Glazed Tile
Description
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Tiles can be glazed if they receive a glaze coating before they are fired, while they are still "green". Glazed tiles are typically coated in liquid glass or enamel, and once fired, the finish can range from matte to high gloss. After glazing, tiles will be color-fast, non-porous, and scratch and stain resistant. Because of their low porosity, they are less likely to harbor bacteria, mold and other environmental contaminants. Glazed tiles are made thinner than unglazed tiles, which can help diminish the amount of horizontal surface space they take up when installed on a wall, but also makes them more vulnerable to breaking.
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Glazes are infinitely variable in color, pattern, and application process, so a great variety of finishes are available. Processes have also been developed to "print" patterns onto tiles so they can look remarkably similar to stone or wood products. Once installed on a sturdy substrate with mortar, the spaces between tiles will be grouted and allowed to dry. The fully installed tiles can then be cleaned with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
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Glazed tiles can be used on most any flat surface, but function best for walls, backsplashes and indoor floors. Glazed tiles are slip-resistant, though typically less slip resistant than unglazed tiles. Slippage can be minimized by using smaller tiles that increase the frequency of grout lines.
Environmental Impact
Just by virtue of requiring more material to be sourced and prepared than unglazed tiles, glazed tiles have a higher environmental impact than unglazed tiles. Most glazes are inert once fired, but some glazes contain heavy metals and can leach into surrounding liquids, especially if they come in contact with things that are acidic or basic. Because of this, some glazes are not safe for use on eating surfaces.
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The production process for glazed tiles is similar to unglazed tiles, but adds a step for glazing just before the tile is fired. Some more traditional methods include a primary firing before the glazing, and another firing after, thus using more energy. Tiles tend to be a more durable material to employ for surface treatment than other more porous materials, if properly adhered to the substrate. They are abrasion resistant, and they can often be replaced individually if a tile cracks. Their non-porous quality helps maintain a healthier indoor air quality, as moisture cannot accrue.
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While unglazed tile are a natural clay material throughout and can be fairly easily recycled, the infiltration of the glaze into the tile creates a chemical bond, and the natural material can no longer easily be separated. However, crushed glazed tiles can be used as a percentage add to new clay formulas.
Interior Uses
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Kitchen Backsplash - This kitchen takes full advantage of the rich, cool, glossy tone of this tile by contrasting it with a warm, natural, matte wood.
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Penny Round Tile - The small, rounded shape of this tile allows it to be applied to rounded surfaces. This application also uses the multitude of tiny tiles to create a gradient from white to black.
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Traditional Painted Tile - Traditional methods of hand painting patterned glazes onto tiles creates a unique and warm feeling. This tile serves the dual purpose of creating a formal mood in the space, while being interesting art.
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Wood-Look Tile - The varied pattern and color on these tiles mimics a natural timber, but with much greater durability and less porosity in a humid environment.
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Large Stone-Print Tile - The scale and pattern of this tile make it unusual, functional for a wet bathroom space, and a bit extravagant.
Tile Decorative Wall
Tile does not have to be 2-dimensional, and this interior entryway cleverly places intermittent ridged tiles to create vertical shadows that complement the room's linear aesthetic. The irregularity of the pattern keeps the space feeling casual, while the sharp tile shape contrasts with the rounded cushions below. Since the tile is applied in a stacked bond, the eye alternates between following the vertical and horizontal lines created by the grout lines.
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CSI Masterformat sections:09 30 13
ASTM C648-20 - standard test method for breaking strength of ceramic tile
Sources
https://rtaoutdoorliving.com/outdoor-kitchen-tile/
https://mercurymosaics.com/blogs/news/glossy-green-glazes
https://digitalfire.com/glossary/leaching
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevate-your-interiors-tieic-unveiling-exquisite-glazed-porcelain/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hand-painted-tile-is-having-a-moment
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Jill Ghilardi