Floor and decor (Floor & Décor) is one of the leading specialty hard surface retailers offering the widest selection of ceramic tile, wood, stone, related tools, and flooring accessories inventory at everyday low prices. Founded in 2000 and based in Atlanta, Floor & Decor is one of Fortune's 100 fastest growing companies. At Floor & Decor, homeowners and professional contractors can get supermarket options at warehouse prices and showroom quality. Our wide selection of off-the-shelf products allows our customers to get what they need when they need it. Since we source directly from manufacturers or quarries around the world, our best products are offered at lower prices than our competitors. The Floor & Decor brand is also supported by a local focus, allowing us to create in-store experiences and product portfolios that meet the needs of each market we serve. We empower our store managers or CEOs to create local shopping experiences. Tile is one of the most popular types of tiles used to construct homes, offices, and public buildings. In India, Spartak pioneered tiles; no wonder many call them "spartan tiles". According to "Donald Watson" (author of the Time Saving Standard for Building Materials and Systems), tiles are made of a mixture of clay (fine-grained natural rock or soil material) and water. Today, advanced tile forms are designed with specific architectural purposes in mind. These tiles give a unique identity both indoors and outdoors. Tile is versatile and can be used to renovate floors and walls. For example, you can use premium quality digitally printed designer tiles on your living room, bedroom or kitchen floor. Since the properties of the tiles include high water resistance, they can be used effectively in wet areas of your home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Tiles should not be chosen solely on the basis of their design, color, and appearance. While these factors are important, you should also pay attention to the technical properties of the tile, such as durability, stain resistance, water absorption, frost resistance, slip resistance, etc. Installed tiles are used regularly, therefore, you do not want to ignore these factors. These tile properties will determine the life of the tile and its maintenance. Each type of tile has a unique set of properties that make it suitable for a specific type of project. For example, if you compare tile to vitrified tile, the latter is known for its shiny appearance and less water absorption than ceramic tile. Knowing these differences can help you make informed decisions about home improvement or the construction process. Not only will this help you put your money to good use, but it will also save you a lot of heartburn and future problems.
- Glazed tiles
Glazed tiles have a unique texture due to the coating of liquid glass on their surface. This coating is provided during the firing process and it protects the tiles from stains. Glazed tiles are available in a variety of styles and colors. Due to their porosity and ability to add sparkle to decor, glazed tiles can be used in various areas of your home.
- Unglazed tiles
Unlike glazed tiles, these tiles do not undergo any additional firing process in the kiln. They are denser and thicker than glazed tiles and are highly slip and scratch-resistant. However, due to their porous nature, they are susceptible to stains. Since unglazed tiles do not go through a firing process to achieve their coating, they are mostly earth colored. The range of tile sizes, types, and designs available in the market can make it difficult for homeowners to make the right choice. Most people have very little information about it. For example, you might be wondering if porcelain or tile is better. Or, what are the tiles for? Understanding the properties of tiles can help answer these questions and doubts. So let's get started!
- Sustainability
The tile is dense and not brittle. Therefore, they are very durable. If installed correctly, they can last over two decades. It's a nice walking surface.
- Durability
These tiles are very strong, no matter what size tile you use. Since these tiles are made by heating a mixture of clay and other additives at high temperatures, they are dense and strong. According to the Indian Tiles and Sanitary Ware Council, the flexural strength of the tiles is 22N/mm2 and the breaking strength is 200N.
- Dirt-resistant
Tiles do not retain dust and residue as easily as many other floor surfaces such as mosaic tiles or terrazzo. Regular cleaning with common household materials will retain its appearance and finish without any additional buffing or buffing. They are acid and alkali resistant and will not leave dirt, dust, or any other residue. As a result, the tiles are stain resistant and quite easy to clean and maintain.
- Color persistence
Color is created on the surface of the glazed tile during the firing process. Even in the case of unglazed tiles, the pigment will burn off into the body of the tile at high temperatures. Therefore, the color rarely fades even with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the tiles can retain their color for a long time.
- Non-slip and non-slip
Unglazed tiles are more slip resistant than glazed tiles because they do not have a liquid glass coating. Therefore, they are highly recommended for high traffic and overflowing areas. Many glazed and unglazed tiles have a matte finish which greatly improves their slip resistance. Additionally, some manufacturers use various additives and glaze patterns to improve the slip resistance of tiles. This tile is ideal for direct access to the outdoors and common areas of bathrooms.
- Fire Resistance
The tile is fire resistant at any temperature. One of the main reasons for this is that they are fired at 1900°C. Therefore, these tiles do not burn or contribute to fires. In addition, its surface will not change or emit harmful gases, smoke or fumes in the event of a fire. In addition, tile is an excellent insulator. They have a specific heat of around 0.12, making them ideal for air-conditioned rooms.
- Hygiene
The tile surface will not retain moisture, antigens or allergens. In addition, it does not absorb smoke, odors or vapors. Plus, as mentioned earlier, these tiles are easy to clean. Therefore, tiles are best suited where hygiene is a priority. For example, they can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Chemical resistance
The tiles are highly resistant to harsh chemical agents such as high and low concentrations of alkalis, acids, household chemicals and swimming pool salts.
- Stain resistance
The stain resistance of tiles depends on their ability to absorb moisture. Unglazed ceramic floors are less resistant to stains. However, glazed tiles easily resist stains thanks to the liquid glass coating. However, oil stains can be difficult to remove.
- Absorbs Water
Glazed tiles are coated with liquid glass and therefore absorb less water. Unglazed tiles are porous and less resistant to moisture. In fact, this is the main difference between them and tiles. Tiles absorb less than 0.5% water. Therefore, if you use unglazed tiles outdoors, the tiles can crack very quickly.
- Frost resistance
Unglazed tiles are less resistant to frost because they are porous and easily absorb water. On the other hand, glazed tiles have a higher frost resistance.
- Scratch resistant
Glazed tiles are less resistant to scratches and abrasion. Therefore, the color and characteristics of the tiles do not remain the same over the entire surface for a certain period of time. This is especially true when affected by hard materials with sharp edges. Unglazed tiles have better scratch resistance and have a Mohs hardness of around 6-7. Tile is a popular flooring choice for homes and offices. Glazed and unglazed tiles have different properties and use. The variety of colors, finishes, and patterns available in tiles makes them the top choice for homeowners looking to accentuate their home decor. Apart from tiles, there are other types of flooring in the market such as vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles. If you still have questions and concerns, please share them with us by filling out a form.