The best way to check the quality of ceramic tiles is to put them on a levelled surface. If the tiles have some curvature or are warped, they won't lie flat. Measure the diagonals of ceramic tiles. They should be of the exact same length.
Known for their unprecedented strength, durability, affordability, and longevity, porcelain floor tiles are one of our most recommended kitchen, living, and bathroom floor tile options! Porcelain floor tiles are made from dense clay fired at high temperatures and available in many beautiful options like stone and wood.
Water absorption of ceramic tiles should not exceed 10% of its dry weight when kept immersed in water for 24 hours. The top surface of ceramic tiles should be checked for evenness. The top surface must be smooth and even. It should be free from cracks, depressions, holes, specks, spots and cavities.
Porcelain tiles typically have a higher level of scratch resistance than ceramic tiles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. A-grade porcelain tile and B-grade porcelain tile may offer different levels of scratch resistance, so it is important to compare the two before making your final decision.
For polished tiles, check the luminosity; for better quality polished tiles, it should be higher than 90% or even 95%. For a polished surface finish, it would be important to choose tiles with a superior glaze and polished finish with no imperfections.
Ceramic tile is graded from 1 to 5, with 5 being the longest wearing tiles. Grade 1 tiles are the weakest, with the best application as wall tiles.
Grade: Use Grade 1 or 2 tiles for floors. Grade 3 tiles are suitable only for walls. PEI Wear Rating: Use floor tiles with a PEI wear rating of III, IV or IV+. C.O.F.: Use tiles that provide good traction (COF greater than or equal to 0.60).
Yes, a higher quality tile is usually more expensive. But it could have a high quality appearance, higher quality production standards, or a higher durability rating.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Tile Thickness
The vast majority of porcelain tiles are 6mm to 10mm thick and a tile in this range will serve most purposes. Wall tiles typically range from 6 to 10mm thick.
Porcelain tiles have a fine-grained finish that is smoother than the finish on ceramic tiles. So, if the finish is slightly bumpy or coarse when you touch it, you're dealing with non-porcelain (ceramic) tile. If the tiles are already glazed, flip them over and look at the unglazed underside.
You might want a thicker, more durable tile for a floor with high traffic, while a thinner, lighter porcelain tile is better suited for wall application. The least durable type of porcelain tile, Grade 1 tile is intended for use on walls only. It is not recommended for floors or countertops.
If you want a classic look that allows your furniture and decor to take center stage, light floors may be the best pick for you. If you want your floors to make a statement, dark shades can offer the impact you are looking for.
1. Lower quality materials: The tiles may be made from lower quality materials, which can affect their durability and longevity. 2. Mass production: The tiles may be produced on a large scale, which can lower the cost per unit.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
Compared to porcelain, ceramic tiles are less durable. So, you may want to install ceramic tiles in low-traffic areas and surfaces that don't receive much wear and tear. Ceramic is also more porous than porcelain, which means it absorbs liquids more readily.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
Tile floors cost an average of $17 per square foot, which means most bathroom floors require $1,100–$3,000 worth of tile work. Vinyl tile installation can cost as low as $2 per square foot, while premium tile can run more than $100.
In an overall decision as to which tile is the best, one can surely go with the branded tiles. Some of the quick benefits of selecting branded tiles include: Customers can avail of a wide range of patterns, designs, and hues. The tiles available are best in terms of quality with uniform consistency and appearance.
Porcelain Tiles
Of all the tile types available, porcelain is the strongest, beating wood and even cement, so it's easy to see why so many households choose it.
Therefore, “below grade flooring” refers to anything that is at risk of flooding since it is below ground – more often than not “below grade flooring” is talking about basements. The purpose of “below grade flooring” is to have it resistant to flooding and other elements such as humidity and moisture.
Tiles are rated using a scale from V0 to V4 with V0 rated tiles showing more of a uniform appearance and V4 tiles showing a more significant level of variation in tone, colour, pattern, etc.