Global Safe Technologies (USA) Inc.
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 INFORMATION


Ceramic Tile Types

ABOUT

Shiny versus Matte, Glazed versus Unglazed, Wet versus Dry, Light versus Dark, Rough versus Smooth, Hard versus Soft - there are many things to consider when trying to better understanding ceramic tile.

There are many myths concerning slip-resistance of different surfaces.

It is often thought that a matte glazed surface will be slip-resistant. This is not true. Even rough glazed tiles can be slippery when wet, if not treated with the "Safe Solution" anti-slip treatment.

Everyone wants easy-clean tiles but they are willing to trade some of the ease of cleaning for greater slip-resistance and safety. Even to buy a slip-resistant tile initially is to trade some of this ease of cleaning.

Finding the balance between 1 to 10 needed and wanted attributes:
TARGET ATTRIBUTES
(1) (5) (10)
  • slippery
  • easiest cleaning-ability
  • aesthetics
  • slippery (smooth glaze)
  • colour (intensive)
  • stain resistance
  • high gloss finish
  • chemical resistant
  • stain resistant
  • reasonable cleaning
  • slip resistance (not too much)
  • durability
  • desired aesthetics
  • low maintenance
  • rough
  • reduced cleaning-ability
  • durability
  • slip-resistance
  • texture
  • unglazed
  • sand glaze
  • raised disk
THE OBJECTIVE

The objective is to find a middle ground; to choose a tile with acceptable target qualities. To find a point where it is acceptable for cleaning and maintenance but no longer slippery. It's not a question of shiny versus matte or even shiny versus dirty. The alternative is treating a glazed tile. It can still leave it more cleanable and slip-resistant than if an unglazed tile or a slip-resistant tile was initially selected for the floor.