Ceramic Tiles are manufactured from red or white clay and in most cases carry a glazed coloured or patterned surface, which are fired at high temperature in a kiln. Encaustic and Vitrified Ceramic tiles carry the colour and pattern through the clay and not the glaze, but in most cases they are glazed. Modern manufacturing processes have enabled them to be finished with a digital print or pattern which is why there are so many different designs and finishes to choose from. Most glazed ceramic tiles are classed as non-vitrified, which basically means they are not of the same composite throughout the entire tile, so the clay can become visable on sharp edges of cuts, which in most cases can be covered with a suitable trim. Generally they are not as hard wearing as porcelain tiles and can be prone to chip and surface wear over time, but don't be put off by this, they are more than suitable for most domestic wall and floor installations such as kitchens and bathrooms.