Tile Market - Selecting your Tiles
As there are several types of tiles available, each of which have different technical properties, it is important to choose the tile which best meets your requirements. The Tile Association has supplied the following information as a guideline to consumers.
Glazed ceramic
Glazed tiles are the obvious choice for walls in bathrooms, kitchens and utility areas, as well as on floors of
reception rooms and conservatories. However, they are not suitable for outdoor use or heavy traffic floor areas.
Unglazed ceramic
Unglazed tiles are normally used in an industrial or commercial setting and are also available in a non-slip finish
for wet areas. They are ideal for the floors of utility rooms, playrooms, bathrooms or garages.
Porcelain
These are usually floor tiles, similar to unglazed ceramics in terms of properties, but also extremely attractive and
hard wearing. Porcelain tiles can be used inside or out, and can sometimes be glazed often giving good anti slip
properties.
Quarry Tile
These tiles are made from natural clay; some are frost resistant and therefore can be used externally. The natural
clay surface offers good slip resistance and they are extremely hard wearing tiles.
Terracotta
Again these tiles are made from natural clay. The tiles vary in their degree of water absorbency and generally are
not recommended for external use as they are not frost resistant. Most terracotta tiles will require sealing prior to
and after laying.
Mosaic
These are small pieces of glass or ceramic normally sold in sheets which are held together on a mesh backing thus
making them easier to apply and fix.
Natural stone products
Including limestone, marble, slate and granite, these products vary greatly in terms of wearability. Some may require
sealing and each can vary in terms of thickness.
