What are the basic advantages of quarry tiles and brick tiles (clinker tiles in some markets)? Why are these coverings an excellent choice for outdoor installation? Why are the cost of the coverings and the installation higher compared to other materials?
When it comes to flooring, the terms “quarry tiles” and “brick tiles” are often mentioned, and there is a wide variety of these tiles available. These tiles are a type of finish material made from clay but produced through a slightly different process, giving them superior physical and chemical characteristics.
Naturally, as is often the case, the price reflects the quality, and the installation cost is generally higher because this material is hard and therefore more demanding to work with.
The production process of quarry tiles and brick tiles can be compared to the manufacturing of completely different products shaped by extruding a mass through a calibrated opening of a precise shape. In this case, it’s a clay mass that is pressed through a calibrated opening and then cut into tiles or bricks of the desired dimensions.
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During the preparation and mixing process, various additives and metal oxides are added to the clay mass, influencing the physical and chemical properties of the material, and ultimately the color, which can vary from white, sand shades, through traditional Mediterranean terracotta, to classic brick colors and dark brown tones. These tones generally give the final surface a rustic appearance.
After the extrusion process, which involves pulling and cutting to size, the tiles or bricks are fired. This is done in powerful tunnel kilns at extremely high temperatures of 2,370 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to this high-temperature processing, the mass undergoes complete sintering, the micro pores are closed, resulting in a homogeneous material with an exceptionally low moisture absorption coefficient.
This makes quarry tiles and brick tiles ideal for outdoor installation, as their moisture absorption is less than three percent, making them highly resistant to low temperatures. During cold winters, these tiles do not crack, unlike traditional brick when exposed to moisture.
These tiles are also very suitable for flooring because they have excellent mechanical characteristics. They are extremely resistant to damage and wear, making them ideal for laying on busy public areas. There is a whole range of quarry tiles with various characteristics, and products with non-slip coatings are often used for covering areas around outdoor pools.
This ensures safer movement when the pool is in use and durability during winter months, as these coverings are resistant to the combination of moisture and low temperatures.
Photo: Metropolitan Ceramics