Interior design is a major aspect of building your dream space and tiles are always one of the leading factors affecting it. There was a time when ceramic tiles were commonly used. However, the market has now changed with vitrified tiles that offer better benefits than ceramic tiles, thus making them one of the most popular choices.
Tiles made from vitrified materials consist of 60% silica and 40% clay, along with small amounts of quartz and feldspar. A glass-like material is formed by melting and mixing these materials and hydraulically pressing them to form vitrification. In this process, high temperatures are used so that the tiles can retain their shine for a very long time. Through this technique, the tiles are less porous, have less scratch and stain resistance, are resistant to water and frost, are durable and strong, and require low maintenance. Read on to learn more about its types, designs and how to select the best kind.
Types of Vitrified Tiles
A vitrified tile has a base material that consists of different compositions, yet undergoes the same vitrification process. Depending on the body and finish of vitrified tiles, they can be categorised as follows:
- Vitrified full-body tiles: These tiles are made of feldspar, quartz, silica, clay, and colouring pigment. The temperature at which vitrified tiles are baked is around 1200 degrees Celsius. In addition to having a uniform structure, these tiles can be cut and shaped like stone blocks after they are manufactured.
- Double-charged vitrified tiles: Double-charged vitrified tiles possess a pigment layer directly applied to their surface. Double charge tiles are so-called because of the dual tone of the colours on them. It is possible to conceal minor scratches on the surface of tiles due to the thick layer of colouring pigment.
- Glazed vitrified tiles: These tiles are covered with a hardened glaze. Digitally printed graphics can be applied to the glazed surface, creating unique patterns and perfect replications of natural materials like stones.
- Polished vitrified tiles: Vitrified tiles generally have a nanopore surface which are able to absorb liquids, resulting in stains. Upon polishing, these tiles become stain-resistant because their nanopores have been filled. In addition to being low maintenance, these tiles have a reflective and glossy finish.
- Industrial tiles: Industrial tiles are available in different grades of strength, texture, and characteristics based on their application. These have very high load-bearing capacity and abrasion-resistance. A few examples of industrial parking tiles include anti-radiation tiles, anti-static tiles, and chemicals and alkali-resistant tiles.
Promising Vitrified Tiles to Boost Design
Orient Bell Limited
Orient Bell was founded in the 1970s and is one of the leading brands today. New Delhi has the company’s headquarters, while manufacturing takes place in Sikandrabad, Hoskote, and Dora, all in Uttar Pradesh. The company offers VTs with double charge, glazing, and full bodies.
Kajaria Ceramics Limited
Kajaria Ceramics has been in the market for 34 years, making ceramics that are a major part of the Indian economy. It has eight manufacturing facilities throughout India, including one in Sikandrabad, four in Gailpur, and three in Gujarat. It also has two plants in Vijayawada, one in Srikalahasti and three in Vijayawada. Vitrified tiles are available in polished and glazed finishes.
Nitco Limited
The Nitco brand has been known widely since its development in 1953, and its head office is located in Mumbai, India, which is the country’s capital city. Glazed VTs, double Charged VTs, and soluble salt VTs are available from them.
Simpolo Vitrified Limited
With roots in the market dating back to 1977, Simpolo has been consistently growing with renowned quality. There is a manufacturing plant and the company’s headquarters in Morbi, Gujarat. VT is provided on a full body basis as well as on a double charge basis. There is a wide range of prices for 2 x 2 feet, ranging from ₹23- 440 per square foot.
Rollence Granito India
A well-established manufacturer in India, Rollence Granito is located close to Morbi in Gujarat. The company provides both glazed and polished glazed VTs. The price per square foot ranges from ₹43- 350.
Somany Ceramic Limited
Somany Ceramics has been in operation since 1969 and is an internationally recognised organisation. There are production facilities of the company located in Kadi, Gujarat, Kassar, and Haryana, as well as joint venture plants in other states. It is possible to obtain double-charged VT, soluble salts VT, and glazed VT from them. There is a price range of ₹22-500 per square foot for 2 x 2 feet tiles.
Asian Granito India Limited
Asian Granito was founded in 2000 and has always strived to establish itself as an international leader. The company has a single plant in Gujarat. Along with double charged VT, they also offer polished glazed VT.
How to Choose the Best Vitrified Tiles?
The following factors can help you determine which vitrified tile is best suited for your area of application:
- Type of space: When you are choosing vitrified tiles, you need to decide on the space where you want to install. They can be seamlessly installed in various places like kitchens, bedrooms, offices, parking lots, gardens, staircases, etc. The tile type will vary based on how the floor is intended to be used. You can find vitrified tile designs for each area carrying premium features and characteristics to suit specific requirements.
- Type of surface: Vitrified tiles go well across a range of spaces including retail shops, workshops, industrial floors, parking lots, swimming pools and outdoor settings. To ensure safety measures for each area and surface, it is important to choose tile designs that come with sufficient surface grip. For example, it is crucial to have an excellent grip on foot traffic on garden tiles so that you do not have to face any challenges even during rainy days. In addition to groove lines on the tiles for staircase steps, bullnoses protect the feet as well.
- Footfall type: Although vitrified tiles can take a medium to high footfall, the type of traffic your tiles will receive should be considered. Regular floor tiles can generally handle a lot of foot traffic. However, you should use properly reinforced tiles when tiling a vehicle parking area.
- Design requirements: Various types of designs and colours are available, so choose the one that meets your needs and also blends harmoniously with the rest of your interiors and with other rooms in the house.
- Tiles with special characteristics: Cool roof tiles and industrial floor tiles come with unique characteristics. Let’s understand with an example: industrial floor tiles can offer resistance to radiation, static electricity, and chemicals in factories, power plants, and data centres. Even when exposed to sunlight, cool roof tiles can continue to maintain a cooler indoor temperature. VTs with certain specific benefits like these may be ideal for different scenarios and requirements.
Conclusion
Vitrified tiles are the ideal choice to give an extraordinary look to your flooring and are available in various types, designs and finishes. Decide your budget, set your design criteria, and choose the one that best suits your needs.
At Brick & Bolt, experts select tiles and colour combinations to assist you in constructing spaces that leave stunning first impressions. Being the leading construction company in India, the team can construct any space with your tile requirements in mind so that you never have to compromise on the look and feel of your home.
No more waiting to bring your dream space to reality. Contact us today and rest assured that you get top notch space designs and construction.