What to Know Before Purchasing Ceramic Tile

There’s no question that ceramic tile is in a league of its own. Although some people use it to enhance walls, which looks amazing, it’s most commonly selected as a flooring solution.

While this particular type of tile has so much to offer, one thing that everyone appreciates is that it’s 100 percent natural. However, if you want to have ceramic tile installed at your home or business, you need more information to make the best decision.

Ceramic Tile for wall

Should not be installed on floor

Not All Ceramic Tile Is the Same

As with any consumer product, ceramic tile isn’t the same from one manufacturer to another. It all comes down to material and processing quality. So, before buying, make sure you choose a trusted source, one with a history of providing customers with superior quality and affordable products.

Ceramic Tile’s Wear Ratings

Along with buying ceramic tile from a reputable source, you should also pay attention to its wear ratings. Developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI), this will help you identify the appropriate tile based on where you want it installed.

PEI – Class 1 Rating – This ceramic tile is only for walls.
PEI – Class 2 Rating – Not only is this tile a good choice for walls but also light traffic areas. Usually called backsplash and mosaic.
PEI – Class 3 Rating – Rated for light to moderate traffic, this works great for walls, floors, and countertops.
PEI – Class 4 Rating – For moderate to heavy traffic, this ceramic tile called porcelaine is ideal for residential use, as well as light to medium commercial applications.
PEI – Class 5 Rating – As the toughest, manufacturers recommend this ceramic tile for heavy to extra-heavy residential and commercial spaces.

Ceramic Tile Comes in Different Sizes

Ceramic tile used as flooring comes in a broad range of sizes. This typically includes tiles 1/2 or 3/4-inch thick and 4x4 inches up to 24x24 inches in diameter. However, you can customize the look of your floors or outdoor space by choosing a different shape. For example, ceramic tile is also available in octagonal, hexagonal, rectangular, and mosaic shapes.

Porcelaine Tile

Or Grade 4 or 5 of Ceramic Tile, perfect for your floor

Porosity

When choosing ceramic tile, especially for a kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or other areas with moisture, along with outdoor applications, the porosity rating is critical. This is the tile’s ratio of airholes to solids. The more airholes, the more moisture it absorbs. In comparison, denser tile absorbs less moisture.

Firing Tile

As part of manufacturing, ceramic tiles go through a firing process. Placed inside a kiln, this includes one of two types of firing: single or double. For single firing, a glaze consisting of liquid enamel or glass gets applied to the tile’s surface. Then, it’s fired just once.

As for the double process, ceramic tiles undergo firing twice. The second time is after the manufacturer adds embellishments or color. Keep in mind that the longer and hotter the firing, the harder ceramic tile becomes. Also, when double-fired, the tile ends up much thicker.

Making the Right Choice

Each one of these factors will make the selection process easier. Whether you want ceramic tile installed for indoor or outdoor applications, the experts at Céramique au Sommet can help you. Give us a call today.