Description of American Olean Earthenware Tile

Earthenware

• The American Olean earthenware, or Quarry, line is manufactured from clay dug up from the ground, hard-packed together and baked to create a solid, durable surface. This makes the tiles similar in nature to both ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are also created out of raw materials through a process of mixing and baking. While ceramic and porcelain tiles generally contain chemical dyes for coloring, though, earthenware tiles generally maintain their natural coloring or use natural dyes.

Quarry Naturals and Quarry Tiles

• Quarry Naturals and Quarry Tiles come in two main looks: solid color and flash. Both tile types are technically only one color, though the flash tiles have been striated so that they appear lighter in some places and darker in others, creating an appearance as if the tiles are slightly dirty or weathered. The main difference between the Quarry Naturals and Quarry Tiles is the texture. Naturals have a rough feel, while Tiles have a smooth surface.

Sizes

• Quarry Naturals and Quarry Tiles both come in more than one size, though the Tile provides more design options without the need to cut tiles down. Quarry Naturals come in square shapes only with sizes of 6 or 8 inches. Quarry Tiles come in the square size of 6 inches, as well as the rectangular size of roughly 4 inches by 8 inches. This gives the tiles a brick-like shape that can help create a design that differs from many standard tile designs.

Finish

• Quarry Naturals and Quarry Tiles both come in the natural state in which they are fired, which doesn’t include a waterproof coating like that found on many ceramic and porcelain tiles. This makes them ideal for exterior applications and areas in the homes where slipping may pose a major issue, such as entryways, but makes them a poor choice for showers, where the direct water may eventually be absorbed by the tiles and break down the adhesive.