What Is Tile?
Tile is a durable building material, typically made of porcelain or similar materials, used extensively for floors and walls, particularly in public bathhouses.
Historically, tile served as a primary material for both exterior and interior surfaces when design-oriented alternatives like wallpaper were not available. Today, tiles continue to be valued for their advantages, including durability, heat resistance, and resistance to discoloration and deterioration.
Installing tile requires a high level of skill, and professionals specializing in this are known as tile setters. Tiles are highly regarded for decorating walls, floors, and other areas in homes and commercial spaces.
Uses of Tiles
Tiles are used in various areas beyond wet spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. They are also applied to exterior walls and fences, thanks to their aesthetic appeal and ease of installation.
Even though tiles have faced competition from design-friendly and cost-effective alternatives such as wallpaper, their elegance, durability, and environmental friendliness continue to sustain their popularity.
Features of Tile
Advantages
1. Easy Maintenance
Tiles, especially those with a glazed surface finish, are resistant to oil stains and can be cleaned effortlessly by wiping.
2. Water Resistance
Inherently water-resistant, tiles are ideal for indoor use in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and for outdoor applications such as exterior wall finishes. Water-repellent treatments enhance their functionality, preventing water absorption and facilitating easy cleaning.
3. Fire Resistance
Being ceramic or porcelain, tiles are non-flammable. However, it’s important to keep them clean to prevent surface grease or stains from posing a fire hazard.
Disadvantages
1. Cost
One of the major drawbacks of tiles is their high cost. They are more expensive than many other building materials, and their weight can increase transportation costs when used in large quantities.
2. Installation Time
Tile installation is time-consuming. It involves precise cutting and fitting, and a curing period is needed after installation, especially for floor tiles, delaying immediate use.
Types of Tiles
1. Porcelain Tile (Class I)
Class I porcelain tiles are hard and dense, with a low water absorbency rate of 3.0%. They are suitable for exterior walls and floors and are made from materials like feldspar or quartz, fired at 1,200 to 1,350 ℃.
2. Sintered Tiles (Class II)
These tiles are comparable in strength to porcelain tiles but have a 10% lower water absorbency rate.
3. Ceramic Tile (Class III)
Class III ceramic tiles have a porous substrate, high water absorbency (less than 50%), and lower strength. They are made by firing lime or ceramic clay at 1,000 to 1,200 ℃.
4. Interior Tiles
Used primarily for interior applications, these tiles are available in sizes ranging from 25 mm square to 450 mm square. Smaller tiles offer a quaint aesthetic, while larger tiles provide a more elegant appearance.
5. Exterior Wall Tiles
Porcelain and stone tiles, available in both glazed and unglazed types, are frequently used for exterior walls due to their weather resistance and durability.
6. Floor Tiles
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor floors, these tiles are designed to withstand heavy traffic and are often finished with non-slip textures for safety.
7. Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles, typically smaller than 10 cm on one side, have grown in popularity, especially among DIY enthusiasts for kitchen and bathroom renovations.
8. Others
Other specialized tiles include scratch tiles with grooved patterns, tesserae tiles with a rugged surface resembling broken stones, and terracotta tiles made from molding, drying, and baking clay.