Glazed vs Unglazed Ceramic Tile: What’s the Difference?

Unsure whether it’s better to use glazed vs unglazed tile in your next home improvement project? Reflecting on your aesthetic preferences and use for the tile will help you make the right decision for your space.

Both glazed and unglazed tiles are popular choices for homeowners, though the two differ in appearance, durability, and application. So, depending on your specific project, one will typically be a better choice than the other. Below, we’ll explore the main differences between glazed tiles vs unglazed tiles and when it’s better to use either type in your space. 

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Glazed vs Unglazed Ceramic Tile: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between glazed and unglazed tiles lies in the application of a glazed coating before the firing process of the tile in the kiln. As you might be able to gather, glazed tiles have a coating, while unglazed tiles do not.

Some may think the glazing is only for aesthetic purposes -– like whether you want the tile to have a matte or shiny appearance — but this isn’t the case. The glazed coating impacts the durability and maintenance of the tile, in addition to influencing its look. We’ll now take a closer look at the unique characteristics of each tile type. 

What is Glazed Tile?

What is glazed ceramic tile? It’s a type of tile that’s been coated with a liquid glass layer and then fired in the kiln. Contrary to popular belief, tile glaze does not refer to the finish of the tile. Glazed tiles can come in both a matte and glossy finish. 

At Mercury Mosaics, our handcrafted ceramic glazed tiles are available in a broad color palette and a variety of shapes — like herringbone patterns — to help you transform and curate your space no matter your style. Our process involves cutting, glazing, and painting each tile by hand, giving them each a unique, organic look that a machine cannot replicate. 

What is Unglazed Tile?

In contrast, manufacturers fire unglazed tiles without a coating. This impacts the look of the tile, as it gives them a more natural, earthy appearance. For this reason, unglazed tiles are often more textured and offer greater slip resistance. Thus, they’re ideal for outdoor spaces or slippery areas, like surrounding a swimming pool. 

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Pros and Cons of Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Glazed ceramic tiles offer several benefits, like lower maintenance and design variety. However, there are some potential drawbacks worth noting as you consider them for your next project. Let's take a closer look at their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide whether glazed tiles are right for your space. 

Pros

Glazed tiles can be used to elevate both residential and commercial spaces, offering impressive advantages like: 

• Color Variety: Glazed tiles come in a variety of finishes, colors, and patterns, making them highly versatile and suitable for nearly any design aesthetic.
• Stain Resistant: The protective glazing makes these tiles less susceptible to stains and spills.
• Easy Maintenance: The smooth, non-porous finish of glazed tiles makes them easy to clean and protects the tiles from surface scratches.
• Sleek and Glossy Finish: Glazed tiles often have a smooth and shiny finish, infusing a feeling of sleekness and sophistication into any space.

Cons

Despite the clear benefits of glazed tiles, there are some potential downsides to using them in certain projects. Here are some reasons why glazed tiles might not be the best choice for all environments: 

• Slippery: Glazed tiles can become slippery when wet, so they may not be ideal for bathrooms or kitchen floors.
• Chipping or Cracking: The glazing on tiles can become chipped and worn over time, exposing the unglazed material underneath and impacting its appearance. 
• Not For Outdoors: Glazed tiles may not be as durable as unglazed tiles in outdoor environments and wear down more quickly.

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Pros and Cons of Unglazed Ceramic Tiles

Homeowners and designers often choose unglazed tiles for their durability and natural look. Especially in high-traffic areas or wet environments, unglazed tiles are often a preferred choice. But, these tiles also come with some trade-offs, like being harder to clean and requiring more maintenance. 

Pros

Unglazed tiles offer specific benefits, like their slip-resistant qualities and long-term durability. Here are some of the reasons why you might choose to use unglazed tiles in your space: 

• Durable: These tiles tend to be more dense and durable in high-traffic areas or commercial environments.
• Slip Resistant: The rough, natural texture of unglazed tiles provides a better grip and makes them ideal for wet environments. 
• Hide Wear and Tear: Unglazed tiles have consistent coloration throughout, more easily hiding any scratches or chips on the surface.
• Eco-Conscious: The high durability of unglazed tiles means they need to be replaced less frequently, creating less of an environmental impact.

Cons

Before you decide to use unglazed tiles in your design, consider some of the downsides, like their lack of variety and higher maintenance needs. Assess these factors to determine whether unglazed tiles fit your lifestyle and design needs: 

• Fewer Color Options: Unglazed tiles are often found in natural tones, offering less color and design variety. 
• Prone to Stains: The porous nature of unglazed tiles makes them more prone to staining and harder to clean, unlike a glazing tile wall or backsplash. 

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Learn how artisan-crafted, handmade tiles like the ones from Mercury Mosaics can outshine and outlast machine alternatives.

How to Choose Between Glazed and Unglazed Tiles

The decision between using glazed ceramic tile vs unglazed often comes down to the specific room you’re designing and the type of wear and tear it will experience. We’ll now walk through some of the common use cases for both types of tile throughout the home — from a glazed ceramic tile backsplash in the kitchen to using unglazed tiles for the bathroom floor. 

Bathrooms

Tile is a highly versatile material used in bathrooms. You can incorporate it into the floor, shower, and wall designs, matching aesthetics with practicality. Glazed ceramic wall tiles are a smart choice for bathroom walls and showers, as their water-resistant properties make them easy to clean and prevent mildew from forming. Plus, even though unglazed tiles are more slip-resistant, the perfect bathroom rug can keep glazed tiles safe and beautiful on any bathroom floor. 

Kitchens and Bar Areas

There are valid uses for both glazed and unglazed tile in a bar or kitchen. For a bar or kitchen backsplash, you probably want something that is stain-resistant and easy to clean up. Thus, a glazed tile backsplash might make the most sense. However, the non-slip features of unglazed tiles make them ideal for bar or kitchen floors. 

Mudrooms and Foyers

The mudroom or foyer is often the space that welcomes you back into your home. The design variety of glazed tiles makes it easier to create custom looks that speak to your style, like unique tile transitions that lead into the rest of your home. On the other hand, the durability and slip resistance of unglazed tiles are great for these rooms, though the lack of color options may be a downside. 

Fireplaces and Living Spaces

Both glazed and unglazed tiles can enhance fireplaces and living spaces, depending on your desired aesthetic. Glazed tiles can add a sleek and polished look to your home, while unglazed tiles offer a more rustic and natural feel. 

Explore Tile Variations for Glazed Tiles from Mercury Mosaics

Just like deciding whether to use ceramic or porcelain tiles in your space, you’ll also need to determine whether glazed or unglazed tiles are a better choice. Both types of tile offer unique strengths and drawbacks, so make sure to thoroughly consider your options before choosing either one. 

For glazed ceramic tiles that inspire, explore the wide range of options available from Mercury Mosaics. Skilled artisans handcraft our tiles right in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, allowing you to transform your space into a work of art. Fusing the unique beauty of handmade artisanry with the precision of skilled craftsmanship, our tiles look and feel like none other. 

Order sample packs today and feel the difference between our handcrafted glazed tiles for yourself. Or, shop our ready-to-ship tiles if you’re ready to kick off your project.