Types of Tiles

Definitions for the Various Types of Tile

Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays and other natural materials that are mined from the earth, shaped and fired at high temperatures. Traditional ceramic tile can be naturally-colored and left unglazed, like terra cotta, or they can feature colored or highly designed surfaces which can be glazed (finished with a glass surface) from matte to high gloss. Glazed ceramic tiles are both attractive and extremely durable.Unglazed ceramic tiles have a matt finish and are often chosen by designers to create a softer effect.A great style idea is to break up tiled walls or floors with a vertical or horizontal line of mosiacs or listellos,adding interest and style to a room.Glazed ceramic tiles are the obvious choice for walls in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas as they're easy to wipe clean. They also look beautiful in conservatories or hallways, but are not suitable for outdoor use or heavy-traffic floor areas.Unglazed tiles are available with a non-slip profile and are wear, stain and frost resistant

Porcelain tiles are also ceramic tiles, but are composed of finer clays and fired at much higher temperatures. That process makes porcelain tile more homogenous (can have a through-body coloration, so scratches or dings are less obvious), much stronger and less prone to moisture and stain absorption. For those reasons, porcelain can be suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.Porcelain tiles combine diversity, style and durability to help you create cutting-edge designs.Unglazed porcelain comes in a variety of different  finishes: matt, structured or polished.We also offer glazed porcelain and a great design trick is to mix textures for an extra-stylish finish. For indoor use,an undertile heating system means you can still have that cool, clean look without compromising on warmth and comfort.

Natural Stone tiles consist of any product quarried from the earth and can be categorized into Marbles, Granites, Limestones, Travertines, Slates, Quartzites and various other products. Each type of Natural Stone will vary from piece to piece in regards to color, surface texture, edge treatments, durability and maintenance.
Marble: Metamorphic stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of extreme heat and pressure. Marble is simply "changed" limestone that, due to the heat and pressure, has crystallized, melted and re-cooled. Coloring is extremely varied and often accompanied with lots of veining and other mineral deposits.
Granite: Igneous stones formed millions of years ago under conditions of extreme heat. Hard and crystalline in nature, granite is most often seen polished.
Limestones: Sedimentary stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of water and extreme pressure. Fossilized seashells and other sea life and treasures are often found in limestone. Primarily light beige and tan in coloring.
Travertines: Sedimentary stone formed millions of years ago due to the action of water and heat. Water and gases percolating through the stone give travertine its characteristic holes.
Slates: A metamorphic stone formed millions of years ago and derived from sedimentary rock. Slate is normally split (cleft) rather than cut with a saw as other stones are. Coloring can vary widely and wildly. Typically, slate is not "finished", as the natural cleft surface is its focal point and source of interest and beauty.

Quartzites: A rock formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone consisting essentially of quartz in interlocking grains.
Tumbled: Stone finish achieved by putting the stones in a machine that “tumbles” the stones around together causing an uneven rough surface and edges. This finish has a rustic appeal.

Glass tiles can be either cast glass, layered or laminated glass, fused glass or cut glass- each with its own unique appearance and translucency.Glass mosaics are wonderful and ultimately stylish for showers and wet rooms.  Mosaics mould themselves to the shape of the walls and floors, creating an illusion of space.Glass mosaic tiles are available in a range of colours and sizes, ideal for brightening up any wall and adding that designer touch.

Cast glass: A solid product that consists of a hot liquid that is poured and then cooled. The color is either applied to the back of the tile, or within the glass itself.
Layered or Laminated glass: A layered product that literally "sandwiches" different pieces of glass together. It is then heated, or fused together to create one unit.
Cut glass: A large piece of glass cut into smaller pieces, similar to mosaics.
Fused glass: Similar to layered glass, whereas different pieces are fused together to create one piece, however fused glass is more artistic and can utilize different shapes of glass to create one piece (for example a triangular piece fused to a square piece).
Metal tiles are referred to as anything that is solid metal, a metal laminate, a metallic glaze, a metal and resin composite or simply a tile that gives an illusion of metal with a lustrous finish.

Resin tiles consist of either stone or cement particles mixed with an epoxy or other chemical to increase durability and allow for limitless options in shape and texture.

Eco-Friendly tiles are generally man-made tiles that recycle or reuse materials from other tiles or industrial products with a nod to an environmentally-conscience manufacturing process.

Rectified Tiles Rectified tile is first baked in sheets,then cut to size AFTER coming out of the kiln.This is why it can be calibrated to exact specifications. Rectified tile can be installed with “credit card” joints as small as 1/16”.
Most other tiles are first shaped and then baked afterwards in a kiln, so there can often have as much as a 1/16" or more difference in size between tiles in the same box.