Types of Tile

Ceramic tile is tile made of clay, which is shaped and fired in a kiln. After the clay and minerals are refined, they are ready to be shaped. The most common method for ceramic is the dust press. An almost dry mixture of clays, talc, and other ingredients are pressed into a mold at extremely high pressures.The newly formed tiles are then fired in a kiln to harden the material. After firing, they are further treated in one of two ways:

• Unglazed - The pigment or natural color is there during firing and is part of the tile itself. Unglazed tile needs to be sealed for stain resistance.
• Glazed - Color is added to the tile after firing. The glass-like surface is bonded to the tile. Glazed tile offers more color choices than unglazed. Glazing allows brighter colors to be used and adds stain resistance.

Ceramic is ideal for almost every application. Ceramic tile is probably the most versatile of tile surfaces since the glaze and look of the tile is mostly man-made. Ceramic is available in an almost infinite range of colors, patterns and styles.

Porcelain tile is a ceramic tile that is generally made by the dust-pressed method from a composition which results in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine-grained and smooth, with a sharply-formed face. Like ceramic tile, porcelain is also available in a larger variety of colors, patterns, and textures.

Characterized by its dense body which renders it very moisture-resistant, porcelain tile is often used in bathrooms where high moisture levels are a matter of course, and is the most recommended variety of ceramic tile for these types of areas. In addition to its attractive look and durability, porcelain tile can be used as either flooring tile or wall tile.

Varieties of porcelain tile are available in glazed and non-glazed styles much like other types of ceramic tile, the glazed tile being a little bit easier to keep clean, and unglazed tiles offering a slip resistant quality that may make them more suitable for use in certain areas.

Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Once polished, natural granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever. Normal use of kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware leaves no scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic surfaces with polyesters and resins.

Granites usually are classified as igneous rocks obtained from molten masses or magmas. There is evidence that the origin of some granites may be attributed to regional metamorphism or pre-existing rocks. Rearrangement and re-crystallization taking place without a liquid or molten stage.

Granite is classified in (3) different groups:

• Fine Grain - Fine grain granites are those in which the feldspar crystals average about 1/16 to 1/8" in diameter.
• Medium Grain - In the medium grain granites the feldspar crystals average about 1/4" in diameter.
• Coarse Grain - The feldspar crystals, in course grain granites average 1/2" and greater in diameter or several centimeters in maximum dimension. Coarse grain granites have a lower density.

Granite is used widely for kitchen countertops(in slab form). Although granite tiles may be used, it has been my experience that granite tiles are best used in kitchens as a back splash to compliment the countertop or as an inlay in the back splash to match the countertop slab and bring the back splash tiles and the countertop together.

Granite tiles are also used often as fireplace surrounds. Although the density and sturdiness of granite make it ideal for floors, the slick surfaces of polished granite tiles make it unsuitable for bathroom or kitchen flooring or any area which may collect water.

Travertine tiles are formed from hardened mineral deposits that are left over after carbon dioxide-rich water filters through rocks and earth. As the water passes through areas with concentrations of limestone, the limestone dissolves. When this limestone saturated water reaches the surface, the carbon dioxide is released due to the changes in temperature and pressure. As the carbon dioxide fizzes out of the water, the limestone is left behind, and re-crystallizes over underwater plants. As these mineral deposits harden into stone, they can be made into tiles. Travertine tiles are characterized by small irregular holes on the surface of the tile that are not found in limestone. In the last few years travertine has grown tremendously in popularity. The rich, classic appearance combined with its durability and versatility make it ideal for almost any application.

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, smooth-surfaced layers. The most common building applications for this material are floor, wall and roof tiles as well as fireplaces. Tiles can be split and cut to size with only the natural cleft surface, or manufacturers will add value by calibrating the material to ensure a consistent thickness throughout the piece. Because slate is made from a natural stone, you can expect a certain level of color variation from tile to tile. This is because of the fluctuation of the amounts of minerals and other compounds unique to each individual tile. Although this can be seen as a disadvantage if you’re looking for a monochromatic effect, it can really work in your favor with a more diverse design approach in mind. Although slate tiles are used mostly for fireplace surrounds, they may also be used for kitchen back splashes, entryways and outside applications. Please keep in mind that the layering of the slate makes it somewhat soft and, although it is a very dense and durable tile, it must be sealed properly to keep layers intact through traffic areas.