| Ceramic tile has been used for centuries in some of our most beautiful buildings and works of art. In recent years we have seen its popularity grow in the United States. Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. Size, shape, color, design, and texture are so varied that the creative possibilities are unlimited. |
|
|
| What is the difference between glazed and unglazed tile? | |
| Glazed tile is coated with a
surface finish (glaze) fused to the body by firing at very high
temperatures. Because of the ease of adding color, pattern and texture to
the glaze, style, color and design are virtually unlimited. The color of
unglazed tile results from the natural clay of the tile body or pigment
added to the clay. The colors are more limited but because that color
extends throughout the tile, wear is not visible. Unglazed tile is,
therefore, an excellent choice for the most heavily trafficked areas. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Will ceramic tile break or chip? | |
| Ceramic tile is more susceptible
to breaking before installation than after. After proper installation, it
is very difficult to break or chip tile unless it is hit with a heavy
object such as a hammer having a small impact area. Structural breaks can
occur if there is movement in the substrate. If damaged, individual tiles
can be replaced. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Is ceramic tile cold? | |
| Tile is actually the same
temperature as the surrounding air. It holds warmth in a sunny room or a
cooler temperature in an air conditioned or cold room. Body temperature is
usually warmer than the air, and this causes tile to feel cool. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Is ceramic tile slippery? | |
| Slip-resistance will vary with
the type of tile. Ceramic floor tile will have about the same
slip-resistance as other hard surface floors such as vinyl or wood.
Naturally, if there is liquid spilled on any hard surface floor, the
slip-resistance will greatly diminish. Abrasive surfaces are available on
many tiles. Keep in mind that the more abrasive a tile surface is, the
more difficult maintenance will be. Consider using a mat at entrances and
wet areas. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| How durable is ceramic tile? | |
Ceramic tile, properly
installed, should last the lifetime of your home with minimum care. Tile
will not show wear when used on walls; unglazed floor tile also will not
show wear. Glazed floor tile is dependent on the durability of the glaze
and body and the amount of traffic to which it is subjected. Most
manufacturers do classify the durability of their tile.
|
|
| Can ceramic tile be used outdoors? | |
| There are numerous ceramic tiles
that are frost-resistant and are excellent for patios, porches, pool
decks, etc. Many unglazed tiles are suitable for exterior use. Their
slip-resistance will be dependent on the surface texture, and
slip-resistance is important! Glazed, frost-resistant tiles are
recommended for vertical exterior surfaces only. The ceramic tile
manufacturer will indicate if a participate type of tile is
frost-resistant. A frost-resistant installation method is essential. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Does ceramic tile have shade variation? | |
| As is true with other quality
decorating products such as textiles, carpet, wall coverings, and wood,
ceramic tile does have shade variations. Hand-crafted tiles generally have
the greatest variation, and this quality contributes to their unique
beauty. Samples are meant to represent the tile as adequately as possible
but may vary to some degree. Be sure to inspect your tile before it is
installed to determine if it meets your approval. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| What should I know about grout? | |
| Grout, the colored mortar
between tiles, has been drastically improved in recent years. It is
available in numerous colors to coordinate with your tile choice. The
actual finished grout color in an installation is affected by moisture,
temperature and installation techniques. Because of these variables, the
installed shade may differ from a showroom sample. Choose grout color to
blend rather than match.
Today, there are grout formulas that contribute to stain-resistance and
mildew-resistance. Good maintenance procedures that remove surface soil
always improve the appearance of any ceramic tile installation. Improved
sealers can assist in keeping the grout at its best. |
|
| Does ceramic tile require special floor construction? | |
| Standard floor construction of
2" x 10" floor joists spaced 16" on center with 5/8" plywood subfloor and
3/8" plywood underlayment is suitable. However, more than 20 years'
experience shows that a rigid, cementitious backer board is superior to
plywood as an underlayment. A clean, structurally sound concrete slab is
suitable and does not require additional underlayment. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Should ceramic tile be waxed? | |
| Do not wax glazed ceramic tile.
Your tile is more durable than wax and will become more beautiful with
regular minimal maintenance. A small amount of neutral detergent in warm
water plus a clean rinse are suggested. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| Should sealer be used on ceramic tile? | |
| Sealer is unnecessary and should
never be used on glazed tile. Sealer is often used on unglazed natural
clay tile, pavers or unglazed porcelain tile. Some manufacturers of these
products recommend a particular sealer. However, in most cases, a good
penetrating sealer is advisable. It is usually invisible or provides a
soft luster. Heavy sealers such as urethane are not recommended because of
potential scaling or uneven wear. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|
| How does ceramic tile price compare with other floor coverings and wall finishes? | |
| The initial installed cost of
ceramic tile may be higher than other finish materials. Today's improved
technology, marketing and competitive pricing have decreased the margin of
difference. When considering the true cost comparison, you must look at
the life span of ceramic tile. Due to the fact that you probably will
never have to replace your tile and the low cost and easy maintenance,
ceramic tile is the least expensive of all finishes. Statistics show that
an investment in ceramic tile will increase the value of your home. - RETURN TO TOP - |
|