The Consumer Friendly Guide to Vitrified Tiles: All that you Need to Know
Vitrified tiles are one of the most popular tiling options available in the Indian market. With beneficial features like – density, robustness, stain-resistance, vitrified tiles have emerged as the No.1 tiling choice for Indian homes. DecorCera leading as the vitrified tile supplier in Morbi.
Here, in this guide, we share with you everything that you need to know about vitrified tiles – the manufacturing process, benefits, types and more.
What are Vitrified Tiles?
The term “vitrified” is derived from the word “vitrify,” which means to make something to resemble glass. Vitrified tiles are manufactured by mixing together silica and clay at very high temperatures, creating tiles that are sturdy, glossy, and less porous when compared to ceramic tiles.
Highlights of Vitrified Tiles:
- Sturdy and Robust
Since it is prepared at high temperatures, vitrified tiles are sturdy, robust and heat resistant. They can handle volumes of traffic without showing any signs of wear and tear.
- Glossy and Non-Porous
The silica added to the tile during preparation makes it shiny and less porous. These tiles can withstand spills and stains and do not face any structural damage easily.
- Anti-Slip
Vitrified tiles are also available in an anti-slip finish making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors. The water-resistance of these tiles make them easy to maintain.
- Easy Maintenance
All you need is a soft cloth and regular home cleaner to remove dust and accumulated grease from the surface of these tiles. You can make use of regular abrasive cleaners to remove tough stains.
3 Popular Types of Vitrified Tiles
1. Glazed Vitrified Tiles
As the name implies, these tiles have a mirror finish and are manufactured using digital printing technology. Using sophisticated printing mechanisms these times can be made to mimic the look of bamboo, wood, marble, and granite. It is also known as digital vitrified tiles.
The top printed layer is around one mm or lesser in thickness, making them suitable for areas with medium to low traffic. It can be further classified into:
Soluble Vitrified Tiles
This the most affordable category of vitrified tiles. During the manufacture of these tiles, soluble salts are used on the outer layer of the tile to give its characteristic pattern, design and colour. One major drawback of this category of tiles is that the lustre and sheen may fade away with wear and tear.
Nano-Polished Vitrified Tiles
These tiles have a thin layer of liquified silica added to it during the manufacturing process. The micropores of the tile are filled with the silica giving it a smoother and shinier look. These tiles require minimal maintenance.
2. Full-Body Vitrified Tiles
Unlike glazed vitrified tiles where the colour runs only through the top layers of the tile, in full body vitrified tiles, the colour penetrates through all the layers of the tile. Hence, these tiles never fade and are highly suitable for areas with heavy footfall. The colour doesn't fade even with wear and tear. Of all the types of vitrified tiles, these tiles are the costliest. However, remember that these tiles last for years to come without showing any signs of wear and tear.
During the manufacturing process, the pigments are added during the initial stages creating a homogenous colour that runs consistently through the tile. *Note that on initial glance, both glazed and full-body vitrified tiles look similar. So, make sure to check with your tile supplier before you make the purchase.
3. Double Charged Vitrified Tiles
In this tile, two or more colouring agents are used to create a beautiful double shaded pattern. The designs are printed up to 3 to 4 millimetres thick on the tile, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Durable and maintenance-free double charged vitrified tiles are suitable for both residential and commercial zones.
A Tip for Customers: Make sure to purchase tiles for your flooring needs together. This way, you get tiles that were manufactured in a single batch. While buying tiles for your flooring needs, make sure to get some extras as well for repairs or replacements later on. Remember that there may be minor variations in tile colours in different batches. Hence, it's ideal to purchase them in one lot.
The Smart & Pocket-friendly Choice: Vitrified Tiles for your Flooring
Vitrified tiles are available in a wide range of colours, designs, patterns and finishes. Generally, vitrified tiles have the colour running throughout its surface and have a polished exterior. The standard size of vitrified tiles is 2feet x 2feet, and the thickness ranges from 10 to 12mm. However, nowadays finding vitrified tiles in bigger sizes is easy as well. The price of these tiles ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 500 per square feet depending on the type and make. Get in touch with our team to know more.
