With a tradition that dates to ancient
civilizations, ceramic tile flooring can be found in a variety of settings in diverse
cultures and structures, including residential buildings ranging from large apartment
buildings to small private houses, institutional buildings such as government offices and
schools, and religious buildings such as cathedrals and mosques.
Historically, its widespread use may be attributed to the fact that a readily available
natural material-clay-could be converted by a relatively simple manufacturing
process-baking or firing-into a very durable, long-lasting and attractive floor tile that
is easy to maintain.
Ceramic floor tiles exhibit a versatility of colored glazes and decoration, and they
range from the plainest terra cotta tiles to highly decorated individual ceramic tiles and
elaborately patterned tile floors.
Their modularity, as standardized units, make them easy to fit into different sized
spaces which also explains much of the popularity of ceramic floor tiles throughout
history.
This Brief begins with an overview of ceramic tiles as a traditional flooring material.
It includes an explanation of the various kinds of historic floor tiles used in the United
States and how they were made. General guidance is given on preservation treatments,
focusing on maintenance, and, when necessary, selective replacement of damaged floor
tiles.
The Brief is intended to provide owners and managers of historic properties with an
understanding of the significance and historical background of ceramic floor tiles, and a
basic awareness of maintenance techniques and various deterioration problems to which tile
floors are especially prone. In the case of significant historic ceramic tile floors, a
professional conservator of ceramics should be consulted to advise in matters of repair,
restoration or conservation.
Historically, ceramic tiles were used on walls as wainscotting, on fireplace hearths
and fireplace surrounds, and even on furniture, as well as for flooring. However, because
floor tiles are subject to greater damage and deterioration, they are the primary emphasis
of this Brief.
Highlights include: a short history of ceramic floor tiles; a description of ceramic
tile types; a summary of traditional installation methods; maintenance techniques; and
guidance on repair and replacement.
