Types of tile
There are very many different types and looks of tile available. First consider where the tile will be placed and what functions it will serve. This will probably determine what types of tile you will need to look for. That being said … tile comes in many different forms: ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glazed tiles, terra-cotta, cement-bonded, and natural stones among others.
Ceramic is the most popular type of tile available on the market today. It is versatile, available for use on floors and walls, comes in many different styles and sizes, and is relatively inexpensive.
Porcelain tiles are made of highly refined clay and fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. As a result they have less water absorption and are good choices for oudoor use. Also, because they are dense, they wear well under heavy traffic.
Quarry tile is mostly made from clay nowadays, and it is a good choice for use outdoors as well because it is very hard. Though it is typically unglazed and inexpensive, some types are available with a glaze.
Terra-cotta is made from unrefined clay. It is usually very rustic and sometimes handmade. An example is the Saltillo tile found in many Mexican restaurants. The tile usually comes unfinished and requires the application of various types of sealers or coatings on site before installation.
Cement-bonded tiles are made from mortar, not clay. They are typically found in the patio area and are made to look very much like brick.
Natural Stone is one of the most recognizable form of tile due to its longevity. The first of these tiles were created over 2,000 years ago! These include granite, marble, travertine, and slate. They are available in all sorts of different looks. Some are polished and some are not. Natural Stone is very resilient and as the stone has withstood the test of time, usually the tile does as well.
This was a simple explanation of some of the different types of tile available. Listed below are a few links for reference.
http://www.thetiledoctor.com/tile_manufac.cfm
http://www.infotile.com.au/features/purchasing/index.shtml
http://www.ceramic-tile-floor.info/index.htm
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