TYPES OF TILES AND THEIR USES
As a professional tiler, a question that is always asked what is the best tile to use. There are loads of different ones available and the right one to use depends on the application. Every job is different and every application is different. Most tiles can be used on the same application but there are guidelines to follow. Four Counties are able to cater for all types and are approved to various levels of fitting requirements.When choosing tiles for your new project, you need to consider what types of tile you require by looking at the durability and suitability of the application. For example, will the tiles experience lots of floor traffic? Is it a wet area? You wouldn’t want to put a shiny surface tile in an area where you are likely to be wet (eg. shower room floor). You would require a non-slip, hard wearing, tile.
Do you want the room to look bigger than it is?
Let me explain the different tiles for you.
1) Ceramic. These are usually made from a mixture of clays and silicones pressed into shape and fired in a kiln. They are resistant to water, spillages and are easy to keep clean. Generally weaker than its equivalent the porcelain tile. However there are different grades and some can be hard wearing. They can be used on most applications (walls and floors) but be careful though; some can only be used on walls due to their weakness weakness. Available in a wide range of sizes and colours.
2) Porcelain. Are made from pure materials fired at high temperatures to produce hard wearing tiles. They are stain, shock, frost and chemical resistant. These are generally stronger than the ceramic and like ceramic are available in different grades and sizes. You may hear the words “grade 5”; this is a very strong tile and will withstand a lot of foot traffic and are extremely hard wearing. In my opinion, they are better for kitchen floor applications (unless using a natural stone). Porcelain are now becoming more available with that natural stone look but keeping the maintenance simple.
3) Natural Stone. Some would argue that natural stone is by far the best looking tiles and this is quite true. Be warned though, natural stone requires more maintenance to keep its appearance. Made from natural occurring substances formed over long periods. This is what gives them the distinctive look with its varying colour and texture. Examples: Limestone: creamy white appearance. Travertine: a form of limestone with darker shades of beiges, creams, and browns. Slate formed over many years from volcanic ash to produce very durable dark stone and earthy colours. Marble: crystal structures producing almost translucent appearance giving a pure luxurious look. Granite: a form of harder stone. Most natural is generally weaker then the ceramic or porcelain but will be ok providing the correct substrate is in place and correct adhesives etc are being used. Try looking for thicker versions. Unfortunately these will be more expensive. They will require sealing before use as they are of a porous material. Can be used in most applications.
4) Variation of natural stone are honed: this is where the surface has been filled to lose its hole appearance and ground to a smooth surface. Riven: this is where the surfaces are irregular as the material is split by hand. Polished: this is where the surface has a layer of gloss and polished to create that shiny look.
5) Quartz a man made product using quartz segments bind together with resins. Now becoming very popular and suitable for most applications but care must be taken when choosing the right adhesive to use.
6) Mosaic. These consist of tiny squares usually on a mesh or paper background. These come as glass, porcelain, natural stone etc. Some would argue that Bisazza are the best in the world and produce some amazing products. Bisazza can produce virtually anything required…but be prepared to pay for it! They can be tiled as a full sheets on walls or floors or as borders cut to a specific size. If using these as a border, make sure the mosaic is not thicker than the tile itself as problems will occur in a non-smooth surface between tiles and mosaic.
7) Quarry and terracotta made from clay products and fired at high temperatures to get the look. These need sealing in order to keep their colour and protect them from stains etc. The best use is for these are floors.
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