Tiles

Tiles are flat, rigid blocks used to cover floors, walls, and other surfaces. They come in a wide range of materials, sizes, and finishes, and are chosen for durability, simple cleaning, water resistance, and decorative possibilities. Common categories include ceramic and porcelain floor and wall tiles, natural stone tiles, glass tiles, metal tiles, and cementitious panels. Tiles are laid in patterns with grout joints to accommodate substrate irregularities.

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and minerals. Porcelain tiles are a dense, low-porosity subset of ceramic fired at higher temperatures, suitable for wet areas and heavy use. Natural stone tiles such as marble, granite, limestone, and slate offer varied aesthetics but often require sealing and maintenance. Glass tiles provide color and reflectivity; metal tiles add texture. Unglazed tiles rely on the tile body texture for slip resistance, while glazed tiles have a vitrified surface.

Tiles are manufactured in standard and large formats, from small mosaics to large slabs. Finishes include glossy, matte, matte textured, and honed. Slip resistance is a key factor for floor installations and is tested to standards such as DCOF or equivalent. Substrate preparation, waterproofing, adhesive selection, and proper joint spacing are essential for durability.

Installation involves cleaning and leveling the substrate, applying additive mortars or thinset, setting tiles, and grouting. Sealing is recommended for most natural stones and some unglazed tiles. Maintenance includes regular cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners and resealing stone as needed.

Tiles have a long history, with ceramic and mosaic traditions dating to ancient civilizations. Modern production offers extensive color, texture, and performance options. Environmental considerations include material sourcing, manufacturing emissions, and long service life, with some tiles containing recycled content or contributing minimally to maintenance waste.