
Commercial and industrial applications for quarry tile
- Commercial kitchens. While there are other hard-surfaced tile options, quarry tile offers the greatest durability and moisture-resistance benefits for the price.
- Receiving and loading areas. Quarry tile is a great alternative to concrete for receiving or loading areas. ...
- Outdoor walkways, patios and entrances. ...
Why choose our quarry tiles?
Our Quarry Tiles combines aesthetics with functionality. Our superior design allows for a perfect finish that will withstand frequent use and harsh weather conditions. These all natural, authentic terracotta tiles are incredibly durable and are ideal for Residential, Commercial and Industrial applications!
What is the difference between Quarry and ceramic tile?
Myth #7: Quarry tile is far thicker than ceramic tile-- Partially true. Quarry tiles are thick! Most quarry tiles are from 1/2" to 3/4" thick. But ceramic tiles are also found in thicknesses of between 3/8" to 5/8", as are some ceramic tiles.
Does quarry tile need to be sealed?
In many applications, good-quality quarry tile does not require sealing, though it will never be quite as impervious to staining as a glazed ceramic tile. Myth #6: Quarry tile is only available in small sizes-- Generally, you will not find the 12" x 12" or larger sizes that you can find with ceramic tiles.
What color is quarry tile?
Myth #3: Quarry tiles are red-- Quarry tile is often red, but it can be brown, gray, or tan. Lighter shades of quarry tiles can be found, but remember that unsealed quarry tiles hold stains. So, your light-colored quarry tile will show dirt if it is installed outdoors

What is quarry tile good for?
Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tile is suitable for the most demanding installations. They are often the floor covering used in commercial kitchens, breweries, dairies, and other heavy use, high traffic commercial spaces.
When were quarry tiles used?
One of the most extensive external uses of quarry tiles in modern times was in the 1960s and 70s at the Barbican development in London. Clay floor tiles have been used since Roman times, but fell out of favour during the Middle Ages.
Why do kitchens use quarry tiles?
Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tile is slip resisting, resists impact, resists abrasion, resists chipping, is scratch resisting and resists freeze-thaw effects. You can use quarry tile indoors and out including for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, mudrooms, patios, walkways, pool surrounds and shower floors.
What is the difference between quarry tile and ceramic tile?
Quarry tiles are typically harder than ordinary clay bricks, due to the minerals used and the high firing temperatures. Unlike clay terracotta, quarry tiles are not porous and will resist water; and unlike ceramic tile and porcelain, quarry tile does not have a surface glaze layer.
What can I do with old quarry tiles?
0:346:37Amazing 100 Year Old Quarry Tile Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then get rid of all the vinyl glue that's the first stage of the restoration. After that i'mMoreAnd then get rid of all the vinyl glue that's the first stage of the restoration. After that i'm then going to bathe the tiles in an acid wash to break down any lime based plasters.
What is the difference between quarry tiles and terracotta?
The big difference between quarry tiles and terracotta is that quarry tiles are made from a brick-like, coarse material whereas terracotta is made from potters' clay which is refined and smoother. If you break a quarry tile you'll see granules of stone.
Does quarry tile need to be sealed?
Do quarry tiles need sealing? Since quarry tiles are made from dense clay, their absorption rate is quite low, meaning that it's not compulsory to seal them. However, if you're using them in high traffic areas like in a kitchen or hallway, where staining is more likely, you could seal with LTP Mattstone Sealer.
What can I put on top of quarry tiles?
"The cushion floor can actually be loose laid onto the quarry tiles providing they are completely flat and you can also use spray adhesive/double sided tape around the edges. If you are wanting to fully adhere the vinyl down then you would need to add a layer of self-levelling screed or plywood to the quarry tiles.
Can I paint over quarry tiles?
Unlike vinyl and ceramic tile, quarry flooring is not suited for ordinary latex coatings. If you want the final finish to stick to the quarry tiles, prime them with a masonry primer, manufactured to adhere to nonporous surfaces.
How waterproof are quarry tiles?
Quarry tiles come with an impervious finish. That means that they are completely water-resistant, and you don't need to seal them either. Porous tiles such as travertine absorb moisture. This moisture discolours the tiles and ruins your floor.
How do you grout quarry tiles?
Scoop a tangerine-sized amount of grout onto the quarry tiles, using a grout float. Hold the float so the edge meets the quarry tiles and the flat of the float sits at a 45-degree angle above them. Drag and push the grout with the float at this angle across the surface of the quarry tiles into the grout joints.
How do you lay quarry tiles?
Measure one wall and mark its mid point. Mark the same distance along the adjacent wall. ... Nail the guide batten to the floor along the line, using masonry nails if the floor is concrete. ... Apply a band of tile adhesive a little over one tile wide next to the batten. ... Once you've laid the first row, remove the batten.
How do you age quarry tiles?
4:076:44Tuscan Terracotta Aging and Sealing by Ashley Neal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd to accentuate the aging. Normally you would just use a brush but I just do it this way.MoreAnd to accentuate the aging. Normally you would just use a brush but I just do it this way.
Should you seal quarry tiles?
Do quarry tiles need sealing? Since quarry tiles are made from dense clay, their absorption rate is quite low, meaning that it's not compulsory to seal them. However, if you're using them in high traffic areas like in a kitchen or hallway, where staining is more likely, you could seal with LTP Mattstone Sealer.
Can I paint over quarry tiles?
Unlike vinyl and ceramic tile, quarry flooring is not suited for ordinary latex coatings. If you want the final finish to stick to the quarry tiles, prime them with a masonry primer, manufactured to adhere to nonporous surfaces.
Are quarry tiles fireproof?
Both porcelain & fully vitrified quarry's tiles are ideal to be used behind the fireplace as well as the hearth as they will resist heat if wood or coal drops on them. It is important to ensure the correct adhesive and fire resistant grout it used when tiling around the fireplace.
What is Metropolitan quarry tile?
Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tile is suitable for the most demanding installations. They are often the floor covering used in commercial kitchens, breweries, dairies, and other heavy use, high traffic commercial spaces.
What color is a tile?
Colors are created from the choice of natural raw materials put into the “mix.” Tiles with a base of shale generally have a red or brown color. Tiles with a base of clay typically have a gray or beige color.
What is vitreous tile made of?
The die also creates a ribbed back on the tile to improve mortar adhesion. The tiles are made from a mixture of natural ingredients, including clays, shales and feldspar. Once dried, they are hard-fired in kilns at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What thickness is Metropolitan Ceramics?
This combination of features, along with the ½” thickness of Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tile – make it the right choice for demanding commercial and residential applications indoors and out.
Is Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tile slip resistant?
Metropolitan Ceramics quarry tiles are both naturally appealing and very practical. The tiles are slip resisting and are an excellent choice for areas subject to heavy spills and moisture. They also perform well in outdoor applications – even in extreme climates. Extrusion also creates a tight die skin surface making the tiles resistant to soiling*.
What is quarry tile made of?
Commercial quarry tile is made from a mixture of minerals such as shale, clay and feldspar which are ground, extruded into a tile shape and kiln-fired at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures increase the density of the tile and, ultimately, helps the product stand up to oil, grease, ...
What is the color of quarry tile?
Quarry tile is a natural product and takes on the earth-tone hues of the materials with which it’s made. While red is the most common color, grey, tan and brown tiles are also available depending on whether more shale, feldspar or clay is used.
What is the best tile for commercial kitchens?
For long-lasting usability at a low price, quarry tile is the best option for a commercial kitchen
How thick is a quarry tile?
Each tile is about ½-inch to ¾-inch thick, depending on what you require. For outdoor applications, you can choose quarry tile with a coarse texture for increased traction.
What is the absorption rate of quarry tile?
Quarry tile has exceptionally low absorption rates —as low as 0.5 to 3% — and is often left unglazed, leaving a slightly rough texture better suited for high-moisture environments and better equipped to reduce slips and falls.
Is quarry tile good for commercial kitchens?
While porcelain or other hard-surface tiles would work, commercial kitchen quarry tile has the lowest cost per square foot for heavy-duty applications, And, if your quarry tile is installed correctly with thin-set adhesive, epoxy grout and sealed grout lines, quarry tile provides great long-term value as well. With a simple sweep and mop with a non-alkaline degreaser, well-installed quarry tile will look like new shift after shift, year after year.
Is quarry tile good for kitchen flooring?
Quarry tile has made a name for itself as the industry standard in commercial kitchen flooring. But it’s a cost-effective product that’s made to last and has found its home in a whole host of other indoor and outdoor flooring applications.
TerraTile Design and Size Options
Our tiles come in a wide variety of styles, designs and sizes! We ship Nationwide and accept large and small orders. These tiles are perfect for Residential, Commercial and Industrial applications. The Tough, Unglazed, Slip Resistant, Natural Surfaces allow for easy cleaning and maintenance!
TerraTile Clay Floor Tile
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What is quarry tile made of?
Quarry tile is made from ground minerals, like feldspar, clay, and shale, that are ground together then baked at over 2000 degrees.
What is mosaic tile?
Mosaic tiles give you a chance to flex your creative interior design muscles since it comes in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and even materials. “Mosaic tiles work best on wall applications when an accent is needed. I recommend using them sparingly,” Morgan says. She also notes that, depending on the type of tile you choose, mosaic can look dated quickly. Keep that in mind as you select not just the tile, but the space where it will be installed.
What is the difference between glazed and unglazed ceramic tile?
While unglazed gives an artistic, rustic finish, glazed ceramic tiles provide more protection for longer lasting floors."
What type of tile is used for rustic style?
Limestone is another type of natural stone tile. "To achieve a truly rustic style filled with natural tones, shades, and variation, lay down limestone tile," Castellano says. "It delivers a natural appearance that's almost reminiscent of ancient architecture and design. Durable but soft, limestone is also easy to shape and cut for specific patterns and placements."
What are the different types of tile?
If you’ve never taken on a tiling project before, you might be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular, but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few. To make it even more confusing, not every type of tile works for every job.
Is marble tile expensive?
Though costly, marble tile adds an instant touch of elegance and refinement to any room. “If you’re looking to add beauty to any kitchen or bath, laying down marble tiles immediately upgrades the space,” Castellano says. “It also delivers texture and depth, as it’s either patterned or veined. You’ll never have the same piece.”
Is glass tile stain resistant?
“The stain resistance of glass makes it a fantastic alternative to natural stone. Red wine and any acidic foods like lemon and vinegar are wiped up with ease without any permanent staining,” says Melissa Morgan, an interior designer and founder of M Interiors in San Antonio, Texas. This type of tile also offers a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.
