Tile Finishes Explained

Does the finish of a Tiles surface matter? The answer is Yes! Tiles have different characteristics that can make them more or less suitable for use in different areas.

At Tile Warehouse, our showroom team is here to make your visit effortless, guiding you through our extensive selection of finishes to help you find the ideal tile for your design and functional requirements. We've also put together a general guide of tile finish terms below for those who like to research from the comfort of the couch!

The Look

The finish of a tile can completely transform how a space feels and functions. For example, a matt finish can create a soft, modern vibe whereas gloss and polished surfaces act as reflectors that enhance light. When considering function, for flooring, texture and slip resistance play a huge part.

Our experts have put together the summary below of finishes so you can select tiles perfect for your home and space.

Matt Finish:

Matt tiles have a non-reflective surface, offering a subdued and modern look. They are available in smooth or textured varieties and are designed to absorb light, making them ideal for a softer ambiance.

Advantages:

·         High slip resistance, particularly when wet.

·         Perfect for interior floors and walls.

·         Wide range of textures and finishes available.

·         Matt tiles are a versatile choice, suitable for nearly any space needing practicality and style.

It's easy to assume to Polished and Gloss finishes are the same but they're actually created quite differently...

Polished Finish:

Polished tiles are created by passing the tile through multiple polishing wheels that refine its surface until it becomes smooth and reflective. This process gives the tiles a luxurious, shiny finish.

While polished tiles exude elegance, they can be slippery when wet, making them better suited for walls and splashbacks where slip resistance isn’t a priority.

Advantages:

·         Offer a very glossy and highly reflective finish

·         Create a luxurious indoor space

·         Smooth surface and easy to clean

·         Polished tiles reflect light and make an area brighter, more inviting and create an illusion of space.

Gloss Finish:

A gloss finish is achieved by applying a shiny glaze to the tile’s surface, rather than through polishing. A glaze is added to protect the tile, enhancing its durability, and gives it a radiant, reflective quality. While gloss tiles are highly versatile, their smooth finish makes them more prone to visible scratches, so they’re often best for walls, splashbacks or low foot-traffic areas. 

Advantages:

·         Brightens spaces with its high reflectivity.

·         Easy to clean and maintain.

·         Perfect for creating a modern, luxurious aesthetic.

Lappato /Semi-Polished Finish:

Lappato tiles strike a balance between the reflective sheen of polished tiles and the muted look of matt tiles. Their surface is partially polished, creating a soft, understated shine that gently catches the light. Perfect for walls and floors in contemporary interiors.

Advantages:

·         A modern, balanced look. Less reflective than polished tiles but shinier than matt * tiles.

·         Less slippery than fully polished tiles while still offering a touch of gloss.

Glazed Finish:

Porcelain tiles can be glazed to increase stain resistance further while the advanced digital glaze techniques can produce a tile that looks just like timber, stone, concrete or even fabric but will outperform them all in terms of ease of installation, cleaning and maintenance. 

Advantages

·         Colourful, decorative, impervious to water

·         Increased stain-resistance

·         Easy to clean

Unglazed Finish:

Natural unglazed porcelain has the surface colour continuing all the way through the tile with a matt finish. It is also referred to as through-body or full-body porcelain. If this type of tile was ever to be chipped, the colour underneath will be the same as on the surface. Traditionally used in high traffic areas, unglazed tiles have a textured surface to increase slip resistance in outdoor, sloping or potentially hazardous situations.

Advantages

·         Hard-wearing, natural finish

·         Perfect anti-scratch flooring option for pets and heels

Reactive Glaze Finish:

Reactive glazes are those that are mottled or variegated and thus do not have a homogeneous colour or character. The glazes are made from various minerals and oxides such as rutile, zircon and tin oxide that react with the clay body producing variations in texture and colour.

Advantages:

·         Offers an original look

·         High-end design.

IN/OUT Finish:

In/Out Tiles are the latest in tile finish innovation. This advanced technology results in a tile that feels and looks matt when dry, with the unique manufacturing process turning them slip resistent when wet.

The term 'In/Out' represents a micro-grip technology used within the glaze of a porcelain tile that allows a pass of 'Low Slip Potential'. Featuring the latest in glazed, micro grip technology means the surface is smooth to the touch whilst achieving a high degree of slip resistance. This allows the tile to be used in both indoor and outdoor settings – perfect for a seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

Advantages:

·         The perfect option for home owners looking for indoor/outdoor flow with the same flooring surface/tile.

·         Added safety in grip surface flooring.

·         Easy to clean but offers outstanding slip resistance. 

Outdoor / Grip / Structured Finish:

Outdoor areas like patios, pool decks, and entryways need tiles that prioritise safety. Anti-slip tiles have a rough, textured surface created by adding fine grit to a matt glaze, making them highly resistant to slipping.

Advantages:

·         Highly slip-resistant.

·         Durable and weather-resistant.

·         Easy to clean with outdoor-friendly methods like hosing or scrubbing.

·         Specifically designed for exterior use due to their rough texture.

Honed/Soft/Satin Finish:

If a tile is labelled Honed, Soft or Satin, is is a finish that is a matt tile with an exceptionally smooth texture. 

Advantages:

·         Luxurious to the touch, adding a subtle elegance to interiors.

·         Easy to clean whilst retaining slip-resistance.

At Tile Warehouse, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our showroom experts will help you sort through the wide variety of options to find the perfect fit for your design and practical needs.