There are many different types of tiles which are produced in varying ways and have distinct properties. The four main types of tiles are ceramic, porcelain, concrete, and terrazzo.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are produced from a mixture of natural clay with sand and water. There are different production methods, but usually, the mixture has the consistency of the dough and is moulded into the desired shape. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of shapes, including fish scale, hexagonal, subway, and the more traditional rectangle.
The tiles are left to dry and then baked in a kiln. Frequently a glaze is added to create different colours and many in Otto Tiles & Designs’ unique range of ceramic tiles are hand painted with traditional or modern designs. They have bright colours and intricate designs which will embellish your home.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are produced using a dust-pressing method which produces a fine-grained, dense, impervious, and smooth tile with a sharply formed face. They are made of Kaolin, which is a mixture of clay, quartz and feldspar, and they must be fired at a high temperature for a longer period.
Porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles, so they are better suited for outdoor use.
Cement Tiles or Encaustic Tiles
Cement tiles are formed of a mixture of marble granules, marble powder, natural colour pigments, and cement. These are precisely weighed in the correct proportions and thoroughly mixed together with pure water. A special machine holds the mould in position.
Each design has a different mould and each colour is carefully entered by hand into the correct place in the mould. The tile is then agitated slightly and the mould removed. The dry cement with the other ingredients are now added, and the tile is placed under a high-power press. The tiles then dry for about a week. Then, they pass through a diamond grinding machine which smooths the surface and makes them resistant to water and stains.
Encaustic cement tiles are ideal for indoor and outdoor use on floor or walls. They are hard-wearing, easy to maintain and have a wonderful individual charm. The colour layer is 8-mm thick so they will always preserve their rich colours.
Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are made from a mixture of granite and marble, with glass or quartz chips and a cement binder. They are produced in the reverse to encaustic cement tiles.
Here, the cement layer is laid first, then a sandy layer, and finally the terrazzo layer. A roller is used to create a smooth surface. The tile must then dry thoroughly before the surface is ground to create a clean, shiny, polished, and sealed surface.
Terrazzo tiles are extremely strong and durable and are ideal for indoor or outdoor use on walls, floors, and counter or table tops.
Contact Otto Tiles & Design
To learn more about terrazzo tiles for your home, contact Otto Tiles & Design today!