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PORCELAIN |
A porcelain tile is a ceramic tile that has a low level of
water absorption (less than 3%). It is referred to as "vitrified".
They can be glazed or unglazed. Unglazed may be considered
suitable for exterior use as they will withstand freeze/thaw
conditions and provide a slip-resistant surface.
A porcelain is a good choice where you can expect high traffic
or impacts like a family's kitchen floor.
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CERAMIC |
Ceramic
tile comes in many different sizes, types, finishes and strengths.
Glazed ceramic tile is durable, sanitary, easy to clean, resistant
to staining, does not decay and will not fade.
Ceramic
tile comes in many different colours and textures. Many have
the appearance of natural stone with a dependably consistent
appearance and ease of maintenance.
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WALL
TILE |
A
wall tile is not expected to withstand much stress so it typically
has the softest "bisque" or body and less durable
glazes. You may not use a wall tile on the floor as
it is not designed to take the heavier wear.
You can however use a floor tile on the wall. This is an increasing
popular choice and lends itself to many striking design possibilities.
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FLOOR
TILE |
Floor
tiles have a wide variety of characteristics. The body of
the tile and the glaze variety depending on the moisture content
and the scratch resistance and the hardness.
Not
all areas need the hardest toughest tile though. An
area such as a guest bathroom or powder room can have a relatively
light duty tile. Your family circumstances and the area of
the house dictates what tile will be suitable for which area.
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NATURAL
STONE |
Natural
stone is an elegant, unique and presitigious floor and wall
covering choice. There are several considerations that you
need to take into account before you choose natural stone
for your home. Stone is generally a more expensive choice
than ceramic tile. In general, you cannot guarantee a consistent
look as stone can vary widely within the same carton and from
lot to lot as the location of the quarrying can change the
whole look of the stone. Most stones require period sealing
and some stones are prone to staining. Highly polished surfaces
may scratch easily in higher traffic areas.
Taking these points into consideration, natural stone can
be a very beautiful choice for your home. We can give you
all the information you need to choose the right stone for
the right area.
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SEALING |
Sealing
is done to protect the surface of grout, natural stone or
unglazed tiles (ie. terracotta) against staining and dirt
and to provide a matte or gloss finish to stone surfaces.
Sealing is not required and is in fact undesirable for glazed
surfaces. Ask us for advise on what products to use for your
circumstances.
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SLIP
RESISTANCE |
Slip-resistance
is always a concern and it is always necessary to check the
floors Coefficient of Friction rating.
An unglazed tile has a greater slip-resistance than glazed
tiles and are commonly recommended in areas subject to high
water spillage.
The slip-resistance of ceramic tile in ordinary applications
is comparable to that of most hard surface flooring materials
and it is significantly better than some. Take into account
the fact that a wet floor will be a slippery floor no matter
what the surface composition.
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GLAZE
WEAR
ABRASION
TESING |
PEI
Rating is given to glazed tiles to grade the durability of
the glaze to wear abrasion.
| Class
0 |
Unsuitable
for floors |
| Class
1 |
Soft
non-abrasive dirt, bare feet. |
| Class
2 |
Non-abrasive,
soft-soled footwear for use in areas with softer, abrasive
dirt free footwear (bathrooms, bedrooms) |
| Class
3 |
For
areas in contact with normal footwear including heavier
residential traffic, but without dirt and grit action. |
| Class
4 |
Most
residential floor areas and tiles suited to public areas
where moderate to heavier traffic occurs. |
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Class
5 |
Maximum
traffic glaze rating |
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WATER
ABSORPTION |
The
relative water absorption of a tile is a good indicator of
the durability of a tile.
Floor tile with a water absorption between 4% to 6% are the
lowest acceptable industry limit for daily residential tiles.
Floor tiles that have an absorption rate between 0.5% and
3% are referred to as vitrified. This is the most desirable
quality range for ceramic tile for most applications.
Tile that have an absorption rate of less than 0.5% are often
referred to as commercial porcelain or stoneware.
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VARIATION |
Ceramic
tiles may have a variation rating. Some tiles are very even
and consistant in colour and pattern. The only variation you
need to take into account would be a dye lot variation from
different batches of tile. Other tiles, particularily those
than are made to simulate natural stones may vary widely and
you will need to view several tiles for an accurate idea of
how these tiles will look when installed.
Ask for information about variation when you select your tile.
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