CHOOSE THE PERFECT TILE TYPE
Choosing the right type of tile is as important as choosing the color. Tile is meant to last, but not every tile is made the same way. Durability, maintenance, and slip resistance are all factors to consider when choosing the perfect tile. And, applications such as walls, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms each have a different set of criteria. Read on if you like to research before you purchase. If not, don’t worry Anchor Floors and More specialists are here to help.
CERAMIC
Material Description
Ceramic tiles are thin slabs of clay, hardened by oven firing and usually coated with some kind of glaze. The protective glaze is applied prior to firing to protect and seal the tile. Ceramic tile is best known for its durability, variety, stain-resistance, and affordability. New technology has allowed for stunning authentic stone-looks, wood-looks, and other popular finishes on ceramic making it a mainstay for today’s design.
Absorption Rate
There is a wide variety of Ceramic tile that perform differently but, as a whole, it is not as dense (as porcelain) and has a higher absorption rate. Ceramic tile is highly water-resistant but, it is not water-proof or frost-proof, and it may chip or damage more easily.
Uses
Ceramic tile is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t harbor germs. In fact, it can be used in any room of the house. Ceramic tile is rated from zero to five based on hardness; zero through two is suitable for wall tile, three is good for most residential uses, and four and five are hard enough for commercial applications. See Tile FAQs for more information. Generally, Ceramic tile should not be used outside in cold climates.
Material Description
Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles, however, there are some differences. The clay used to manufacture porcelain tiles is generally denser and less porous than traditional ceramic clays. This makes porcelain tiles harder and more impervious to moisture than ceramic tile. The tiles are fired at higher temperatures and can be either glazed or left unglazed. As with ceramic tiles, new printing techniques have opened porcelain up as a viable alternative to other surfaces such as wood and stone.
Absorption Rate
Porcelain tiles have an absorption rate of <0.5% making it nearly water-proof and less resistant to frost. It better suited for external uses than traditional ceramic tiles.
Uses
Like ceramic porcelain can be used in any room of the house. It is denser than ceramic tile and due to its through-body composition, it is considered more durable and better suited for heavy traffic areas. In other words, the high durability nature of porcelain (and higher cost) may not be needed in areas such as walls or light traffic areas.
PORCELAIN
NATURAL STONE
Material Description
The term “natural stone” refers to a variety of substances quarried from the earth including slate, marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and sandstone—of which each has slightly different properties. And, as with all naturally occurring substances, differences can be seen from slab to slab within the same species. The uniqueness of natural stone makes every application a one-of-a-kind design that can only be found in nature.
Absorption Rate
As with ceramic tiles, the absorption rate plays a big part in choosing the right material. Natural stones vary greatly in their absorption rates. In general, sandstone is the most porous natural stone material. Travertine, limestone, and slate have medium absorbency, while granite is relatively waterproof. Polished materials also absorb less water than honed or cleft surfaces
Uses
Natural Stone can be used in every room of the house as well as outside. Deciding which type of stone to use depends on exposure to water or dampness and the absorption rating of the stone. Standard absorption stone such as travertine and slate is considered appropriate for most low- to mid- traffic indoor and outdoor applications. Impervious stone such as granite is often used in high-traffic areas and commercial applications.
Material Description
Glass tiles have been around since the Byzantine era and for a good reason. From a design perspective, glass tiles provide a wonderful opportunity to play with color or add shine and texture to a room. In terms of performance, livability, and hygiene, it offers an impervious surface that inhibits mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Absorption Rate
Glass tile is impervious to moisture and unaffected by UV rays, so it won’t stain from spills or fade from exposure to detergent or sunlight. It is one of the few hard surfaces that is truly water-proof.
Uses
As it is impervious to water, glass tiles can easily be used for swimming pools and other outdoor applications. Other places to consider glass tile are fireplaces, walls, and kitchen backsplashes. However, like ceramic tile, glass tiles can break and should only be considered for light traffic areas when used as flooring.