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An Introduction to Wall & Floor Tiles

Ceramic Tiles

This is made from a ceramic body with a glaze applied to the surface. There are various colours and sizes available. As far as tiles are concerned, this is the most common type of wall covering choice. Ceramic tiles are often second choice to porcelain tiles for flooring, as they can be easily scratched in high traffic volume areas.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are manufactured from extremely pure materials and fired at very high temperatures to give a fully vitrified* body. The advantages of a porcelain tile/body are that the product is frost resistant and in the form of ‘through body’ tiles and are very hard wearing. Most manufacturers are producing floor porcelain bodies.

* Fully vitrified tiles can either be glazed or unglazed characterized by the tiles low water absorption, less than 0.5%. Vitrified and semi-vitrified tiles have a water absorption of between 0.5% to 3% (vitrified) and 3% to 6% (semi-vitrified).

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are very small tiles, usually supplied by the sheet. Mosaics can be glazed or unglazed and will come in various forms, from ceramic, porcelain, glass or natural.

Natural Tiles

Limestone, marble, granite and slate are quarried from the earth. Some are hard wearing, and some quite soft. Most will require treatment in the form of sealing or waxing. Why not let the YTC help you decide if natural tiles would look good in your home: Are Natural Tiles for Me?

Glass Tiles

There are various forms of glass tiles on the market. Most will require specialist fixing products. Read our glass tiles article for more information.

Quarry Tiles

Traditionally a product made in the UK. They are made from natural clay or dust pressed and then fired. There is a limited colour range available.