Styles & Types of Tile

Glazed Ceramic Tile - Comprised of two basic elements, clay and water. Various clays are mined, ground and blended to a fine powder, and pressed together to form the body of the tile. The pressed clay body is then dried to reduce the moisture content. Next, the surface of the tile is coated with a colored glaze. The glaze is then permanently fused to the surface of the tile by firing it in kilns at approximately 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, to form the finished product.

Porcelain Tile - Formed from finer clay and minerals, fired at higher temperatures, to produce a very dense body. It is highly resistant to moisture, staining and wear. Porcelain tile will withstand years of heavy foot traffic and can be used in both interior and exterior applications.

Wall Tile - Normally less durable than tile designed specifically for flooring. Most wall tile is glazed with a semi-gloss or matte surface. The glazed surface has a very low slip resistance and becomes slippery when wet. Most wall tiles are not suited for use on the floor. A large number of floor tiles are suitable to be used on a wall.

Glass - Glass is a product, centuries old, made of natural mineral substances melted at very high temperatures. It is a glossy or iridescent effect with distinctive and irregular color variations within each sheet. 

Slate - Slate is a metamorphic stone that is formed in sheet like structures below the earth’s surface. Slate colors range from subdued to bold. A natural variation of colors is a characteristic a slate floor where no two look exactly alike.

Pavers - Pavers are an unglazed floor tile. They are very durable for heavy traffic due to the color being the same on the face and back of the tile. Pavers are a porous surface that requires a penetrating sealant.

Marble - Marble is a natural product with no two pieces looking the same. Veining is a natural characteristic in all marble. It is formed when limestone is compressed for extended periods.

Travertine - Travertine is a sedimentary rock with a natural chemical precipitate of carbonate minerals. It’s formed by spring water dissolving the limestone formations. Travertine is characterized by pitted holes and troughs in the surface. Travertine can be “filled” with the holes filled in or “unfilled” were the holes are left open.