Did you know that there are many different tiles available? Some of those tiles serve a different purpose than others, some cost more to lay. In our month of bathrooms, we have looked at calculating floor space, and how many tiles to order, now I thought it would be helpful to share what I know about tile types, and how they are best used.
Six Tile Types and Their Uses
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles used to be the most popular tiles. Made from clay that is shaped and then fired or baked in a kiln. Generally, the less expensive of the tile varieties, these hardy tiles are available for both floors and walls.
Beaumont Tiles
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are very strong tiles perfect for wet areas due to their non-porous properties. Porcelain tiles are made of fine porcelain clays that are then fired or baked at a much higher temperature than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are available for floors and walls and can also be available for outdoor tiles.
Beaumont Tiles
Rectified Edge Tiles
Tiles with a rectified edge, have been cut to their exact size after firing or baking. This guarantees the continuity of the shape and size of each tile, cutting out any imperfections. Rectified edge tiles do cost more to lay per square metre than ceramic or porcelain tiles. This is due to their sharp edge and the time and effort required by the tiler to ensure that the tiles are laid flush with no lips in between them.
National Tiles
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are most commonly used for splash backs, as a feature tile or as a mosaic. Many pool tiles are glass tiles. Glass tiles have an amazing variety of colours available and are perfect for when a real feature is required. Glass tiles cost more to lay as they are commonly thought of as ‘picky’ tile that takes extra time to lay.
Beaumont Tiles
Metal Tiles
Metal tiles can be made entirely of metal. Again typically used as a feature tile only, these are prone to wear and tear. Also more expensive to lay.
Beaumont Tiles
National Tiles
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are often glass, though can be manufactured in just about any of the tile varieties. Mosaic are small tiles often square and sometimes joined together on a sheet or webbing to make laying easier. Mosaic tiles cost more to lay than standard tiles, again due to the time required to lay them.
While these are not all the tile types available, this is a good round up of what is generally used and what they can be used for. All tilers and tile shop are different, as usual it pays to speak with the professionals prior to making your decision.
Beaumont Tiles
Have you ever chosen tiles? What did you find most difficult about the process?
Got any tiles you’d like to replace at home?
Nicole xxx
Definitely book marking this post for later when we renovate our kitchen – pipe dream (haha) at the moment.
I had to choose tiles we when did our laundry / wet room and because it’s also used as when the kids come out of the pool I had to go for non slip and something that didn’t show up dirt too easily. I would have loved a mosaic feature but went for a sandstone look in the end that matched the outdoor crazy paving! Great tips.
Bookmarking this for if/when we do our kitchen reno… A girl can dream can’t she?!
Great advice for anyone doing a reno or new build ?
I sure do! Even though our home is less than 10 years old, the floor tiles have big chips and cracks everywhere. Many already existed before we moved in about 7 years ago, but I have to say I have never seen such terrible tiles, if anything is dropped on them it ALWAYS damages them. We’ve long though the builder used all the cheapest (and crappiest) options when building this house, and the tiles are just one example. Hubster keeps talking about replacing the tiles before we sell, which makes me a bit cranky – don’t we deserve nice tiles too?!
Visiting from #teamIBOT x
Great round up. It’s amazing how many people don’t realise that different tiles cost different amounts to lay. My hubby’s a tiler, and the most common question is ‘Why does it cost more to lay rectified tiles? And oversize tiles?’
[…] are nearing the end of bathroom month on the blog, having looked at tile types, tiling styles, tapware trends, how to decorate you bathroom and now I wanted to share a little about […]