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Why Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Nothing can update a room as affordable as a new tile floor also nothing beats tile for installation in wet prone areas such as mudrooms, bathrooms,l aundry rooms, kitchens, and foyers. Whether its because your old tile floor is dated looking with those famous dark brown grout lines or you want to upgrade from a vinyl floor to a ceramic or porcelain tile floor nothing can change the appearance and feel of a room like changing the flooring. There are more options than ever before most of which are more affordable than you may think. Tile need not stop at the floor however, tile makes a wonderful counter top and back splash. Tile of course is used for tub and shower surrounds and as a wainscoting adding a high level of sophistication and detail to any bathroom or kitchen.

Understanding Tile Types

Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile and Porcelain tile is essentially the same product, the difference being the end result out of the kilns. The popularity of ceramic and porcelain tile stems from the fact that the material is available in a wide range of shapes, colors and texture and generally requires lower maintenance and is infinitely easier to clean than natural stone, granite and marble.

Ceramic tiles cover a wide range of properties - typically they are glazed (although there are some exceptions) and the glaze layer can be extremely durable. Oftentimes, ceramic tiles can be used in freeze thaw environments in the cases where they are manufactured with properties similar to porcelain tiles. Check with the supplier or manufacturer for more specific details on your chosen product.

The making of ceramic tile is a process unique because of the special qualities of the materials inputs. The manufacturing process of making ceramic tile begins with the mining of feldspar and clay minerals from the earth. The raw clay materials are pulverized and crushed in a multi step process that can involve up to three separate crushing mechanisms depending on the size of the particles. The small particles are then separated by size using screens. Tiles come in different grades and can have different colored bodies, both factors at least partly determined by the proportion of different clay materials combined in the tile mixture. The combination of the type and amount of specific clays is measured out carefully and mixed together, a process during which they are further ground up. The ceramic tiles are then formed using this mixture either by the dry pressing method or wet milling. There are different machines and methods of pressing the mixture into the correctly shaped tiles and similarly there are different methods of applying the glaze. The glaze can change the texture of the tile as well as the color, pattern and feel of it. The dry milled ceramic tiles are bisque fired at relatively low temperatures before they are glazed, then they are glazed and re-fired for up to 2-3 days at temperatures of approximately 2,300°F. The wet milled tiles take less time to fire, sometimes as little as 60 minutes, at temperatures of approximately 2,100°F. This single firing process is called monocottura and makes harder, stronger tiles. Technology in the ceramic tiles business is perpetually changing and there are now processes that form the tiles and glaze them simultaneously.


Porcelain Tile
Many homeowners have heard the term porcelain tile. This refers to tiles which are made from special “porcelain” clays and have been fired at very high temperatures. This process vitrifies the tile which makes it very hard, like glass.  This also makes the tile dense, forms a strong solid structure and a hard surface which doesn't absorb water (classified as impervious), doesn't stain, and isn't affected by wear and tear over time

Porcelain tiles typically have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Ceramic tiles have water absorption greater than 0.5%. Because porcelain tiles have a low water absorption, they are usually frost resistant - although, not always. To know if a tile is frost resistant, you should check the manufacturer's literature and product specs. Porcelain tiles tend to cost more but are well worth the extra cost.

Grading of Tile

PEI ratings
PEI rates are more applicable for floor tiles and are ratings that measure the abrasive resistance of the tile's glaze on a scale of 0-5. This test is only for glazed tiles and does not apply to unglazed porcelain tile or other unglazed types of tile.

Class 1 (PEI 1) Recommended for wall use
May be used both on interior walls or bath floors without direct access to outdoor elements. Recommended for tiles that are suitable for residential bathrooms with light barefoot foot traffic.  Some wall tiles may be used on the floor.

Class 2 (PEI 2) Light Residential Use
May be used where abrasive foot traffic is minimal - such as bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, and sun rooms.  Tiles can be used in residential areas, but not areas with high foot traffic such as kitchens, hallways etc.

Class 3 (PEI 3) All Residential floors
For floors subject to normal foot traffic and usage (including kitchens, outdoor entryways and hallways). These tiles can be recommended for all residential installations with normal foot traffic.

Class 4 (PEI 4) All Residential floors and light-medium Commercial floors with moderate traffic
Suitable for light to medium commercial applications. Will withstand light to moderate foot traffic in many commercial areas (commercial kitchens, hotel rooms, small offices, etc).

Class 5 (PEI 5) All Residential and busy Commercial
Ideally suited for all residential and heavy traffic commercial areas under normal foot traffic conditions (shopping centers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, and industrial applications). For very high traffic areas, consider an unglazed through-body color porcelain.

Grout type

Grout comes in many different colors and can even have a additive added to it so it glows in the dark(can help you make it to the toilet in the middle of the night). Besides different colors there are different types of tile grout: Sanded, unsanded, and epoxy. The first two sanded and unsanded are the most common types used. Sanded grout is used for grout lines 1/8” or larger. Unsanded grout is used in grout lines less than 1/8”. Epoxy grout is stain proof and never requires sealing which makes it perfect for counter top installations where food stuffs are constantly spilled. Epoxy grout is also the most expensive and difficult to install.

What ever type of tile you choose or location Anderqual Handyman has the tools and experience to complete your tile project to your complete satisfaction at a affordable price.  Call or E-mail us today to set up a time for a free Estimate. (847)756-3808 Handyman@anderqual.com