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Floor tiles are commonly made of stone such as marble, travertine or granite,
or ceramic, although recent technological advances have resulted in glass tiles for
floors as well. Ceramic tiles may be painted and glazed. Small mosaic tiles may be
laid in various patterns. Floor tiles are typically set into mortar consisting of
sand, cement and often a latex additive for extra strength. The spaces between the
tiles are nowadays filled with sanded or un-sanded floor grout, but traditionally
mortar was used. Stone tiles such as those of marble, granite or travertine are sawn
on both sides and then polished or finished on the facing up side, so that they have
a uniform thickness. Some stone tiles such as polished travertine, marble and granite
are inherently very slippery when wet. Ceramic tile for use in wet areas can be made
more slip resistant either by using very small tiles so that the grout lines act
as grooves or by imprinting a contour pattern onto the face of the tile.
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