Quarry tile
Encyclopedia
Quarry tile is a building construction material, usually 1/2 to 3/4 inches (13 to 19 mm) thick, made by the extrusion process from natural clay
or shale
s.
and either red or gray; however, modern "decorator" tiles come in a variety of tints and finishes. Industrial quarry tile is available with abrasive frit
embedded in the surface to provide a non-slip finish in wet areas such as commercial kitchens and laboratories.
s, although the wide grout joints can make cleaning of countertops difficult.
In the kitchen, quarry tile serves as a great low cost baking stone
. Since it is fired at high temperatures while in production, there is no worry about the stone being susceptible to moderate temperatures that the standard house oven is capable of. The natural pores of the quarry are great for absorbing moisture. This can be a real bargain for the cook on a budget since it can save you in upwards of $100.00 that you would normally spend on a baking stone.
. For wall applications, it can be set in either a thick bed of cementitious mortar or a thin bed of mastic. For both floors and walls, the joints between tiles are usually grouted with cementitious grout
. Grout joints are traditionally about 3/8 inch in width. Matching trim shapes such as cove
s, bases, shoes, and bullnose
s are available to turn corners and terminate runs of the tile.
Clay
Clay is a general term including many combinations of one or more clay minerals with traces of metal oxides and organic matter. Geologic clay deposits are mostly composed of phyllosilicate minerals containing variable amounts of water trapped in the mineral structure.- Formation :Clay minerals...
or shale
Shale
Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite. The ratio of clay to other minerals is variable. Shale is characterized by breaks along thin laminae or parallel layering...
s.
Sizes and shapes
The most traditional size in the US is nominally 6 inches by 6 inches by 1/2 inch thick. Other common sizes include 4 inches by 8 inches and 8 inches by 8 inches.Finishes
Traditional quarry tile was unglazedCeramic glaze
Glaze is a layer or coating of a vitreous substance which has been fired to fuse to a ceramic object to color, decorate, strengthen or waterproof it.-Use:...
and either red or gray; however, modern "decorator" tiles come in a variety of tints and finishes. Industrial quarry tile is available with abrasive frit
Frit
Frit is a ceramic composition that has been fused in a special fusing oven, quenched to form a glass, and granulated. Frits form an important part of the batches used in compounding enamels and ceramic glazes; the purpose of this pre-fusion is to render any soluble and/or toxic components insoluble...
embedded in the surface to provide a non-slip finish in wet areas such as commercial kitchens and laboratories.
Uses
Quarry tile is extensively used for floors where a very durable material is required. It can be used either indoors or outdoors, although freeze-resistant grades of tile should be used outdoors in climates where freeze-thaw action occurs. Quarry tile is used less often as a wall finish and is occasionally used for countertopCountertop
Countertop usually refers to a horizontal worksurface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. It is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets...
s, although the wide grout joints can make cleaning of countertops difficult.
In the kitchen, quarry tile serves as a great low cost baking stone
Baking stone
A baking stone is a flat stone that may be used when baking. Food is put on the baking stone, which is then placed in the oven, though sometimes the stone is heated first. Baking stones are used much like cookie sheets, but may absorb additional moisture for crispier food...
. Since it is fired at high temperatures while in production, there is no worry about the stone being susceptible to moderate temperatures that the standard house oven is capable of. The natural pores of the quarry are great for absorbing moisture. This can be a real bargain for the cook on a budget since it can save you in upwards of $100.00 that you would normally spend on a baking stone.
Installation
For floors, quarry tile is usually set in a thick bed of cementitious mortarMortar (masonry)
Mortar is a workable paste used to bind construction blocks together and fill the gaps between them. The blocks may be stone, brick, cinder blocks, etc. Mortar becomes hard when it sets, resulting in a rigid aggregate structure. Modern mortars are typically made from a mixture of sand, a binder...
. For wall applications, it can be set in either a thick bed of cementitious mortar or a thin bed of mastic. For both floors and walls, the joints between tiles are usually grouted with cementitious grout
Grout
Grout is a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints . Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel...
. Grout joints are traditionally about 3/8 inch in width. Matching trim shapes such as cove
Cove
A cove is a small type of bay or coastal inlet. They usually have narrow, restricted entrances, are often circular or oval, and are often inside a larger bay. Small, narrow, sheltered bays, inlets, creeks, or recesses in a coast are often considered coves...
s, bases, shoes, and bullnose
Bullnose
Bullnose is a term used in building construction for rounded convex trim, particularly in ceramic tile.- Uses :Bullnose trim is used to provide a smooth, rounded edge for countertops, stair steps, building corners, Verandahs or other construction....
s are available to turn corners and terminate runs of the tile.