Among flooring materials, ceramic tiles stand out for their wear resistance and ease of maintenance. Having transcended numerous trends, ceramic tiles are now showcased in a vast array of styles. From traditional Mexican tile to intricate mosaics, the selection of styles and colours has never been more extensive. However, choosing the right product requires careful consideration.
What you need to know before buying tiles
Tile body and glaze
Ceramic tiles consist of two primary parts: the body (biscuit) and the glaze. The body is made from fired clay, forming the core of the tile. It can be composed of porcelain or stoneware. Porcelain is vitrified throughout, typically harder than stoneware. This is why porcelain tile bodies are often favored in commercial or high-traffic areas.
The glaze’s function is to protect the body from water and wear. It also provides the tile’s diverse colorations. Porcelain tiles often don’t require glazing due to their inherent hardness and low porosity. Stoneware, however, needs protection as it stains easily. Unglazed stoneware tiles, known as terracotta, come in hues of beige, brown, and orange from various regions, including Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Tunisia.
Contrary to common misconceptions, tile resistance isn’t determined by its country of origin but by its composition and firing temperature. Additionally, thickness isn’t a guarantee of strength. Some 9mm (3/8 in.) thick tiles can be more durable than 12mm (1/2 in.) ones. The PEI rating, resulting from an abrasion resistance test, ranges from 1 to 5. This rating indicates where the tile should be installed. Grade 1 and 2 tiles are for walls, grades 3 and 4 are suitable for walls, countertops, and residential floors, while grade 5 is designed for exterior floors or commercial spaces.
There are two main categories of ceramic tiles:
Terracotta:
Terracotta is a ceramic tile made from ordinary clay, mixed with sand, and fired once at 850-900°C. It’s porous and requires sealing against moisture and stains. It’s usually thicker than stoneware tiles. Its colour varies depending on its position in the kiln, reflecting its firing temperature and, thus, its robustness. Within terracotta tiles, there are distinct types to consider: Tomettes are terracotta tiles crafted into small, octagonal squares, primarily featuring a red coloration.
Enamels are given a hard, kiln-fired coating, often used in intricate mosaic designs. Before these tiles are fired, they receive a coating of “engobe,” a lead and tin-based slip. This treatment ultimately imparts a white, glossy, and waterproof finish to the tiles. The process involves a single firing at temperatures between 1200-1250°C.
Stoneware:
Stoneware, another type of ceramic tile, is categorized into two main forms:
Porcelain stoneware is made from clays incorporating mineral compounds such as feldspar and quartz, giving it water and stain resistance. Fired at high temperatures, around 1300°C, this pressed tile exhibits good density, hardness, and frost resistance, along with very low porosity and anti-slip properties.
Extruded stoneware shares the same composition as porcelain stoneware;
However, this type of tile is extruded, meaning the mixed components are processed through a die before preforming, resulting in a rustic, undecorated appearance.
Advantages of ceramic tiles
The benefits of ceramic tiles over other flooring types are significant:
Fire resistance – Ceramic tiles don’t burn or emit toxic fumes. Hot pots and pans won’t scorch or melt a glazed ceramic tile surface.
Durability – A properly installed ceramic tile floor is superior and outlasts nearly any other flooring designed for the same purpose. It’s also resistant to water and moisture.
Ease of maintenance – Ceramic tiles are essentially low-maintenance. However, even glazed tiles are somewhat porous and need care, especially in high-traffic areas.
Eco-friendly – Ceramic tiles are made from natural materials and don’t retain odors, allergens, or bacteria. Beauty and versatility – Modern manufacturing offers virtually unlimited colours, sizes, styles, shapes, and textures, allowing you to express your style or opt for a universal appeal that adds value to your home.
Ceramic tiles are generally available in three main categories: glazed, unglazed, and porcelain.
Glazed ceramic tiles are coated with vitrifiable materials and ceramic colorants, which give the tiles their colour and finish, typically in matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss varieties. Compared to unglazed tiles, glazed tiles tend to offer better stain and moisture resistance. Glazed tiles can also present different finishes; a very high-gloss finish may be more slippery and less effective at concealing scratches, while a matte or textured finish offers better traction and is more forgiving in hiding scratches and dirt.
Conversely, unglazed ceramic tiles are known for being very hard and dense, and they are offered in various coatings and textures. These are more often used outdoors because they provide less protection against stains than glazed tiles. Unglazed ceramic tiles provide good slip resistance, but they need to be sealed to help prevent staining.
Finally, porcelain tiles contain a composition that includes 50% feldspar and are fired at significantly higher temperatures than regular ceramic tiles, making them notably harder and denser. Due to their solid composition, porcelain tiles exhibit better resistance to scratches and temperature extremes, with high-performance ratings and low water absorption rates, making them suitable for both interior and exterior use, as well as high-traffic and commercial areas.
Ceramic tile styles
Ceramic tile styles often emulate natural stone looks, which are very popular; however, some customers prefer ceramic and porcelain tiles for their price point and ease of maintenance. To meet this demand, ceramic and porcelain tile manufacturers have developed tiles that mimic the textures, colours, and patterns of natural stone, such as slate, travertine, and marble, among other popular styles.
Tiles designed for outdoor use typically incorporate anti-slip finishes for safety in wet conditions and are frequently installed on patios, walkways, or around swimming pools. It’s also important to note that ceramic tiles intended for exterior use often feature resistance to freezing and thawing.
A world of options
Ceramic tile styles often emulate natural stone looks, which are very popular; however, some customers prefer ceramic and porcelain tiles for their price point and ease of maintenance. To meet this demand, ceramic and porcelain tile manufacturers have developed tiles that mimic the textures, colours, and patterns of natural stone, such as slate, travertine, and marble, among other popular styles.
Tiles designed for outdoor use typically incorporate anti-slip finishes for safety in wet conditions and are frequently installed on patios, walkways, or around swimming pools. It’s also important to note that ceramic tiles intended for exterior use often feature resistance to freezing and thawing.
Purchasing advice
When making your purchase, it’s very important to accurately calculate the number of tiles needed and to order a surplus of 5-10% based on the surface area. It’s crucial to keep this surplus for future repairs. Also, note that retailers have limited control over tile availability. A product may be available one week and no longer available the next.