You may have heard a lot about vitrified tiles. What are vitrified tiles really? They are non-porous ceramic tiles which have undergone a vitrification process to make them doubly strong and long-lasting as compared to ceramic or any other tiles. They are ideal for spaces which see very heavy foot traffic, both residential and commercial. In addition to lasting long, they also require minimum maintenance, which adds up to their popularity even more.

The fact that they are also available in various colours, designs and patterns just makes it even more feasible to choose vitrified tiles, especially when they come in affordable price ranges. But have you ever sat down and listed down their advantages and disadvantages? Let’s have a look at their types and properties. 

Types Of Vitrified Tiles

“Vitrified” tiles is an umbrella type in tiles which hosts a few more subtypes. 

●     Double-charged Vitrified Tiles

Also known as multi-charged tiles, double-charged vitrified tiles have two layers to their body - the base body as well as an upper layer - which lead them to be thicker than normal tiles. For commercial spaces and spaces in industrial areas that witness heavy foot-traffic, double-charged vitrified tiles are the perfect choice as they are built to sustain heavy loads. 

●     Full-body Vitrified Tiles

These kinds of tiles, which are also sometimes referred to as rectified tiles, are made by adding grains of the required colour to the base tile, which creates a homogenous colour that runs throughout the tile. Essentially, the colour is not just on the top layer but it also seeps into the deeper areas of the tile. Due to this, the scratches on the tiles, if any, become camouflaged because the tile is homogeneous and coloured throughout. Full-body vitrified tiles are suggested for heavy traffic areas. 

●     Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles

To make soluble salt vitrified tiles, liquid colour screen-printing is done on the tile before the tile is fired. Soluble salts are used to penetrate into the vitrified tile and give colour & designs in order to create pattern tiles, which is what they are known for. 

●     Glazed-body Vitrified Tile

If you notice, glazed-body vitrified tiles have a glossy sheen to their surface thanks to the finishing, which uses a layer of liquid glass. This extra layer makes it resistant to stains and scratches, while at the same time adding panache to the spaces they are installed in. 

Advantages Of Vitrified Tiles 

Low Water Absorption

Since they have undergone a vitrification process, vitrified tiles are less porous. This means they absorb less moisture and water - 0.5% to be accurate - which makes them suitable for installation in wet areas. 

Highly Durable

Due to the strength and finishes of vitrified tiles, they are highly durable and long-lasting, as compared to ordinary tiles. 

Easy Cleaning

Tiles are much easier to maintain as compared to other natural stone flooring. They are highly durable and because of their low water absorption, it is much easier to clean with liquid detergents and lukewarm water. 

Cost-effective

Considering that the sourcing and installation of materials like hardwood and natural stone flooring is quite expensive, tiles present a much worthier option. Not only are vitrified tiles equally stunning as natural stone or wood flooring, they are also easier to maintain, and come with a lower price tag. The fact that the return of investment in worth and time is quite commendable makes tile the more obvious choice for flooring. 

Disadvantages Of Vitrified Tiles 

Slippery Floor

Since many of them have a glossy finish to their surface, sometimes with water on the surface, they might end up being a little slippery. It's always best to wipe the floor of the water completely to avoid any slips and falls.  

Non Eco-Friendly

The process of manufacturing these tiles creates a huge expenditure of energy and also carbon dioxide which makes this type of flooring not very eco-friendly. So, if you are a nature lover, you probably don’t want to install this in your home. 

Repair

If with time the tiles get damaged or cracked, they need to be removed by cutting the grout lines on the sides. The problem is while doing so, the surrounding tiles can also get damaged. 

If you are confused whether to take vitrified tiles or not, this can be an easy choice. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Vitrified tiles are much more valuable in the larger picture. Everything that you need, whether its durability, longevity, affordable pricing, designs and colour-availability, you name it and vitrified tiles have all of them. 

Author Bio: Isha Tandon has worked within the architecture and interior design industry as a flooring consultant expert – specializing in tiles, stones, and terrazzo. She has worked with Orientbell Limited, a leading tile manufacturer in India, as a product development manager in the design team and has recently joined the marketing team as their digital content expert. Her experience comes in handy in understanding the audience as she creates value-driven functional & informational content for the readers. She creates lifestyle pieces that focus on interior design products, trends, and processes. She loves to travel to historic places with rich architecture.