There is a sense of timeless artistry with tile, yet we can still see some modern twists in what is available today. The process of making tile from clays and other earth materials is still basically the same as it has been for centuries. The clays are mixed, moistened, and shaped in mechanical presses, then fired at temperatures that often go beyond 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The three main types of tile produced are wall, mosaic, and quarry. Wall tiles are produced in porous, neutral-colored materials, and a color film is glazed on one side.
Mosaic tiles are smaller and have less than six square inches of facial surface.
They are used primarily for countertops and light-duty floors. There is a current demand for hand-painted designs with rich textures of European and American arts and designs. Tile manufacturers will continue to produce patterns, colors, and textures that reflect the consumers' desire for natural products, particularly the look of stone. We should see a continued proliferation of stone looks, with a variety of aesthetic looks. Today's modern production techniques can assure that virtually every tile looks different, giving each piece that old, hand-made style.