subject: All You Need To Know About Specialty Tiles [print this page] Small porcelain tiles (commonly seen on sloped shower floors) are relatively easy to produce and have long been an economical flooring choice for both wet and heavy-use areas. Large porcelain tiles, on the other hand, have traditionally been very difficult to produce, have always been somewhat fragile and have usually carried a very high price tag.
The demand for a tough yet fashionable tile suitable for both residential and commercial spaces has led to the development in Italy (the spawning ground for most ceramic-tile technology) of porcelain tiles in sizes up to 24 in. by 24 in. Referred to as monopressatura, these tiles are made by compacting a layer of dry bisque ingredients and a layer of dry glaze ingredients under extremely high pressure and speeding the resulting tile sandwich through a kiln.
As a group, porcelain tiles have excellent wear properties, stain resistance and high compressive strength, and are freeze/thaw stable. However, because they absorb virtually no moisture, porcelain tiles (especially those larger than 2 in. square) should be installed with a polymer-modified thinset mortar made specifically for porcelain tiles. Otherwise, installation is the same as for any other kind of ceramic tile.
Mosaic tile
The tile industry considers any tile 2 in. square or smaller to be mosaic tile. This tile can be made of either glass or vitreous porcelain or clay (though, traditionally, mosaic tile also includes chipped bits and pieces of tile, stone, pebbles and shells). When made of porcelain, mosaic tile is usually unglazed but colored by pigment added to the bisque. Most ceramic mosaic tile is produced by the dust-press method and is almost always packaged in sheet-mounted format to make it easier to handle. Some can be bought loose on special order.
Sold in a wide variety of colors, ceramic mosaic tile typically comes in 1" by 2" rectangles, or small hexagons. Class mosaic tile is usually available only in 1-in. squares, and both types of mosaic tile can range in thickness. Because of its density, mosaic tile is very tough and excellent for use on floors as well as countertops and walls. Since its vitreous and freeze/thaw stable, it can be used for both wet and exterior installations. As with other back-mounted tile, the mounting material on mosaic tile may interfere with the bond of the adhesive. For this reason, mosaic tile should be installed with a thinset adhesive for extra grip.
Brick-veneer tile
There are several types of brick-veneer tile, all of which simulate the appearance of real brick. Some of this tile is actually brick produced in thin cross section. Other brick veneer tile is imitation brick, low-fired and made from ingredients similar to tile but with a coarser texture. 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
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, however, 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.
Cement-bodied tile
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.|
