How to pick the right ceramic tile flooring
Ceramic tile is a popular type of tile flooring. It is a good fit for moisture-rich environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, choosing the right ceramic tile to match your needs and décor takes some thinking. The following are some of the factors to consider before selecting your dream tile flooring.
Tile wear rating & porosity
The Porcelain Enamel Institute provides a wear rating scale for tiles. The wear rating should guide you choose the best tile flooring for a specific location. PEI Class 2 rating is the recommended minimum rating for flooring tiles. Class 3 and 4 are a good fit for most residential uses while Class 5 is the most durable and widely used in commercial and institutional applications.
Porosity is the ratio of air holes to solids in a tile. It determines the amount of water a tile absorbs. Therefore, the porosity rating is an important factor when choosing tiles for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. You want a tile that absorbs little to no water. Therefore, a tile with a porosity classification of impervious is the best. Such tiles have a water absorption of 0-0.5%. The other classifications are Vitreous (3%), Semi-Vitreous (7%), and Non-Vitreous.
Porosity is the ratio of air holes to solids in a tile. It determines the amount of water a tile absorbs. Therefore, the porosity rating is an important factor when choosing tiles for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry areas. You want a tile that absorbs little to no water. Therefore, a tile with a porosity classification of impervious is the best. Such tiles have a water absorption of 0-0.5%. The other classifications are Vitreous (3%), Semi-Vitreous (7%), and Non-Vitreous.
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Color, size, budget
Preference, existing décor, and location are factors when choosing tile color. Still, consider that light colors make a space appear large while dark colors tend to add warmth to a room. Neutral colors allow flexibility when changing décor while shade variations blend in with most décor.
Large tiles make a space appear large, and take less time to install. Small tiles make a space appear intimate. But, they add a lot of grout lines, thereby complicating the design and pattern.
The cost of ceramic tiles is dependent on the size, wear rating, finish, and porosity. Depending on the budget you've set for the renovation, some tiles may not work. It's best to contact us for pricing, specials and advice - we are always here to help.
Large tiles make a space appear large, and take less time to install. Small tiles make a space appear intimate. But, they add a lot of grout lines, thereby complicating the design and pattern.
The cost of ceramic tiles is dependent on the size, wear rating, finish, and porosity. Depending on the budget you've set for the renovation, some tiles may not work. It's best to contact us for pricing, specials and advice - we are always here to help.
