Beginner's Guide to Quarry Tiles

It's confusing to understand the various types of hard, stone-like floor tiles available, including quarry tile, terracotta, and ceramic and porcelain tile. But quarry tile is markedly different from other tiles in that it is not very porous or glazed. Learn more about the qualities of quarry tile and where to use this beautiful natural tile.

What Is Quarry Tile?

Quarry tile is a hard, impervious, unglazed paving tile made from the ground minerals formed and fired in much the same way as is used to make brick. Quarry tiles are not extracted from a quarry which makes the name slightly misleading although the natural materials they are made from—clay, shale, and feldspar—do come from quarries. Quarry tiles are typically harder than ordinary clay bricks, due to the minerals used and the high firing temperatures. Unlike clay terracotta, quarry tiles are not porous and will resist water; and unlike ceramic tile and porcelain, quarry tile does not have a surface glaze layer. 

Quarry Tile Basics

Quarry Tile Is Fired

The tiles themselves are not sliced from a quarry like granite slabs. Instead, the quarried minerals are ground together, extruded into tile forms, and then baked at high temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Quarry Tile Is Used for Homes and Commercial Buildings

Quarry tile is used for indoor and outdoor applications in homes and commercial buildings. It is used in homes to add a unique, warm feel to a space, such as in a sunroom, entryway, or kitchen. Commercial buildings use quarry tile because it is very durable and hides stains well.

Quarry Tiles Come in Many Colors

Quarry tile is often red but it is also brown, gray, or tan. You'll find lighter shades of quarry tile but remember that unsealed quarry tiles can show stains, especially if it's installed in a patio or exterior walkway.

Quarry Tiles Are Slightly Absorbent

Various types of tile absorb water at different rates. Quarry tile absorbs small amounts of water, between 0.5 to 3 percent. Though quarry tiles are not completely impervious to water, their low absorption rating means the tile is suitable for areas that are constantly wet.

Quarry Tiles Don't Need Sealing

Quarry tile is fired at extremely high temperatures, making them less porous than other tiles. In many applications, good-quality quarry tile does not require sealing, though it will never be quite as impervious to stains as a glazed ceramic tile. 

Quarry Tile Comes in Different Sizes

Generally, you will not find the 12-inch by 12-inch or larger sizes that you can find with ceramic tiles. Quarry tiles are most often found in the 6-inch square size but can range up to 8 inches square.

Quarry Tiles Are Typically Thick

Quarry tile is usually thicker than ceramic tile for floors. Most quarry floor tiles are a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick compared to ceramic floor tiles which are typically 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch thick.

Quarry Tile Has Texture

One distinguishing aspect of quarry tile is its rougher texture which provides great traction for exterior applications. But you can also find quarry tile intended for interior use that is surprisingly smooth and welcoming to bare feet. 

Sealing Won't Ruin Quarry Tile

It's a myth that sealing ruins quarry tile. Sealing quarry tile does not change its color or ruin it. Sealing can further prevent the tile from staining or discoloring in certain locations. 

Best Uses for Quarry Tile

Quarry tile can be used in many places and avoided in others. Here are a few tips:

• Main interior floor areas: Quarry tiles work well in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. The use of area rugs can soften the tiles and sounds in the room.
• Interior or exterior walkways and entryways: Quarry tile has a high degree of slip resistance and holds up well under heavy foot traffic.
• Backsplashes: Unglazed quarry tile works well for backsplashes near dry countertops. Use sealed quarry tile as a backsplash near a stove so cooking grease and food stains will not be a problem.
• Some countertops: Use quarry tile on side counters that are not used for food preparation. Avoid using quarry tile for heavily used kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Quarry Tile Pros and Cons

Pro

• Slip-resistant, textured
• Somewhat stain-resistant
• Low water absorption rate
• Thicker than other tiles
• Versatile, can be used indoors and outdoors

Cons

• Difficult to cut, thick
• Can be hard on the feet
• Prone to damage from heavy falling objects
• Limited color and size selection
  
• Salts may cause surface hazing (efflorescence)

Quarry Tile Color Options

Quarry tiles come in a small variation of earthen tones, such as dark gray, light gray, tan, brown, dark brown, and beige. Red is the most popular quarry tile color, likely because it most closely approximates the color of the natural clays in a quarry tile.

When You Should Seal Quarry Tiles

Quarry tile does not need to be sealed for normal wear. For high-traffic areas or for spaces where oil and grease may be tracked in, sealing may be necessary to preserve the beauty of the tile. Seal quarry tile with a water-based penetrating sealer, not a surface-type seal. The sealant should penetrate deeply to effectively repel moisture.