Can You Lay Quarry Tile in Damp Conditions?

Quarry Tile

• Quarry tile is made using an extrusion process in which clay is forced through a mold, called a die, to create the desired shape. Forcing clay through a die creates a dense tile with low porosity. After extrusion, quarry tiles are hard-fired to increase durability and further reduce their water absorption rate. An extruded and hard-fired quarry tile has a water absorption rate of less than 5 percent. They are typically left unglazed as their natural, reddish color is quite attractive.

Benefits

• Many benefits result from installing quarry tile. They absorb little water and are perfect for bathrooms and kitchens in even the most unforgiving environments. In fact, they are often used in fast-food restrooms and commercial kitchens because of their durability and water-resistance. Quarry tiles are manufactured with a smooth surface or with a slip resistant surface to increase safety in high-traffic areas.

Precautions

• Although they are fairly water-resistant, quarry tiles are not waterproof and some precautions should be taken when installing them in damp areas. Use half-inch thick cement backer board under your tile to increase water-resistance. Also, seal the tile and grout regularly with a ceramic sealer. Do not install quarry tiles outdoors in areas where freezing temperatures occur. Water absorbed by the tile will freeze and expand, cracking the tile.

Compared to Other Tiles

• Compared to other types of ceramic tile, quarry tile is superior in terms of water-resistance. Most ceramic tiles used for walls, like kitchen back splashes and bathrooms, have between 7 percent and 20 percent water absorption rates. These tiles are glazed in order to obtain the water-resistance rates of quarry tile. The durability of glazed ceramic tiles depends on the type of glaze applied.