Did you know that tiles have been around since the 4th century BC? It is believed that it was the Egyptians who first used blue tiles to decorate their houses. By 1000 B.C., people from different parts of the world have already perfected their technology. Tiles have been around for over 2,000 years. That is how reliable and superb tiles are.
This post is perfect for you if you’re considering using tiles for your home. This post will share information about the following:
a. Tiles, in general
b. 6 Different Types of Tiles
c. 7 Characteristics of Tiles
Tiles 101
A tile is a rectangular piece of a slab that is thin and is usually shaped rectangularly or squarely. It is widely used to cover walls, roofs, floors, edges, and other objects like tabletops. The first-ever tile used to be just a glazed brick. Now, tiles have been perfected and they come in different types.
6 Different Types of Tiles
The following are the main types of tiles that are currently available in the market. If you want to install any of the following with absolute ease, you should look for a great tiling company in Perth with years of experience in the field as some tiles can only be seamlessly and properly installed by professional experts.
1. Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles originated from mosaic decorations found in ancient Roman and Greek arts. Despite their ancient origin, these tiles are timeless and even ultra-modern. So much so that interior designers use them if they want to make a space look more modern and attractive. Interior designers usually utilize mosaic tiles in kitchens and bathrooms because they give off a highlighted backsplash look.
2. Marble
Marble tiles are made of natural stone. They can make any place look luxurious and classic. When installing one, you can choose from three different kinds of marbles: polished, tumbled, or brushed.
3. Natural Stone
Tiles made of natural stone can be categorized into the following: marble, limestone, slate, travertine, and sandstone. To produce such, the following natural materials are used: sedimentary rocks, feldspar, calcareous, and quartz.
4. Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are produced through the use of clay with the following natural materials: rock, marble, or slate. They are best for spaces with heavy foot traffic. This is because clay undergoes extreme pressure during production. This allows ceramic tiles to be durable and exceptionally strong.
5. Porcelain
Porcelain is a widely used kind of ceramic tile. Apart from being highly durable, porcelain tiles are also water-resistant. Homeowners also prefer porcelain tiles because they are fire-resistant, spill-resistant, and stain-resistant. They are also very easy to maintain.
6. Large Format Panels
Large format panels are preferred by homeowners and interior designers who prefer clean and minimal aesthetics. They come in big panels that allow for tiles to seem like they are connected seamlessly. Its design allows its joints to disappear from view. Large format panels can be used on walls and floors.
7 Important Characteristics of Tiles
It’s best to know important factors when shopping for tiles. The following are important characteristics that you should look out for when shopping for tiles:
1. Slip Resistance
Your tile should be slip-resistant. This is all the more important if you live with elders and toddlers. You must use slip-resistant tiles in the following spaces:
a. Industrial spaces
b. Swimming pool areas
c. Bathroom floor
d. Kitchen
To check if a tile is slip-resistant, you have to be aware of its Coefficient of Friction (COF). If you want one with superb slip resistance, you should look for tiles with high COF. In general, though, the following types of tiles are less slippery: unglazed tiles, rough-surfaced tiles, and mosaic tiles. Mosaic tiles are not slippery because they have many grout joints.
2. Water Absorption
Water-resistant tiles have high mechanical strength. To look for one, you should look for tiles that were fired at high temperatures. Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures that’s why they are less porous and water-resistant. You should look for tiles that won’t absorb water as much.
3. Surface Abrasion Resistance
A good tile should be durable enough to handle regular wear and tear. Its glazed should be resistant to both intentional and unintentional movement. Porcelain tiles have high surface abrasion resistance.
4. Stain and Chemical Resistance
Look for tiles that are resistant to stains and chemicals because they are easier to clean and maintain. They are also highly hygienic. Glazed ceramic tiles are stain-resistant because of their superbly glazed surface. Porcelain tiles are also stain-resistant because of their compact and water-resistant build.
5. Mechanical Strength
To know if a tile is compact, you should take note of its mechanical strength (MOR). The higher the MOR, the more compact a tile is. A tile with a high MOR can withstand immense stress and pressure without breaking.
6. Shade
Look for tiles that were made in the same batch. This is to ensure that the tiles that you will avail of will have the desired shade and tone that you prefer. Batches from separate batches may differ greatly in shade and tone due to the varied use of chemicals and natural materials.
7. Subsize
You should also be fully aware of tile shrinkage. This is why the same kind of tile can slightly differ in size from one another. To ensure that you don’t suffer from having tiles that vary too much in sizing, aim to get ones that were produced in the same batch.
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