type of wall and floor tiles

electing the right tile for your space can be a daunting task, given the large number of options available today. To aid your decision-making process, let's explore and briefly describe the characteristics of various tile types.

ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, finely ground sand, talc and water, which is then shaped, dried, and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. These tiles can be glazed or unglazed, with glazed tiles having a hard, non-porous surface that is stain-resistant and easy to clean. They have water absorption between 3-7%. Known for durability and easy maintenance, they can vary in size and colour from lot to lot. However, it's essential to note that without underfloor heating, ceramic tiles might feel chilly and uncomfortable on your feet.

porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are made of several types of clay, sand, and feldspar. They are formed using high pressure and are fired at high temperatures (ca. 1100–1200 °C). Water absorption is approximately 0.5%, which makes them nearly waterproof. Those properties mean that porcelain tiles can be used on almost any wall or floor at home, as well as busy commercial floors. Porcelain tiles tend to fit into two categories: glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles.

Glazed porcelain tilesare similar to ceramic tiles. They consist of a porcelain body with a layer of glaze applied to the surface. Almost anything can now be digitally printed on tiles' surfaces, thanks to recent technological advances. This means it’s possible to faithfully reproduce wood, marble, natural stones, etc.

Unglazed porcelain tiles don’t contain a layer of glaze, hence the name. Instead, the entire tile is composed of natural clays, so that the colour runs all the way through the tile. You might sometimes hear the phrase "full-bodied tile"—that's another term. By their very nature, unglazed porcelain tiles are incredibly strong and resistant to abrasion. This makes them perfect for very high-traffic areas such as restaurants, bars, and busy retail stores, where even a glazed porcelain tile might show signs of wear. Unglazed porcelain tiles can be polished to a mirror-like finish, or they can be partially polished. The effect is known as lapatto( semi-polished or honed).

cement tiles

Cement tiles are crafted using a meticulous process that combines cement, marble powder, and natural pigments. Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, cement tiles are not fired in a kiln. Instead, they are hydraulically pressed and cured to create sturdy and resilient tiles with a distinctive matte finish. This manufacturing technique lends each tile a unique character, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.

Cement tiles are not frost-resistant and are only suitable for indoor use (depending on the climate). The temperature of floor with underfloor heating should be between 22 and 28 °C. Too large temperature fluctuations may cause scratches and cracks. Surfaces made of cement are sensitive to acids and are quite absorbent (the absorbency of an unimpregnated tile is approximately 10%); therefore, It is advisable to seal these tiles prior to fitting.

teracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are made of natural clay, giving them a warm, reddish-brown hue that varies subtly depending on the mineral content of the clay and the firing process. The tiles are typically left unglazed, preserving the natural, porous surface that contributes to their distinct aesthetic. Terracotta is a highly durable material.

However, it is also highly absorbent and can stain easily if not sealed properly. Terracotta tiles can be prone to cracking and chipping, especially if not installed correctly or if heavy object is dropped on them. Regular sealing is necessary to prevent staining, and mild, pH-neutral cleaners should be used to clean the tiles without damaging the surface.

clinker tiles

Clinker is made from mixtures of clays that fire naturally into different colours. The firing process at a temperature of around 1,000°C produces sinter with parameters that the most durable natural stone would not be proud of. This intense heat results in a surface that boasts exceptional strength, durability, high resistance to various damages, and low water absorption (below 6%).

This texture not only adds visual interest but also enhances the tile's resistance to wear, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Clinker is used to produce clinker pavers, decorative clinker bricks, clinker bricks, and clinker tiles

Mosaics

Mosaics consist of small pieces of tile arranged on a sheet. They can be made from any number of materials, such as porcelain, glass, marble, stone, ceramic, and even pebbles. Mosaics come in a variety of shapes and finishes. Throughout history, they have been used to decorate walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Mosaic tiles can add flair, elegance, and personality to any space in your home, whether you want to achieve a traditional, modern, or eclectic look.

natural stone tiles

Natural stone comes from various mountain-born minerals, such as marble, granite, travertine, quartzite, slate, limestone, and sandstone. Since natural stone tiles are porous to varying degrees, regularly sealing them will prevent stains and discoloration.

Advantages:

Long-lasting: Stone floors are by far one of the most durable materials.

They can be used indoors and outdoors.

Disadvantages:

Stone flooring is expensive.

Stone stays naturally cool.

Stone flooring is susceptible to water damage.

The natural strength of stone flooring can make slip-and-fall accidents more hazardous as there is less cushioning from the floor.

Stone flooring is heavy and requires professional installation.