Ceramic tile is a type of tile that is typically made from red or white clay. Ceramic tile can be used in several areas throughout the house.

 

Ceramic tile is made of clay that has been fired in a kiln. Ceramic tile is similar to porcelain tile, and while some companies use the terms interchangeably, they are actually very different. Ceramic tile is not as dense and has a higher absorption rate. This means that it is not frost-proof, and it may chip or damage more easily than porcelain tile. Despite these differences, ceramic tile is a very popular choice for floors, counter-tops and walls. The tile is coated with a special glaze that protects and seals it. This keeps the tile from absorbing stains while improving the durability of each piece. The glaze is also what gives ceramic tile its color and pattern. Several ceramic tile designs and sizes are available.

 

Classifications of Ceramic Tile

P.E.I Wear Ratings from the Porcelain Enamel Institute

 

Group I:

Tiles that are suitable for residential bathrooms with light foot traffic . Generally wall tile products fall into this group. Some wall tiles can be used on the floor. Consult the manufacturer of the tile for their recommended areas of application.

 

Group II:

Tiles that can be used in residential areas, but not areas with high foot traffic, such as in kitchens, foyers, laundry rooms, etc.

 

Group III:

Tiles that are recommended for all residential installations with normal foot traffic.

 

Group IV:

Tiles that are suited for light to medium commercial applications, such as offices, sales rooms.

 

Group V:

Tiles used in heavy commercial traffic areas and are suited for exterior areas, shopping centers, airports, hotel lobbies, public walkways.

 

Types of Tiles

 

Ceramic Mosaic Tile

Tiles that are less than 6 inches facial area and may be either porcelain or natural clay composition and usually are 3/8” or less in thickness.

 

Quarry Tile

Tiles made from the extrusion process from shale or natural clays and usually are 6 square inches or more in facial size and can be glazed or unglazed.

 

Paver Tile

Glazed or unglazed natural clay or porcelain tiles having a facial area of six square inches or more and made from the dust-pressed method.

 

Wall Tile

Glazed tiles with that are designed for indoor use and are generally non-vitreous.

 

Common Tile Terms

 

Glazed

The most common style today in floor and wall tiles, as well as for residential and commercial applications. A liquid glass is applied to the body of the tile and fired at high temperatures. The glazing becomes hard and non-porous resulting in a flooring that is:

 

Stain Resistant

Scratch Resistant

Fire Resistant

Doesn't Fade from Sun Light

Slip Resistant

Easy to Clean

PORCELAIN TILES

Much of the confusion over the definition of porcelain comes from the fact that the term was originally a marketing term and not an industry definition. However, as more manufacturers used the term “porcelain” to describe their densest ceramic tiles, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) decided to create a standard. In short, the current industry definition of porcelain tile is: ceramic tile that has a water absorption of less than 0.5%.

 

So what’s the easiest way to explain that to your clients? If you were to weigh a porcelain tile, and then put it in a bucket of water for 24 hours, and then weigh it again, it would only weigh .5% more. Standard ceramics would absorb more water and therefore add more than .5%. Because of their low water absorption, most porcelains are not susceptible to breakage as a result of rapid freezing and thawing. As a result, these porcelains can be used outside even in cold weather regions.

 

Porcelain tiles are growing in popularity with homeowners and interior designers. They are more dense and less porous than glazed ceramic tile. Plus, porcelain tiles are highly resistant to moisture, stains, bacteria, odors and even harsh cleaners. For homeowners, porcelain tile is especially resistant to staining, scratches, fading and is available in both polished and matte finishes. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors and textures.

 

Porcelain tiles come in either a glazed porcelain or a through-body porcelain tile. Through-body porcelain tiles have the same colors all the way through from front to the back of the tile. If they are chipped or scratched the color will not change. Glazed porcelain tiles are similar to glazed ceramic tiles. They have a design layer (glaze) on top of the tile body that is a different color and will be noticeable if chipped.

 

True porcelain tiles have a 0.5% or less water absorption rate, making these tiles freeze-thaw stable. This is why porcelain tiles can be used outdoors in exterior settings, as well as indoors. Porcelain tiles are formed under extremely high pressure and fired at very high temperatures. This make these tiles much denser and stronger than the common glazed ceramic tiles so they are ideal for enter ways, corridors and other high traffic areas. Porcelain tiles do require specialty setting materials for bonding to the sub-floor.

 

Homeowners who want great styling with extra durability and performance should look at porcelain tiles as an option.

GROUT TYPES

Unsanded Grout

 

Unsanded grout is a mixture of cement and a color additive and is used to fill the areas between the tiles. This is usually used with wall tiles having less than 1/8”s wide joint. Generally sold in 5, 10 and 25 lbs. bags. A special liquid latex additive or water is mixed with the grout. The grout is than quickly spread across the tiles and than pressed into the tile joints. The excess grout is wiped off the tile and after so many days a tile sealer is usually applied.

 

Sanded Grout

 

For tile floors with wider joints a grout with sand is normally used. Other than the sand it is the same as the unsanded and you follow the same type of procedures when applying. Sanded grout is usually used with large ceramic floor tiles (not marble). It should be noted you may see a change in color of your grout over time.

 

Epoxy Grout

 

Epoxy grout are really for professional installers only who have experience using them. They are much more resistant to stains and chemicals.