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.
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.
Quarry tiles are made from a mixture of clays, which are usually red in colour, with the pigment running throughout.
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.
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.
Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay, so their colour varies from red to brown.
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.
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