Tile Terminology
Glazed
from the side, see 2 layers
body – called the bisque
top layer – called the glaze
hard non-porous, impermeable surface after firing
more stain resistant than unglazed
easy to clean
consider for areas like the kitchen and baths
Unglazed
solid colored all the way through
do not have a top layer of glaze
referred to as through-body construction
no additional surface applications
more dense and durable than glazed
suitable for interior and exterior applications
good for areas with kids
Mining
process begins with the mining of the raw materials
mixture composed of clay and minerals
Blending and Mixing
introduces mud into the mix
clay and mineral mixture blended and mixed into a semi-fine powder
water is added to form a wet slurry or mud-like consistency
the slurry is pumped into a large dryer
results in a fine clay powder that feels like warm, fine sand
Pressing
applies pressure to the process
clay is pressed or formed into a tile shape
pressed tiles are called green tiles
another method, called extrusion, replaces the pressing step
extruded tiles are formed by forcing the clay through a mold versus pressing the tile
pressing is the more common method used today
after the green tiles are formed they are dried
Glazing
liquid is prepared from a glass derivative called frit and colored dyes
applied by a high-pressure spray or poured onto the tile
Firing
fired in the kiln at temperatures around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
monocuttura, or single-fired, tiles are fired once after the glaze is applied
biocuttura, or double-fired, tiles are first fired after the green tile is dried and fired again after the glaze is applied
Alternative- porcelain
made up of 50% feldspar
fired at a much higher temperature
harder and denser
high performance
low water absorption ratings of less than 0.5 percent
can be used for interior and exterior applications or commercial areas
Rating System
rating system provided
rating system found on samples or boxes
most common system rates ceramic tile abrasion resistance or the overall durability of the tile
Class 1: no foot traffic
interior wall applications only and not for the floor
Class 2: light traffic
interior wall applications and for residential bathroom flooring only
Class 3: light to moderate traffic
for residential floor and wall applications including bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, dining rooms and family rooms
Class 4: moderate to heavy traffic
residential, medium commercial and light industrial floor and wall applications including shopping malls, offices, restaurant dining rooms, showrooms and hallways
Class 5: heavy/extra heavy traffic
can be installed anywhere
Slip Resistance Rating
measured by its Coefficient of Friction (COF)
the higher the COF the more slip resistant the tile
important for areas that get wet
Other ratings
scratch resistance
moisture absorption
chemical resistance
breaking strength