It is easy to walk into a showroom, view different styles and select the “looks” you like. You do need to make sure, however, that the type of tile you select is the right one for your floors.
To simplify your selection choice, it is helpful to divide tile into two categories: Ceramic tiles and Natural stone tiles.
Ceramic tiles
When considering ceramic tile, you should first understand its properties. Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed and waterproof or porous.
Glazed Ceramic Floor Tile
"Glazed" tiles are generally machine-made clay tiles, pressed in a die and fired in a kiln to provide color and a hard surface. They come in a larger variety of colors and tones and are more stain resistant than unglazed tiles. Because of their surface, glazed tiles are often used on walls or countertops.
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Unglazed Quarry Tile
This variety brings the simple authentic looks of terra cotta into any design scheme. Contrary to glazed tile, the natural color of Quarry tile is present from the start and is part of the tile itself. They are naturally stain and slip resistant, and are available with an abrasive grain for even greater traction. This tile combines durability and beauty. Quarry tiles come in sizes up to about 12 inches wide.
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Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are fired at a high temperature, making them very dense and durable. Porcelain tiles are versatile – they can be used in any room of the house and are an excellent choice for outdoor conditions. They don’t wear down quickly, even under heavy traffic and they are also amongst the most water-resistant of all tiles.
Terracotta (or Saltillo) Tiles
The tiles, from Mexico or Europe, come in both handmade and machine-formed varieties. Terracotta offers a handcrafted look with a lot of character. They do however require a little more maintenance. Terracotta is porous so needs a coat of sealer every year. They can be used outdoors, but only in nonfreezing climates.
The table below shows any specific differences between the varieties of ceramic tile.
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Glazed Ceramic Tiles |
Unglazed Quarry Tiles |
Porcelain Tiles |
Terracotta Tiles |
Cost |
Start at about $1 per square foot, can go up to $20 per square foot. |
Depends on size of tile, just over $2 per square foot is typical. |
Ranges from about $2 to $4 per square foot. |
Ranges from $1 to $2.50 per square foot – European tiles may cost more |
Durability |
This depends. Some glazes can wear away with heavy traffic. |
Very durable, can be installed outdoors in nonfreezing climates. |
One of the most durable tiles. |
Varies somewhat but generally one of the least durable tiles. |
Water absorption |
The glaze is resistant to water, but the tile body is susceptible at the edges. |
Water resistant but not waterproof. |
Rated vitreous – won’t absorb more than 3% water. Very wet locations must be waterproofed |
Varies with how tile is made. |
Maintenance |
Clean simply by wiping with a wet cloth or sponge. |
Can stand up to industrial cleaners. |
Easy to clean with wet mop or sponge. |
Periodic application of sealer required. Once sealed, you can use a wet mop with special cleaners. |
Natural Stone Tile
Marble, granite, and slate are common natural stone choices. Natural stones are available in two different surface textures:
- Polished tiles which are shiny and sleek-looking, but slippery when wet.
- Honed tiles which have a dull but less-slippery finish.
Marble Tile
This timeless stone classic can provide any interior space with elegance and beauty. They can be honed or polished for the desired effect.
Application: Suitable for interior walls, moderate-duty floors and exterior cladding in non-freeze/thaw areas. Not recommended for areas subject to water or grease accumulation.
Granite Tile
Formed by volcanic action, the flecks of quartz, feldspar and mica give Granite its own special character. Polished or honed, this tile is very distinctive.
Application : Recommended for interior and exterior walls and heavy-duty interior floors. Polished finish not recommended for exterior or interior floors subject to water or grease accumulation.
Slate Tile
This fine-grained metamorphic rock radiates a subtle, natural beauty. Since slate resists fading, abrasion and chemicals and is impervious to freeze/thaw cycles, its beauty will last for years to come.
Application: Recommended for both interior and exterior floor, wall and specialty uses, e.g., Stair treads tabletops and cladding. Not recommended for exterior or interior floors subject to water or grease accumulation.
The table below shows any specific differences between the three varieties of natural stone tile
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Marble Tiles |
Slate Tiles |
Granite Tiles |
Cost |
Low but can get expensive with custom design |
Prices start low, at $2/square foot, but custom orders can be expensive |
Low but can get expensive with custom design |
Durability |
Properly installed it can last virtually forever |
Properly installed it can last virtually forever |
Properly installed it can last virtually forever |
Water absorption |
Porous so can stain easily |
Varies from stone to stone |
Varies from stone to stone, some types of granite are very dense and stain-resistant |
Maintenance |
Regular Dusting. Use a pH neutral solution, designed for natural stone, to damp clean with a mop. |
Regular Dusting. Use a pH neutral solution, designed for natural stone, to damp clean with a mop. |
Regular Dusting. Use a pH neutral solution, designed for natural stone, to damp clean with a mop. |
Ceramic tile or stone floors can turn ordinary rooms elegant and lend your rooms a new natural beauty. The durability of tile flooring also makes it an excellent floor covering choice for any area of your home. Investing in floor tiling can provide an option that not only brings luxury to the home but is also practical and suited to the effects of everyday life.
Choose the right resistance
A PEI classification of 0 through 5 can be considered. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that clearly indicates the areas of use each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tile to fit. A PEI 2 tile has been designed for areas where very low traffic and soiling is anticipated. In most cases the aesthetic detailing of these tile is of prime consideration. You will often find high gloss levels, vibrant colorations and metallic elements in this group of tile. Conversely, a PEI 5 tile has been designed for abusive extra heavy foot traffic. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic effects are incorporated.
Class 0 - No Foot Traffic:
Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.
Class 1 - Very light traffic:
Very low foot traffic, bare foot only. (Master Ensuite, spa bathroom).
Class 2 - Light Traffic:
Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.
Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic:
Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.
Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic:
High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.
Class 5 - Heavy Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.
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