Vitrified Tiles: Exploring Types, Pros and Cons

What Are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified Flooring tiles are a type of ceramic tiles that have very low porosity. These tiles have undergone the vitrification process which makes them less porous and hence their water absorption rate is low too.

It can be used alternatively for marble and granite flooring. Its water and frost resistance is high because of which they are extensively used in outdoor construction. And due to this and many other reasons, Vitrified Tiles are becoming more and more popular nowadays.

Read More: Types of flooring and Tiles for Your Perfect Home

Properties of Vitrified Tiles

When you are planning to go for a particular type of tile, along with the color, size, and look, pay attention to the technical properties of the tiles too for they can define the quality of the tile instead of just appearance.

Some of the Technical Properties are enlisted below:

• Durability: Durability of vitrified tiles is more than the other type of tiles and hence they last longer.
• Porosity: These tiles are less porous, hence absorb less water. The porosity rate of these tiles is less than 3%. This prevents moisture and dampness.
•  Water resistance: These tiles are less porous and hence water-resistant. This makes these tiles a suitable choice for wet areas like kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
• Scratch resistance: These tiles have scratch-resisting property. The color of these tiles remains intact even after they are scratched. Only the sheen of the polished tiles is lost over time due to scratching.
• Frost resistance: As water absorption is less, these tiles are resistant to frost too. Hence, its usage for outdoor areas is preferred.
• Brightness: The polished vitrified tiles reflect a considerable amount of light. Hence, its usage as flooring especially in the kitchen is preferred.

Read More: Resilient Flooring & its Types with Benefits

Types of Vitrified Tiles

There are different types of vitrified flooring tiles available in the market.

A particular type is designed for a particular purpose, hence choosing the suitable one that fits with your needs is necessary. This can be done only by getting familiar with all of the available types. The classification can help in this.

Vitrified tiles are classified on the basis of the manufacturing process as follows:

1. Soluble Salt Vitrified Tiles

These tiles are screen printed as well as polished. The tiles are first printed through screen printing technology. Afterwards, they are polished.

The design of these tiles may face away in a few years.

These tiles are not much in use in present time.

2. Double Charge Vitrified Tiles

Double charge vitrified tiles serve as the most popular tiles amongst the users. These tiles find great usage in commercial and residential projects.

These tiles are such pressed that the pattern with a double layer of pigment is printed. For printing a double layer of pigment through the press, two types of color are fed into the pressing machine.

Hence, the thickness of the upper layer of these tiles is 3-4 mm more as compared to other types of vitrified tiles.  However, complex patterns cannot be printed through this process owing to the limitations in technology.

The thickness of the design layer is at most 4 mm. Else the strength of the tiles is compromised.

Glossy and matt finish is available in these tiles.

These tiles produce a long-wearing surface which is pretty much suitable for heavy traffic commercial projects. These tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic without much wear and tear.

These tiles are widely used commercially and residentially as they require much less maintenance as compared to other types of vitrified tiles. Double charge vitrified tiles find application in hospitals, libraries, malls, museums, restaurants, and even in educational institutions.

To increase the durability of the double charge vitrified tiles, an extra layer of Nano-coating may be applied, then these tiles are known as PGVT tiles. Application of this coating also enhances its quality.

Advantages:

• Maintenance required is low
• Dirt and dust accumulation on the surface is prevented
• Durability is high as compared to other vitrified tiles
• More options are available to select the design and shades as these tiles exhibit huge variety. The reason for the variety is that design is to be printed on the surface only.
• The surface of these tiles is resistant to scratches and stains
• Installation is comparatively easy
• Shine of these tiles is retained for a long period

Disadvantages:

• Double charged vitrified tiles are not available in complex design patterns
• Extra coating of needs to be applied

Check for examining the quality of double charged vitrified tiles

1. Water test: Pour water on the surface of the tiles. If the water forms droplets and rolls off from the surface then after, the quality is good.
2. Permanent Marker test: Use a permanent marker to mark on the surface of the tile. Leave it for some time to dry. Try removing the stain afterwards. If it is erased without ample efforts, then it is surely a genuine double charged vitrified tile.

Size:

Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are:

• 600 mm * 600 mm
• 800 mm * 800 mm
• 600 mm * 1200 mm
• 800 mm * 1600 mm, etc.

Cost:

The initial cost of double charge vitrified tiles is more as compared to ceramic tiles but it is worth it in the long run.

The cost is more than that of the glazed vitrified tiles but less than that of full body vitrified tiles.

3. Full Body Vitrified Tiles

These tiles have a pigment distributed in its entire thickness (cross-section). Hence, these tiles are called full body vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer.

Due to this reason, the scratches are not much visible in this type of vitrified tiles. Hence, these tiles serve as an ideal choice for high traffic zones.

Advantages:

• When the tile is cut while fixing at the junction of two walls at a right angle, the border of the tile also has the same colour.
• Scratches are not much visible in these tiles owing to the similar color in its entire thickness.
• Design, color and pattern of full body vitrified tiles remain intact throughout its lifetime.
• Cleaning of these tiles is much easier.
• Maintenance cost is very less.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive as color printing technology is to be utilized.
• Limited options are available for selecting the design in full body vitrified tiles.

Size:

Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are:

• 600 mm * 600 mm
• 800 mm * 800 mm
• 600 mm * 1200 mm, etc.

Cost:

The cost of manufacturing these tiles is on the higher side. Cost is more than that of the double charged vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer.

4. Glazed Vitrified Tiles

Glazed vitrified tiles are popularly known as GVT too. The name of these tiles is kept owing to its glazed surface.

These tiles come in a variety of designs and artwork. Many surface textures are also available like wood, grain, bamboo, slate or stone.

These tiles are available in finishes like glossy, matt, rustic, and many others.

The process of glazing is also costly. But, with the introduction of digital printing techniques, the cost is reducing. Therefore, these tiles are also called digital vitrified tiles.

Advantages:

• Any type of design can be printed on top of these tiles as there is glaze on the surface. This allows a variety of designs.

Disadvantages:

• Unsuitable for high traffic areas
• Durability of GVT tiles is less than that of the full body or even double charge vitrified tiles
• Glazing layer may fade away with time
• Scratch resistance is less

Size:

Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are:

• 300 mm * 300 mm
• 600 mm * 600 mm
• 800 mm * 800 mm
• 600 mm * 1200 mm
• 800 mm * 1200 mm, etc.

Cost:

The cost of glazed vitrified tiles is less than that of double charged vitrified tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer.

5. Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles

These tiles are abbreviated as PGVT tiles. These tiles are manufactured in a similar manner as the glazed vitrified tiles. To enhance the shine, an additional layer of polish is applied on the top in PGCT tiles.

The water absorption capacity of PGVT tiles is less as compared to GVT tiles.

Advantages:

• Application of an additional layer of polish adds to the shine of the top layer

Disadvantages:

• Durability of PGVT tiles is less than that of double charge vitrified  tiles

Size:

Size depends on the manufacturer. Commonly available sizes are:

• 300 mm * 300 mm
• 600 mm * 600 mm
• 800 mm * 800 mm
• 600 mm * 1200 mm
• 800 mm * 1200 mm, etc.

Cost:

The cost of PGVT tiles is more than that of GVT tiles. Cost also depends on the size and manufacturer.

6. Nano Polished Vitrified Tiles

Another name of these tiles is nanotechnology vitrified tiles or just Nano tiles too.

Chemical nanotechnology is applied in the manufacture of these tiles. A layer of liquid silica is applied to the vitrified tiles.

After that, micropores existing on the surface of the tiles are filled. Due to this process, the tiles become smooth and shiny.

The Nano components of these tiles are self-setting and they form an invisible layer on the surface of the vitrified tiles. This layer provides water and dust resistance. It also provides antimicrobial properties to these tiles.

Advantages:

• Nano coating enhances the resistance to ink, stains, or any liquids
• The water-resistant property of these tiles is also enhanced
• Ease in cleaning
• These tiles also have antibacterial properties
• Scratch-resistant
• Ease in maintenance

Pros of Vitrified Tiles

Higher quality vitrified flooring tiles may also be compared with granite or marble tiles. Let’s see some of the advantages of these vitrified tiles.

1. Durability

The durability of vitrified tiles is more than marble, granite, or ceramic tiles.

As feldspar and quartz are added to clay, additional strength is acquired by the tiles. Besides strength, the three elements after undergoing the heat treatment give shine too.

2. Consistency in Dimensions

The quality of vitrified tiles is also considered better owing to their consistency in size and thickness. Consistency is observed even in shades of these tiles.

3. Early Usage

Vitrified tiles can be used within 48 hours of their installation. This is because they do not require setting time after laying. Even polishing is not required.

4. Ease in Cleaning

The cleaning of these tiles is easier owing to their shiny surface. Higher quality tiles allow the stains from even permanent marker to be easily removed.

Periodically, bicarbonate soda and water can be used to clean the intense stains from these tiles. Soap less detergent can also be used to remove clean these tiles.

Avoid using acid-based cleaners as they make the tiles dull in due course of time.

5. Bright Surface

The surface of vitrified tiles is sparkling and glossy which results in these tiles appearing brighter.

6. Non-Porous

These tiles are non-porous as their water absorption rate is very low due to the vitrification process. This is also one of the reasons that these tiles are resistant to stains.

7. Lesser Thickness

Vitrified flooring tiles have half the thickness as compared to granite, marble, or other such tiles.  Less thickness makes these tiles look aesthetically appealing.

8. Water and Stain Resistant

These tiles are non-porous as well as resistant to stain.

9. Resistant to Microbial Growth

As known from above, these tiles resist moisture. Hence, bacterial and fungal growth are not found on these tiles.

10. Retains its Quality in Sunlight

These tiles do not suffer damage under the effect of sunlight. The color of these tiles does not alter or fade away when exposed to sunlight.

11. Cost-Effectiveness

The vitrified tiles can compare to natural stone flooring like marble or granite in appearance. However, the cost of vitrified tiles is much low as compared to these natural tiles.

The approximate cost of vitrified tiles is around 35-350 Rs while the cost of marble and granite ranges between 150-2500 Rs.

Cons of Vitrified Tiles

There is no material that does not have any shortcomings. You just got familiar with the pros of these tiles. Now let us have a look at the disadvantages of these tiles which are mentioned below:

1. Slippery Surface

The glossy surface of vitrified flooring tiles is extremely slippery, especially if it is wet.

Anti-slip vitrified tiles are also available in the market. However, the design options are further reduced

2. Expensive Installation

The installation requires an expert person, and this makes the installation expensive. Care should be taken that the tiles are installed uniformly. The joints between the tiles should be thin, even and neat too- this really requires an expert.

3. Difficult Repair

Though these tiles do not require much maintenance, however, its repair is not an easy job.

The grouting lines are to be cut and the damaged tile is removed. In the process of removing the grout, surrounding tiles may also be affected and they also need to be removed then.

Moreover, there is a high possibility that the newly fit tile may not be able to form a bond with the old grout and the same tile may suffer damage in a few years.

4. Periodic Joint Resealing

The grout applied in joints of these tiles requires resealing within a year or at most two years. Or else, the grout will start appearing dirty.

5. Not Environment-Friendly

The manufacturing of vitrified tiles consumes a huge extent of energy. In the manufacturing process, a large quantity of carbon dioxide is also released. Thus, these tiles are not eco-friendly.

6. Ill-Effects on Health

Vitrified tiles are hard tiles that are known to not yield much. Hence, some of the doctors do not recommend the usage of vitrified tiles for the flooring.

Vitrified tiles are supposed to be causing unnecessary stress on joints. This results in joint pain and stuck knees.

Comparison of Vitrified Flooring Tiles with Other Types of Tiles

To decide which tiles should you use for your home, a comparison between different types is necessary. Here, vitrified tiles are compared with a few types as follows:

1. Vitrified Tiles v/s Ceramic Tiles:

Characteristics	Vitrified Tiles	Ceramic Tiles
Manufacturing process	The process is similar to ceramic tiles except that clay is mixed with feldspar, quartz, silica and then fed into the kiln	Natural clay is mixed with water The mixture is then baked in a kiln
Outer appearance	A vitreous surface- glossy and hard is formed which is due to the fusion of the extra ingredients at high temperatures	Natural, earthy look
Variety	Comparatively fewer options	Wide range of options having different colors, sizes
Glazing	Only GVT and PGVT type of vitrified tiles are glazed	Glazing is mostly done to render protection against water, stains, or scratches
Tile color	The color of the tile remains intact even after scratching	Color of the tile fades away on scratching
Setting time	Can be used within 48 hours after the tiles are laid	Setting time is required
Size of tiles	The tiles are available in larger sizes As a result, the number of joints is fewer	The tiles are not available in size as large as vitrified tiles Hence, more number of joints are required
Replacement of damaged tiles	Replacement of damaged tiles is difficult as well as tricky	Replacement of damaged tiles is easy
Slippery	These tiles are too slippery especially when wet	These tiles are not that slippery
Eco-friendliness	Not eco-friendly at all	No effect on the environment
Cost	More costly as compared to ceramic tiles	Less expensive

2.     Vitrified tiles v/s Marble tiles:

Read More: Types of Marble Flooring – An Excellent Building Material

Characteristics	Vitrified Tiles	Ceramic Tiles
Durability	Vitrified tiles can last for 10-15 years.	Marble tiles can last up to 25 years.
Price	Affordable than the natural stones.	More costly- the price depends upon design and brand.
Installation	Less time-consuming as compared to marble tiles.	Time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Availability	Available in shops and are ready to ship instantly, hence no waiting is required.	Requires export and not ready to ship instantly, hence wait is to be done.
Health aspects	Restricts microbial growth as it is resistant to water and frost However, problems like joint pain and stuck knees may arise sometimes.	Remains cold throughout the year, so the best choice for hot-weather regions.
Preference for the location of installation	Preferred indoors as well as outdoors too as their water absorption capacity is less.	Preferred indoors Their susceptibility to water absorption makes them unsuitable for outdoor usage.
Preference for Room location	Suitable for laying at any part of the home.	Excellent for living room, bedroom and foyer areas Not preferred for kitchen, bathrooms, or other moisture-susceptible areas.

Construction Procedure of Vitrified Tiles in Brief

Vitrified tiles are made by the process of hydraulic pressing of a mixture of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica at a very temperature of about 1200-1230 °C. This results in a vitreous surface.

The vitreous surface makes these tiles as a single mass unit which increases their hardness. At the same time, its porosity is reduced too.

The vitrification temperatures differ for different types of clay used as a constituent of the vitrified tiles.

After vitrification, the tiles are polished to give a smooth surface like marble or granite.

Defects in Vitrified Tiles- Types and their Cause

Not only the look of the tiles, but you need to pay attention to the possible defects a tile could have. Defects are something you need to check while buying any material for your home to ensure its quality.

Defects in the vitrified tiles may occur due to various reasons like the improper temperature of the kiln, insufficient pressure on tiles, speed of the conveyor belt, composition of the tiles, the proportion of constituents of tiles, etc.

How to check if tiles have defects or not? It is not possible to check all the tiles. So, the probability is applied here. Select 4-5 tiles from different boxes. However, the batch should be the same. The tiles percentage free from defects should be 95% or more to ensure their quality.

Different materials have different defects. Some of the commonly found and not easily visible defects of the vitrified tiles are discussed below:

1. Bowing Defect

When the tiles are not flat but have a curvature in it, these tiles are said to have a bowing effect. The tiles should be flat to ensure proper laying.

The tiles can be laid on a flat, straight surface and can be checked if they have a curvature.

2. Defect in Edges

Defect in edges comprises warped or bevelled edges. If such tiles are used for flooring or cladding, then a non-uniform surface is formed because of uneven joints.

This defect can be hidden by grout. However, grouting is not cheap and this adds to an additional cost which can be avoided.

3. Chipped Corners

The size of vitrified tiles can be from 1.5 ft to 5.25 ft, i.e. 450-1600 mm. These tiles are available in the form of slabs and their transportation requires care too.

Or else, during transportation, the corners of these tiles may be chipped off. These chipped corners collect dust besides appearing ugly.

To avoid this defect, the tiles are wrapped with packaging corner protector so that the corners may remain intact.

4. Uneven Size of the Tiles

Sometimes, the sizes are not uniform and may vary from each other. This variation can be as small as a few millimetres and you may think what difference will these few millimetres make.

But it is not so. When laid, this difference will enhance and will be easily noticeable. This is due to the fact that the joints will not match and one may easily notice the non-uniformity.

Again, grouting is to be done to hide this defect which will result in an increased cost.

This defect can be checked out by sorting out the tiles firmly and laying them on the floor. Check whether they are of exact size before actually laying them.

5. Surface Defects

Sometimes, the surface of the vitrified tiles may not be smooth and may have one or the other mark on it. one of the reasons for the surface defect is uneven polishing during the finishing of the tiles.

A spotless surface can make the flooring look aesthetically better. Hence the surface should be checked upon before the purchase of these tiles.

The surface defects include

• Blobs or spots: These are water drop marks on the surface.
• Machine marks: As the tiles are manufactures in machines, sometimes the machines also leave a mark.
• Pinholes: These are pin-sized holes on the surface.
• Protuberances: Sometimes, the surface may have a hump on it, which is called protuberance.

6. Color or Hue Defects

Vitrified flooring tiles are processed in batches according to the order after their manufacture.

The colour variation occurs exactly due to this reason as two batches may have at least minor variations in composition and processing time.

To avoid the colour defect, all the required tiles may be ordered from a single batch.

7. Non-uniformity in Texture and Pattern

The texture of tiles may also vary. Texture non-uniformity can be observed in a single tile also. At one end, the texture may be dense while it may be sparse at the other.

Non-uniformity in the pattern of tiles comprises blurry pattern or faded one.

However, defects like variations in colour, texture or pattern are reducing nowadays with the advancement in technology.

8. Defect in Finishing

There are different finishes available in the market for vitrified tiles like glossy, satin, or matt. A durable coating is polished on the surface of these tiles to achieve the desired finish.

The defects in finishing arise when the polishing is done unevenly. It gives rise to an irregular surface- which is a surface defect.

Installation Process of Vitrified Tiles

Installation process of vitrified flooring tiles is similar to the other types of tiles.

The steps to be followed for laying are:

1. Surface preparation– The surface for laying the tiles should be smooth, clean, and dry. For this, the surface is first levelled and cement slurry is spread evenly.

2. Beginning of the tile layout– a center-point is marked on each of the walls of the mouse. The centre-points of opposite walls are joined by a line. This will give the center point of the room. The tiles are laid in both directions starting from the center point of the room with the help of tile spacers so that uniform joints are obtained. Near the wall, tiles are cut.

3. Adhesive application– Adhesive should be mixed within 30 minutes of mixing. With the help of a trowel, the adhesive is laid in 0.25” thickness except on the guidelines.

4. Cutting of tiles – Cuts are marked with a pencil or felt-tip pen on the surface. Then after, the tiles are cut by tile cutter so that straight or diagonal cuts are obtained.

5. Setting of tiles– Actual installation of the tile begins with this step. Tiles are inserted from the centre of the room along with the grids. One tile is set at a time without sliding by using a slight twisting motion. Spacers are inserted after each tile or space s left for joints. After inserting all the tiles in place, the tiles are tapped with a wooden block and the excess adhesive is removed with a putty knife. The tiles are allowed to set for at last 24 hours before stepping on it.

6. Grouting of tiles– After the setting period is over, grouting is done so that the joints are consolidated.

Precautions while using Vitrified Tiles

Some of the precautions to be taken during the purchase and laying of tiles are noted down below:

• While Buying the tiles–
  • Decide the rooms in which finish tiles are required
  • Number of tiles required in each room should be calculated and the total number should be evaluated
  • 10-15 % of additional tiles should be purchased than actually needed.
  • Few boxes should be opened to observe the quality of tiles
• Before laying the tiles–
  • Brickwork and plasterwork of all the rooms should be complete
  • Waterproofing work should be done too
  • Underneath layer should be clean, dry, and levelled
  • Plaster should be cut 9 inches above the slab level for skirting
  • All electrical work should be complete
• While laying the tiles–
  • Availability of water and electricity should be ensured
  • All the tiles should have arrived at the site
  • Tiles should be kept on the water for a minimum of 2 hours before installation
  • Floor should be wet before laying the tiles
• After laying tiles–
  • Grouting should be done properly
  • True line and level should be checked
  • The slope of the floor should be checked by dropping some water on the floor. Water should flow towards the drain point.

Cost of Vitrified Tiles

The price of vitrified tiles starts from 40 Rs/tile to as high as 500 Rs/tile.

Laying of vitrified tiles costs around Rs.  15-20 per sq. ft.

Vitrified Tiles at a Glance

Tiles form a major part of the house- be it flooring or cladding of walls. Vitrified tiles are gaining popularity in recent years owing to its aesthetic appearance and reduced cost as compared to ceramic tiles. Its low porosity and stain resistance make it suitable for outdoor use too.

Vitrified tiles are quite durable- they can last up to 10-15 years if properly maintained. However, it is less than that of the marble tiles which can last for 25 years.

Vitrified tiles give a bright and smooth surface and hence it can be cleaned easily. The tiles have much less setting time- they can be used within 48 hours of their installation. It resists microbial growth too.

However, vitrified flooring tiles are believed to cause joint pain and tuck knees. Moreover, these tiles are not at all eco-friendly as they consume a large amount of electricity and release carbon dioxide.

The joint of these tiles require frequent resealing- once in a year. The installation of these tiles is expensive. The repair is difficult as the surrounding tiles are damaged too in the removal of a single tile.

Vitrified tiles are available in various types which can be selected as per requirement after checking their pros and cons- soluble salt tiles, double charge vitrified tiles, full body tiles, glazed vitrified tiles, polished glazed vitrified tiles, and nano polished vitrified tiles.

Before purchasing vitrified flooring tiles, they should be checked for defects like- bowing defect, chipped corners, uneven size of the tiles, non-uniformity in texture, defect in edges or finishing, surface or colour defects, etc.

Installation of vitrified tiles consists of the following steps- surface preparation, beginning of tile layout, adhesive application, cutting of tiles, setting of tiles and then grouting of joints.

By taking into consideration your personal requirements, select a proper type of tile suitable in your home.

Read More: Top 5 Types of Stone Flooring Your Home

Conclusion

So, after going through all the information, you may have decided on your preferred type of tiles.

But, if you are still confused as to which type of tiles should you go for- ceramic or vitrified; then here is an alternative for you.

You can use both! Yes, you can go for a combination of both the tiles in your home.

Vitrified flooring tiles are suitable for flooring requiring colour and liveliness and high traffic areas like the living room and bedroom. They are also suitable for outdoor use as they are less porous. They can be installed in the kitchen as these tiles are water and stain resistant.

Furthermore, here are a few listed points that can be considered to select a perfect type for your home:

• Usage pattern- smooth or rough
• Needs of your family members
• Environmental factors
• Replacement needs
• Maintenance
• Budget

FAQs:

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