Tell me about Texture
Lets Talk Texture
Choosing the right texture of tile will ensure that they perform in your chosen application.
Gloss - gloss tiles are the smoothest texture and therefor are the easiest to maintain. the smooth surface is easy to wipe down and does not hold dirt and grime. These types of tiles are most commonly found on walls but can be used on floors as well.
Matt - Matt tiles are lightly textured and can be described as feeling 'silky'. They look duller when compared with gloss tiles but are more slip resistant and therefore better suited to floors. Matt tiles are similar in texture to a honed finish when compared to natural materials.
Semi-polished - Semi-polished tiles have a light texture to their surface and combine the easy maintenance of a gloss tile with the slip resistance of a matt tile. These tiles are most common on floors in high traffic areas.
External - External tiles are the roughest category of man-made tiles and are noticably uneven on the surface to create extra grip. These tiles are typically used around pools and on balconies where slip resistance and water are common factors.
Natural Stone Textures
Polished - Polished tiles are the smoothest texture and therefor are the easiest to maintain. the smooth surface is easy to wipe down and does not hold dirt and grime. These types of tiles are most commonly found on walls but can be used on floors as well.
Honed - Honed tiles are lightly textured and can be described as feeling 'silky'. They look duller when compared with polished tiles but are more slip resistant and therefore better suited to floors. Honed tiles are similar in texture to the matt finish when compared with man-made materials.
Tumbled - Tumbled tiles are as the name implies - they have been tumbled in the manufacturing process to create a worn look. The edges become slightly rounded and smooth to touch. These type of tiles are typically used in paving and outdoor areas.
Sawn - Sawn tiles are as the name implies - they have been sawn in the manufacturing process to create a rustic look. The edges are squared off and the surface of the tile will often have sweeping marks on it as evidence of the saw blade passing. These type of tiles are typically used in paving and outdoor areas.
Brushed - Brushed tiles are as the name implies - they have been brushed in the manufacturing process to create a worn look. The edges are slightly rounded and the softer parts of the material have been 'brushed' away using stiff bristles like a wire brush to create a weathered and worn look. These type of tiles are typically used in paving and outdoor areas.
