Glass Tiles- glass is a popular material for decorative tiles. Many small mosaics are made from glass for its reflective properties, but larger format are often used for splashbacks and feature walls.

Glazed Finishes- Many tiles, such as ceramic and some porcelain tiles, have a surface. The glaze is a layer of glass that protects the tile biscuit and makes it more slip resistant. The glaze is added to the tile biscuit by firing in a kiln at temperatures greater than 1000 degrees clsz Glaze is available in glossy, Matt, and textured finishes.

Listello/ border Tiles- Are long, narrow decorative tiles mostly used to create a border around a room.

Metal tiles- can either be made entirely of metal, or be made of a different material (such as a ceramic tile) that has a metal plating. Being a less common choice, they are bound to stand out and have visual impact: but beware that they may wear over time.

Mosaic Tiles- are one of the most popular choices for decorative tiles or a feature. Small tiles, often square, are laid together to create a larger effect. This is usually either a picture or a block color for a high visual impact.

Polished Finished- the surface of unglazed tiles (like that of porcelain tiles) can be polished and honed. While it is common, and quite popular, to polish tiles to a high shine (such as polished porcelain); tiles can also have a semi-polished finish.

Honed Tiles are semi- polished, meaning that they are less shiny than fully polished tiles, but are also less slippery and less likely to show dirt. Honed tiles are a popular choice for commercial and high traffic installations.

Porcelain Tile- are also known as ‘vitrified’ tiles, and are a high quality tile that is extremely strong and virtually nonporous. This makes them almost impervious to liquid. Being strong and nonporous, porcelain is usually unglazed and can have a polished, natural, or textured finish; but is also available with a glaze which can have a gloss, Matt, or textured finish. Polished porcelain is one the most popular choices for floors, and often walls.

Printing on Tiles- Some tiles are printed. This can either be done using traditional methods during the firing process (these tiles tend to be handmade), or by using modern digital printers. Digitally printed tiles are generally extremely high-resolution, resulting in a realistic print.

Rectified Tiles- literally means corrected and refined, and they are those that have been cut after firing (baking) to ensure their size and shape is perfect. Tiles that have been rectified can be laid closer together with smaller grout joints, giving them a sleeker and more modern look. Rectifying tiles also removes any rounded or ‘cushion’ edges that may be on the tiles, further enhancing their contemporary look.

Scored Tiles- Normally, tiles are scored in preparation for cutting, but it can also be done in a way that doesn’t weaken the tile to create a special look. Scores or straight grooves, in a tiles surface can create breaks and joins in the tile that are smaller and much cleaner looking than grout joints.

Sealed Tile- Tiles that are more porous, including those made from natural stones, often need to be coated with a protective sealer to prevent liquid from being absorbed into the tile biscuit. Some tiles requiring sealing will be resealed, but some will not. Always check with your tile retailer when buying unglazed tiles or natural materials.

Stone & Natural Materials- like stone, slate, marble, sandstone, granite, and travertine are still popular choices for tiles; but some care needs to be taken selecting them. With the exception of granite, these are all porous and can easily be stained. Stone tiles can be sealed, but you may not get the same level of protection as glaze on a ceramic tile.

Structured Tile- A tile is if it has any kind of three-dimensional effect or structure on its surface. This could include waves, dimples or pimples, or any other 3-D shapes.

Terracotta Tile or Cotto Tile- is a type of ceramic tile popular in outdoor areas or where a rustic effect is wanted. When using terracotta for a wet area (especially a salt water pool), be sure to select a high quality low-porosity tile.

Texture Tile- to have enough grip, and to be slip resistant enough for outdoor and wet areas (like around pools), some tiles need to have a ‘rougher’ texture surface.

Tile trims- are used where a row of tiles finishes or where a tiled area meets another surface. The main kinds of trim tiles we sell are bullnose, capping (which features a small ledge or rail), and cove (usually used where walls and floors meet).

Stairs & Pools Tiles- there are also special tiles for use on stairs and around pools. These allow you to continue you tiled look throughout your home or space while adding an extra bit of slip resistance where it is needed most, such as on stairs.

Tumbled Tiles- it sounds like this term would be misleading, but it actually isn’t. it’s literally ‘tumbled’ in a large drum (a bit like a clothes dryer) to wear down the face and edges of the tile, chip its corners and edges a little, and give it a rough aged look. Tumbled tiles retain all their strength, and are still just as strong and durable as any other tile.