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Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile has been used
for centuries in some of the most beautiful buildings and works of art. In
recent years we have seen its popularity grow in the United States. Ceramic tile
is beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Size, shape, color, design, and
texture are so varied that the creative possibilities are unlimited.
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What is the difference between glazed and unglazed tile?
Glazed tile is coated with a surface finish (glaze) fused to the body by firing at very high temperatures. Because of the ease of adding color, pattern and texture to the glaze, style, color and design are virtually unlimited. The color of unglazed tile results from the natural clay of the tile body or pigment added to the clay. The colors are more limited but because that color extends throughout the tile, wear is not visible. Unglazed tile is, therefore, an excellent choice for the most heavily trafficked areas.
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Will ceramic tile break or chip?
Ceramic tile is more susceptible to breaking before installation than after. After proper installation, it is very difficult to break or chip tile unless it is hit with a heavy object such as a hammer having a small impact area. Structural breaks can occur if there is movement in the substrate. If damaged, individual tiles can be replaced.
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Is ceramic tile cold?
Tile is actually the same temperature as the surrounding air. It holds warmth in a sunny room or a cooler temperature in an air conditioned or cold room. Body temperature is usually warmer than the air, and this causes tile to feel cool.
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Is ceramic tile slippery?
Slip-resistance will vary with the type of tile. Ceramic floor tile will have about the same slip-resistance as other hard surface floors such as vinyl or wood. Naturally, if there is liquid spilled on any hard surface floor, the slip-resistance will greatly diminish. Abrasive surfaces are available on many tiles. Keep in mind that the more abrasive a tile surface is, the more difficult maintenance will be. Consider using a mat at entrances and wet areas.
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How durable is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile, properly installed, should last the lifetime of your home with minimum care. Tile will not show wear when used on walls; unglazed floor tile also will not show wear. Glazed floor tile is dependent on the durability of the glaze and body and the amount of traffic to which it is subjected. Most manufacturers do classify the durability of their tile.
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Rating O: Walls Only
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Rating 1: Light Traffic (residential bathroom floors) and Counter Tops
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Rating 2: Medium-Light Traffic (residential interior floors except kitchens, stairs, landings, and entranceways)
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Rating 3: Medium-Heavy Traffic (all residential areas and commercial areas with similar traffic)
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Rating 4: Heavy Traffic (all residential and most commercial areas)
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Rating 5: Heaviest Duty Traffic (all residential and commercial areas)
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Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?
There are numerous ceramic tiles that are frost-resistant and are excellent for patios, porches, pool decks, etc. Many unglazed tiles are suitable for exterior use. Their slip-resistance will be dependent on the surface texture, and slip-resistance is important! Glazed, frost-resistant tiles are recommended for vertical exterior surfaces only. The ceramic tile manufacturer will indicate if a participate type of tile is frost-resistant. A frost-resistant installation method is essential.
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Does ceramic tile have shade variation?
As is true with other quality decorating products such as textiles, carpet, wall coverings, and wood, ceramic tile does have shade variations. Hand-crafted tiles generally have the greatest variation, and this quality contributes to their unique beauty. Samples are meant to represent the tile as adequately as possible but may vary to some degree. Be sure to inspect your tile before it is installed to determine if it meets your approval.
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What should I know about grout?
Grout, the colored mortar between tiles, has been drastically improved in recent years. It is available in numerous colors to coordinate with your tile choice. The actual finished grout color in an installation is affected by moisture, temperature and installation techniques. Because of these variables, the installed shade may differ from a showroom sample. Choose grout color to blend rather than match.
Today, there are grout formulas that contribute to stain-resistance and mildew-resistance. Good maintenance procedures that remove surface soil always improve the appearance of any ceramic tile installation. Improved sealers can assist in keeping the grout at its best.
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Does ceramic tile require a special floor construction?
Standard floor construction of 2" x 10" floor joists spaced 16" on center with 5/8" plywood subfloor and 3/8" plywood underlayment is suitable. However, more than 20 years' experience shows that a rigid, cementitious backer board is superior to plywood as an underlayment. A clean, structurally sound concrete slab is suitable and does not require additional underlayment.
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Should ceramic tile be waxed?
Do not wax glazed ceramic tile. Your tile is more durable than wax and will become more beautiful with regular minimal maintenance. A small amount of neutral detergent in warm water plus a clean rinse are suggested.
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Should sealer be used on ceramic tile?
Sealer is unnecessary and should never be used on glazed tile. Sealer is often used on unglazed natural clay tile, paves or unglazed porcelain tile. Some manufacturers of these products recommend a particular sealer. However, in most cases, a good penetrating sealer is advisable. It is usually invisible or provides a soft luster. Heavy sealers such as urethane are not recommended because of potential scaling or uneven wear.
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How does the price of ceramic tile compare with other floor coverings, wall finishes and counter tops?
The initial installed cost of ceramic tile may be higher than other finish materials. Today's improved technology, marketing and competitive pricing have decreased the margin of difference. When considering the true cost comparison, you must look at the life span of ceramic tile. Due to the fact that you probably will never have to replace your tile and the low cost and easy maintenance, ceramic tile is the least expensive of all finishes. Statistics show that an investment in ceramic tile will increase the value of your home.
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What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Ceramic Tile
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Ceramic is nonporous, which makes it a
highly stain resistant decorative
and building material. Ceramic can be fabricated to an
extremely high polish, matte, or textured finish. The
beauty, versatility, and durability of ceramic make it
ideal for heavy traffic commercial and residential installations.
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Ceramic tiles are characterized by a dark red or
terra cotta back with a fine glaze over them.
They are fired at a lower temperature which means
they can be more brittle and contain only a surface
glaze.
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However, there are many good quality ceramics with
PEI ratings of 3 or 4 that can provide excellent durability.
They will have a higher absorption rate so be careful
not to use them outdoors.
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From a design perspective though, you may want to
choose ceramic because many designs and colors
that are not available in porcelain tiles are available
in ceramic tiles.
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The main advantage of ceramic tile is that it is easy
to cut and handle. Score and break cutting boards
are normally sufficient. This makes ceramic the choice
for bathroom walls or kitchen backsplashes.
Porcelain Tile
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Porcelain has become very popular in recent years.
Many porcelains offer the appearance of natural
stone without the maintenance.
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Porcelain has superior chip resistance making
it stronger and more durable in most cases than
granite. Applications in high traffic areas or kitchen
countertops are no problem at all.
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Porcelain tile are fired at a very high temperature enabling
a high solids content. Some porcelains are full-bodied
meaning the color of the tile tile is solid throughout.
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Other porcelains are: a porcelain bisque with an
altered surface appearance or a porcelain body
that has been glazed.
For a tile to be considered impervious ( porcelain )
by ANSI standards it must have an absorption rate
of less than 0.5%.
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The low absorption rate makes porcelain up to 6
times more frost resistant than a vitreous tile.
Therefore outdoor applications are possible.
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