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An introduction to Ceramic Tile
• Ceramic tile is available in a variety of sizes, from mosaic tiles to 24” squares.
• Ceramic tile is defined by durability – the hardness of the glaze (also known as wear resistance) and the density of the ceramic tile body. The wear resistance is measured in grades ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 possessing the hardest glaze. The raw material of the tile combined with the firing process determines the density of the tile body; density is measured by a tile water absorption capacity, less porous tiles being denser. Porcelain tiles normally have the greatest tile body density. As the density of the tile increases, the moisture absorption rate becomes less. Below is a guide to moisture absorption rates:• Glazed ceramic tile is processed by a liquid glass being applied to the body of the tile and then firing at high temperatures. The glazing becomes hard and non-porous, resulting in flooring that is stain-, scratch-, fire-, fade-, and slip- resistant. The shinier the glaze, the softer the tile and the more easily the tile will scratch. Satin and rustic finished tiles are less slippery. NOTE: Some glazes can become pitted or powdery as they age.

• Unglazed ceramic tile is the same color on the face of the tile as it is on the back of the tile. The colors are derived from the clay or from oxides, dyes and pigments added to the clay. The tile is very durable and does not show the effects of heavy traffic. Red quarry tile, encaustic and geometric tiles, or granite-looking porcelain ceramic tile are examples of unglazed tiles that are used in heavy commercial areas.

• Manufacturer’s use of the incorrect type of clay or blend of clay can result in crazing-- the formation of tiny cracks in a tile’s glaze, or warping of the tile. Normally, chalky clays have been preferred for many kinds of ceramic tiles, because they produce a white body when fired. Additional materials such as grog – ground-up fired clay – can be added to the clay to help prevent warping, hasten firing, and/or reduce shrinking. Calcined flint can be added to harden the clay.

• The location of potteries and ceramic tile factories is dependent upon the ready availability of suitable ball clay, kaolin (a white clay used as a filler or extender), and feldspar (a crystalline mineral), and an accessible market.
• Monocottura tile is single fired. The tile passes through the firing process one time at a temperature of 2200 degrees. Monocottura tiles are denser and have harder glazes than the bicottura tiles.

• Bicottura tile is double fired. The clay body is fired on the first pass through the kiln, and the glaze is applied and fired on the second pass. This process is used for decorative wall tile products only as the tile’s glaze is softer.

• Dense, close-textured quarry tiles and ceramic mosaic tiles resist abrasion and stain absorption very well. Highly patterned encaustic and geometric tiles are more likely to be abrasive.

• Tiles may crack. Unless the cracking visibly extends into the porous clay of the tile body beneath, it is generally not a material defect. If cracking penetrates through the glaze, it may increase the water absorption of the tile.

QUARRY TILES:
These tiles are made from quarried stone and are machine-made using the extrusion process. They can be vitreous or semi-vitreous and essentially are square or rectangular slabs of clay baked in a kiln. The colors are natural earthen shades of grey, red, and brown determined by the clay, and to some extent, the temperature and duration of firing. They range from ¼”- ½” in thickness, are available in square and rectangular shapes in sizes that include 3”, 4 ¼”, 6”, 9” and 12” squares, 6”x12”, 6”x9”, 4 ¼”x9”, 3”x6”, and 3”x9” rectangles, and 4”x8” hexagon shapes.

PAVERS/ PAVER TILES:
Pavers and paver tiles are similar to quarry tiles, but are somewhat cruder. They are usually unglazed and slightly thicker. Machine-made pavers are either vitreous or semi-vitreous and are generally formed by dust-pressing or extrusion. Handmade pavers that are common in Mexico and southern Europe are non-vitreous.

ENCAUSTIC TILES:
These are traditional unglazed decorative floor tiles, manufactured by the dust-pressed method. The decorative designs are inlaid patterns created as part of the manufacturing process. Once formed, tiles are dried slowly and evenly to avoid warping, then fired in a special kiln that controls high, even heat at temperatures up to 2500°F, or 1200°C, for 30-40 hours.

GEOMETRIC TILES:
Geometric tiles are small, single colored versions of encaustic tiles that form a pattern when assembled together. Sometimes geometric tiles are considered synonymous to encaustic tiles. They can be used for decorative borders and, when used in conjunction with encaustic tiles, a wide variety of floor designs.

CERAMIC MOSAIC TILES:
Ceramic mosaic tiles are smaller versions of geometric tiles, usually no larger than 2 ¼” and no thicker than ¼” -- ranging in size from ½” to 2 3/16” in square, rectangular or oblong, hexagonal, pentagonal, and trapezoidal shapes. They are available in vitreous or semi-vitreous tiles, unglazed in solid or variegated colors with a matte finish, or glazed in unlimited colors.

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