Surface Finishes Part 7 – Tiles

Tiles are traditionally made with a mixture of natural materials such as clay, glass, marble and hard minerals. Clay and stone are not renewable, even though they are currently in abundant supply. Tiles are easy to install, durable and provide a waterproof and hygienic finish for high moisture areas.

Their environmental footprint can be quite intensive. Raw material extraction and mining carves the natural landscape, destroying eco systems.  Energy used in both extraction, processing and manufacture creates high levels of carbon emissions.  Tiles are fired in kilns where the temperature rises to around 1000 degrees Celsius. Natural materials may be used for the base materials, in some cases up to 100% natural.  However the setting agents, glazes, glues and grouts usually contain petrochemicals and synthetic components, which offgas toxic vapours. 

Using recycled tiles helps reduce the need to use virgin materials, and diverts waste away from landfill. However the manufacturing process for recycling tiles uses much higher temperatures and so more energy and carbon emissions.

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