Archive for the ‘Types of Ceramic Tile’ Category
How to select the right type of tile
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Selecting the proper type of ceramic tile for your project is most important because there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration. Below are few tips to hopefully aid you in your decision.
- Ask for consistently sized tiles. Ceramic tile is fired in a kiln and then cooled at varying degrees of temperature and humidity. This expansion and contraction can cause the tiles to vary in size, sometimes by a 1/4″ or more. Most ceramic tiles on the market will have some variation in size but accept nothing more than an 1/8″ margin of difference.
- Make sure the ceramic tile you purchase are of the same “Lot#” and “Shade#”. This will ensure that your flooring was made in the same batch.
- Unless you plan to purchase a high quality wet saw we recommend you refrain from using fully vitrified porcelain tiles for interior installations. Fully vitrified porcelain tiles are difficult to cut with accuracy with a straight tile cutter and this means every cut you make may be on a ceramic tile saw.
- Select a ceramic tile that is relatively smooth and has straight, flush edges. This will make your grouting job a whole lot easier.
- Use 8″ x 8″ or smaller sized tiles on walls and countertops. For floors use 14″ x 14″ or smaller tiles.
- Ceramic tiles with bright reflective surfaces – bright glazed finish, are not recommended for floors as they can pose a slip hazard and have poor abrasive resistance. Read the rest of this entry »