Tiles and Tiles Sizes
Floor tile is typically 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick, manufactured in squares measuring 4 inches by 4 inches up to 24 inches-by-24 inches. Other shapes are available, such as octagonal and hexagonal. (Tile is thinner and comes in squares from 3 inches by 3 inches up to 6 inches by 6 inches.) Mosaic tiles are 2 centimeters squared or smaller and can be installed individually. Mosaic tiles are also available in pre-assembled sheets of paper or mesh fabric.
Tiles Classifications
Ratings Tiles – slate.
Choose a tile that is rated for the area where you plan to install it. Entryways need a hard, abrasion-resistant, moisture-proof tile. Bathrooms require a moisture-proof, non-slip material (non-slip tile is treated with an abrasive material for safety). Some tiles are rated for indoor or outdoor use only; others can be used in any application.
Some types of ceramic are actually harder than others so tile is evaluated by a series of standardized tests. These tests evaluate a tile’s relative hardness (the Mohs scale), its ability to withstand wear and tear, and the percentage of water absorbed.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness indices are:
Group I Traffic Light: bathroom on residential floors where bare feet or socks are the norm
Group II Medium Traffic: suitable for interiors where little abrasion occurs; do not use in kitchens or entrances
Group III Medium Heavy Traffic: Any interior of a house
Group IV heavy traffic: Houses or commercial areas-light-to-medium
Extra-heavy traffic Group V: Use it anywhere
These qualifications are important, but don’t get too bogged down in analysis. They help you find the right part for your application.
porosity
Tile porosity – patio.
Pay close attention to test ratings that measure porosity, which is the percentage of water absorbed. Porosity of a tile is essential especially when choosing tile for kitchens and bathrooms, as these areas need moisture-proof flooring. Porous tile should not be used outdoors where cold weather produces freeze/thaw cycles. Tile porosity classifications are: impermeable (less absorbent), vitreous, semivitreous and non-vitreous (more absorbent).
Shooting
The firing process affects the hardness of the tile. Generally, the longer and hotter the shot, the harder the tile will be. The raw tile material, called bisque, is either single-fired or double-fired.
For single firing, the glaze is applied to the raw material and fired once in a kiln.
Double-cooked are thicker. The raw material is fired a second time after additional color or decoration is added.
Types of Tiles
The floor tiles.
See below for some common (and some less common) tile.
brick
Brick tiles are a good option for informal or rustic floor decoration. Available in various earth tones, brick tiles should be treated with a stain-resistant sealer. Brick is typically used in outdoor settings (such as patios) and can be arranged in interesting geometric patterns.
cement
Cement body tiles are poured into molds, and then fired or dried naturally. Color can be added. Sealing is required after installation for moisture and stain resistance.
ceramic
Ceramic tile is made from clay or other minerals. The extruded material is formed and heat treated (fired) in an oven. Clay tiles are discussed below in more detail in one of two ways:
Colored glazing is added to the tile after firing. The glass-like surface is attached to the tile. Glazing allows brighter colors to be used and adds stain resistance. Because of their slippery, glassy surface, glazed tiles are mostly used on walls or countertops. Glazed tile offers more color options than unglazed.
Unglazed tiles are also called quarry tiles. The pigment or natural color is present during firing and is part of the tile itself. Unglazed tile needs sealing for stain resistance.
mosaic
A combination of tiles that may be composed of ceramics, glass, metals or other elements mounted on a mesh backing for ease of installation. Mosaics take a variety of patterns and can be cut to the desired size.
Cobblestones
Pavers look like bricks, but are thinner. Shale-based pavers are used for patios as well as houseplants. Such as quarry tiles, cobblestones
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