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Tiles

 
 

Introduction

Tiles are available in every material, shape and colour there is, and can be applied just about anywhere the adhesive will stick. Whether laying on a wall or a floor, tiles can be time-consuming to fit, however the effort is always worth it. If you desire a truly superb finish to a bathroom, kitchen or even a hall floor, then tiles are for you, and if you can't find a tile you like, then you probably haven't been looking hard enough!

The method and material used to manufacture a tile will determine its durability and water absorption. It is therefore essential that you select the right type of tile for the area you need to lay them in.

  • Note: Floor tiles are specifically designed for floor applications, being heavier, thicker and harder-wearing than wall tiles. Wall tiles applied to a floor are likely to crack and scratch when subjected to foot traffic. Be sure to check with your tile supplier that you have selected the right type of tile for the job in hand.


Common wall and floor tile materials

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clays that are pressed into shape. If they are glazed, this layer is applied to the top surface before being baked. Ceramic tiles are the type most common for bathrooms and kitchens.


what's good
  • Usually inexpensive
  • Glazed varieties are water-resistant
  • Available in high-shine, matt and slip-resistant finishes
what's not so good
  • A chipped surface glaze will compromise the tile's water resistance

Quarry

Quarry tiles are made from a mixture of clays, which are usually red in colour, with the pigment running throughout.


what's good
  • Extremely hard-wearing
what's not so good
  • Usually unglazed, so not water-resistant

Porcelain

Tiles made from porcelain are virtually water-proof whether glazed or unglazed. They are ideal for bathrooms and being extremely strong, can be used on floors as well as walls.


what's good
  • Very hard-wearing
  • Water-and frost-proof
  • Can be used on floors as well as walls
what's not so good
  • Usually expensive
  • Difficult to cut

Mosaic

Mosaic tiles can be made of any ceramic material, so they are characterised instead by their size. They are no more than 2” square, although they can be smaller than this, and are available in hexagonal and rectangular shapes aswell as square. They are usually mounted on netting or backing paper to make laying them easier and quicker.


what's good
  • Small size makes them suitable for curved surfaces
  • Numerous grout joints create non-slip surface
what's not so good
  • Harder to achieve a professional finish
  • Usually made from unglazed porcelain, if unsure check material and glaze for water-resistance before use

Natural Clay

Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay, so their colour varies from red to brown.


what's good
  • Creates a very attractive look
what's not so good
  • Need sealing prior to and after laying
  • Unsuitable for exterior use since not frost- proof

Slate, Marble, Granite & Limestone

Tiles can be cut from any of these natural materials, although their durability varies enormously. Slate is the lightest of the four and is suitable for tiling walls, however consider the thickness, and thus weight, of a tile made from the other three before attaching to a wall. To achieve the best results from each material, consider their physical properties before deciding on the application.


what's good
  • Marble and granite are hard wearing
  • Attractive and natural look
what's not so good
  • Limestone is not very durable
  • Usually very expensive
  • All tiles must be cut with a water-lubricated power saw to achieve desired shape
  • Due to the way these tiles are made, the thickness can vary

Further information and useful links
 
 

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