WHAT ARE QUARRY TILES
Quarry tiles are a natural, durable type of unglazed tile. Quarry tiles are manufactured using a blending clays with other materials like shale to create a coarse mixture to create very dense tiles. After the tiles are cut, they are fired at high temperatures, changing the chemical composition of the clay and creating a heavy, hard tile which is extremely strong.
The bottom side of a quarry tile is generally ridged to improve adhesion to grout. The top of the tile has a coarse surface because it is not glazed.
The surface of a quarry tile is very useful in environments like pathways and kitchens and has great traction, in other words, it is great for non-slip.
The durability of a quarry tile makes it less prone to chips and scratches hence great for high traffic areas. The main disadvantage of quarry tiles is that they are somewhat porous because they have not been glazed. Due to this porous nature, this makes the quarry tile susceptible to water damage as water can seep through the tile which provides an hospitable environment for moulds and fungus.
For this reason, many people seal quarry tile and its grout after it is installed. Waxing quarry tiles is another process that assists to ensure that the sealer remains in place.
