Modern homes and commercial spaces typically use glazed tiles. This is because they have a shiny appearance, are durable and resistant to stains. They suit well in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-moisture areas.
The India Ceramic Tiles Market is booming at present and is estimated to reach up to 1,666.92 million square meters by 2033. The manufacturers in this business are benefiting from the growing demand for stylish and durable tiles due to the increase in urban expansion, new developments, and house remodelling.
Selecting the right glazed tiles can improve both looks and function. In this article, we will explore glazed tiles in detail:
What Are Glazed Tiles?
Glazed tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles coated with a layer of liquid glass known as glaze. They coat it with liquid glass and fire the tile at super-high temperatures, which gives it a shiny, smooth surface.
Thus, the tiles produced are stronger, stain, and moist-resistant. Available in countless colours, patterns and textural options, they can be worked into many styles of interiors. These materials are popular for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture due to their functional aesthetic properties.
Types of Glazed Tiles
- Faience: Fine tin-glazed pottery with intricate designs, often used for decorative wall tiles.
- Majolica: Italian tin-glazed pottery, often with bright colours and hand-painted detail.
- Bicottura: Tiles that fired twice, with rich colours and a variety of details.
- Monocottura: Single-fired tiles with durable finishes, combining glaze and body in one process.
- Cottoforte: Strong earthenware tiles with a glazed surface, ideal for walls and low-traffic floors.
Key Benefits of Glazed Tiles
- Colour-Fast: Glazing protects colours/patterns from fading, even when exposed to sunlight.
- Easy to Clean: Since glazed tiles have a non-porous and smooth surface, they can be cleaned easily with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
- More Variety: The glass on glazed tiles is available in various colours, shapes, and patterns, but unglazed tiles have a more earthy, natural look.
- Non-Staining: Its non-porous nature prevents glazed tiles from staining.
- Scratch Proof: The glaze coats the surface, allowing glazed tiles to be scratch-proof, thus making them fit for high-traffic areas.
- Slender/Lighter: They tend to be thinner and less heavy than unglazed tiles, giving glazed tiles a chic and smooth look, though they can be a bit more fragile.
Application of Glazed Tiles
Residential Applications
- Kitchens: Glazed tiles are easy to clean, so they are ideal for backsplashes, walls and countertops. They are also well suited for splashy or messy areas.
- Bathrooms: Generally, glazed tiles don’t absorb water and combine to prevent mould and mildew growth, which is great for walls, shower enclosures and floors (if they undergo anti-slip treatments).
- For Living Areas: Glazed tiles are used around fireplaces and even on walls as decorative wall panels, providing versatile designs for the interior of a home.
- Bedrooms: A glazed tile is ideal for popular features or decorative elements, adding texture and colour to your room.
Commercial Applications
- Retail Spaces: Also applied for wall cladding and low-traffic flooring, glazed tiles can have a significant design impact.
- Hospitality: Glazed tiles are chosen by hotels and restaurants for their aesthetic quality and ease of maintenance.
Installation Process of Glazed Tiles
- Prepare the Surface: Start by ensuring the surface is clean, dry, and level. Repair any cracks or holes to create a smooth base for the tiles.
- Measure and Plan: Measure the area to be tiled and make a layout plan. This also aids in arranging your tiles while helping to eliminate excessive cutting.
- Apply Adhesive: Spread a layer of tile adhesive on the surface using a notched trowel. Adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific adhesive.
- Tile Layout: Starting in one corner, firmly press tiles into the adhesive. Utilise spacers in between tiles to maintain consistent gaps and a level set-up.
- Cutting the Tiles (If Required): Use a tile cutter or a wet saw for cutting the tiles to edge and obstacles.
- Grouting: Once the adhesive has set (usually after 24 hours), spacers are pulled, and grout is applied between the tiles, using a rubber float. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying grout.
- Final Touches: After the grout has been set (24-48 hours), wipe the excess with a wet sponge. You can also seal your grout lines to add extra protection.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Cleaning Glazed Tiles:
- Daily Care: Wipe with a clean, soft, damp cloth or mop to remove dust and light dirt.
- Stain Removal: A mild, non-abrasive household cleaner. Never use fats or organic-acid-based cleaners, as they dull the glaze.
- Don’t use Abrasives: Do not use steel wool, scouring pads or abrasives.
Protective Measures:
- Use Felt Pads: Felt pads should be placed under the legs of furniture to avoid scratching the surface of the tile.
- Grout care: Regularly clean grout lines to maintain a fresh appearance. Your grout can be sealed with a grout sealant to avoid discolouration and sustain it for a longer time.
How to Choose the Right Glazed Tiles?
Whether it is for a residential project or a commercial one, choosing the perfect glazed tiles requires several comparisons for both functionality and aesthetics.
Understand the Function of the Space:
- Wet Area: For bathrooms and kitchens, choose non-slip and water-resistant tiles such as Glazed Vitrified Tiles or Polished Vitrified Tiles, which are highly durable and with low porosity.
- Heavy Foot Traffic: Choose tiles such as PGVT or GVT that are built to last in areas that experience high foot traffic.
Think About Your Lifestyle Needs:
- Families with pets or kids will love tiles that are tough and easy to clean. Scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, PVT tiles suit busy households.
Select the Look and Feel:
- Style: Select tiles that harmonise with your home’s overall design. Large-format tiles suit modern spaces, while patterned or textured tiles are perfect for traditional interiors.
- Colour: Light tiles can help a small space feel larger, and darker ones create an inviting air in bigger areas.
- Finish: Glossy tiles tend to lighten up a room but may be slippery when wet. Matte tiles have a more subdued appearance and better traction.
Durability and Maintenance:
- GVT and PVT glazed tiles are relatively low maintenance and easy to clean compared to those made from natural stone.
Tile Size and Layout:
- Larger tiles create a sense of space but may need more cutting, while smaller tiles add texture and increase grout lines. Consider how the layout affects the room’s overall look.
Final Words
Glazed tiles are durable, low maintenance, and attractive, which makes them suitable for many uses. This makes them one of the favourites in both residential and commercial spaces. Selecting the appropriate glazed tile, as well as proper placement and upkeep, produces a durable, pleasing appearance. With hundreds of options available in the market, choose the one that works best for your design or your needs.