Brick Veneer Tile And Cement-bodied Tile

A third type is made from colored mortar that is extruded like tile and dried

, but not fired, in a kiln. Sometimes additional mortar is applied to this unfired tile to simulate antique brick.

Real brick-veneer tile can generally be installed wherever regular brick is used, both indoors and outdoors and in wet and dry installations. Remember, however, that brick is very porous, and if used for shower walls or tub surrounds, it will harbor bacteria and be difficult, if not impossible, to clean. Most imitation brick-veneer tile should be reserved for wall installations because it's too soft to wear well under floor traffic. Some manufacturers do specify that their tile can be used for floors, so check the manufacturer's specifications. Similarly, before settling on this tile for exterior use, make sure that the tile you want to use is freeze/thaw stable.

No special setting bed is required for brick-veneer tile. If installed outdoors, it should be set with a thinset adhesive. Organic mastic can be used for an interior, decorative installation. Porous materials like brick are sometimes best grouted with a grout bag and striking tool, rather than with a grout trowel and sponge.

Brick Veneer tile is currently popular for walls and flooring in:

-Kitchens

-Recreation rooms

-Wine cellars

-Billiard room

-Fireplaces

-Restaurants and pubs

Reclaimed brick veneer is also popular for those seeking an antique brick look.

Cement-bodied tile

Cement bodied tile is a good choice for any area that has a lot of wear and tear such as a kitchen or bath. This tile is tough and durable.

In past years, most cement bodied tiles have come in a natural look but now days, they can be purchased in colorful designs thanks to polymers set into a mortar base.

Cement-bodied tile is made of mortar rather than clay and is either extruded or cut from sheets. Because this kind of tile is only dried in a kiln, not fired at high temperatures, it is usually less expensive to produce than regular tile. Various surface textures are often stamped into the wet tile before it is dried, and instead of being glazed, the tile is stained after hardening with a colorant in one of a handful of earth tones. To improve wear, the manufacturer coats this tile with a protective sealer. Another coat of sealer may need to be applied after the tile is set and grouted, and will need to be reapplied occasionally as the tile wears.

Cement-bodied tile weighs no more than regular tile, has the look of stone or paver tiles and even develops a patina as it ages. Because its surface is very tough, this tile is excellent for floor installations and gives years of service when properly installed and maintained. This tile is not the best choice for wet installations, nor is it generally recommended for exterior installations in cold climates, because some brands may not be freeze/thaw stable (check the manufacturer's specifications).

Since a selvage edge produced in the manufacturing process is occasionally left on the tile, this edge should be trimmed with the biters or a grindstone before cutting on the wet saw (so the excess does not interfere with the fence when it is used for repeat cuts). Some cement-bodied tiles can be cut with a snap cutter, but you will have fewer problems and neater results with the wet saw. This tile needs no special setting bed and can be installed on walls with an organic mastic adhesive and on floors with a thin set adhesive.

by: Matt Millsap

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