One of the most popular flooring choices available today, ceramic tile
is often chosen for its moisture resistance, ease
of cleaning and versatile design possibilities. Man has been installing ceramic tile flooring for thousands of years. Ceramic
tiles are made from materials found in the earth such as clay, talc, and other minerals. These materials are quarried and
refined, then formed into tiles and fired in a kiln in temperatures up to 2000°F.
Ceramic tiles range in size from under one square inch to over two square foot. They are available in numerous shapes such as
squares, rectangles, and octagons. Some manufacturers may even allow you to create custom ceramic mosaics or centerpieces.
With countless colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and designs available, you are sure to find the right ceramic tile floor
that suits your personal taste.
Ceramic tiles are either single–fired or double–fired, and glazed or unglazed. Single–fired tiles are
fired in a kiln only once. Double–fired ceramic, as their name implies, are fired twice, producing tiles that are
denser and harder.
Glazed tiles are usually double–fired and topped off with a layer of liquid glass during the second firing stage.
However, with today’s technology, glaze can now be applied during the first firing (eliminating the need for a second
firing). Smooth glazed ceramic tiles can be manufactured with added texture as they tend to be very slippery.
Unglazed tiles are naturally more textured and therefore a more slip resistant choice. On the other hand, unglazed tiles
can stain more easily than glazed tiles. For this reason, unglazed tiles are often sealed after installation in order to
increase stain resistance. On another note, unglazed tiles often have full body color (meaning the surface color extends
throughout the tile). This helps to mask any potential scratches or other imperfections, whereas glazed tiles may show the
body color of the tile when the surface is scratched or damaged.
Ceramic tiles can also be made from recycled content. A number of tile floor manufacturers can make green ceramic
tiles that contain up to 70% recycled materials (e.g. glass bottles; recycled windshields). Often times these green
alternatives can be less expensive than ceramic tile made with newer materials.
Ceramic tiles are often classified one of three ways: Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, American National Standards
Institute system, or by the Moh Scale.
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating assesses the abrasion resistance of ceramic tiles and
recommends suitable
installation areas based on those results. The rating system is based on a scale of 1–5, where PEI class 1 is only safe
for use on walls, and PEI class 5 is safe for most heavily trafficked commercial areas. For more information on this
classification system, check out this article: Figuring Out the PEI Tile Rating System.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classifies tile by its water absorption potential:
- Non–vitreous tile – Has an absorption rate over 7.0%
- Semi–vitreous – Has an absorption rate between 3.0–7.0%
- Vitreous – Has an absorption rate between .5–3.0%
- Impervious – Has an absorption rate less than .5%
The Moh Scale measures the
scratch resistance of minerals, 1 being the softest (talc) and 10 being the hardest (diamond).
Each mineral can scratch those ranked below it, but not those above it. For example, diamonds have a rating of 10 and can
scratch all other minerals that receive a rating of 9 or below.
Ceramic Tile Installation Basics
Ceramic tiles can be installed in any just about any household area and even outdoors (as long as approved by the
manufacturer). Note that ceramic tiles used for outdoor installation must be able to withstand freeze/thaw conditions. Impervious
tiles and some vitreous tiles are the only types of tile suitable for these conditions. Impervious tile, the most moisture
resistant ceramic tile available, is also known as porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is made by firing finer clay under higher
temperatures, resulting in tiles that are denser than ceramic. Porcelain tiles are therefore very moisture resistant, very
easy to clean and the best overall choice for outdoor spaces.
Because ceramic tiles can be difficult to cut and require extreme precision and careful subfloor preparation, a
professional tile installation is recommended. You
can easily find a professional installer in your area by searching by your zip
code using the locator tool at the top of this page. If you have the time and patience to take on the job yourself, no
worries, we have a Complete Do It Yourself Tile Installation Guide written by some of the most experienced tile installers in
the industry.
For a shorter version that is right to the point, check out the FindAnyFloor.com™ Quick Tile Installation Guide. Always
check
refer to the manufacturer recommendations for your ceramic tile floor installation.
Ceramic Tile Cleaning, Care and Maintenance Basics
Ceramic tile care and maintenance is generally very simple. Give your tile floors a light cleaning regularly to pick up
any dirt
or debris, and clean any spills immediately to prevent stains. Mop the tile with water when needed, adding a manufacturer–
approved cleaner from time to time to renew shine. Grout can be cleaned with a specialized tile grout cleaner in the event
that it
becomes stained. When properly installed, cared for and maintained, ceramic tile flooring can last a lifetime. For full tile
care and maintenance instructions, check out FindAnyFloor.com’s™ Tile Flooring Care Guide. For the more
eco–conscious consumers, you may be interested in an eco–friendly cleaning routine. Refer to our articles and
blogs for tips on green cleaning products, or visit
Green.FindAnyFloor.comtrade;.
Buying Ceramic Tiles
If you’ve decided that ceramic tiles are the perfect flooring choice for you, it’s time to shop. First, locate
retailers
in your area by using the handy search tool at the top of this page. Next, check out this step by step Tile Buying Guide that
will walk you through the different decisions you will make when buying stone flooring, including choosing the right flooring
store
and installer to setting a budget and comparing estimates. Also, don’t forget to take the printable Tile Buying Checklist
with you. Armed with these tools, you can feel confident that you will find the right ceramic tile to meet your personal
needs.
