Materials used make tiles

Materials used to make tiles

Tiles are all kinds of flat objects or building materials made with all kinds of materials for covering walls, floors, and other places. They are usually made of ceramic, stone, wood, glass, metal, and other materials to suit different places and usage requirements.

• Ceramics: Tile made from clay materials baked at high temperatures, also known as fired clay, is called ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used tiles, which can be divided into glazed tiles, unglazed tiles, and other subcategories. Glaze gives porcelain ceramic tiles a beautiful appearance and a very low permeability. This means that they are almost always impervious to moisture, which makes them easy to maintain. In addition, glazed tiles usually have a high and bright shine. Unglazed tiles, on the other hand, have their entire body pigmented and may have a light sheen but no additional glaze. They usually need sealed to prevent dirt from getting into their pore.
• Stones: Stone tiles refer to tiles made of natural stones, such as marble tiles, granite tiles, and limestone tiles. The stones are cut and polished to make them become beautiful tiles. And, as every natural stone is unique, the pattern of stone tiles is never the same.
• Glass: Like glass bricks, glass tiles are semi-transparent or transparent rectangular pieces. Glass tiles are extremely well made. For instance, high-end glass tiles are usually made of recycled materials, which makes them eco-friendly.
• Metals: Metal tiles often refer to metal sheets, making a flat appearance by specialized machinery and equipment. They can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, zinc and other metal materials. Many metal tiles adopt corrosion-resistant property, which allows them to be used in environments that are humid or potentially subject to splashes, such as kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls. In addition, many metal tiles are also fireproof, making them a safe choice in situations that require high safety standards.
• Other materials: In addition to the materials mentioned above, plastic tiles have gradually come into people's lives. Plastic tiles can be divided into elastic tiles and hard plastic tiles, among which hard plastic tiles are flat in the form of sheets, and soft plastic tiles are flat in the form of rolls.

Specifications and Maintenance of Materials Used to Make Tiles

Tile materials offer various specification options to meet different project requirements. The following are typical tile material specifications.

• Sizes and Formats

  Tile materials are available in standard sizes, such as 12x12, 18x18, and 24x24. There are also rectangular formats, like subway tiles, which are 3x6 or larger. Besides, custom sizes and formats are available upon requests.

• Thickness

  Tile materials have different thicknesses. For example, ceramic floor tiles measure 0.08 to 0.15m, while porcelain ones average 0.1 to 0.2m. Larger thick tiles offer more durability, but they'll take longer to cut, lift, and lay.

• Materials

  Tiles are made of different materials. For instance, porcelain floor tiles have a grainy textured surface, while ceramic ones are made up of clay, sand, and other natural mineral compounds. Also, glass tiles are made of glass materials.

• Finishes

  Tile materials have various finishes. Some have a matte finish for a less slippery option, while others have a shiny glaze for an easy-to-clean surface. Glazed ceramic tiles get their sheen from a glass-like coating baked onto them, while polished porcelain tiles attain a glossy finish through a polishing process that reveals the natural beauty of the porcelain material.

• Patterns and Designs

  Tile materials are available in different patterns. For example, mosaic tiles often feature geometric patterns and color combinations, while ceramic tiles have a variety of designs resembling wood grain, stone textures, or abstract patterns.

• Grades

  Porcelain floor tiles come in different grades. First-grade porcelain tiles have better aesthetics and functional qualities. Second-grade ones are more attractive but lack some prerequisites of first ones, while third ones are less appealing and are primarily used for wall applications.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for tile materials to keep them looking beautiful for years and prolong their lifespan. The following are general care and maintenance tips for different types of tiles:

• Mosaic Tiles

  For mosaic tiles, regular dusting will remove loose particles and film. Use a dust mop or a microfiber mop to prevent scratching the tile surface. Mop the floor with a neutral PH cleaner. Ensure to wring out the mop before using it on the floor tile to prevent water damage. If water gets into the mosaic tile space, it may cause grouting to weaken and the tiles to loosen.

• Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

  First, remove any loose dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Then, mop the tile surface using a damp mop and a mild cleaner or water. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the finish. Always use a neutral PH cleaning solution. Rinse the mop frequently with clean water to avoid spreading dirt. Finally, dry the mop to prevent water spots and haze from forming on the tile surface.

• Vitrified Tiles

  Dust and dirt can scratch the surface of vitrified tiles, so ensure to mop or vacuum regularly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when cleaning. Use a neutral PH cleaning solution instead of abrasive powders or harsh chemicals. Rinse the mop thoroughly and dry it off to avoid water spots and haze from forming.

• Marble, Granite, and Natural Stone Tiles

  Use a dust mop to remove loose dirt. For daily cleaning, use plain water or a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Take extra care when removing stains, as the cleaning solution may affect the stone's appearance and integrity.

• Cements Tiles

  Clean cement tiles with water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the sealer. Immediately blot any spills instead of allowing them to sit and potentially cause staining. Use underfloor heating to help dry moisture and avoid the growth of mold and mildew.

Materials used to make tiles

Materials used to make tiles

• Ceramic

  Ceramic tiles have been used for centuries for buildings and artistic applications. In the modern world, ceramic tiles are popular in both homes and commercial settings, largely because they are tough and can resist a considerable amount of traffic. Ceramic tiles can be classified as either non-porous or porous. Non-porous tiles are suitable for wet areas, while porous tiles are ideal for dry areas.

• PVC

  PVC tiles are resilient flooring manufactured using polyvinyl chloride. The tiles are a product of the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers and other chemical additives. PVC tiles have become a common replacement for carpeting because of their appearance, which can mimic fabric. The tiles are laid down using the glue-down method and the loose-lay method.

• Glass

  Glass tiles are made using a combination of silica, alumina, flux, and coloring agents. The tiles may be used on the floor or walls and are available in different sizes. As a result of their lesser porosity and stability, glass tiles are frequently used in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. In the bathroom, glass tiles are frequently used as focal points.

• Natural Stone

  Natural stone tiles are cut from solid rock. Available options include granite, marble, slate, travertine, and limestone. All the stone options have different features and look. Natural stone tiles are fashionable options that add aesthetic appeal to homes and businesses. The tiles may be applied indoors as well as outside.

• Cement

  Cement tiles consist of concrete, colored sand, and a pigment commonly used to make tiles like marble or granite. As people seek out solutions that are both fashionable and environmentally friendly, cement tiles have grown in popularity. The tiles are well known for their stunning patterns and sturdiness.

How to Choose

When choosing tile materials for resale, it is crucial to focus on quality and durability. For floor tiles, heavy traffic areas require materials with high impact resistance. The PEI rating can help determine surface resistance to wear. Selecting tiles with appropriate MOHs can also ensure tiles are not slippery in high traffic areas. Besides, gauge the bulk density of tiles. High bulk density tiles like porcelain are ideal for water-prone areas since they have low water absorption rates.

Focus on tiles that can withstand extreme weather conditions if customers live in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Choose frost-resistant tiles for areas likely to experience cold weather. UV stable tiles are ideal for outdoor spaces, while heat resistant tiles can prevent overheating in hot climates.

Consider the installation process when choosing tiles. Complex and heavy tiles aren't typical choices for most DIYers and will probably require professional assistance during installation. Therefore, it would be best to stock easy-to-install tiles such as vinyl or ceramic to cater to DIYers. It is also a great idea to offer customers different options of tiles suited for various installation methods. For example, glue down, floating, and grout in.

Q&A

Q1 Are all types of tiles made from the same materials?

No, types of tiles are made from different materials. For example, ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay and glaze, while glass tiles are made from recycled glass. Nonetheless, all kinds of tiles can be made from recycled materials to protect natural resources and the environment.

Q2 Do raw materials affect the performance of tiles?

Yes, raw materials used to make tiles affect their performance. For instance, porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles because of the different manufacturing processes and materials.

Q3 What are the materials used to make outdoor tiles?

The most suitable materials for outdoor tiles are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone because they are durable and weather resistant. Nonetheless, when choosing outdoor tiles, people should consider whether the tiles are slip resistant.

Q4 Are the materials used to make eco-friendly tiles?

Some materials used to make tiles are eco-friendly, such as recycled glass, clay, and natural stone. Furthermore, some tiles are made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic or rubber, and are fired in environmentally safe kilns.