Selecting Tile

ColorBody Porcelain Tile

ColorBody porcelain tiles are extremely hard and impermeable, which makes the tiles highly resistant to moisture, staining and wear. In producing this type of porcelain tile, a color pigment is mixed with the clay body powder, giving the finished tile a consistent color throughout the body of the tile. This type of tile withstands temperature extremes, and may be used in exterior applications, including pool linings. However, before selecting any tile for an exterior application.

Glazed Porcelain Tile

These porcelain tiles are extremely hard and impermeable, which makes the tiles highly resistant to moisture, staining and wear. In producing this type of porcelain tile, a colored glaze is added to the surface of the tile, enhancing the visual presentation. This type of tile withstands temperature extremes, and may be used in specific exterior applications, including pool linings. However, before selecting any tile for an exterior application.

Ceramic Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles are small tiles, generally 2" x 2" or smaller, and always less than six square inches in area. Mosaic tiles may be made from either a porcelain body or a clay body. Mosaic tiles may also be made with other materials, including glass and metal. Mosaic tiles are most often mounted on paper, mesh or dot-mounted sheets to facilitate easier handling and installation. Mosaic tiles are commonly used to create a design with other types of tile including porcelain, ceramic, or even natural stone.

Natural Stone

Unlike the types of tile described above, natural stones are not manufactured. They are cut and honed from large blocks of stone which are mined from large stone quarries. Natural stones are obtained from all over the world, and include granite, travertine, marble, limestone and slate. One beautiful characteristic of natural stone is that there may be extreme variation in color and veining from tile to tile. This characteristic is common in many types of stone, and is part of the inherent beauty of using a natural product in your home. 

Quarry Tile

Quarry tile is an unglazed tile manufactured from natural clays and shale. It has a thick, dense body with a high-resistance to moisture and staining. Like ColorBody porcelain tile, quarry tile has a consistent color throughout the body of the tile. The surface texture of the quarry tile provides a natural slip resistance, and abrasives can be added to further enhance the slip resistance qualities of the tile. For this reason it is commonly used in commercial applications.