Ceramic Tile is the most common tile used in offices, stores and homes. Ceramic tile comes in two forms: glazed and unglazed. Unglazed tile is referred to as quarry tile. Ceramic tiles are made from clay and then heated. The glaze is added after the firing of the clay tile, which creates the color of the tile. The glazing process allows for the creation of infinite color combinations.
Natural Stone Tiles
There are several types of natural stone tiles which are used for flooring, walls and more. These include:
Granite–Granite has been used for countertops for years, and it is also used for shower walls and bathroom counters. Granite tiles are naturally antibacterial and aren’t damaged by water contact, which is why they are such a great choice for kitchen and bathroom applications.
Slate – Slate tiles are growing in popularity due to their versatility. They are even used as roofing shingles. Slate is a natural material and is available in several color ranges, from gray to purple to black. Slate is used outside as well as inside because of its natural look and range of colors.
Travertine – Travertine is natural beige stone and is used for bathroom flooring, kitchen backsplashes, shower mosaics and more.
Onyx – Onyx is well known for its creamy, pearl-like look. Onyx is not a common choice for flooring, but it is used on some occasions. It is used more frequently for skirting around bathtubs and mosaics.
Sandstone – Sandstone, which is extremely durable, has a grainy look and feel. It is often used for wall applications.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring Types
Mountain born stone comprises a variety of specific materials, each of which has unique properties and characteristics.
Granite: The hardest and densest construction grade stone material, granite can be polished smooth, honed flat, or left in a naturally gauged state. While it will be resistant to stains and water penetration, it is somewhat porous and will need to be sealed after installation, to protect both the tiles and the grout lines between them.
Slate: Almost as hard as granite, the slate is a striated material that consists of layers of flat, hard packed stone that are compressed by the weight of the earth into solid pieces. This gives the material a very strong structure, making it sound against cracks and breaks. However, it is prone to some chipping on tile edges. Naturally porous like all stones, the slate will also have to be chemically sealed after installation, with annual re-application recommended for best effect.
Limestone: This material has a medium level of density and strength relative to other natural stones, and is also porous requiring periodic application of a chemical sealing agent. Limestone tends to weather well, taking on an aged antique look over time that somewhat mirrors the feel of classical antiquity.
Sandstone: An extremely porous material, sandstone needs to be treated with multiple applications of a quality penetrating below surface sealer, and a chemical sealing barrier on a regular basis. Sandstone is generally not recommended in bathrooms, and other humid, moist environments.
Types Of Ceramic Floor Tile
Unglazed: Ceramic is made from clay and sediments which are baked hard in a kiln. In its natural state, it is very porous, and will readily absorb liquids and staining agents that fall on its surface. This can be prevented to some extent by sealing the floor with a quality chemical ceramic tile sealing agent. Unglazed materials are generally chosen over more durable options because of the natural, rustic beauty of the tile in this state.
Terra Cotta: A specific form of unglazed ceramic that is made from a type of red tinted clay found in Mexico, and parts of Europe. These materials produce tiles that have distinctive patterns and hues that are quite attractive, especially in certain southwestern style decors. However, the material is porous and will need to be sealed periodically.
Glazed Ceramic: The vast majority of ceramic tiles are manufactured with a glazed surface treatment. This involves taking regular kiln fired material, and then applying a melted glass glaze layer to it which serves to create an impervious seal over the surface of the piece. This layer can be printed to look like nearly anything, including a variety of natural materials. While the replication is not always perfect, improvements in ceramic flooring manufacture printing technology are creating more realistic finishes every day.
Cleaning Ceramic Tile versus Natural Stone
Natural stone materials exist as a chemical base. Because of this, you have to avoid the use of any acidic cleansers, as they will cause a reaction in the stone which can result in a permanent stain. Sealing the surface will help to prevent this to some extent if spills or splashes occured.
With glazed ceramic, you can use virtually any cleaning agent that you want to completely sanitize the area. With harsher chemicals, you should be careful not to degrade the grout lines too much. You also want to make sure the space being cleaned is well ventilated, and follow all manufacturers’ instructions in the application of any cleanser.