What is Ceramic Tile Flooring?
Ceramic tile is made of clay and shale that has been baked and hardened in a kiln. The traditional baking, or firing method, is a double-fired process called bicottura. A more modern process called monocottura bakes and glazes the tile in a single firing. The single-step process has many advantages, including producing a tile that is more economical tile, more dense and durable, and has a harder glaze. Prior to the firing process, natural clay colors are sometimes augmented with pigments.
Types of Ceramic
The clay composition, in combination with the firing process, and whether the tile is glazed or unglazed, creates one of four basic tile types:
| Type |
Glazed or Unglazed |
Durability |
| Glazed Ceramic |
Glazed |
Durable |
| Quarry |
Unglazed |
Extremely durable |
| Porcelain |
Can be glazed or unglazed |
Extremely durable and hard. Fired at extreme high temperatures which make tiles suitable for indoor or outdoor use. |
| Terracotta |
Unglazed |
Fragile. Requires surface sealers during the manufacturing process or applied on-site during installation. |
Keep in mind:
Glazed Tiles
• Have a surface that provides color, design and ease of maintenance.
• The higher the firing temperature, the harder the glaze.
• Light-colored glazes tend to be stronger than dark ones.
• Shiny glazes tend to be softer than matte or satin finishes.
• Offer a greater range of colors.
• Are more resistant to stains.
Unglazed Tiles
• Have a color produced from the tile's composition and/or added pigments.
• Tend to stand up better to wear.
• Their natural surface makes them more slip-retardant.
Where Can I Use Ceramic Flooring?
While there have been a few innovations to make ceramic more durable, more affordable and more attractive, this tile has remained essentially the same over the centuries. It is as good a flooring choice for a 21st century family as it was for the pharaohs of Egypt. Ceramic tile is appropriate anywhere in the house; indoors or out; below, on, or above grade level.
Wear and Water Resistance
It's important to choose a tile that is appropriate for the rooms in your home. To help you understand the various options, the Porcelain Enamel Institute [PEI] developed wear ratings (groups) for ceramic tile's suitability in various spaces:
• Group I: residential bathrooms where soft footwear is worn
• Group II: residential use except for high traffic areas such as entryways and kitchens
• Group III: all residential uses and light commercial
• Group IV+: high traffic residential use and also commercial applications
Water absorption is a key issue. For instance, outdoor tiles should have moisture absorption of less than 0.5% (porcelain). Glazed tile surfaces are non-porous, but the body can still absorb moisture. Only vitreous and impervious should be used outdoors or in bathrooms.
Keep In Mind:
• Choose a tile that meets the needs of the space, including traffic levels and if the area is subject to excessive moisture.
• Due to its extreme hardness, ceramic may not be the best choice for rooms where children play, or where breakable objects may fall, such as playrooms and kitchens.
• Compared to softer flooring materials, standing on ceramic can cause muscles to fatigue more quickly.