Find the Right Finish
Choosing the right tile finish can completely transform the look and feel of a space. Understanding the differences between finishes helps you select the perfect tile for both style and function in your home or commercial space.
Gloss Finish
Make a statement with glossy tiles, with a glaze coating that gives a mirror-like shine to the surface. The smooth, reflective surface enlarges spaces and adds an elegant brightness. With a smooth surface, gloss finished are minimally slip resistant so are best suited to dry areas or walls.
Matte Finish
Matte finishes have a natural and muted two-dimensional appearance, reflecting minimal light. These finishes are earthy and minimalistic, ideal for a larger space or one with lots of natural light. Matte tiles are slip resistant and require less frequent cleaning due to the textured surface hiding smudges, watermarks and stains.
Satin Finish
Satin finishes are soft and luxurious, a mix between a glossy and matte finish. The balance is achieved by the combination of the flatness of matte and the glow of glass, which creates a smooth and velvety texture. The benefits of this finish are the smooth surface and easy maintenance.
Polished Finish
These tiles, different from gloss, are achieved with a repetitive process using a diamond disc and polishing tools and later sealed to create a smooth and shiny finish. This finish offers easy cleaning, durability and moisture resistance, while still giving that luxury, high gloss feeling.
Lappato/Semi-Polished Finish
Lappato (Semi-Polished) – This surface finish is partially polished which is soft with a slight gloss, while being less slippery and a little less reflective like polished finishes. This versatility means that Lappato finish tiles fit into a variety of design styles.
Honed Finish
Honed finishes are smooth and a balance of matte and polished finishes, often with just a subtle sheen and a smooth surface. Instead of a combination, the surface appears shiny in some areas and matte in others, creating a more natural and understated look.
Textured Finish
Textured finishes offer a natural look with deliberate surface impressions that mimic the appearance of natural stones, woods and minerals. Hammered textures are rough and give a rustic visual, and brushed textures imitate the linear brush strokes of a wire brush. With endless variations, textured tiles offer versatility and a natural feel.
With endless finish options, tiles become more than surfaces. The right finish will enhance any space and complement the look you’re creating.