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

Make sure all loose adhesive is removed from the surface and

All cracks and voids need to be repaired prior to the installation of a tiled surface when the tile is being directly bonded to the concrete. Cracks in the concrete

• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Ceramic tiles
• Grout sealer
• Tile Spacers

Tools List

• Tile cutter
• Chalk line
• Grout float
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Tile nipper
• Notched trowel
• Level

American Florim

Grout is porous and it absorbs dirt, grease and spillages on your tile floors, walls or counter tops.

On walls especially in damp, dark areas like your bathroom or shower, the grout becomes very unsightly and dirty due to mold and mildew and also lime scale.

Following a few grout care procedures should allow you to get the maximum life out of your grout.

As you know grout is the material used to fill the spaces between the individual tiles. Grout comes in many colors. While color is important to the final finished look of the tile installation, it has little effect on the functionality of the grout. The purpose of grout is, simply, to fill the joint between the tiles and becomes a permanent, integral component of the finished installation.

Penetrating/Impregnating Sealer:
Most tile installations use cementitious grouts. This type of grout should be sealed after installation to prevent the color from staining. The grout should be sealed with a penetrating/impregnating sealer (often called grout sealers) which does not contain silicone, as silicone can shorten the useful life of the sealer. Epoxy grouts, conversely, are chemically cured and acid resistant and, as a result, do not require a sealer. The application of a good quality penetrating/impregnating sealer into the grout joints of a cementitious grout will not change the natural color of the grout, but will prevent the penetration of moisture, simplify maintenance, and help prevent staining or discoloration. Only the grout needs to be sealed, not glazed floor or wall tiles. Grout can be sealed seventy-two hours after installation.

There are different grades of penetrating/impregnating sealers, therefore the useful life and price will differ between a low quality and high quality sealer. You may need to reapply the sealer on an annual basis depending on the sealer quality, traffic patterns, and maintenance routine. Some sealers have multiple year warranties for useful life. Refer to the manufacturer warranty, technical & product information for specific details on product installation, useful life, and product applications (including any warnings) before use.

Grout Maintenance:
Neither sealing the grout nor using a 100% Epoxy Grout will guarantee against surface build-up or discoloration of the grout. Grout needs to be cleaned on a periodic basis to remove any surface build-up. Routine grout cleaning can be done with a daily concentrated household or commercial cleaner depending on the application. When heavy duty grout cleaning is required, you will need to use a professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner that is capable of removing grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, algae, and synthetic or acrylic waxes from the grout joints. This type of product can be purchased from most Home Centers, or through your local professional Floor Covering Dealer.

Grout Color Restoration:
When grout has been stained to the point that it cannot be maintained or returned to its natural color, you can return the grout back to its original color or any other color through the use of a “grout stain”. Grout Stains are epoxy-based products that are specifically designed to penetrate into the grout and seal the surface with a permanent color. Once the grout has been stained there is no need to seal it any further with a penetrating/impregnating sealer. Prior to staining, the grout joint should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, grease or sealers with a professional strength Tile & Grout Cleaner. This can be purchased from most Home Centers or through your local Professional Floor Covering Dealer.

Generally Ceramic tile is easy to clean and care for. Following a few simple cleaning procedures should ensure your ceramic tile last a life-time… and then some.

Contaminants and spills on a glazed ceramic tile are, generally, easier to clean then other, more impervious surfaces. Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, non oil-based household or commercial cleaner.

The product chosen should also be grout joint cleaning compatible. The type of product may vary depending on the tile application and use. A multipurpose spray cleaner, which removes soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew designed for every day use, can be used on wall tile areas in residential baths and showers.

The entire area should be cleaned and scrubbed with cleaner solution through the use of a cotton mop, cloth, sponge, or non-metallic brush. The entire area should be rinsed with clean water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Remember that you should sweep or vacuum floor areas prior to cleaning to remove any dust or debris. Routine cleaners should never contain acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and the glazed surface of the tile, and ammonia can discolor the grout.

Unglazed tile should be cleaned routinely with concentrated tile cleaners that have a neutral pH for safe regular use. These cleaners are better suited at removing grease, oils and normal spills from unglazed products. Again these products will vary depending on the application, amount of traffic and the use. The product chosen should also be compatible with cleaning the grout joints at the same time.

Removal of Sealers/Waxes/Floor Finishes:
If you need to remove a topical sealer or floor wax from a ceramic tile you should use a Tile Sealer & Adhesive remover. Always test a small area first. Apply a liberal amount of undiluted sealer & adhesive remover to a manageable area. Allow setting without drying until coating or residue softens. Reapply if necessary until sealer softens and can be removed. If necessary, agitate with white nylon scrub pad. Wipe up the residue with a cotton towel or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Do not use on natural stone products.

Glass Tiles
For routine cleaning, use any non-abrasive cleaning compound recommended for wither glass or tile

Metal Signatures/Metal Ages/Urban Metals
To clean, use a liquid non-abrasive household cleaner.
DO NOT use scouring pads, steel wool, sandpaper or other abrasive products.
Avoid cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or abrasives.
Always test in small inconspicuous area while using a new cleaner to ensure compatibility.