Title:
Different Types
Of
Bathroom Tiles
Author:
A.Jeffers
Date Written:
01 Feb 2007
Date Updated:
04 Dec 2007
When it comes to decoration, ceramic tiles are among the most versatile materials available. Ceramic tiles are easy to clean, they are waterproof, they are thermally resistant and they are aesthetically versatile. This makes them perfect for environments of differing humidity and temperature such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Types Available:
In basic, there are three types of tiles available: ceramic, glazed and porcelain.
Ceramic tiles are simply tiles of hard-baked clay. The term "ceramic tile" is often used as the generic name for all types of tile, but the composition of true ceramic is very different from that of the other types. True ceramic is primarily a mixture of clay, various minerals and water. This composition is porous, so true ceramic will rarely be used in its untreated form in water intensive environments.
Glazed tiles are simply ceramic tiles with a glazed design layer. Glazed tiles cope well under physical stress, especially surface scratching and are very easy to clean. This is perfect for open plan areas that suffer high levels of human traffic, for example, fast food restaurants, railway undergrounds and bathrooms.
Whilst more expensive than ceramic tiles, or glazed tiles, porcelain tiles are more durable. A common sales pitch is that if chipped, porcelain tiles have the same composition throughout, meaning chips are far less noticeable. From a maintenance point of view this is a desirable property. However, porcelain tiles may incorporate a glazed surface in the same way a ceramic tile does, so care should be taken in selecting if added expense is to be incurred for this reason alone.
As with any building material there are advantages and disadvantages. Porcelain is a denser material, making it stronger than its ceramic counterpart, but this hardness makes porcelain tiles more challenging to install. Porcelain tiles require special tools for cutting and shaping, which the average DIY enthusiast may not typically own.
Shapes & Sizes:
Tiles come in many shapes and sizes, but for bathroom flooring it is sensible to use the larger twelve-inch by twelve-inch tiles. In metric units that is 304.8mm x 304.8mm tiles.
Within water intensive environments, the fewer places that water can collect the better. Smaller tiles would mean more grouting and more joints.
Safety:
As attractive, hygienic and durable as they are, tiles are slippery when wet. It may prove a good idea to purchase a slip proof mat, textured tiles or a floor grid to reduce the risk of slips.
For advice on actually installing tiles, you may find the following article useful: bathroom tiles - how to fit
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