with a matte, satin, or glossy finish.

Ceramic tiles, whether glazed or unglazed are easy to clean and maintain, as regular mopping, sweeping, or vacuuming restores their original appearance.

They’re also an affordable alternative that can perfectly mimic the look of natural materials like stone and hardwood. The brittle nature of ceramic makes it unsuitable for high-traffic areas as it’s prone to chipping, breaking, and is not as slip-resistant as it should be for such areas.

Example of Ceramic in a Sentence

“Ceramic tiles are the best choice for modern kitchen designs.”

Synonyms:

  • Clay
  • Stoneware
  • Earthenware

Related Terms: