Ceramic Tile FAQs

Q: What are ceramic tiles made of?

A: Just like all ceramic products (china, washbasins, etc.) ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, sand and other natural materials. Most often, the mixture is pressed or extruded into the shape of a tile and then fired at high temperatures (somewhere between 1000°C and 1250°C).

Q: What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

A: Most types of tiles are made from clay and a mixture of other materials and then fired at very high temperatures to create a dense, durable surface.
Ceramic tiles, or non-porcelain tiles, are usually made from white or red clay, are fired in a kiln and coated in a glaze that gives it color. They work for both floor and wall applications, but are usually softer and easier to cut than porcelain tile. Carry a PEI rating of 0 to 3, or light to medium traffic. No-porcelain tiles are good for light to moderate traffic but are more prone to chipping, scratches and wear than porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tiles are usually made from porcelain clays and are fired at much higher temperatures, which make them even more dense and durable than non-porcelain tiles. True porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent, giving them frost resistant. Some porcelain tiles are glazed with color like ceramic tiles. Other porcelain tiles are "full body", which means the tile carries its color throughout its entire thickness making them impervious to wear and appropriate for high traffic areas. Most porcelain tiles today have a PEI rating of 5, or suitable for heavy-duty traffic.
Be careful about what is advertised as porcelain tile. Since not all ceramic tile is porcelain, buying your flooring from a reputable dealer will ensure that you are getting the quality you pay for.

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Q: Is ceramic tile a practical choice for flooring?

A: Because ceramic tile is such a hard surface, it is a very practical and durable type of flooring. There are many reasons why you might choose tile over other types of flooring. Glazed ceramic tile is:

• Hard-wearing
• Hygienic and easy to clean
• Moisture-resistant
• Won’t stain
• Never needs waxing or sealing
• Never needs refinishing
• Comes in many shapes, styles and colors for every decor

Q: Does Ceramic tile work for every style of decor?

A: Yes! Tile is a fashion-forward flooring option. There are many different styles, shapes and colors to choose from Today’s ceramic and porcelain tiles come in both bold and neutral hues, unique shapes and sizes, and can even mimic the look of materials found in nature, such as stone and wood. Your local tile showroom will have many displays that showcase the different styles of tile, including rustic, traditional, contemporary, exotic and transitional.

Q: Where can I use ceramic tile?

A: You can consider ceramic tile for every room in your home.

It’s an obvious choice for kitchens and bathrooms — two rooms that need hard-working surfaces that can stand up to moisture, heat and stains. Glazed tile repels cooking stains and spills and will not retain smoke or cooking fumes. It’s also a safe product to have around heat and flames. In the bath, installing slip-resistant tile on the floor can help guard against dangerous falls. Shower areas, backsplashes and floors can be easily cleaned with water and many household cleaners.

Entryways can really benefit from tile flooring. High-quality ceramic and porcelain tile stands up to dirt, dust and a lot of foot traffic. An easy maintenance program of sweeping, vacuuming or light mopping will keep them looking their best.

Sunrooms and enclosed porches are always stylish with tile. The glazed surface keeps the room looking bright. Glazed ceramic tiles won’t alter their color after years of sun exposure and heat.

Tile is also appropriate for living spaces and can help liven up your decor when paired with other types of flooring. You might, for example, use tile for the entry or perimeter of a living room and install a square of carpeting or an area rug under sofas and easy chairs.

Tile can define traffic pathways, lead the way outside through sliding and French doors, and create a practical laundry room.

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Q: How do I clean ceramic tile?

A: Ceramic tile is very easy to clean and requires very little maintenance to keep it in pristine condition. Here are a few tips:

• Keep a mat by the front door to trap dust and dirt
• Sweet, vacuum or dry-mop regularly
• Wipe spills with a damp sponge
• Use water and common household cleaners for mopping

Q: What are PEI ratings?

A: This is the most common abrasion resistance test that you see when shopping for tile. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) created this test to identify the abrasion resistance of tiles.

• PEI I: Floor tiles for light duty wear, such as bathrooms and bedrooms in private residences where soft footwear is used.
• PEI II: Floor tiles for light duty wear, such as bathroom sand bedrooms in private residences where normal footwear is used.
• PEI III: Floor tiles for medium-heavy duty wear, such as dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens, entrances, and hallways in private houses where normal footwear is used without outside access.
• PEI IV: Floor tiles for heavy duty wear in all rooms in private houses and public buildings wher normal footwear is used, excluding dance halls and compulsory traffic areas.
• PEI V: Floor tiles for heavy duty wear for very heavy traffic.

Quick Tips

• Darker grout colors are easier to keep clean than lighter ones
• Small grout joints (1/4-inch) have a more contemporary feel and are easier to keep clean. A larger grout joint (1/2-inch) feels more rustic.
• Choose the right size tile for each application. Large rooms will benefit from bigger tiles, such as 16 x16 inches, 18 x18 inches or even 20 x 20 inches. Smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, will look best in tiles 12x12-inches in size or smaller.
• Ask your local flooring dealer for advice on coordinating different types of tile and mixing tile with other flooring materials.
• Use a reputable installer to ensure the look and longevity of your tile installation.