Vitrified Tiles 101: Different Types of Vitrified Tiles and Their Properties
Vitrified Tiles 101: Different Types of Vitrified Tiles and Their Properties, Talking about tiles, it is impossible to not mention vitrified tiles. They are one of the bestselling and widely chosen tiles when it comes to durability and longevity. They are easy to maintain, easily available, have multiple designs and patterns, and can be quite easy on the pocket as well. Vitrified tiles are nothing but ceramic tiles with an extra step of manufacturing process called the ‘vitrification’ process which renders them so strong and solid. They are an excellent replacement for marble and granite flooring with as much vitality as the former ones! Let’s go a little bit more into detail about the vitrified tiles that are so popular with the homeowners and business owners.
Properties of Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified tiles are high on technical properties, including the fact that they are easy to install. Here are some of them listed:
- Durability: Due to the vitrification process, their dual layer makes them stronger than other ceramic tiles.
- Porosity: The porosity rate on vitrified tiles is low, which means they absorb very less water, which also contributes to its long-lasting property.
- Water resistance: Since they are less porous, vitrified tiles can withstand exposure to water and hence can be used in wet and moisture-prone areas like washrooms and kitchens.
Types of Vitrified Tiles
Double-Charged Vitrified Tiles
These kinds of vitrified tiles are extremely popular. They are fed through a press that prints a double layer of pigment, which makes the upper layer of the tile 3-4 mm thicker. This gives them the name ‘double-charged’ vitrified tiles. They come in both matte and glossy finishes. There are a plethora of designs, patterns and colours available in double-charged vitrified tiles, and besides, they retain their vividness and clarity for a long time.
Glazed Vitrified Tiles
Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles
When it comes to pricing, soluble salt vitrified tiles are the most inexpensive of the vitrified tiles. In these particular tiles, soluble salt is penetrated into the tiles to give them the peculiar design and pattern. Although they are strong and good-looking, they might stand to lose their sheen over the course of time.
Nano-Polished Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles
These tiles are manufactured by adding liquid silica to the soluble salt vitrified tiles. What this process does is fill the nano and micro-pores of the tile to make it look shinier or glossier and give it a smoother surface. And they have an added advantage of being resistant to abrasion.
Full-Body Vitrified Tiles
Full-body vitrified tiles have a uniform colour across them and they retain their colour sheen throughout their lifetime. They are best suited for flooring and can be used in spaces with high foot traffic without hesitation. They are resistant to scratches and stains making them even more worthy for the buck.
Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles
Polished, glazed, vitrified tiles are the same as glazed, vitrified tiles except that they have another layer of polish over them. This gives them a stunning sheen. Although double-charged tiles are the strongest in the category, polished, glazed, vitrified tiles offer considerable strength as well, and can be suitable for areas with medium foot traffic. They are also priced slightly on the higher end and hence, can take the costing up a bit.
Vitrified tiles can be a safe and ideal choice if you are looking for an all-in-one tile. They are robust, long-lasting, effectively priced, and many designs and patterns are available, as well as scores of colours. This makes them popular among homeowners as they also provide a premium aesthetic appeal, which is also crucial with floor tiles.
Vitrified Tiles 101: Different Types of Vitrified Tiles and Their Properties
Know about Author Bio: Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.
