TILE DESCRIPTIONS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TYPES OF TILES AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET

Ceramic tiles

These are probably the most favoured of all tiles for bathrooms. They are hard wearing and durable and can be used alongside the bath or shower as well as on the floor if required. Often ceramic tiles are glazed on the top surface with colours or even cracked or patterned effects. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and still look great years later.  Some ceramic floor tiles are only suitable for bathroom wear so always check the PEI rating.  The floor tiles are suitable for underfloor heating.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles have a low absorption rate and an extremely durable wear resistant surface. This is because of the combination of special clays and high kiln temperatures utilized during the manufacturing process. Together, these materials and the firing process create dense and durable tile. The process begins with clay and primary components characterized by small particles of feldspar or flint, and silica. These raw materials are crushed together.  The glazed mixture then undergoes a 45-50 minute firing of 2300 degree Fahrenheit temperature. This causes the glaze to fuse to the body of the tile. Also, this is the key process that makes a tile very hard, durable and impact resistant. The high temperature treatment enables a high percentage of solid content in the tile as well.  These tiles are ideal for commercial and heavy-duty areas in homes.  They are frost resistant and therefore can be used outside.  Be aware that they do need flexible adhesive and flexible grout. Porcelain tiles are suitable for underfloor heating.

Glass tiles

For a really modern look glass tiles are a great option. Glass can come in any colour and can offer light to a room. Often glass tiles are used as an accent rather than all over the room due to the cost. They tend to be much more expensive than other types of tiles. Glass mosaic tiles are especially popular and come in a huge range of colours and sizes.

Mosaics

The mosaics usually come on a 300x300 sheet with a soft mesh backing.  They can be made of glass, metal, porcelain, ceramic and natural stone.  A plastic mesh backer can be used to strengthen them for fitting.  They can be cut into stripes to use in various depths or used in complete sheets for larger effect.  They are often used for wet shower areas as they will “form” to the slope of a thermal board tray with no cutting.  They also assist with slipping due to the size.

Just as important

Always discuss with your supplier and fixer the substrate that you will be applying the tiles to along with your choice of grout colour and trim colour.  This is especially significant with flow screed/anhydrate screed which is gypsum based.

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