In different countries people choose different materials for floor, and their decision is influenced by many reasons - traditions, climate (temperature and humidity), the price of materials and available technology.
For example, in the warm coastal countries the climate is hot and the humidity is high.
Timber doesn't like such conditions and also it is not as commonly available as in the countries located further inland.
This explains why in such countries the traditional floors are often made of ceramics.
Indeed, in hot coastal countries floors made of ceramic tiles, marble, granite (or even concrete) prevail.
Archeologists discover in theses countries huge mosaic floors - another evidence of this tradition going way back in history.
Aesthetics of ceramic floors can be remarkable - depending on the quality of tiles and the taste of the designer.
Whoever is interested in the ceramics, should visit the website of Antoni Gaudi - a world-famous architect, the Michelangelo of ceramics.
His creations show a combination of large forms with attention to the tiniest details, making his art unique and attracting large number of tourists to Spain.
Like any other material, ceramics has its downsides.
Although ceramics is durable, it is an artificially made material which means that with times cracks can appear or coating can be damaged.
Thanks to the latest advances in technology of manufacturing, tiles size can be up to 120x60.
Many manufacturers are making tiles that look just like parquet (and are much cheaper!).
All in all, I must admit that the standard ceramics is not famous for vivid colors or warm in appearance, which is a shame.
Who's to say that tiles should always be square? Why a floor can't be made of ceramics shaped as ocean waves or sand dunes?