Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Classifying Tiles

By Mara Hernandez-Capili

There are a huge variety of tiles depending on its quality, usage, what its made of, color, etc. Tiles are a popular flooring choice among homes because of it instantly adds a boost of design among its surroundings. Tiles are very common in residential places nowadays since they are very durable and are efficient for high traffic areas. It is very flexible to use as there are a lot of colors and shapes to choose from. It is best to place on high traffic areas because of its durability.

Tiles according to Decor:

Glass tiles are tiles generally made of glass. The newly manufactured glass after acquiring its required thickness is then applied with colored pigments and broken down into small pieces. They are excellent to use as kitchen splashboards and decorative wall tiles because of their fragility and beauty. They are not used as flooring or countertop finishes since they have the tendency to chip or break easily. Mosaic tiles are example of glass tiles that are in small pieces which are mainly used on decoration purposes.

Stainless Steel tiles are also mainly used for decorative purposes. They are often seen in showroom or commercial spaces. They are also ideal to use on areas that should be heat resistant such as in kitchens.

Classification of tiles according to Type:

Ceramic tiles are very popular and are commonly used onwards. Characteristics of a ceramic tile includes: flexibility, durability, high tensile strength and aesthetic appeal. Ceramic tiles are also non-porous which means that it is ideal for places that are constantly wet such as in bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Ceramic tiles are normally made of natural clay and are treated with a glazing. There are a lot of available colors to choose from and designing with ceramic tiles are practically endless.

Stone tiles are commonly used outdoors. Most of this kind is also made of clay. They are not suitable for indoor use because some are unpolished which makes it ideal for patios, driveways, etc.

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