Types of Tile

• Unglazed Tile - Unglazed tiles are a solid color all the way through and do not have a top layer of glaze.  They are typically more dense and durable than glazed tile.  Unglazed tiles have good slip resistance, but they require sealing to help prevent staining.
• Glazed Tile - Glazed ceramic tiles are coated with glass-forming minerals and ceramic stains. They offer better stain and moisture resistance than unglazed tile. The body of the tile is called the bisque, and the top layer is called the glaze. Glazed tiles have a hard non-porous, impermeable surface after firing.
• Ceramic Tile - Ceramic tiles are created from natural materials extracted from the earth. The material is made into a dust that is pressed into tiles and then fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures.
• Porcelain Tile - Porcelain tiles are made up of 50% feldspar and is fired at a much higher temperature making it harder and more dense. Porcelain is more resistant to scratches, can withstand temperature extremes, and is very stain resistant.  Porcelain has a very low water absorption rating (Less than 0.5%) and  can be used for interior and exterior applications.
• Through Body - Unglazed porcelain tiles that are a solid color all the way through and do not have a top layer of glaze. This type of construction makes small scratches or chips are less noticeable.
• Quarry Tile - This tile is made from natural clays using the extrusion process. Quarry tile is extensively used for floors where a very durable material is required like commercial kitchens. It is unglazed, red or gray in color, and slip resistant.
• Terra cotta Tile - Terra cotta is made from fired clay accounting for the soft reddish-brown color. These tiles are often handmade and create a warm antiquated look. They are excellent for outdoor patios and walkways when sealed.
• Glass Tile - There are four main types of glass tile and two prominent glass surface treatments.
  • Smalti - Smalti refers to a glass paste or glaze made up of silica melted with sodium or potassium carbonate. Metals and metal oxides are added. The paste is fired at high temperatures, then rolled out into a pancake-like slab that can be up to 6 inches thick. Once cooled, the slab is traditionally hand-cut into small rectangular pieces of tile.
  • Fused - Glass is cut into tiles shapes and then fired in a furnace. Usually involves the addition of color on top or under the glass. Fused glass tiles are often translucent, with a layer of opaque color visible through the tile. Fused tiles are often treated with an etching or other coating to increase resistance to abrasion, and can come in virtually any size.
  • Sintered - Sintered glass tile is made by pressing glass powder into dies and then heated until the particles fuse. Color is either added into the powder or added topically after cooling. Sintered tiles tend to have a uniform look, and are known for their versatility.
  • Cast - Cast Tile is made by inserting chunks of glass into a mold. The mold is heated until the pieces melt into each other and become a coherent mass resulting is a layered look.
  • Slumping - Slumped glass has been curved into a convex or concave shape during firing. Slumping is usually achieved by melting plate glass into relief molds at relatively low firing temperatures. On cooling, the glass assumes a distinctive curved or contoured shape.
  • Etching - Etched glass is a proccess of applying a thin translucent layer on the surface of a tile.
• Terrazzo Tile - Terrazzo is a manufactured composite of natural marble, glass, or stone chips set in a cement matrix with added colour pigment. The terrazzo aggregate colour and composition is exposed by grinding and polishing the surface after the matrix has set.
• Saltillo - Saltillo or Mexican tile is air dried rather than kiln dried. Drying outdoors in the sun makes this tile a little softer and less durable. The exposure to the elements also gives the tile a look that is unique. When used indoors a sealer is required.
• Metal Tile - Metal wall tiles can be made from many types of materials including stainless steel, copper, bronze, pewter, and zinc. Metal wall tiles will have a natural variation in color and sheen that is part of its overall elegance. These metals, particularly bronze, will age and beautify over time developing a natural patina.
• Pavers - Pavers resemble brick, but are thinner. Shale based pavers are used for patios as well as interior floors. Like quarry tile, pavers needs sealing for moisture and stain proofing.