When it comes to home decoration, tiles are among the most commonly used materials, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. High-quality tiles not only enhance the visual appeal of a space but also offer convenience, durability, and ease of maintenance. With so many options available on the market today, it's essential to choose the right type of tile that suits your lifestyle and design preferences.
Tiles can be categorized based on their function and manufacturing process. Functionally, they include floor tiles, wall tiles, and waistline bricks. From a production standpoint, there are glazed tiles, through-body tiles, vitrified tiles, and mosaics. These categories form the foundation of all other tile types, each with unique properties that make them suitable for different applications.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types:
1. Glazed Tiles
Glazed tiles are the most popular choice for both walls and floors due to their vibrant colors and easy-to-clean surfaces. They feature a glossy or matte finish and come in two main types: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic glazed tiles are made from clay and tend to have higher water absorption and lower strength, often showing a red back. Porcelain glazed tiles, on the other hand, are made from fine porcelain clay, have low water absorption, and are more durable, with a grayish-white back.
2. Through-Body Tiles
Unlike glazed tiles, through-body tiles do not have a surface glaze, and the color and material remain consistent on both sides. These tiles are highly wear-resistant and ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, entryways, and outdoor spaces. While they may not offer the same range of colors as glazed tiles, they are becoming increasingly popular in modern interior designs. Many non-slip tiles are also through-body tiles.
3. Polished Tiles
Polished tiles are a type of through-body tile that has been polished to achieve a smooth, shiny surface. They are hard-wearing and suitable for most indoor areas except wet zones like bathrooms and kitchens. Thanks to osmosis technology, they can mimic natural stone or wood finishes. However, polishing can create tiny pores that may trap dirt over time. Some manufacturers now apply an anti-stain layer, which can affect the tile’s original "through-body" appearance if not properly maintained.
4. Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles were developed to address the staining issues of polished tiles. These tiles are fired at high temperatures, making them denser, harder, and more resistant to wear. Unlike polished tiles, they don’t require polishing, eliminating the risk of pore-related staining. Due to their superior quality, they are typically more expensive and commonly used for flooring in commercial and residential settings.
5. Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are small in size and are often referred to as "glass tiles." They bring a nostalgic charm, as they were once widely used for wall decorations. Their versatility allows for creative patterns, abstract designs, and color transitions. Glass mosaic tiles are particularly useful for curved surfaces or corners, as their small size makes it easier to cover complex shapes smoothly. They come in various forms, including squares, rectangles, and custom shapes, and are available in ceramic, glass, and other materials.
6. Wall Tiles
Wall tiles are primarily used to cover walls and are often found in bathrooms and kitchens. Made from porcelain or refractory clay, they are known for their compact structure, high strength, and waterproof properties. Common sizes include 108mm square, 152mm square, and 152×76mm or 152×50mm rectangular tiles. They come in a wide variety of styles, including glazed, matte, crystal-glazed, marble-effect, and patterned options.
In summary, choosing the right tile depends on its characteristics and how well it fits your specific needs. Whether you're looking for durability, aesthetics, or ease of maintenance, there is a tile type that will suit your project perfectly.
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