If you are looking for more information on quarry tile then, you’ve come to the right place.
A Guide To Quarry Tile
Quarry Tile
A quarry tile can be defined as an important construction material made from natural clay by the extrusion process. The tile, also made with shale, is usually 13 t0 19 mm thick and is known for its durability and usability. The quarry tiles are very affordable and are mostly used in commercial floors. The quarry tiles have been around for decades now and are very common in construction.
A Huge 9"x9" Quarry Tile
The most common size used in the United States is 6×6 inches, which is ½ inches thick. 8×8 and 4×8 are other popular sizes used there. Traditionally, the quarry tiles used to be unglazed and red or gray in color. Nowadays, these tiles come with abrasive frits, which are embedded in the surface of the tiles in order to provide a slip resistant finish. Thus, these tiles are appropriate for wet areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
What Are The Uses Of Quarry Tiles?
Indoor Use
One very appropriate place for the quarry tiles is where durability is of premier importance. The tiles can be used indoors and outdoors depending upon where the tile is needed. The tiles also come in freeze-resistant grades, which are better suited for freezing outdoors. Sometimes, quarry tiles are also used as counter tops for a very unique finish. Similarly, a wall finish with quarry tiles can be very unique but is used rarely as such. The nature of the quarry tiles make them more applicable in the outdoor setting like pathways and other similar commercial surfaces.
Quarry tiles have also been traditionally used as a low cost baking stone inside the kitchens. The high manufacturing temperature gives the tiles the character to easily sustain the moderate temperatures that the personal ovens are capable of producing. Also, the porous surface of the quarry tiles make them great for absorbing the excessive moisture of food.
What Are The Characteristics Of Quarry Tiles?
The Characteristics
Quarry tiles are produced at high temperatures and have rough surfaces. This makes the tiles slip-resistant and also makes it very durable and not prone to any chipping and scratches. The porous nature of the tiles make it a good absorbent and avoids forming of slippery surfaces, but at the same time this makes the tiles prone to stains as the material gets absorbed in the pores and makes it almost impossible to wash. To prevent the stains, penetrating sealer may be used.
Quarry tiles are known for their durability but quite contrary to the natural perception, they are softer than any ceramic tiles. They are also much cheaper than other tiles available in the market. The tiles are available in a range of earth tone colors between orange and brown. Other colors like black and white are also available.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Quarry Tiles In Flooring?
The main advantage of the quarry tiles is that they are highly durable and can take a lot of pressure and strain. Thus, it makes these tiles very good for sustaining high pressure in places that are frequented.
After Cleaning
The slip resistant characteristic of the tiles make them good for areas that are prone of being wet and slippery. For the manufacturers, it is very easy to make and at a very affordable price.
The main disadvantage of the quarry tiles is that it is prone to stains. This make it difficult to install quarry tiles in otherwise useful places like counter tops and pathways. Any colored liquid has the ability of permanently staining the tiles thus making the placement of the tiles very difficult. Using a seal can help overcome this problem, although the manufacturer’s instructions have to be duly followed.
