If you have ever been to the market to select tiles for your house, you must have seen that there is a plethora of floor tiles available. It can get very confusing for a person who does not know a thing about the different types tile flooring, to choose any one of them. So, to make the task easier, below is some useful information on the numerous types of flooring tiles that are available in the market today.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles which are made by using the dust pressed method, are extremely hard. These types of tiles are available in the market in three varieties i.e., glazed, unglazed and with a mat finish. Porcelain tiles are very strong and durable. They are stain as well as moisture resistant and hence are a popular choice for outdoors, kitchen counter-tops, wall coverings and bathrooms.
Glazed Tiles
These are another type of ceramic tile flooring, which come with a glass-type coating. This coating makes these tiles very easy to clean and waterproof at the same time. The thickness of glazed tiles is approximately three-fourth of an inch. These tiles can be used for all types of flooring.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are ideal for those who look for a variety in shape and size vis-a-vis floor tiles. Mosaic tiles are available in the market in the regular square shape, round as well as in hexagon shape. Mosaic tiles are one of the popular bathroom tiles, both in households as well as commercial establishments. Since mosaic tiles are available in small sizes, it is easier for the water to flow into the drain easily through them. Another reason behind them being used to form shower floors is the huge number of grout joints between these tiles, which make them slip resistant.
Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiles are available in a number of colors and patterns. These tiles are manufactured in such a way that they can very easily resemble anything right from wood to porcelain. There are three vinyl floor tiles available in the market these days, namely, solid vinyl tiles which are made from homogeneous vinyl, inlaid vinyl tiles made from inlaid vinyl and vinyl composition tiles made from composite vinyl. The best thing about vinyl flooring is that these tiles are very easy to install and repair. When compared to other tiles, they are pretty inexpensive too.
Granite Tiles
One of the most popular among the different kitchen floor tiles, granite tiles are durable and are resistant to stains caused by coffee, soda or other foods spills. This makes them an ideal choice for kitchen counter tops as well.
Agglomerate Tiles
These tiles are produced by mixing together granite chips with polyester resin and Portland cement. Usually their thickness is anywhere between 6 mm to 20 mm, but they can be ordered in some other thickness as well.
Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles are made from shale or from simple clay. Quarry tiles are known for their durability. Quarry tiles are available in a number of shapes and sizes such as square, brick-like and even in irregular shape. Quarry tiles are generally frost proof making them an ideal choice for outdoors.
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are made from clay. Their color varies from orange to brown to many other shades depending upon the chemical composition of the clay they are made from. Terracotta tiles are a popular choice for kitchen flooring.
Recycled Glass Tiles
Recycled glass types are made from the glass that is discarded by various industries and households. Since these are made from recycled material, they are becoming very popular among environmentally conscious people. Being made from glass, these tiles come in a variety of colors and tile designs.
Although, many people these days are opting for hardwood flooring, still the kind of variety in size, shape, design and color, which the different tiles offer is unmatchable. Floor tiles are not only functional, they lend an incomparable aesthetic value to the house as well, making them the ideal choice for flooring.
