Types of Tiles

Whilst we’re not in the business of selling or laying tiles we’re happy to provide you with the information below as you choose what tiles may suit your property or how to maintain your existing tiles.

Ceramic and porcelain tile are popular because material is available in a wide range of shapes, colours and textures. They can be manufactured to look like stone tiles and the ceramics can be made to look like porcelain tiles.

The ceramic tile and porcelain tile are similar in the way they are manufactured. The primary difference is the make-up of the bisque and the firing process. The porcelain composition involves pressure and extremely high temperature. True porcelain tile is finely ground sand which is typically the same colour throughout the tile. The end result is a very dense material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. The ceramic tile is fired at a lower temperature which means they may chip easier than porcelain but are easier to lay and maintain. The ceramic tile will generally be cheaper in cost.

The ceramic and porcelain tile can be glazed or unglazed.

Ceramic tiles typically are glazed (although there are some exceptions) and the glaze layer can be extremely durable. These tiles do not require sealing.

Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and a glaze which is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile. This forms a dense solid structure and a hard surface which is impervious to water. This tile doesn't stain, and isn't affected by wear and tear over time. These tiles do not require sealing.

Glazed tiles can be made to look like their stone counterparts, are easier to clean and are resistant to staining and scratching. 

Unglazed ceramic tiles are mostly available as a quarry tile. The common type of quarry tile is the terracotta tile. These tiles can be restored to their natural rustic beauty by stripping the existing sealer off or professional cleaning. As they are very porous it is best to protect these tiles from stains by sealing.

The unglazed porcelain may have texture and colour applied to the surface before firing. It is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic as there is no glaze that can wear off. If the tile chips, the same or similar colour is underneath so is less noticeable than the chipped ceramic tile. Unglazed porcelain tiles can be hardener to maintain depending of the type of surface (polished, honed or undulated). Some unglazed porcelain tiles may require sealing

Mosaic tiles are very small tiles, usually less than 35mm (supplied in sheets of 300x300 mm). Mosaics can be glazed or unglazed and made from porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone. Some mosaics may be enhanced and protected. Request more information about what Tile Envy can do to protect your mosaic tiles.

PEI ratings
PEI are ratings that measure the abrasive resistance of the tile's glaze on a scale of 0-5. This test is only for glazed tiles and does not apply to unglazed porcelain tiles or other unglazed types of tile.

• PEI Class 1 Rating (No foot traffic) - Recommended for wall use in residential and commercial applications only.
• PEI Class 2 Rating (Light traffic) - Recommended for both wall use and bathroom floor applications only.
• PEI Class 3 Rating (Light to moderate traffic) - Recommended for countertops, walls and floors where normal foot traffic is expected.
• PEI Class 4 Rating (Moderate to heavy traffic) - Recommended for all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional.
• PEI Class 5 Rating (Heavy to extra heavy traffic) - Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications.