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.

PEI Ratings

Although there are no industry standards, most ceramic tile is rated for use by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) abrasion test and is recommended by the American Society Testing Materials (ASTM). PEI ratings measure the wear resistance of the tile surface.

• Class 1 – No Foot Traffic:Ceramic tile suggested for interior residential and commercial wall applications only.
• Class 2 – Light Traffic:Ceramic tile suggested for interior residential and commercial wall applications and for residential bathroom floor applications only.
• Class 3 – Light to Moderate Traffic:Ceramic tile suggested for residential floor, countertop, and wall applications.
• Class 4 – Moderate to Heavy Traffic:Ceramic tile suggested for residential, medium commercial and light institutional floor and wall applications.
• Class 5+ – Heavy to Extra Heavy Traffic:Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor and wall applications subjected to heavy to extra heavy traffic.

Tile Types for Exterior Locations

Ceramic tile installed in exterior locations must be able to withstand freeze/thaw conditions meaning they should have an absorption rating of 3% or less. These types of tiles are usually very dense, have greater impact resistance, and increased breaking strength. Install them using a premium quality, latex modified thinset mortar.

• Vitrified, ceramic tiles having an absorption rating between 0.5 – 3%.
• Impervious (Porcelain), ceramic tiles having an absorption rating between 0.0 – 0.5%.

If the cost of tile is a factor in your decision, the try contacting your local wholesaler and ask them if they have any close-outs or discontinued styles… or better yet, shop online from the many fine discount dealers and compare prices and styles