Quarry Tiles

Quarry Tiles

Quarry tiles are one of the most versatile products for use in landscape schemes, although they are rarely used except for narrow front entrance footpaths and in outhouses as flooring, which was a traditional material for those purposes. Due to their relatively small sizes – normally 150mm x 150mm, with some 200mm x 200mm, they are a superb addition to the designer’s palette, useful for making a small area appear larger due to their dimensions.

Traditionally manufactured unglazed, they are made from fired clay, and are considered to be non-slip. They should be laid over a full concrete base, and a full bed of 1:1 mortar, and grouted in a 1:1 fine sand and cement paste, allowing 5 – 6mm joints. The laying bed and grouting must be 100%, with no voids.

Usually 13 – 18mm thick, they fall under the British Standard BS5385 (nominally Part 3) as a Tile, although this covers internal use as floor and wall tiling.

They are a very old product, with many Victorian quarry tiles being available from reclamation yards. New quarry tiles are not sealed, and care should be taken to establish if second-hand units have been sealed – often with red paint and other ‘old-fashioned’ treatments which may affect their slipperiness when used outdoors. Many are reclaimed (see Reclaimed & Recycled Paving) from old churches and chapels.

Note: the method of laying with fine sand and cement may be considered ‘traditional’, and there are more modern products such as exterior adhesive and external flexible grout that will do a similar job. Take advice from the supplier, as to the best method for use on your proposed project.