What are the different types of flooring tiles?/ Various classification or categories in flooring tiles.

The flooring tiles are broadly divided into two main types.

A.    The natural flooring tiles &

B.    The artificial flooring tiles.

Now, let us see the different types of flooring tiles which come under each of these categories.

 A.  The natural flooring tiles:

These flooring tiles are made up of various types of stones that are available naturally, in all parts of the world. They are mined from the quarry, cut into slabs of various sizes, and then polished.

The different categories which come under this group are,

 1. Marble stone tiles:

Marble stone tile.

Marble is a metamorphic rock, most commonly formed from the metamorphism of dolomite or limestone rock. They come in a variety of shades, that differ according to the geological region from where they are mined. They are cut into slabs of different dimensions and polished.

2. Granite stone tiles:

Granite stone tile.

Granite is an igneous rock mostly containing quartz and feldspar. They are very hard, tough, and durable. They come in various colors with a grain-like textural appearance. Similar to marble, they are cut and polished to gain a smooth and shiny surface.

3. Slate stone tiles:

Slatestone tile.

Slate is a fine-grained homogeneous metamorphic rock. Available types of shades are very limited. The final polishing of the stone can be done after completing the flooring work.

4. Limestone tiles:

Limestone tile.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock, which is mined from the quarry and cut into the tiles. Cuddapah and Kota stones are different varieties that come under limestone tiles.

 Cuddapah is a black limestone tile and Kota may be brown, or yellow and comes in slightly varying colors.

5. Sandstone tiles:

Sandstone tile.

It is a sedimentary rock mostly composed of quartz and feldspar. They are mostly available in grey, yellow, or red shades.

6. Travertine stone tiles:

Travertine stone tile.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock mostly composed of limestone. This natural stone comes in a wide range of shades.

B. The artificial flooring tiles:

The tiles which are manufactured in the factories are said as artificial or manufactured flooring tiles.
The type of tiles under this segment are,

1. Ceramic tiles:

Ceramic tile.

The main ingredients used in the manufacturing process are clay, sand, quartz, and feldspar. All the materials are mixed in the mill and then pressed under high pressure The molded material is then heated in a kiln up to a specific temperature. 

They are further categorized as glazed and unglazed types of ceramic tiles.

2. Terrazzo tiles:

Terrazzo tile.

Terrazzo is a composite flooring material, where the chips of marble, granite, quartz, etc. are pressed into the concrete material and then polished. Design and the appearance of the tile surface vary, as per the color and type of the chips used in the manufacturing process.

3. Porcelain tiles:

Porcelain tile.

They are harder, and denser when compared to ceramic tiles. In the market, you will get a large variety of these types of tiles with numerous designs, shades, and colors. They are further categorized as vitrified and non-vitrified.

4. Terracotta tiles:

Terracotta tile.

The main raw material which is used in its production is clay, which is molded in the dyes and then fired in a kiln. They have a porous body structure, that gives a traditional look when fixed for the flooring.

To go through the articles related to the different types (classifications) of construction materials, click here.

Thanks for reading 😃. 

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