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TYPES OF CERAMIC TILES

Do-it-yourself ceramic tiling has become so popular that manufacturers now produce a whole range of tiles designed especially for this market.

A ceramic tile is a mixture of clays which is shaped and then fired at high temperatures. The tile that results can be glazed or decorated, or left unglazed.

Glazed tiles:

• Glazed tiles offer an almost infinite variety of colour and decorative possibilities, and a variety of finishes - from matte to satin to high gloss - depending on the desired effect.
• Advances in technology have meant that manufacturers have been able to create glazed tiles that are even resistant to the wear and tear of floor traffic. So now, all the advantages of glazed tiles are available for both walls and floors.The raw materials for glazed tiles are selected to make sure that the actual body of the tile will take well to decoration. Cottoforte, Earthenware and Majolica are all suitable materials for the glazing process, each with its own unique colourings and characteristics. These tiles, made by the traditional 'doublefiring' (Bicottura) technique, are mainly used for walls.
• Another technique is 'singlefiring' (Monocottura). During this process, the bisque and glaze undergo a single firing in an extremely high temperature kiln. Monocottura tiles usually have a matte finish, a flat back, and are slightly thinner than double-fired tiles. While the decoration possibilities of this process are not as great, they have a better mechanical resistance and greater adhesion between body and glaze. Many of these types of tiles are suitable for commercial or outdoor use.

Unglazed tiles:

• The different types of unglazed tiles include Red Stoneware, Terracotta, Clinker and Porcelain (also known as China Tile, Fully Vitrified Stoneware or Impervious Stoneware). Unglazed tiles have a completely different character and appeal to glazed tiles. Obviously their different properties make them suitable for different applications, including heavy traffic areas like entrance halls and shopping malls, both indoors and out.
• Unglazed tiles are usually true to their natural colours and have a smooth, matte surface, although different colours and textures are also available. Terracotta, for example, may have a rough surface or it may be polished to a high sheen, intensifying its natural colour. Porcelain may also be polished, or, like Clinker, may be coated with a thin layer of glass.
• A number of speciality tiles are also available for a wide range of different applications. And you certainly won't find a wider range of tiles at more competitive prices.