About Tiles and Stones

Tiles and stones are versatile, beautiful, easy to maintain, and can be used for a variety of applications, from floors and walls to backsplashes and showers. While some types of tile can be installed almost anywhere, most are designed for specific uses. 

The market offer is virtually endless, and it’s easy to find a perfect tile match with any decor and interior style.  

Tiles and Stones Applications 

Floor Tiles

Floor tiles are often used in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, balconies, entryways, mudrooms, and outdoor locations. The reasons are apparent: tiles make a sturdy floor that can withstand high traffic, they are extremely resistant to moisture and effortless to maintain.

A tile specifically designed for floor use is typically thicker and more enduring than other types. They must provide enough traction to ensure safe traffic, which is determined by the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (D.C.O.F.) number on a scale of 0-1. Zero marks a tile with no traction properties. 

Floor tiles are often made of natural materials such as stone. Apart from being naturally strong, stone features a textured surface with excellent traction properties. 

Wall Tiles

Wall tiles are more versatile than floor tiles, with lower functional priorities. They can be used in several places to create unique decor additions. It’s not necessary that a tile must be marked “a wall tile” to be installed on a vertical surface, as long as the proper mortar is applied to secure it in place. 

Porcelain and glazed ceramic are good options for wall tiles. The glaze protects the tile from stains and moisture, which is exceptionally handy for use in bathrooms and kitchens. Along with being moderately or entirely waterproof, glazed tiles are effortless to maintain. 

Backsplash and Shower Tiles

The backsplash is the area behind the kitchen sink that can extend to its limits or cover an entire wall. Using tiles to cover that area is far more convenient than paint or wallpaper. Tiles can withstand exposure to hot water, steam, heat, grease, and moisture that frequently occur in such locations. Glazed tiles, porcelain and ceramic, are suitable for backsplashes due to their properties and the design variety that complements many different decors.  

Glazed mosaic tiles are also perfect for showers. They will not absorb moisture, and the small size allows for easy covering of any shape and contours. Abundant grout lines provide sufficient traction to secure safety in the wet shower area. 

Ceiling Tiles

Ceiling tiles are often used to improve room acoustics and enhance ambient lighting. They can be manufactured from different materials, including high-quality mineral fibre wool with a smooth, discreet finish. 

Outdoor Tiles

Tile can also be used to cover balconies, terraces, sidewalks, patios, and pool areas. It’s essential to make sure that the tiles used for these purposes are outdoor-approved. They need exceptional moisture-resistance properties, as well as protection from frost. Natural stone tiles are a convenient and stylish option for outdoor use. 

Tile Materials 

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic is a mixture of clay moulded into shape and then exposed to high temperatures to “bake” and harden. Ceramic tile can be glazed with a special protective wear layer. It’s an excellent material for wall, backsplash, and shower tiles that can also be used for walls in areas with lower traffic. Glazed ceramic tiles are also suitable for vertical outdoor applications. 

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is a mixture of clays and minerals baked at extreme temperatures for exceptional density and hardness. Most porcelain tiles are stain and water-resistant, up to four times more durable and significantly more impact-resistant than traditional glazed tile. They are versatile and available in matte, polished, and textured finishes. 

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are a combination of clay, sedimentary rock and quartz, available in a range of grey, black, and green shades. They are excellent for bathroom and shower use, due to their extreme hard-wearing properties. Like any natural stone slabs and tiles, slate should be sealed after installation for added protection from moisture and elements. 

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are available in a plethora of colours and sizes to provide any kind of classy, dramatic, unique, and distinctive appearance. They can be used as mosaic tiles or as large accent slabs. Glass tile is durable and resistant to elements but not sturdy enough for standard floor applications. Their waterproofing properties make them an excellent choice for swimming pool areas; however, it’s strongly advised not to use polished, extremely slippery versions. 

Stones Slabs

• Granite is a natural stone, very resistant to heat, surface damages, and moisture. Properly sealed, it’s also resilient to stains. Granite slabs are among the most favourable choices of countertop materials. 

Engineered Chinese granites are popular for their uniform look and consistent colour and pattern, while Brazilian granites boast remarkable organic visual properties. Application for granite stone slabs are numerous and include both indoors and outdoors. 

• Marble is sliced from blicks into thin stone slabs that can be turned into tiles, polished, brushed, burned and more. It’s distinguished by its organic beauty, exceptional durability and versatility of use. 
• Limestone is a natural stone suitable for flooring applications in residential and commercial properties. It can also be used as a stone slab for counters, walls, and showers. Limestone is distinguished by its earthy hues, ranging from light cream to dark beige. 
• Travertine is a combination of limestone and natural stone and is available in a palette of golden, cream and light reddish hues. Travertine tiles are suitable for residential flooring, showers, and kitchen backsplashes.

Concrete Slabs and Tiles

Concrete tiles and slabs are produced from high-graded sand, cement, pigments and aggregates and left to dry and harden. They are suited for various applications, indoors and outdoors, for floors and walls, stairs, patios, driveways, and more. Concrete tiles are available in multiple surface finishes that determine the tiles hue, typically ranging from different shades of grey and blue to beige and brown-reddish. The surface can be smooth, textured, honed or terrazzo-style. 

Tiles and Stones Style & Design

Apart from their functional role, decorative tiles can make a striking visual feature. In modern minimalist bathrooms and kitchens, decorative tiles are often a single embellishment, creating a strong statement accent. 

Stardust Tiles

Stardust tiles are characterised by elegant iridescence created by a high content of quartz and silica embedded within the tile. They are ideal for bathroom and shower applications, where the water reflections will enhance their visual properties. 

Mirrored Tiles

Mirrored tiles are a perfect solution for small spaces. Their reflective surface can trick the eye into the illusion of spaciousness while also helping to make the most out of available lighting. Mirrored tiles can be found in glass and acrylic finish and various dimensions. 

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are smaller than other types and available in a variety of shapes and colours. They can be made from several materials, from porcelain to marble, typically mounted on netting or paper sheets for effortless installation. Depending on the design complexity, mosaic tiles can be put together either manually or by machine.

Mosaics are incredibly versatile, decorative, and suitable for many applications, equally effective as a backsplash, floor, wall, shower, and even ceiling tiles. 

Moroccan-Style Tiles

Moroccan-inspired tiles are trendy and characterised by strikingly detailed patterns. They can be found in pastel or intensive, bright colours, ideal for creating accents such as statement backsplashes or showers. Small Morrocan tiles can be used to create a centrepiece floor mosaic, blending bold tones and patterns with more subtle tones.

Subway Tiles

Clean and white lines of subway tiles are another popular choice for modern bathrooms and kitchens. They create a neutral backdrop with inherently urban flair, ideal for any decor from minimalistic to industrial. Besides typical white, subway tiles can be found in a range of colours, resistant to stains and easy to maintain. 

Lounge Tiles

Lounge tiles are typically made from porcelain in rectangular or square shapes. They are a discreet solution, distinguished by minimalist beauty with a touch of elegance. Lounge tiles can be used in any home area, alone or as a backdrop for mosaics. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Tiles and Stone Slabs

Glazed tiles feature a glass wear layer applied to the surface with the help of heat. They are generally more suited to low-traffic areas and light residential to medium commercial use. 

Unglazed tiles are designed to be inlaid, made of baked clay pieces. Quarry tiles and porcelains are good examples of these tiles. The durable inlaid qualities make them suitable for heavy commercial installations and areas with high traffic. 

If you need assistance to find the right tiles and stones for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.