Metal Tile
Whether solid metal or metal-capped, these tiles are used primarily for accents.
Some metal tiles are made entirely of metal, but most are cast from a bisque or other ceramic material that is then covered with a veneer of bronze, brass, copper, nickel, or other metal. Some tiles have designs rendered in surface relief, while others have etched patterns or embedded glass or ceramic elements. Rarely used to cover an entire surface, metal tiles are usually placed in combination with other kinds of tile to add a decorative accent that lends a striking or sophisticated look to a tile job. They look particularly good when used with light limestone or terra-cotta tiles. We’ve paired inexpensive white ceramic tile with metal tiles to create a finish that complemented the chrome fixtures of a client’s bathroom to great effect.
Like glass, metal tile is a bad choice on a floor or other heavy-use areas; most metal tiles are plated or coated, and these coatings wear off. Another factor to consider is that cutting metal tile typically requires some metalworking tools and skills.
Excerpted from Tiling Complete, 2nd Edition by Robin Nicholas and Michael Schweit.
Available in the Taunton Store and at Amazon.com.
