Floor Tiles
Glazed or unglazed, they’re tough enough for heavy traffic
Floor tiles come glazed or unglazed. Unglazed tiles are generally less slippery and don’t show wear as much since their coloration extends throughout the clay body. They are, however, more subject to staining.
Precise terms for floor tiles are hard to corral, as descriptive terms like "paver," "glazed," and "handmade" seem to have different meanings in different locales, and even on opposite sides of the dealer’s aisle! With that said, there are basically four types you’re likely to encounter: quarry tiles, porcelain pavers, glazed floor tiles, and terra-cotta tiles -- each distinguished by its composition and method of manufacture.
Quarry tiles
These sturdy tiles are made by the extrusion process -- you can usually identify them by roller grooves on their backs. Though some quarry tiles are glazed, most come unglazed in natural clay colors of yellow, brown, rust, or red. Some exhibit "flashing," heat-produced shadings that vary from tile to tile. Most quarry tiles are vitreous, making them hardworking and stable outdoors.
Typical sizes are 6 by 6, 8 by 8, and 12 by 12 inches. You’ll also find 3 by 6 and 4 by 8 rectangles and a smattering of hexagons. Nominal thickness varies from about 3/8 to 3/4 inch.
Though the manufacturing process produces a tough surface that helps ward off stains, unglazed quarry tiles can be sealed to increase stain resistance in heavy-traffic areas.
Porcelain pavers
The best porcelain is highly refined clay that’s dust-pressed and fired at more than 2000°F to form a dense body classified as impervious or vitreous. The waterproof, stain-resistant nature of these tiles makes them great choices for heavy-traffic areas indoors and, if slip resistant, for outdoor patios and walkways.
Porcelain pavers frequently resemble slate, limestone, and other stones, but come in pastel colors, too. While many tiles are polished, more slip-resistant textures include "split" (resembling slate), "sandblasted," and various embossed surfaces with raised grids.
Though 12- by 12-inch pavers are standard, sizes range from 4- by 6-inch rectangles up through 24- by 24-inch Italian monocottura (single-fired) squares.
