Glazed floor tiles
Glazed tile flooring is by far the most popular tile being purchased today, they are generally rated for wear resistance by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, so make sure and inquire as to the rating of the tile you are purchasing. A rating of 5 for instance, would mean that this particular floor will wear better than one rated 3 or 4. Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs. The glaze also protects the tile from staining. Unglazed tiles are very similar to glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Unglazed ceramic tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.
Glazed tile flooring technology has changed little over the centuries; clay is still shaped into a tile 3/4 inch thick or less, then fire-hardened. Because clay is naturally porous, finishing floor tiles with a matte or high-gloss glaze or sealant makes them more resistant to water. With a rainbow of colors and designs from delicate florals to contemporary geometrics, this flooring is at home in a variety of settings.
