FAQ's about floor tiles!

Q. What is the difference between standard 'ceramic' tiles and porcelain tiles?

Tile terminology can be confusing. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called 'Ceramic Tiles'. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain tiles.

'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, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain , and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. 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 they 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. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.

Taylermade Tiles chooses to offer our customers only the highest quality glazed and full body porcelain tiles to ensure years of worry free use, at prices comparable to or less than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.

Q. Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?

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

Q. What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?

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 colours 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 colour extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.

Q. Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?

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 .

Benefits

Glazed porcelain tiles resist stains and water. They are hard-wearing, making them good for kitchen floors, bathrooms and other areas where scratch, stain and water resistance is a must.

Cleaning

Glazed porcelain is easy to clean--usually a damp mop is sufficient. Occasional cleaning with a mild cleaner, suitable for porcelain (non-acidic, as this may harm the finish) is sometimes necessary. The grout, however, can get easily stained. Sealing the grout may prevent this. Durability & Strength of Porcelain Tiles

When creating a porcelain tile, temperature and strength become synonymous. The higher the temperature in which a porcelain tile is fired the stronger it will become. Although both ceramic tile and porcelain tile are created in kilns at extreme heat, porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature resulting in a stronger product.

Scratch resistance - Extremely resistant to scratching and deeper abrasions. Glazed porcelain is also very stain resistant.

Strength - Porcelain tile is stronger than most stone products on the market and is unaffected by UV rays. It will not create static electricity and will stand up to almost any chemical agent.

Fire resistance - Porcelain tile will not burn and does not produce toxic fumes. Water resistance- Porcelain tile is far more resistant to water than ceramic tile. The absorption rate for porcelain tiles is 0.5% and even less.

Maintenance Glazed porcelain tile maintenance is as simple as a quick sweep and a mop when necessary, however if your choice of tile is natural or polished porcelain, be sure that your floor is properly sealed otherwise cleaning could get more difficult!

Understanding the terms shade and caliber?

Ceramic Tile is a natural material with a natural composition which becomes resistant when fired at very high temperatures. This process, however, can cause slight differences in the shades of color of a tile between one batch and the next. Therefore, tiles are grouped before packaging according to their 'dye lots' or shade and their caliber. The 'dye lot' (or shade of that batch of material) is then indicated on the label of every box. This is why when placing your order for tile, it is very important to order enough tile to not only complete the job but also to have extra for any repairs that may need to occur sometime down the line. Five to ten percent extra tile on most orders should be sufficient.