Wall Tile
Ceramic wall tiles are normally less durable
than tile designed specifically for flooring.
Most wall tile is glazed with a semi-gloss or
matte surface. The glazed surface has a very low
slip resistance and becomes slippery when wet.
Therefore, glazed wall tile is much more suited
for wall or countertop applications rather than
floors.
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Glazed Ceramic Tile is comprised of two basic
elements, clay and water. Various clays are
mined, ground and blended to a fine powder, and
pressed together to form the body of the tile.
The pressed clay body is then dried to reduce
the moisture content. Next, the surface of the
tile is coated with a colored glaze (similar to
glass). The glaze is then permanently fused to
the surface of the tile by firing it in kilns at
approximately 2000� Fahrenheit, to form the
finished product.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is made from a blend of
fine-grain clays and other minerals to produce a
very dense body, which makes it highly resistant
to moisture, staining and wear. Because of these
features, porcelain tile will withstand years of
heavy foot traffic in both interior and exterior
applications while maintaining its color and
beauty.
ColorBody� Porcelain Tile
This is the densest of all tile types, ColorBody�
Porcelain Tile has a through-color body and is
defined by its <0.5% water absorption. These
tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and are
suitable for both indoor or outdoor
applications.
To determine the overall performance and
durability of the glazed surface of ceramic
tile, there are standardized industry tests and
classifications which rate tile's specific
resistance to scratching, breaking, abrasion,
moisture, etc...
Scratch Hardness
Most tiles are rated for hardness or scratch
resistance using the MOHS Test and rating
system. The MOHS test rates tile from 1
(softest) to 10 (hardest). Ceramic tile with a
value of 5 or more is suitable for most
residential floor tile applications. Tile with a
value of 7 or higher is normally acceptable for
most commercial applications or heavy traffic
areas.
Wear Rating
To help select suitable tiles for specific
applications tiles are rated the P.E.I.
(Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale. The tiles
are evaluated for wear resistance on a scale
from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
-
PEI 1: Light Traffic - recommended for
residential bathrooms or other areas with
light traffic and where shoes are not
frequently used.
-
PEI 2: Medium Traffic - recommended for
residential interiors, except entryways,
kitchens, stairs or any area where tiles may
come into contact with gravel or sand.
-
PEI 3: Medium-heavy Traffic - recommended
for all residential interiors and light
commercial applications. Not recommended for
commercial entryway.
-
PEI 4: Heavy Traffic - suitable for all
residential interiors and most commercial
applications, including shopping malls and
public areas.
-
PEI 5: Heavy-plus Traffic - all residential
and commercial areas where heavy-duty
wearability is needed.
Water Absorption
Ceramic tile are also classified by their water
absorption rate which reflects the density of
the body of the tile. There is a direct
relationship to the water absorption rate and
the suitability of the various types of tile for
interior or exterior applications. Tiles
suitable for exterior applications must have a
very low water absorption rate, especially in
climates subject to freezing and thawing cycles.
These are typically porcelain body tiles which
have a moisture absorption rating of less than
.5 %.
Shading
Like the natural products themselves tiles will
vary in shading. This adds to the beauty and
design of the products. When choosing a tile
it's best to view 2-3 tiles together to visually
determine the overall appearance of the tile.
