Though traditionally, ceramic was simply clay that was fired in an oven at extremely high heat, today's "advanced ceramics" — which have myriad uses — are a combination of water, sand, and clay. These tiles are shaped, glazed (to give them any of a vast range of colors or patterns), fired, and then laid using grout, which is made from either epoxy or cement.

Ceramic tiles are easy to clean compared to wooden or vinyl tiles. They dry up quickly, and pretty much any detergent will work without damaging them. Additionally, they are resistant to hot water, unlike vinyl or wood flooring. They are also stain-proof and can handle all types of spills without getting damaged. Unlike wooden tiles that need buffing and polishing, all you need to have clean ceramic floors is to clean them like you would linoleum.

Ceramic tiles are versatile, and you can get any design and color under the sun, from striking solids in traditional or out-there colors to intricate patterns or individual pieces to place here and there to really mix it up. Forget about planning your kitchen decor around your floors — now you can do it the other way around!

Ceramic tiles tend to be colder than other types of flooring because sand and clay repel heat. Be prepared to put down area rugs in spots where you stand for long periods, or consider installing heated floors before you lay your tile. Using epoxy can help make the ceramic a bit warmer.

Ceramic tile with a glossy glaze can be slippery, so if you're wearing fuzzy socks to keep your toes warm, take care not to slide around. In the bathroom, this drawback can be especially detrimental. Luckily, you can treat the tiles in problematic places with a rough surface, like you see around many pools. This option can allow you to put safety first without hiding your beautiful flooring under rugs.

Ceramic grout lines can be really difficult to keep clean, especially if yours are white. They're narrow and the slight indent makes them perfect for collecting dirt and grime. Depending on the quality and material, they can chip and require regrouting, which can be problematic if they've weathered and changed color to no longer match the new grout. The good news is, there are lots of tricks of the trade to help keep your grout lines sparkling and to repair them if necessary.