Are you on the hunt for flooring that not only looks amazing but also fits your lifestyle? Well, your search ends here!
At D&B Tile, we're more than proud providers of porcelain, ceramic, and glass tile in Delray Beach and other South Florida locations. We're constantly growing our selection and collaborating with new suppliers to better serve property owners like you.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the magic of quarry tiles and pavers from Marion Ceramics, Metropolitan, and Alfragres. We’re here to show you how these exceptional products, available through D&B Tile, can bring new life to your home or commercial space.
What Are Quarry Tiles?
Tough as nails, quarry tiles hold their ground in the world of tiling. They're hard, don't absorb water, and add a touch of natural charm to your space.
Despite their name, quarry tiles aren't hewn or sliced out of quarries like massive stone blocks; they're made with minerals sourced from quarries, including clay, shale, and feldspar. Once the materials are mixed, they’re fired at temperatures of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit to create durable and non-porous tiles.
Quarry tiles also have a unique finish – they're unglazed, so they don't have that shiny coating you see on porcelain or ceramic tiles. Instead, they have an earthy texture that's perfect for places where you need to keep your footing secure, even when things get wet.
How Are Quarry Pavers Different?
Quarry pavers are designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor applications, such as patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks. They’re larger and thicker compared to their indoor counterpart, quarry tiles.
The process of making quarry pavers is quite similar to that of quarry tiles, with a few important differences. First, the clay is shaped into larger, thicker pavers to make it sturdy and durable, capable of handling heavy outdoor traffic.
After shaping, the pavers are left to air dry and fired, but the process is adjusted to ensure the final product has the desired thickness and strength.
Benefits of Choosing Quarry Tiles and Pavers
When it comes to selecting flooring materials for your space, quarry tiles and pavers offer several advantages that make them a smart choice.
Let's take a closer look at why these tiles are a popular option:
Unglazed Surface
Aside from giving your home a rustic vibe, the unglazed finish of quarry tiles and pavers has a bumpy, dimpled texture that provides high slip resistance. As a result, you can use them in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or outdoor spaces, without worrying about slips and falls.
High Coefficient of Friction
To put it simply, quarry tiles and pavers have a high coefficient of friction, which means they provide excellent traction. With a value of 0.60 or more, they offer a secure footing and turn into a safe choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and patios.
Thicker Than Most Ceramic Tiles
Quarry tiles and pavers are notably thicker than many ceramic tiles, measuring around half an inch in thickness. This feature enhances their durability and makes them ideal for areas with high foot traffic or outdoor installations, where they can endure heavy use.
Freeze Thaw Stable
Since quarry products are freeze-thaw stable, they won't crack or deteriorate when exposed to temperature fluctuations, so they’re perfect for outdoor projects in regions with colder climates.
Long Life Expectancy
Investing in quarry tiles and pavers is not just a smart choice but also a decision that pays off in the long run. These remarkable tiles and pavers come with a life expectancy of fifty years or more when you take good care of them.
Relieved Edges
Many quarry tile providers, such as Metropolitan Ceramics, give their quarry tiles and pavers rounded edges during the tile extrusion process, and they serve to protect the tile from chipping. Cushioned edges are especially valuable in commercial settings where heavy objects are moved across the floor.
Low Absorption Rate
Finally, quarry tiles and pavers are renowned for their stain resistance, boasting an impressive absorption rate of less than 3%. With quarry tiles and pavers, you won't have to worry about unsightly stains marring your pristine floors.
Introducing Quarry Products by Metropolitan Ceramics
QuarryBasics® Unglazed Ceramic Quarry Tile
Metropolitan Ceramics' QuarryBasics® is an unglazed, high-density ceramic quarry tile. Each one is designed to withstand heavy use in commercial and residential spaces, such as food processing plants shops, and parks.
They’re also a sturdy half-inch thick and come in many earth-tone colors, including Chestnut Brown and black. The best part? Since they’re non-porous, QuarryBasics® tiles are low in absorption and resistant to stains and spills.
QuarryBasics® XA Abrasive
For extreme durability and slip resistance, turn to QuarryBasics® XA Abrasive. These tiles feature silicon carbide in the surface and a metallic additive that give them a dynamic coefficient of friction of over 0.70 – well above industry guidelines.
They're built to withstand spills, moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy traffic, so they’re ideal for bustling kitchens and bathrooms.
METRO Tread®
METRO Tread® quarry tile takes slip resistance to the next level with its nine raised treads spaced at a distance of 5/8 inches.
When these tiles are produced, they have a dynamic coefficient of friction of at least 0.60 when the surface is wet, meaning they provide excellent traction and reduce the risk of falling. They’re a great fit for wet areas with high traffic, like commercial kitchens and food preparation stations.
Down to Earth®
If you're looking for indoor and outdoor paving tiles that are slip-resistant, you might find your solution with Down to Earth® by Metropolitan Ceramics. These unglazed quarry paving tiles with a textured surface are perfect for balconies, patios, walkways, pool surrounds, and more.
They come in these four earth-tone colors:
- Cobblestone
- Desert Floor
- Red Paver
- Bedrock
With a dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.60 when wet, Down to Earth® ensures safety and style in any setting.
Quarry Tiles and Pavers by Alfagres
Since 1954, Alfagres has been a trusted name in creating innovative floor and wall tile solutions for homes and businesses alike. Their journey began with the production of "terrazzo tile," which paved the way for their renowned split quarry and ceramic tile collections.
What makes Alfagres exceptional goes beyond their stunning tile designs; it's their dedication to sustainability. They reduce emissions through an eco-friendly ceramic industrial process and reclaim a remarkable 85% of the water used in their manufacturing plants.
As for quarry tiles and pavers, they offer the following products:
Commercial Quarry
Commercial quarry tiles are not your ordinary flooring; they're crafted with a keen focus on quality and are perfect for bustling areas such as restaurants, retail spaces, and offices. The rugged beauty of these tiles also makes your commercial settings unique, all while withstanding everyday use.
Available in inviting gray, sandy, and rich red tones, they also have these features:
- Water absorption of less than 5%
- Class 2 slip resistance rating
- A dynamic coefficient of friction of over 0.42
- A breaking strength of over 1300 N
Residential Quarry
Much like their commercial counterparts, Alfagres' residential quarry tiles are designed to stand up to the demands of daily life. They come in dark red and sand colors and feature a smooth finish and a rustic look.
From welcoming entryways to cozy kitchens, these tiles are your go-to option for spaces that require both style and strength.
Bricktile Products by Marion Ceramics
Back in 1885, Marion Ceramics started its journey in the charming village of Blue Brick near Pee Dee, South Carolina. They were all about making bricks from clay they found right on their own land, and when they fired them, they turned into stunning red, terra cotta, buff, and even blue bricks at extreme temperatures.
Thin Brick
Thin Brick Tile offers the timeless elegance of traditional brick in a modern package. These versatile tiles come in the classic brick shape and they’re suitable for a wide range of applications.
When you're designing a cozy kitchen or a high-traffic commercial space, Thin BrickTile combines enduring quality with aesthetic appeal. With options for both 9/16" and 15/16" thickness, you can achieve the perfect balance of style and strength, even for areas with vehicular traffic.
Tumbled Thin Brick
Tumbled BrickTile tiles undergo a tumbling process that gives them a slightly smoother finish. Available in a range of colors, including custom blends, Tumbled BrickTile offers unprecedented design possibilities.
Plus, if the tiles are properly attached to a solid and well-prepared surface like a concrete slab, they can withstand the weight and stress associated with vehicles driving over them without significant wear or damage.
Looking for Flooring Options Other Than Porcelain or Glass Tile in Delray Beach?
Quarry tiles and pavers from Marion Ceramics, Metropolitan, and Alfagres offer exceptional choices for your flooring needs. These brands create products that stand the test of time while enhancing the beauty of your space.
At D&B Tile, we work with top providers like the brands above to offer high-quality tile products, and our team of tile experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Curious about what we can bring to your home? Need advice on the ideal tile options for your next project?
Contact us and explore the possibilities!