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Quarry Tile Basics
Quarry tile flooring lets you create any look you want, based partially on the color of the tiles you select. You can create a Mediterranean, English cottage, Spanish or Southwestern look and feel to your home. If you want to install colored quarry tile, you can select from red clay, or terra cotta, tiles to green and gray quarry tiles. Each look you want will demand a different color of tile. Cutting the quarry tile allows you to create patterns, if that look fits your style. If you have sealed your quarry tile you have a flooring that's easy to clean, durable, stain-resistant surface that will look good for years to come.
If you are looking for a beautiful way to tile your home, quarry tile may be an option for you to consider. Some people refer to all ceramic tiles as quarry tile, but that is not necessarily
Quarry tile is made of clay and usually has a rougher finish than most pressed out ceramic tiles. You can usually spot a quarry tile from the small roller grooves on the back of the tiles where they were extruded out of the machine (think giant pasta machine). Quarry tile is extremely durable and is a great choice for most rooms in your home, especially high traffic areas. When quarry tile is sealed, the tiles become water resistant which makes them a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens too.
The colors and finishes of quarry tiles vary widely. From red clay and terra cotta quarry tiles to green and gray quarry tiles, you are sure to find the tile that fits the decor of your home or the room where you are installing it. Quarry tile comes in colors from the more natural stone hues to bright and vibrant colors. Mixing and matching is a great option since you can create a custom floor that reflects your style. Cutting the quarry tile to make a pattern is another wonderful way to create a beautiful and interesting floor.
If you are looking for a southwestern style of flooring, then terra cotta, or red clay, quarry tiles will give you the right look. The beautiful, soft red clay color is sure to make any southwestern decor pop! The rustic look of this flooring will liven up any home inside or out. The reds of this kind of tile are reminiscent of the adobes throughout the West.
The color options are endless. Look around the room that you are considering using quarry tile in to evaluate what colors might work. From green quarry tile to gray quarry tile, you are sure to find the color that will work great in your room. Don't be afraid to install colored quarry tile. It's a great way to add color to a room without painting all of the walls.
Quarry tiles are relatively inexpensive, which makes them great for those on a budget. The durability, combined with the budget savings of quarry tiles, makes them an ideal choice for many homes all over the world. They have become more popular over the last few years as many people want a beautiful floor that is also durable and easy to take care of.
Quarry tile is a great option if you are looking for a beautiful, durable floor that can withstand years of use. If you seal your quarry tile floors, then the best cleaning tips for quarry tile are to keep it damp mopped and use mats where people come in and out to reduce the amount of dirt and grime. Sealed quarry tile floors are stain resistant and should be very easy to clean. If you want a beautiful tiled floor, then quarry tiles may be right for you.
Comments
Is there a website to look at drawings of patterns for quarry tile?
Lauren Kahn at April 15, 2008 12:40 PM
Different manufacturers, outlets and installers offer suggestions for what patterns you could use in laying quarry tile. They also have photos of the tiles they sell so you can see what colors and patterns the tiles have.
The Flooring Lady at April 15, 2008 09:49 PM
I have a new light color quarry tile floor on my patio that has not yet been sealed. I would prefer more of a multi color look. Can these tiles be stained to achieve this look before it is sealed? This was done by family members and I also have a white film in areas. What is the best method to remove the white spots before proceeding with the finish work?
Kay Flannery at May 20, 2008 06:06 PM
I don't see why the tiles couldn't be stained since they're not already sealed.
Any idea what the white film is? Grout haze? I can't really advise you since I don't know what it is.
The Flooring Lady at May 21, 2008 03:46 PM
Part of my house is under ground.(built on a slope cica 1890) I intend using quarry tiles to cover the concrete on the outside to stop rain water penetrating in to the basement, unless you have a better solution.
Gaz at June 16, 2008 04:41 AM
Hi Gaz, Is the outside concrete a floor or the lower part of the outside wall?
The Flooring Lady at June 16, 2008 08:43 PM
I recently installed 8 x 8 red quarry tile on my concrete porch area. I have some "irish creme" grout spots on the tiles. What do you suggest to remove these spots? Thank you
Malcolm Osborne at June 17, 2008 03:40 PM
Malcolm, removing grout spots from tiles can be tricky. Were the tiles pre-sealed before installation, or before grouting? If not, the grout may be embedded in the tiles themselves. Have you checked the grout bag to see if it offers suggestions for cleaning up such spots?
The Flooring Lady at June 17, 2008 07:45 PM
I am laying some terracotta tiles. At what point do I seal them - before laying them, before grouting, or after grouting? I am using a mid-grey grout and do not want it to stain the tiles. Thanks.
Libby at July 29, 2008 03:26 AM
Hi Libby, It depends a little bit on what you're laying on/over. Are these inside or outside? Are there any moisture worries to consider? If so, they need to be addressed.
The tiles can be sealed before they're laid, especially useful for an added moisture barrier. They can be laid after they're down, but before grouting and then they should always be sealed again after the grout haze has been cleaned up so that the grout and tile are sealed for the final time.
The Flooring Lady at July 29, 2008 11:51 AM
