Tile

Ceramic, or non-porcelain tiles, are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications and are softer and easier to cut than porcelain. They usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. Tile is rated/classed by PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) for hardness and durability. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles. Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. Full body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and are suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications.

To be used outdoors, it’s recommend the tile must be frost proof and unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less.

Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Full-body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.

A glazed tile is already stain proof, so there is no purpose to putting on a sealer. You may put a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints. The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface.

PEI ratings/classes range from 0 to 5. 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 tiles 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.

Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.

Very low foot traffic; bare or stocking feet only. Master bath, spa bathroom.

Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level bathrooms, bedrooms.

Any residential area, with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.

High foot traffic areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.

Tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floors subjected to heavy traffic.