Different Types of Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is a versatile and enduring flooring and wall covering, offering a vast array of options for both residential and commercial spaces. Understanding the nuances of each type allows you to make informed decisions that align with your design vision and functional needs.

 

Explore the world of ceramic tiles with America’s Floor Source and discover how these versatile materials can transform your space with their beauty, durability, and practicality.

 

What Are Ceramic Tiles?

 

Ceramic tiles are made from clay, sand, and other natural materials that are shaped, glazed, and fired at high temperatures. This process creates a durable and versatile product that can be used in various applications throughout your home.

 

Different Types of Ceramic Tiles

 

Glazed Ceramic Tiles

 

Characteristics: Glazed ceramic tiles have a protective layer of glaze applied to the surface, making them resistant to stains, moisture, and scratches. The glaze also provides a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes.

 

Applications: Glazed ceramic tiles are suitable for walls, backsplashes, and light to medium traffic floors. They are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

 

• Advantages:
• Wide variety of colors and designs.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Resistant to stains and moisture.
• Disadvantages:
• Glaze can chip or crack under heavy impact.
• Not ideal for high-traffic areas.

 

Unglazed Ceramic Tiles

 

Characteristics: Unglazed ceramic tiles do not have a glaze layer, resulting in a natural and rustic appearance. They are typically more porous and require sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption.

 

Applications: Unglazed ceramic tiles are suitable for low-traffic floors and walls. They are often used in outdoor areas, patios, and rustic-style interiors.

 

• Advantages:
• Natural and rustic appearance.
• Excellent slip resistance.
• Durable and long-lasting.
• Disadvantages:
• More porous and requires sealing.
• Limited color and design options.
• Can be more difficult to clean.

 

Quarry Tiles

 

Characteristics: Quarry tiles are unglazed ceramic tiles made from natural clay or shale. They are known for their high durability, slip resistance, and resistance to chemicals and stains.

 

Applications: Quarry tiles are suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as commercial kitchens, industrial floors, and outdoor areas.

 

• Advantages:
• Extremely durable and long-lasting.
• Excellent slip resistance.
• Resistant to chemicals and stains.
• Disadvantages:
• Limited color and design options.
• Can be more expensive than standard ceramic tiles.

 

Porcelain Tiles

 

Characteristics: Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, resulting in a denser and more durable product. They are known for their low water absorption rate and high resistance to frost, stains, and scratches.

 

Applications: Porcelain tiles are suitable for high-traffic floors, walls, and outdoor areas. They are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and patios.

 

• Advantages:
• Highly durable and long-lasting.
• Low water absorption rate.
• Resistant to frost, stains, and scratches.
• Wide variety of styles and finishes.
• Disadvantages:
• More expensive than standard ceramic tiles.
• More difficult to cut and install.

 

Choosing the Right Ceramic Tile for Your Kennewick, WA Home

 

Consider the Application

 

When selecting ceramic tiles, carefully consider the intended application, as different types are suited for specific environments. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, opt for durable porcelain tiles with a high PEI rating (Porcelain Enamel Institute). Bathrooms and wet areas benefit from glazed tiles with a non-slip surface and low water absorption rate. 

 

Outdoor installations require frost-resistant tiles that can withstand temperature fluctuations. Wall tiles, generally thinner and lighter, are designed for vertical surfaces and may not be suitable for floors. Understanding the specific requirements of your project will ensure you choose the right ceramic tiles for optimal performance and longevity.

 

Evaluate the Durability

 

Ceramic tiles are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Their inherent hardness and resistance to scratches, dents, and stains ensure they can withstand the rigors of daily use, even in high-traffic areas. 

 

Glazed ceramic tiles offer an added layer of protection against moisture and chemicals, further enhancing their longevity. While ceramic tiles are strong, they can be susceptible to cracking or chipping from heavy impacts, but proper installation and maintenance can minimize this risk. Overall, ceramic tiles provide a long-lasting and reliable flooring or wall covering solution that can maintain its beauty and functionality for decades.

 

Assess the Water Absorption

 

Assessing the water absorption rate of ceramic tiles is crucial for determining their suitability for different applications. Tiles are categorized based on their porosity, which directly impacts how much water they absorb. 

 

• Non-vitreous tiles, with a high absorption rate (over 7%), are best suited for dry indoor areas. 
• Semi-vitreous tiles (3-7% absorption) offer moderate resistance and can be used in some bathrooms or kitchens. 
• Vitreous tiles (0.5-3% absorption) are more resistant to moisture and are suitable for most indoor and some outdoor applications. 
• Impervious tiles (less than 0.5% absorption), such as porcelain, are the most water-resistant and ideal for wet areas like showers, pools, and outdoor patios.

 

Understanding these classifications ensures you select tiles that can withstand the specific moisture conditions of your intended space.

 

Select the Style and Finish

 

Selecting the right style and finish for ceramic tiles is crucial for achieving your desired aesthetic and functionality. Ceramic tiles offer a vast range of styles, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary. Consider the overall design of your space and choose tiles that complement your existing décor. 

 

Finishes play a significant role in the tile's appearance and performance. Glossy finishes create a sleek and reflective surface, ideal for creating a sense of space and brightness, but can show fingerprints and watermarks more readily. Matte finishes offer a more subdued and natural look, providing better slip resistance and concealing dirt and imperfections. 

 

Textured finishes add depth and dimension, mimicking the look of natural stone or wood, and are often used for outdoor or high-traffic areas where slip resistance is essential. Ultimately, the style and finish you choose should reflect your personal taste and meet the specific needs of the space.

 

Find a Wide Selection of Ceramic Tiles in the Tri-Cities Area with Murley's Floor Covering

 

Visit Murley’s Floor Covering in Kennewick, WA, to explore our wide selection of types of ceramic tiles and discuss your flooring needs. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We've been serving the Tri-Cities area with beautiful floors and top-notch services since 2005, and we're dedicated to helping you find the perfect flooring solution for your home.