Types of Tiles

When starting a tiling project, many customers are often surprised at how many types of tiles are available. As well as your traditional porcelain and ceramic tiles, we also stock natural stone tiles, quarry tiles and mosaic tiles. While such a large collection of tiles is fantastic, it can leave you confused over what type of tile is right for your project. Of course, the type of tiles you require largely depends on multiple factors. What aesthetic are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking for wall or floor tiles? Are your tiles being applied in damp areas such as kitchens or bathrooms?

To help you navigate the different types of tiles out there we’ve put together a brief summary of each tile type that we stock below. If you need further guidance on the different types of tiles, don’t hesitate to contact our team at sales@uktilesales.co.uk.

Porcelain Tiles

Often the first tile type that springs to mind is porcelain tiles. Thanks to their effortless combination of style and durability, it’s easy to see why.

Available as wall or floor tiles, porcelain tiles are suitable for use in all rooms of the house, including bathrooms and kitchens thanks to their often-good anti-slip properties.

Meanwhile, their attractive appearance makes sure that they provide a stylish, as well as practical, wall or flooring choice. In fact, with wood effect finishes available, porcelain tiles are now seen as a popular alternative to wooden flooring.

Porcelain tiles are suitable for domestic and commercial use.

Ceramic Tiles

Another popular tile type for both commercial and domestic applications is the ceramic tile.

Suitable for many applications and with hard-wearing qualities, ceramic tiles are an incredibly practical tile choice for bathrooms, kitchens and living areas. But their benefits don’t stop there.

Ceramic tiles are highly versatile and are available in a wide range of colours and finishes. This makes them the perfect style feature regardless of your interior taste.

Glazed Tiles

Glazed tiles are subjected to a second firing process. Here they are covered in a protective coating of liquid glass which gives them their high gloss finish and allows for versatility in patterns and finishes.

With an attractive, high gloss appearance, Glazed tiles are the obvious choice for creating beautiful walls and floors in bathrooms, kitchens and living areas. Glazed tiles may not be as suitable for wet or heavy traffic areas.

Unglazed Tiles

Unlike their glazed counterparts, unglazed tiles are available with a slip resistant surface profile making them idea for wet areas and for both domestic and industrial installations.

They are usually wear, stain and frost resistant; making them ideal for a variety of applications in high traffic areas.

Quarry Tiles

Made from natural clay, some Quarry Tiles are frost resistant and therefore may be used for floors internally and externally. Their natural clay surface usually provides good slip resistance and they are extremely hard wearing. This makes them ideal for applications in both domestic and commercial settings.

Their staple colours of red, black and cream make them suitable for a variety of interior styles.

Quarry Tiles, especially those with a pinhead texture, are often used in bathrooms or pool sides thanks to their non-slip qualities.

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles include limestone, marble, granite, slate, travertine quartzite and sandstone. Their beautiful stone appearance combined with their neutral colour palette give a beautiful finish that helps to bring the natural world into your home to create a tranquil, luxe space.

Whilst some natural stone tiles are extremely hard wearing the performance of these materials does vary.

Some natural tiles may require the use of adhesives and grouts specifically designed for the installation of natural stone tiles. Natural tiles should be sealed before grouting. We can advise on suitable sealants and maintenance products.

Mosaic Tiles

Small pieces of ceramic, natural stone or glass, mosaic tiles are usually sold in sheets on a mesh backing or paper facing for ease of fixing.

Available in a range of colours and with beautiful finishes from their range of materials, mosaic tiles are perfect for creating stunning features such as splash backs or beautiful borders.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay and are generally hard wearing making them suitable for interior floor applications in both domestic and commercial settings.

Most terracotta tiles need surface sealing before and after installation.