What Is A Glazed Tile?

Glazed tiles are a popular type of tile used for walls and floors in homes and businesses. But what exactly is a glazed tile?

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What is Glaze?

The term “glazed” refers to the glass-like coating applied to the surface of the tile. Glaze is made from finely ground glass mixed with mineral oxides to provide color. Water is added to form a paste or liquid slurry, which is then applied evenly over the surface of the unfired clay tile.

The glaze melts during the firing process in the kiln, fusing to the clay body to form a smooth, glassy coating. This is what gives glazed tiles their shiny, glossy appearance. The glaze also acts as a protective barrier, sealing the pores of the clay to make the tiles less prone to staining and water absorption.

Glazes come in many different finishes and colors. A gloss glaze has a mirror-like shine while a matte glaze has a satin sheen. Decorative patterns and designs can be achieved using multiple colors and application techniques.

Difference Between Glazed and Unglazed Tiles

Unglazed tiles do not have a glass coating applied to the surface. The body and color of the tile comes from the natural clay it is made from. Unglazed tiles have an earthy, rustic appearance showing the natural texture of the material.

The main differences between glazed and unglazed tiles are:

Appearance – Glazed tiles have a glossy, shiny surface while unglazed tiles have a matte, natural finish.
Stain resistance – The non-porous glaze makes glazed tiles very stain resistant compared to more porous unglazed tiles.
Durability – Glazed tiles are less prone to wear while the bare clay surface of unglazed tiles can show signs of aging. However, unglazed tiles are less likely to chip.
Design options – Glazed tiles come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Unglazed tiles have limited design options with more earthy hues.
Slip resistance – Unglazed tiles tend to have more surface texture, providing better grip and traction. Glazed tiles can be slippery, especially when wet.

Manufacturing Process

Glazed tiles go through a multi-step manufacturing process:

Clay is mined and ground into a fine powder then mixed with water to form a plastic-like dough.
The clay is pressed into shape using molds and dies to create the unfired tile, known as the bisque.
The bisque is dried then fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden the clay.
The glaze liquid is applied to the surface by spraying, pouring, or submerging the tiles depending on the technique.
The tiles are fired a second time in the kiln allowing the glaze to fuse and harden on the surface.
The finished glazed tiles are sorted, packaged, and shipped out.

The key steps are bisque firing, glaze application, and then the glost firing to set the glaze. Different methods are used to create patterns such as inlaying colored slip or engraving.

Pros and Cons of Glazed Tiles

There are a number of benefits that make glazed tiles a popular choice:

Pros:

Attractive glossy surface and wide range of colors/designs
Durable and stain resistant
Easy to clean withsoap and water
Does not require sealing or special maintenance
Resists moisture and handles temperature extremes

Cons:

Can be slippery when wet
Vulnerable to visible scratches, chips and cracking
Patterns only on surface unlike through-body unglazed tile
More expensive than unglazed tiles

For most residential and commercial applications, the advantages of the protective glaze and design options outweigh the few drawbacks.

Common Applications for Glazed Tiles

Here are some of the most common uses of glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles:

Kitchen backsplashes – Provides a sanitary and decorative focal point. The glaze resists food stains and is easy to wipe down.
Bathroom walls and floors – Withstands humidity and routine cleaning. Grout can be matched to create a seamless look.
Entryways and hallways – Hold up to high foot traffic. Can be textured for slip resistance. Easy to clean tracked in dirt.
Restaurants and cafes – Glazed ceramic mosaics create an upscale ambiance. Stands up to heavy usage and cleaning.
Hotels and offices – Sleek and stylish in lobbies and common areas. The shine enhances the space. Durable and easy maintenance.
Residential floors – Provides an elegant & seamless floor. The hardened glaze resists abrasion from foot traffic.
Pools, patios and porches – Stands up to weather extremes. Slip-resistant textures available. Can be made frost resistant.

Maintaining Glazed Tile Floors and Walls

Caring for glazed tile is simple with some basic maintenance:

Sweep, mop or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. An all-purpose cleaner can be used for tougher spots.
Use clean water or tile cleaners formulated for glazed surfaces. Avoid acidic cleaners.
Re-grout cracked or missing grout to prevent moisture issues and staining.
Seal grout annually to prevent staining and discoloration. Porous unglazed grout needs sealing.
Check for cracked or loose tiles. Replace any problem tiles to prevent further damage.
Use slip-resistant mats, rugs and runners in entryways and bathrooms.
Don’t let spills sit. Wipe up promptly to prevent staining of the grout.

With proper care, glazed tile floors and walls will maintain their beauty and function for many years before needing replacement. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular tile.

Pros and Cons Compared to Other Types of Tile

Glazed tiles have advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of tile:

Glazed Tile vs. Unglazed Tile

Glazed is more decorative and stain resistant but can be slippery. Unglazed is plainer in appearance but textured and slip resistant.

Glazed Tile vs. Natural Stone

Glazed tile resists stains and scratches better. Natural stone has veining and patterns throughout.

Glazed Tile vs. Vinyl

Glazed tile is higher end and more durable. Vinyl is softer, warmer underfoot and lower cost.

Glazed Tile vs. Laminate

Glazed tile handles moisture better for baths and kitchens. Laminate is a wood lookalike that costs less.

Glazed Tile vs. Hardwood

Glazed tile is more budget friendly but lacks wood’s richness. Hardwood shows wear unless well-maintained.

Glazed tile provides an attractive and user-friendly surface for floors and walls compared to alternatives. Consider the location, usage, and your own personal style when weighing the options.

Shopping Tips for Glazed Tile

Follow these tips when shopping for glazed wall or floor tile:

Bring home samples to view in your space before finalizing. Lighting can impact color.
Calculate the square footage and use an online calculator to determine how much tile is needed.
Allow 10% extra for waste, cuts and future repairs. For large format tile, add 15% extra.
Inspect tiles before purchasing. Look for chips, cracks, or color/pattern consistency.
For floor tile, verify it meets standards for expected traffic. Check manufacturer specs.
Consider slip resistance rating and texture for floors. Ask about certifications.
For wet areas, make sure tile and grout is impervious and designed to resist moisture.
Hire an experienced tile installer, especially for large format tiles which take expertise to handle.

With some planning and diligence selecting the perfect glazed tile, you can achieve a flawless installation that matches your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular colors and sizes for glazed tiles?

Whites and neutrals are perennially popular. Standard sizes are 4×4, 6×6, 12×12 but large formats like 12×24, 18×18 or mosaics are also used.

How thick should glazed floor tiles be?

Glazed porcelain floor tiles are typically 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick. Thicker tiles provide more durability for high traffic.

Can you use glazed tiles outside?

Exterior grade glazed tiles designed to withstand freezing, high heat and sun exposure can be used outside on patios, walkways and pool areas.

Do glazed tiles need to be sealed?

Unlike grout, the glazed surface does not require sealing. The glass coating provides an impervious barrier against stains and moisture.

How long do glazed tiles last?

With proper installation and care, glazed tile floors can last 50 years or longer before needing replacement. Wall tiles can remain durable even longer.

Conclusion

Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles make a versatile, durable, and low maintenance choice for flooring, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. The impervious glass coating provides protection while allowing for an unlimited palette of colors, designs, and textures. While requiring more care than their glazed counterparts, unglazed tiles provide a slip resistant natural look. With the right tile choice for your needs along with professional installation and periodic maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful glazed tiled surfaces for decades to come.

What is a Glazed Tile?