A Comprehensive Guide on Tiles: Types, Uses, and Application in Building Construction

Tiles represent a versatile and servable material in building construction used both for the functional and aesthetic purposes of a building. They come in a variety of types, with each type suitable for different applications and situations. This article offers a comprehensive description of the types of tiles used in building construction and their applications.

Types of Tiles, Depending on Application

1. Tiles for Flooring

Indoor Flooring Tiles: 

These tiles are built for use inside homes and buildings. They are generally manufactured from ceramic, porcelain, and other natural stones. Generally, tiles are kept in the indoor setting due to some reasons like durability, high resistance to cleaning, and good appearance.

Outdoor Flooring Tiles: 

As outdoor tiles have to face harsh weather, they need to be made up of durable material. Mostly, they are sourced from porcelain and other natural stones, which are the best options for patios, pathways, and some other outdoor areas.

2. Wall Tiles

Kitchen Wall Tiles: 

These tiles offer protection to walls against splashes and stains and also act decoratively. Usual materials that are commonly used include ceramic and glass, known for ease of maintenance, among other reasons.

Bathroom Wall Tiles: 

In bathrooms, the floor and walls are bound to get wet; hence, the tiles must be water-resistant and easy to clean. Usually considered for bathrooms are ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles, known for their durability and high water resistance.

Exterior Wall Tiles: 

Exterior wall tiles add an extra dimension to the building’s outlook, and the tiles are also protected from climatic changes. Commonly, interior walls are tiled with natural stones, porcelain, and special cladding tiles.

3. Decorative Tiles

Mosaic Tiles: 

Mosaic tiles are small in size and laid to create an artistic pattern or design. They are used to improve the aesthetics of residences or commercial areas.

Accent Tiles: 

They are used to add appealing aesthetics to space, often come with an attractive visual element, or are used to highlight some particular area. They come in different materials and designs for different levels of creativity.

4. Specialty Tiles

Anti-Slip Tiles: 

These are provided with rough surfaces for ensuring slip-resistance properties that can be used for wet areas like bathrooms and in the exteriors.

Heat-Resistant Tiles: 

These are used for areas that get exposed to high temperatures, like around the kitchen and fireplaces. Materials like ceramic and porcelain are commonly used for having heat resistance potential.

Soundproof Tiles: 

These tiles are constructed for soundproofing purposes and are used in music studios, apartments, and a few commercial buildings where the control of sound is significant.

Types of Tiles based on Materials and Manufacture

1. Ceramic Tiles

Characteristics: 

These are made using naturally available clay, which is created or molded and then subjected to high temperatures inside a kiln. They can be unglazed or glazed and come in a variety of colors and finishes.

Common Uses: 

Ceramic tiles are the most commonly used tiles in wall and floor applications in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas due to their wide variety of designs, versatility, and affordability.

2. Glazed and Vitrified Ceramic Tiles

Differences between Glazed and Vitrified: 

Glazed ceramic tiles are those ceramic tiles to which a liquid glass is applied, after which it is heated within a kiln to get a glossy appearance. These tiles are chemically processed by vitrification, which gives them higher strength.

Applications for Various Settings: 

They find their application for light traffic walls and areas, whereas vitrified is used for areas of heavy traffic and commercial spaces, where they have a great strength quotient and the porosity level is extremely low.

3. Porcelain Tiles

Advantages and Durability: 

The material in the porcelain tiles comes from a denser type of clay and at much higher temperatures compared to ceramic tiles, thus making them stronger and more impervious to water. These tiles come in both glazed and unglazed categories.

Best Use Cases: 

They are used in high-traffic environments for both commercial and residential projects. They are used in bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces as well, based on their strength quotient and imperviousness to water and stains.

4. Natural Stone Tiles

Marble Tiles: 

Used in high-end dwellings and commercial spaces, these tiles have a designated elegance with their unique veining swirls. They require regular, periodic care to maintain their veneer.

Granite Tiles: 

Being extremely strong and resistant to scrapes and stains, they can be used both for flooring and countertops.

Slate Tiles: 

Now, these tiles provide a natural, rustic look and are used both indoors and outdoors. They are quite strong and resistant to slip, making them an excellent fit in areas with moisture.

5. Glass Tiles

Types of glass tiles: 

The glass tiles can be found in the markets in a variety of forms: clear, frosted, and colored glasses. Now, they can be used as small mosaic types or even larger sheets to go with the modern, sleek appearance.

Uses in Interior Design: 

In fact, glass tiles are smaller and used for kitchens and bathrooms to give a backsplash or even an accent wall to manifolds, thanks to their reflective properties and light amplification ability, giving an illusion of larger space.

6. Cement Tiles

The Process of Manufacturing: 

In general, they are formed by pouring a mixture of cement, sand, and pigments into forms and then pressing them under high pressure. They are particularly known for their luminous, colorful appearance.

Preferred Applications: 

Cement tiles find their application in floors and walls, both for residential and commercial purposes. Particularly, they are famous for designs of the Mediterranean and contemporary types.

7. Metal Tiles

Appearance and Durability: 

Metal tiles, made of materials such as stainless steel, copper, and aluminum, have a sleek and modern appearance. They are highly durable and resistant to heat and moisture.

Usual Applications: 

The main areas of application are mostly in the kitchen and bathroom as a backsplash, but there are also other applications. They can often be used in commercial settings to help give the space an industrial and contemporary look.

Uses of Tiles in Construction

Residential Applications

Living Spaces: 

The application of tiles in living areas includes flooring, feature walls, and fireplaces, which provide durability and display design appeal.

Kitchen and Bathroom: 

Since easy-to-clean tiles are resistant to moisture, they are of paramount importance in kitchens and bathrooms for floors, backsplashes, and walls.

An Outdoor Patio and Gardens: 

This is primarily for the usage of outdoor tiles that are used in patios, pathways, and the garden area, adding decor and giving a durable surface that will be appealing through any type of weather element.

Commercial Applications

Office Buildings: 

For all practical purposes in office buildings, they are used in floors and walls for durability and the professional look provided.

Retail Spaces: 

Retail spaces use tiles to offer users floors and decorative features they can maintain quickly and effectively.

Hospitality Industry (Hotels, Restaurants): 

Tiles have a vast application in the hospitality industry, as they provide an attractive look and are easily maintained in high-traffic areas.

Industrial Applications

Factories: 

Tiles are used for industrial applications in factories; they are durable and resistant to chemicals and heavy wear.

Laboratories: 

It provides a clean, long-lasting surface that will resist chemicals and sanitize easily.

Warehouses: 

Tiles are strong, and resistant to heavy loads and traffic.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Tiles

Durability: 

Durable is a quality that is associated with tiles, but depending on the material, some are more durable than others, like porcelain and natural stone.

Maintenance: 

Maintenance is easy in the case of tiles, but for some materials, periodic sealing and care are necessary.

Aesthetic Appeal: 

Tiles come with hundreds of design varieties. This gives enough room to be creative in the interior and exterior of buildings.

Cost Considerations: 

Tiles come in relatively general categories, like Ceramic, which is cheap, but natural stone and some varieties of porcelain are really expensive.

Tile Installation and Maintenance

Preparation and planning: 

Adequate planning and preparation are prerequisites for efficient tile installation. The preparation will involve the taking of measurements, selection of suitable tiles, and preparation of the surface.

Tools and materials needed: 

Tools needed for tile installation generally include tile cutters, trowels, spacers, and grout. Materials would therefore include adhesive and grout, among others.

Step-by-step installation Guide

1.  preparation of the surface, like cleaning and leveling.
2.  Application of the adhesive using a notched trowel.
3.  Fix tiles with spacers for equidistant spacing.
4. Apply grout after the adhesive has set.
5. Grout tiles and clean tiles from excess grout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: 

The common mistakes to be avoided are improper surface preparation, the use of the wrong adhesive, and improper drying time.

Tips for Long-Term Maintenance: 

Proper cleaning and maintenance practices would ensure the tiles looked their best. This ranges from sealing natural stone tiles to cleaning grout lines and taking care of chips and cracks in tiles.

Conclusion

Tiles are useful in modern construction, and they give a decorative and functional finish. Knowledge of the various types of tiles and their respective uses would enable both the homeowner and even the builder to make an informed choice that will enhance the beauty and durability of their spaces.