call today!

  1.901.507.3200

about us | contact us | home

There are many advantages to ceramic tile installation in your home.  Some of these include:

Durability – A ceramic tile floor that is installed correctly should last longer and outperform just about any other floor covering option for the same application

Ease of care – Ceramic tile floors inherently resist stains, odors and dirt and can be cleaned with a damp mop or sponge. 

Scratch resistance – Ceramic tiles in the Grade III and Grade IV range are very resistant to scratches and there will not be issues with cuts or tears as with other types of floors such as carpet or vinyl

Environmentally friendly – Natural materials are used in the manufacture of ceramic tiles.  Tile does not retain odors, allergens or bacteria

Versatility – Today’s manufacturing technology has led to the creation of an unlimited number of colors, sizes, styles, shapes, and textures that will add rich beauty and character to any room dιcor.

Fire resistance – Ceramic tile does not burn and will not emit toxic fumes

Water resistance – Most glazed ceramic tile has a dense body that permits little or no accumulation of moisture.  Tile is a perfect choice for the  kitchen, where spills can be fairly common.

There are several important details to consider when selecting a ceramic tile:

• Slip-resistance of the tile
• Tile size as compared to room size
• Grout joint color and width between tiles
• Tile thickness
• Variations in the floor height between adjoining rooms
• Sub-floor underneath the tile

Ceramic Wall Tiles

Generally, wall tiles will be less durable than tiles specifically signed for flooring.  Wall tiles are usually glazed with a semi-gloss or matte surface.  This glazed surface has a relatively low slip resistance and can become very slippery when wet.  Consequently, wall tile is only recommended for wall, backsplash or countertop applications, instead of floors.

Wall Tile Trims

Bullnose – Bullnosing is by far the most commonly used trim shape to complete wall tile installations.  Another name for wall tile bullnosing is surface cap.  A bullnose piece has one rounded finished edge on the tile and can be used vertically or horizontally.

Corner Bullnose  - A corner bullnose has two finished edges on the tile and is used to complete the corner where the horizontal and vertical bullnosing will meet.

Stack-On Cove Base – Used to provide a coving on the bottom and a flat edge on the top to continue with more wall tile up the wall.

Rounded Top Cove Base – Cove base with a rounded finished top like bullnose and used as a cove base in areas that will not have wall tile installed above it.

PORCELAIN TILE

Homeowners and interior directors are choosing porcelain tile more and more.  Porcelain tile is made form a blend of fine-grain clays and other materials to produce a very dense body, much more so than ceramic tile.  This dense body makes porcelain highly resistant to moisture, stains, bacteria and odors.  Porcelains will wear extremely well over years of heavy foot traffic.  Because of its low moisture absorption (<0.5%), porcelain is recommended for exterior tile installations.

Porcelain tiles are available in glazed or through-body varieties.  A through-body porcelain, has the same color all the way through the tile.  If these tiles are chipped or scratched the color does not changed and the damage will hardly be noticeable.  Glazed porcelain tiles share some of the same characteristics as most ceramic tiles.  They have a coating (design layer) applied to the top of the tile body that is a different color from the base.  A glazed tile will be more noticeable if scratched or chipped.

As mentioned above, porcelain tiles have a very low water absorption rate (<0.5%).  This low moisture absorption allows porcelain to be stable in freeze/thaw conditions.  Porcelain is ideal for entry ways, corridors and other high traffic areas. 

SCRATCH HARDNESS 

Most ceramic and porcelain tiles are rated for hardness or scratch resistance using the MOHS Test and rating system.  The MOHS test rates tile on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.  Tiles with a value of 5 or more are suited for residential floor tile applications where tiles with a rating of 7 or higher are generally used for commercial installations of heavy traffic areas. 

WEAR RATING 

To determine which tiles are best suited for your application, consult the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale.  PEI classes range from 0 to 5, with 0 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.  The PEI scale is not a quality measurement.  PEI is a scale that indicates areas that the tile should be used in and has been designed for.  The ratings are explained below: 

• Class 0 – No foot traffic:  Wall tile only.  This tile should not be used on floors.
• Class 1 – Very light traffic:  Very low foot traffic in bare or stocking feet only (master bath, spa bathroom)
• Class 2 – Light traffic:  Slipper or soft-soled shoes.  Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.
• Class 3 – Light to moderate traffic:  Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated
• Class 4 – Moderate to heavy traffic:  High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked.  Residential entry, kitchen, balcony or countertop.
• Class 5 – Heavy Traffic:  Residential, commercial and industrial floors subject to heavy traffic

NATURAL STONE 

To add a distinct and beautiful alternative to your flooring choices, you may want to consider natural stone.  Stone tiles do not have a protective glazed coating on top like its other glazed ceramic and porcelain counterparts, and the color will go through the tiles. 

Marble Tile Floors – Marble floors will add an aura of splendor and sophistication to any room.  Marble is a natural product.  Consequently, no two pieces of marble will be exactly the same.  This helps to create the distinctive natural visuals that can be achieved only from nature.  When the marble tiles are polished, they achieve a patina that enhances the overall beauty of each tile. 

Granite Floors – A granite floor is one of the most durable of all types of flooring.  The speckled colorations found in granite provide a beautiful, while subtle, fine pattern of color.  Like marble, no two pieces of granite will look the same.  Most homeowners feel this adds to granites natural beauty and appeal. Consequently, all natural stone floors should be sealed.

Slate Floors – Slate is a fine-grained rock with traces of metal that were present during its slow, natural formation in the earth.  Slate features natural shade variations which enhance the distinctive details of each tile. 

Travertine Floors – The Roman Empire was built in large part with travertine stones.  Travertine is made of crystallized materials and limestone.  These materials lead to travertines unique color and veining characteristics. 

Tile Grout 

Unsanded Grout – A mixture of cement and color additive used to fill the gaps between tiles.  In general, unsanded grout is used with wall tiles with a 1/8” grout joint or less. 

Sanded Grout – Used primarily for floor tile with wider joints.  Sanded grout is made the same way unsanded grout is, but as the name suggests, sand is added. 

Grout can change color over time.  It is important to seal your grout to maintain its original color.  All About Floors carries grout sealant products that are easy to apply and will help your tile floor maintain its original attractive appearance.