The term tiles can be mystifying. Mostly tiles that are made from clay or a combination of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. Such tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain/vitrified tiles, and non-porcelain/vitrified tiles. The non-porcelain/vitrified tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain/vitrified tiles.
Ceramic tile (non -porcelain/vitrified tiles): Ceramic tiles are generally made from red/white clay fired in a kiln. Ceramic tiles finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tiles and floor tiles applications, softer and easier to cut than porcelain/vitrified tiles and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 of rating. These types of ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rates that make them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.
Porcelain/Vitrified tiles: These tiles are generally made by the dust pressed method from clay which results in the tiles that are dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain/Vitrified tiles normally have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than ceramic tiles which makes them frost resistant or frost-proof. Different types of porcelain/vitrified tiles are:
Glazed wall tiles are ceramic tiles that have a high absorption of water with one side that is glazed. They are perfectly suited to interior walls.
The term digital technology refers to the tiles design that is printed onto the surface. Today, images that are created from photographs using a computer program are then applied to the tile by use of ink jets, much like modern office printers. With such technology usage, the designs are more exciting and attractive than ever.
Glazed floor tiles are coated with a glassy finish which often contains color, texture, or design and is fired at significantly high temperatures. Unglazed floor tiles do not have such surface as the color forms from the body within the tiles. It can be natural color from the clay or other minerals and can be added to the mixture before forming and firing the tiles. Because the color extends through the complete tile, these are great for high traffic areas as they do not show wear as easily.
Porcelain/vitrified tiles material are perfectly apt to be used with underfloor heating. The notable thing that should be taken into account is that a grout joint of at least 1.5 mm is requisite for the installation.