A Definitive Guide to Vitrified Tile Flooring
Vitrified tiles are similar to ceramic tile but are made with slightly different materials.
The clay is mixed with quartz and felspar before it is heated in the kiln.
They are very hard and resistant to any absorption.
Pros of Vitrified Tile Flooring
- Extremely durable
- Hard and non-porous
- Water and stain-resistant
- Bright and sparkling floor
- Easy to clean
- Consistent in shape, size and thickness
Cons of Vitrified Tile Flooring
- Slippery to some extent especially when wet
- Expensive installation
- Not an environment-friendly options
- Difficult to repair.
Types of Vitrified Tiles as per Surface Preparation and Design
1.Soluble salt (single charged tiles)
Basic vitrified tiles with 1mm glazing at the top
2.Dual Charged Tiles
Comes with 2 layers of glazing totaling to 3mm
3.Polished Glazed Tiles(digital)
Glazing (top layer) is digitally printed on tiles
Various designs of marble/wood etc. can be printed
4.Nano Polished Vitrified Tiles
A layer of liquid silica is applied on tiles surface
5.Full Body Vitrified Tiles
It has color throughout the thickness of tile
Aesthetics:
Type of Finish
- Textured: Surface with a variety of finishes.
- Lapatto: Polished but not deep enough to attain the lustre of a full reflective polish.
- Uneven nature.
- Glazed: Glazed tile has an additional layer of liquid glass applied to the top during the final firing process.
- Nonabsorbent in nature.
- Glossy: Have a shiny surface coating.
- Reflective surface brightens up space.
- Matte: Granular and hard surface,non-reflective.
- Suitable for a rustic or traditional look.
- Slip-resistant.
- Unglazed/Natural: Do not have a protective coating
- Absorbs liquids and can be stained easily.
- Natural and earthy appearance.
- Honed: Surface polished in satin finish
- Scratch-resistant
Size and shape
- Shape: Square, Rectangle, Hexagonal/octagonal, Picket, Plank, Linear.
- Thickness:3mm,5mm
- Tile Pattern: Geometric, Beveled, Brick joint, Floral, Honeycomb, Interlocking, Staggered.
- Tile Look: Brick, concrete, wood, stone, metal, hand-painted, subway.
- Edge Type: Beveled, chiselled, flat, straight and wavy, pressed.
PEI Rating
- PEI stands for PORCELAIN ENAMEL INSTITUTE
- It determines the hardness and durability of tile.
- PEI RATING 1
- Usage level: no foot traffic
- Only used for walls in residential and commercial spaces.
- PEI RATING 2
- Usage level: little traffic
- Wall and flooring areas such as residential bathrooms
- PEI RATING 3
- Usage level: light to moderate traffic
- Residential and medium commercial spaces
- PEI RATING 4
- Usage level: moderate to heavy traffic
- Residential and medium commercial spaces
- PEI RATING 5
- Usage level: heavy to extra heavy
- All residential, commercial and industrial spaces
