FLOOR TILES

Tiles are made from a wide range of materials, all with individual characteristics suitable for different tiling applications. It is essential to choose the right tile for the right tiling application; knowing what features a particular tile has is key to establishing what type of tile is suitable for your project

What is limestone?

Is made up of layers of calcium carbonate formed from the building up of organic matter in shallow seas, then turned to stone by millions of years of pressure. Limestones are available in different degrees of density and hardness, some rare limestones are as tough as granite.

What is sandstone?

Composed mainly of sand size mineral or rock grains. Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow, red, grey and white. Some sandstones are resistant to weathering, making sandstone a popular building and paving material.

What is travertine?

Is made up of layers of calcite formed from the building up of organic matter in hot springs and areas with spas. The stone has a honeycomb structure, where water has run through the material. When cut this honeycomb structure is exposed and results in holes on the surface. Holes can be left unfilled which creates a natural surface or they can be filled in and then smoothed off using a finishing process called honing. Over time small holes may appear on the surface, this is part of the beauty of this stone.

What is marble?

Begins life as limestone, is then crystallised by extremes of heat and pressure. Its different colours come from chemicals and minerals in the stone.

What is granite?

Formed from liquid magma under the crust of the earth, cooling slowly over extremely long periods of time. Is an extremely hard stone and has a low porosity.

What is slate?

Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock.
Available in a wide range of colours; from traditional grey and black to a mix of metallic tones.

What is quarry?

A quarry tile is composed of natural clay or shale. It is squeezed and pressed into shape, then fired to harden the tile. This will increase its durability and minimises its absorbency rate. It is available in a wide range of various natural colours from brick red, buffs, blacks, browns, and purple mingles; in a limited size selection. Quarry tiles, unlike some glazed tiles and porcelain products, have 'through the body colour', which never wears off. As quarry tiles age they acquire a natural patina, which enhances the colour and character of the tile (quarry tiles are not glazed)

What is porcelain?

Porcelain and ceramic are not different kinds of tile. Porcelain is just one of many varieties of ceramic tile. It has all the benefits of a ceramic tile but is made from china clay with very few impurities, enabling it to be pressed at higher pressures and fired at 1250 to 1300°c. This allows porcelain to have higher impact resistance, stain resistance and frost resistance etc.

What is ceramic?

A ceramic tile is a mixture of clays that have been pressed into shape and fired at high temperatures; this gives the tile its hardness and durability. The bisque, or body, of the ceramic tile may then be glazed or left unglazed depending on its intended use.