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popular interior choice in both old and new homes today, as well as the key points to consider g quarry tiles for a project.


natural clay shades, with slight variations of tone and texture, which were produced through the careful control of the atmosphere and temperature during the firing process in the kiln.


This traditional firing method has been largely lost in modern tile-making, as most of today’s manufacturers now use a variety of surface stains and artificial pigments, which have a duller, lifeless and more monotone quality. Only Ketley Brick, which has manufactured bricks and tiles from clay on the same site for over 200 years, continues to use this delicate firing process.


Practical Benefits and Considerations


However, there are a number of important performance criteria to consider before choosing new quarry tiles – whether they are for a listed building or for a modern property.


Durability, low maintenance and good slip resistance are critical for any indoor or outdoor floor surface today - particularly in areas where there is heavy footfall and constant wear and tear.


However, the reality is that not all quarry tiles are suitable for outdoor use. To achieve today’s performance standards to make them frost-proof, they are fired at temperatures of over 1150° over a long duration, which makes them highly durable with a low water absorption rate, unlike terracotta, which is fired at significantly lower temperatures and is porous.


For optimum performance, it is advisable to choose quarry tiles that have less than 3% water absorption as this is a key characteristic governing frost resistance.


Modern standards also require high levels of slip resistance depending on where the quarry tiles are laid. For reassurance that your quarry tiles are safe in wet and potentially slippery conditions, they should comply with R11 and category C of BS EN 14411:2012, which is the highest rating for slip resistance in tests.


Choosing Quarry Tiles for Modern Homes


Thanks to today’s trend for all things organic and natural, we are seeing a resurgence in the use of quarry tiles in new homes and buildings, drawing their inspiration from designs of the past, but with a creative modern take.


Their design flexibility is enormous thanks to a rich variety of available colours, from reds, multi browns and earth shades, which can give a warm rustic Mediterranean feel, to cooler grey and blue tones for a sleeker, more contemporary feel.


The availability of different sizes and formats, such as 215x102.5mm or 215x65mm rectangular tiles, offers scope for eye-catching laying patterns such as chevrons or ever-popular herringbone designs. They can subtly divide floor areas into distinct sections or create a natural flow between interior spaces so that the combined area seems much larger.


As high-quality quarry tiles should perform equally well both inside and outside, they are not just a popular flooring material for conservatories, with their natural compatibility with underfloor heating, but are used to merge the indoors with patios or open terraces, making the outdoors a seamless natural extension to the home.


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Another factor driving the adoption of quarry tiles is the move away from materials with the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), found in some types of carpets and painted materials, to hard floors that do not release particles in the atmosphere of the house. With modern buildings becoming increasingly well-insulated, the presence of VOCs becomes more significant.


Beware of the Marketing


There is a wide variety of modern quarry tiles available on the market today, although they are not necessarily what they seem.


That is why at Ketley we always advise that, before choosing your quarry tiles, it is important to look beyond the marketing and check out their performance certifications and CE marks, as well as the history, reputation and origin of the manufacturer.


As a truly British company, Ketley has a long and reputable history of manufacturing clay products, including bricks and tiles, at its factory near Dudley in Staffordshire, where customers can see for themselves manufacturing processes that have been developed over its long history, and meet the dedicated staff who are ready to respond to customer service queries and today’s installation and design challenges.


www.ketley-brick.co.uk — 25 —


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