Tile Finishes

While most ceramic and porcelain tiles are fired from clay, differences in the manufacturing process can yield different results, leading to different finishes and surfaces.

Polished Surface Tiles / Soft-Polished Surface Tiles
When asked to imagine a typical tile, most would imagine a polished tile, which is uniformly flat with a slightly reflective surface. At the end of the manufacturing process, the fired tiles are run under a polishing wheel to give them their distinctive look. Polished tiles are among the most commonly used tiles in both residential and commercial areas due to their ubiquity, and they have been a constant favourite among consumers.

Matt Surface Tiles
When manufactured tiles skip the polishing or glazing processes, their surfaces tend to be less reflective and have a slight texture, hence they are called matt surface tiles. The added friction on matt surfaces tiles is helpful for spaces prone to moisture or spills, such as outdoor areas, the kitchen, or the bathroom. For areas that receive plenty of light, the less reflective surface of matt surface tiles also helps to prevent painful glares.

Structured Surface Tiles
While matt surface tiles derive their surface texture naturally during the firing process, structured surface tiles get a texture or pattern imprinted onto the surface of the clay before they are fired, leading to a very pleasing surface texture on the finished tile. This texture also imparts greater friction, leading to added safety in wet and slippery conditions.

Slip-Stop Surface Tiles
Using a revolutionary new technology, Niro Granite has been able to produce Slip-Stop surface tiles that are smooth when dry, yet increase in friction in wet conditions. Slip-Stop tiles tend to be perfect for spaces where you would need the added safety without the constant friction, such as pool and kitchen areas. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor application, you can consider Slip-Stop surface tiles as your anti-slip tile of choice.

Glossy Surface Tiles
While very similar to polished surface tiles, glossy surface tiles get their reflective surface from a glazed finishing instead. While visually similar, glossy tiles tend to have an even smoother surface due to the distribution of the glazing material, although the difference to the end user is typically minimal. That said, glossy surface tiles tend to be more resistant to staining and are easier to clean, as any spills are prevented from seeping into the tile’s pores by the glaze layer.