3 Types of Materials Used In Different Types of Tiles

There is a wide variety of materials that tile makers use in producing floor and wall tiles. Some cheap budget tiles are manufactured using only a single type of material while some may have a blend of two or more materials.

Before you purchase tiles, you will first need to know what the different types of materials used in tiles are. Learning about the composition and properties of tiles is a crucial step in the process of finding tiles that are ideal for your home or business.

The Most Common Materials Used In Tiles

While all buying homes and businesses place value on a beautiful and high-quality tile installation, not all tiles are made equal. Ceramic and natural stone tiles are great, but the cost is steep. Porcelain tiles are far more expensive, but they do last long. It’s important to know the difference.

Ceramic: Clay

Clay has been used over time and is a true classic when it comes to making tiles. It dates back to 6000BC where early pottery was first produced and baked in an open fire.

This type of tile is obtained by digging pits or quarrying. As it’s a soft material, further processing is required to turn it into hard tiles.

Clay tiles are the most versatile, and therefore the most widely used type of tiles these days. It is extremely durable and absorbs shock well. The most common clay used in industry tiles is Persian clay or talc clay.

Glass: Sand and soda

Glass is a manufactured material and one that has been produced by humans for almost 5,000 years. Sand and Soda mixture is heated to make glass which is then used in manufacturing mosaics and walls tiles.

Glass tiles have unique qualities which make them perfect for a variety of different uses. Glass is not porous and is extremely hard, preventing it from becoming damaged when used as floor covering.

These tiles are available in many colours which can dramatically alter the overall appearance of a room. Glass tiles are especially good for kitchen splashbacks where they are resistant to damage by heat.

Porcelain: Clay mineral and Feldspar

Have you ever wondered what porcelain is made of? Good porcelain is made of China clay, Feldspar, quartz, and mica. In fact, it’s a mixture of minerals and other materials.

Porcelain tiles ​​are the most expensive among all types of flooring materials. In fact, this kind of tile is less popular today than it was a few years ago. Porcelain ceramic tiles from China are used widely in bathrooms and kitchens.

Porcelain tile is one of the most durable surfaces you can choose from and are used both in residential and commercial settings.  They are available in a variety of textures, patterns, and finishes. This versatility enables them to be used on walls and floors, as well as in kitchens and bathrooms.

Bottom Line

There are three main types of tile materials - ceramic, porcelain, and glass. The most commonly used material in the UK is ceramic whilst natural stone and porcelain have more niche applications within the residential and commercial sectors. In this article, we have explored the key differences between these tiles so you can choose the right type of tile for your next project.

About This Author

Elizabeth Barton Elizabeth Barton is a Material analyst who keeps record. Joined: October 30th, 2018