Polished Tiles

Choosing polished tiles? These answers cover how the finish and pattern will look in your room, where you can use polished floor tiles and what to consider before fitting.

 

What are polished tiles?

Polished tiles have a smooth, shiny finish that reflects light. They're made from porcelain or ceramic, with many recreating the veining of marble or onyx.

"Polished" refers to the tile's face. After firing, the surface is ground and buffed with progressively finer abrasives until it is smooth and reflective. This is different from rectified tiles, which have had their edges cut to more precise dimensions.

A glossy tile can look similar, but its shine may come from a glaze rather than from polishing the tile's surface.

 

Will polished tiles look the same as the photos?

The colour can look different depending on your lighting and what surrounds the tile. Shades such as beige, cream and grey can be particularly hard to judge from a screen. Order a free sample to see the colour in your room, and check photos showing several polished tiles together to get a better feel for the finished look.

 

Can I use polished tiles on a bathroom floor?

Some polished floor tiles can be used in bathrooms. They bring a bright, reflective finish, but water can make a polished surface slippery underfoot. Choose a tile suitable for bathroom floors and check its slip rating. Our guide to tile anti-slip ratings explains the different ratings.

 

Are polished tiles easy to keep clean?

Yes, their smooth surface is easy to wipe down. Water marks and smears can show more clearly on a shiny tile, though, so you may find yourself wiping it more often around a basin or shower. Use a cleaner suited to your chosen tiles to keep the finish looking its best. For more cleaning tips, read our guide to cleaning bathroom tiles.