Unglazed porcelain tile

Types of unglazed porcelain tile

Unglazed porcelain tiles are dense and durable, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial flooring projects. These tiles come in various materials, colors, and sizes to accommodate different spaces and meet distinct design needs.

Below are some of the major types of unglazed porcelain tiles:

• Through-Body Unglazed Porcelain Tile

  Through-body unglazed porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and suitable for heavy foot traffic. Their composition makes them an ideal choice for commercial and residential spaces that experience a lot of activity. These tiles are crafted with the same color and pattern throughout their body, offering remarkable stain and scratch resistance. The even coloration across the surface and through the body ensures that wear and tear is less visible, making these tiles a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

• Glazed Porcelain Tile

  Glazed unglazed porcelain tiles are durable and dense. They come in various colors, patterns, and finishes. The surface of these tiles features a glass-like coating that is baked into the tile during the firing process. This coating makes the tiles resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture. The wide range of available designs makes them suitable for both functional and aesthetic applications. For instance, they can be used as backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms or as decorative wall accents.

• Non-Slip Unglazed Porcelain Tile

  Non-slip unglazed porcelain tiles are specifically designed to provide traction and reduce the risk of slipping, even when wet. They are ideal for use in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, where water or moisture is present. Their textured surface and high-density composition make them both safe and practical for high-moisture environments. These tiles not only enhance safety but also add a touch of style and elegance to any space.

Functions and features of unglazed porcelain tile

• Durability:

  Unglazed porcelain tiles are made from very fine clay called kaolin mixed with other materials like feldspar and quartz. This clay is compressed into a super hard disc under extremely high pressure. Then it is baked at temperatures over 1200 degrees Celsius. This process makes the tiles very dense and hard. Because they don't scratch or show wear easily, unglazed porcelain tiles last for many years without needing replacement.

• Low Porosity:

  Unglazed porcelain tiles are not very porous, which means they don't absorb liquids well. Most unglazed porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. This makes them very suitable for areas that get wet a lot, like bathrooms and kitchens. Unglazed porcelain tiles also make cleanup simple - spills just wipe away.

• Low Maintenance:

  Because they are very hard and not porous, unglazed porcelain tiles are low maintenance. They don't need special cleaners or sealants applied like other tile types. Simple sweeping and mopping keeps the tiles clean for many years.

• Slip Resistance:

  Unglazed porcelain tiles have a textured surface that provides very good traction. This helps prevent slips and falls, especially in areas that get wet.

• Versatility:

  These tiles can be used in many different indoor and outdoor places around the home. Due to their durability and low porosity, unglazed porcelain tiles are suitable for high-traffic areas around the house. They work well in entryways, mudrooms and kitchens that see a lot of foot traffic. Unglazed porcelain tiles can also be used inside bathrooms where they resist water and provide slip resistance.

• Aesthetics:

  Their natural, textured appearance gives a sophisticated, timeless style. They come in many colors and finishes to suit different design needs.

Scenarios of unglazed porcelain tile

Unglazed porcelain tiles are highly durable and versatile. They can be used in many different ways and places. Therefore, they are very popular among architects, designers, and homeowners. They are suitable for both residential and commercial settings. Here are some common usage scenarios for unglazed porcelain tiles:

• Floors: Unglazed porcelain tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas. They are extremely durable, and their surfaces are scratch-resistant. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Therefore, they are ideal for floor installations. These areas include:

  Entryways

  Living rooms

  Porticos

  Halls

  Commercial spaces

• Walls – Unglazed porcelain tiles are also good for walls. They are available in many sizes, shapes, and colors. They offer many design possibilities for indoor and outdoor spaces. Unglazed porcelain tiles can be used on walls in areas like:

  Bathrooms

  Kitchens

  Living rooms

  Offices

• Backsplashes – Unglazed porcelain tiles are easy to clean. They are also resistant to stains and spills. Therefore, they make beautiful and functional backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms. The unglazed surface of the tiles gives a rustic and authentic look to the backsplash.
• Outdoor spaces – Some unglazed porcelain tiles are made for outdoor use. They can also be used on patios and decks. These tiles are resistant to frost and have a high slip resistance.
• Fireplaces – Unglazed porcelain tiles can also be used around fireplaces. They are fire resistant. They can handle high temperatures. They also come in many different styles. Therefore, they offer both protection and a beautiful focal point.
• Stairs – Unglazed porcelain tiles are ideal for stairs. They are durable and slip-resistant. They help create a safe and stylish staircase. The textured surface of the tiles provides good traction.
• Commercial spaces – Unglazed porcelain tiles are highly suitable for commercial spaces. For example, restaurants, hotels, offices, and retail stores. They are easy to maintain. They can withstand heavy use. They also maintain their appearance. Some unglazed tiles have a high slip resistance. Therefore, they are suitable for areas like:

  Reception areas

  Restrooms

  Conference rooms

  Dining areas

  Bathrooms

How to Choose unglazed porcelain tile

Choosing a tile can be a daunting task but not with the right guide. Below is a simple guide that can help one choose the right unglazed porcelain tile.

• Determining the Area to be Tiled

  First, it is important to determine the area that will be tiled. The type of room and the traffic it receives should be considered. For example, if the room is a high-traffic one, such as a hallway or kitchen, a porcelain tile that is suitable for heavy use should be chosen.

• Choosing the Right Size and Shape

  Size and shape are important when choosing a tile. Tiles come in different sizes, from small mosaic pieces to large slabs. The space where the tile will be installed also determines the shape and size. For example, large tiles can make a space appear bigger, while small tiles are great for intricate areas.

• Choosing a Color and Style

  The color and style of the tile are also important. Porcelain tiles are available in different colors, from neutral tones to bright colors. Neutral tones are great for a classic look, while bright colors add a pop of color. Style is also important when choosing a tile color. Whether the space is modern, traditional, or rustic, a porcelain tile suits it all.

• Slip Resistance

  Some unglazed porcelain tiles are more slip-resistant than others. This is important when choosing a tile for a space that is often wet, like a bathroom or kitchen. Look for a tile with a high slip resistance rating in these areas.

• Ease of Maintenance

  One of the benefits of porcelain tiles is that they are easy to maintain. However, some are easier to maintain than others. When choosing a tile, consider how much time and effort one is willing to spend on maintenance. If the space receives a lot of dirt and debris, a tile that is very easy to clean should be chosen.

• Budget

  Budget is very important when buying anything. Porcelain tiles are available at different prices, and knowing how much one is willing to spend before going to buy is important.

unglazed porcelain tile Q&A

Q1: What is a rectified tile?

A1: Rectified tiles undergo a cutting process after firing that makes their edges perfectly straight. This allows for very thin grout joints when the tiles are installed. Non-rectified tiles have uneven edges and bigger grout joints.

Q2: What does V1, V2, and V3 mean on tiles?

A2: V1-V3 indicate the degree of pattern variation on the surface of the tiles. V1 has little to no variation, while V3 shows a more obvious difference between the individual pieces. Unglazed tiles usually receive a V rating.

Q3: What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

A3: Porcelain tiles are made from more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, making them denser and less absorbent. Ceramic tiles are suitable for wall use but less durable for floors.

Q4: Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?

A4: While unglazed porcelain tiles don't necessarily need a sealer, applying one can help prevent stains and make cleaning easier. Sealing is especially recommended for highly trafficked areas.

Q5: What are the disadvantages of porcelain tiles?

A5: Porcelain tiles can be more difficult to cut and install compared to other materials like ceramic. They may also feel colder underfoot and produce more noise when walked on compared to softer flooring options.