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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
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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 quarry tile ok to use in a shower for the surround and floor? If so what is the best way/product to seal it with?
Thanks,
Ron
ron at August 30, 2009 01:46 PM
Ron,
Quarry tile will work in a shower for flooring and walls,inside the shower and outside. A finish can be affected by standing water, but the sealer underneath will handle it. I recommend using Aqua Mix as they have a variety of sealers and finishes that will address your concerns with standing water.
Just as a sidenote, if you end up using a highgloss finish it can be touched up to maintain the shine/gloss.
The Flooring Lady at August 31, 2009 02:46 PM
Hi
I have just bought quarry tiles from my local B&Q to lay within a small porch area. The floor area is concrete having previously been carpeted.
The instructions on the quarry tile box suggest that I should seal the tiles before installation. Do you think this is necessary?
Also after final sealing of the tiles should it be necessary to apply a wax/polish or even linseed oil?
I would appreciate your thoughts
Many thanks
Mike
Mike at September 4, 2009 04:33 AM
Hi Mike,
The debate of sealing before tiling is an old one, and will rage on for years to come. The pro of sealing before tiling is that grout will be easier to clean off the floor when you are done. The con is that grout doesn't adhere as well where you need it.
I think the color of your tiles and grout makes a difference too -- the less contrast between the two the less important the pre-sealant is.
Overall, if you are going to be diligent about cleaning the tiles as you go while grouting you could skip the pre-installation sealing.
The Flooring Lady at September 4, 2009 09:45 AM
Any suggestions for where I might find a quarry tile made by versaTILE? I'm trying to match a project started by someone else. It has a product # of Red #DC88. They are 8 x 8 and unglazed. Any suggestion you might have in where to find would be appreciated.
mike at October 21, 2009 07:19 PM
Mike,
Versa-tile is listed on Google. I would give them a call and they may be able to find the exact tile you are looking for, and the location of a local supplier.
The Flooring Lady at October 23, 2009 07:09 AM
I have the 4X4 terrocotta quarry tile in livingroom/kitchen are. I've stripped it and rather like the raw look So I have to seal it???
Anonymous at October 26, 2009 10:53 AM
Hi.
No, you do not "have" to seal it. Sealing it will make it water resistant, less likely to stain, and easier to clean. Usually kitchen floors are sealed because they are very likely to get spills and stains.
If you like the way it looks, and those are not issues for you, you can leave it unsealed.
The Flooring Lady at October 29, 2009 01:14 PM
Hi
Can you tell me please how to color the grout....I have terra cotta quarry tiles and want to match the grout (it is a front door).
Thanks
Mike G at November 12, 2009 01:20 PM
Mike,
If you are adding new tiles, there are color additives you can add to the grout to get the color you desire.
If these are already installed tiles, you would need to look for a grout dye that could be added on top of the grout.
The Flooring Lady at November 18, 2009 10:52 AM
