Types of Tile Construction:
Glazed Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tiles are comprised of clay and other minerals fired (baked) at high temperatures. Color is achieved by glazing, a glass-like coating, and/or ceramic stains. Glazed ceramic, in finishes ranging from matte to high gloss, are popular for many areas in the home. They are rated for performance. Ask which is best for floors, walls and countertops.
Glazed Porcelain Tile: Porcelain is a form of ceramic tile made from finer materials and fired at much higher temperatures. This results in denser and highly moisture-resistant tiles. Glazing or staining the surface creates stunning, sophisticated designs, generally best suited for indoor use, even high-traffic or high-moisture areas.
Through-Body Porcelain Tile: The densest of all tile types, through-body porcelain tiles are impervious, with less than 0.5% absorption. Through body porcelain can withstand temperature extremes, heavy foot traffic and may be used for both interior and exterior applications. Use of latex modified thinsets with through body porcelains is recommended for installations.
Quarry Tile: Hard and dense with the color throughout the tile. Its unglazed surface is stain resistant which is ideal for commercial projects such as restaurant kitchens.
Mosaic Tile: Mosaic tile dates back to the earliest days of ceramic tile. Usually comprising pieces of 3 inches or smaller on, and often attached to, a mesh backing, mosaics are highly distinctive. Usually glazed ceramic or porcelain, you can find mosaics in virtually any material, including stone and glass. Use them to compliment or accent a decor, or to create a striking, intriguing atmosphere.
Glass Tile: Opaque to opalescent, glass tiles are available in countless sizes, shapes, textures, designs, colors and finishes. You can use glass tile as an accent or trim, to cover large areas or to create a shimmering pattern with or without other tile.
Metal Tile: Reminiscent of the days of metal artisans, these tiles can be used as field tile or as a deco. They are especially fascinating when used in combination with ceramic or porcelain tile and any of the natural stones. Designers like to “pick-up” and repeat details like metal fixtures, and metal tiles provide another level of detail.
Types of Tile:
Field Tile: The primary tile used to cover a wall or floor.
Decoratives: Complimentary, specially formed or decorated tiles. Can be trim or inset pieces. Made from ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass or metal. Includes listellos, a narrow decorative tile.
Trim: Edges, corners and other finish pieces of ceramic, porcelain or stone used to complete the installation and typically made of the same material s the main ceramic, porcelain or stone tile. (bullnose, out corners, v cap, etc.)
Application Choices:
Floors: Floors provide flow and consistency. To connect rooms with different looks, take advantage of the variety of colors, textures, and finishes tile offers.
Walls: Tiles take on a very different character when applied to walls because you are looking straight-on at the design, texture, and style. Unlike the expanse of the floor, walls and other vertical surfaces are smaller expanses and allow the focus to be on detail and artfulness.
Showers & Bathtubs: Although their main purpose is function, showers and bathtubs can be beautiful. Using tile on the walls and ceilings of a shower with the addition of decorative tiles can turn what was an otherwise dull shower or bathtub into a lasting piece of beauty in your bathroom decor.
Backsplashes: Backsplashes have become a fashionable aspect of the kitchen of bath. They used to be a standard four inches high and were used primarily behind the stove and sink for protection from moisture and grease. Now they are used anywhere there is a counter and have become an important design feature. A variety of materials can be used for backsplashes: natural stone, metals, mosaics, glass, and ceramics.
Countertops: Countertops and backsplashes go hand-in-hand. Utilize the variety and endless design possibilities of tile to achieve an adhesive look.
Fireplaces: Tiling around a fireplace makes a statement. Fireplace tiles in all sizes and different colors mean endless redecorating opportunities for this focal point.
Patios: Tile makes an ideal surface for patios and spas - indoors or out. For areas that are exposed to the elements- especially in colder climates, think porcelain. Tile is perfect for the new trend toward “outdoor rooms” such as family rooms that flow to outdoor spaces.
Pattern, Texture & Finish:
Pattern is the varied arrangement and varied sizes of
tile. A simple change in layout can make a dramatic difference.
Patterns add depth and interest beyond the tiles themselves. In
addition to your choice in tile, patterning is one of the most
impressive ways to show off your personal sense of style.
Texture is a very important element for achieving an overall effect. Each tile has physical texture as well as virtual texture created by colors and patterns. A rough, uneven look will give a room a completely different look then one decorated with a smooth and crisper texture. Finish is an important factor that contributes to the overall look. A glass finish will brighten up a room where a matte finish helps to create a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Polished: Smooth-polished and glazed tiles proved a classic look that works with a variety of design schemes.
Matte: Matte finishes are softer and may be richer looking.
Clefted: Clefted finishes provide a rough and natural look.
Wear Layer (PEI Rating)
To help select appropriate tiles for specific applications tiles are rated with the P.E.I. (Porcelain Enamel Institute) scale. The tiles are evaluated for wear resistance on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
- PEI 1: Light Traffic - recommended for residential bathrooms or other areas with light traffic and where shoes are not frequently used.
- PEI 2: Medium Traffic - recommended for residential interiors, except entryways, kitchens, stairs or any area where tiles may come into contact with gravel or sand.
- PEI 3: Medium-heavy Traffic - recommended for all residential interiors and light commercial applications. Not recommended for commercial entryway.
- PEI 4: Heavy Traffic - suitable for all residential interiors and most commercial applications, including shopping malls and public areas.
- PEI 5: Heavy-plus Traffic - all residential and commercial areas where heavy-duty wearability is needed.
Shade Variation
One of the distinctive qualities of tile is the fact that they vary in terms of color, shade and tone. The variation can be very low, for a more consistent look, or quite high, resulting in a random appearance.
- Low: Consistent color within each tile and from tile to tile
- Medium: Color variation exists within each tile
- High: Some variation from tile to tile, and within each tile.
- Random: Considerable variation from tile to tile.
Grout
Although the function of grout is to fill the joints between tiles, grout has a lot to contribute to the tiles' design and impact. Whether you choose grout that contrasts or matches your tile (or anything in between) grout choice should be considered when contemplating the overall look of your project. Other things to consider are traffic and how the room is used. For example, light grout may not be a good choice in an entryway or busy kitchen.
Grout Width: Equally as essential to design, it is important to consider how wide or narrow to make the joints between tiles.
Wide Grout Joints: Wider grout lines, or spacing between tiles accentuate each individual tile. This style is considered a bit more casual and is popular for those who favor texture.
Tight Grout Joints: Tight (almost butted) joints allow for greater projection of the natural color and texture of the tiles themselves, and can appear nearly seamless. This look tends to be ideal for more elegant rooms.