What type of tiles are there?

Classification of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are classified based on their water absorption levels as follows:

• Non-vitreous: tiles with 7% or more water absorption and suited for indoor use only.

• Semi-vitreous: tiles with between 3% and 7% water absorption and suited for indoor use only.

• Vitreous: tiles with between 5% and 3% water absorption. They can be used in exterior areas unless where the freeze could cause tile crackling.

• Impervious: tiles with less than 5% water absorption and as they are frost proof they can be used in exterior areas.

Mixture of clays pressed into shape and fired at high temperatures (this is what gives the tile its hardness). Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed:

• Glazed: Ceramic tile with a fused facial finish composed of ceramic materials. The glaze is essentially a liquid form of coloured glass that provides colour and texture that can be manipulated to produce the desired design and finish. The glaze also provides a protective function preventing staining and scratching.

• Unglazed: Ceramic tiles with no surface glaze. They are vey durable.

Ceramic tiles with a very low absorbency. They are usually made from kaolin clays, feldspar, silica and colouring oxides and are fired at about 1,200ºC. Porcelain tiles are hard wearing and can be used on walls or floors.

These are traditional tiles that have been made in the UK for hundreds of years. Quarry tiles are made from natural clay, squeezed through and extruding machine, and then fired. They are mostly available in terracotta, black and white colours. Quarry tiles are unglazed and extremely durable.

They are very small tiles, usually less than 35mm (supplied in sheets of 300x300 mm). Mosaics can be glazed or unglazed and made from porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone.

These tiles are made from local clays (terracotta means "cooked earth") It is a type of unglazed ceramic tile that is fragile and as tends to be very absorbent it requires surface sealers for protection.

Limestone, marble, granite and slate are quarried from the earth. Some are extremely hard, and some quite soft. Most of these will need sealing.

Flooring material made with a vinyl compound. This resilient or vinyl flooring can be both fashionable as well as durable. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colours, styles and textures to suit any customer´s budgetary, aesthetic, or performance needs.