Types of Ceramic Tiles

Choosing the Right Types of Ceramic Tile

Types of Ceramic Tile Flooring

If you love the look of ceramic tile flooring there are a few things you should consider before choosing a ceramic tile for your home or business. Ceramic can be very durable, but if you are tiling a high-traffic area you will want to invest in a tile with the highest strength and durability. This is one of the most important flooring decisions you will make because it affects all of your other decisions and ensures your flooring will stand up to the environment and be a long-lasting investment.

Chances are no matter what types of ceramic floor tiles you choose they will be glazed. Just about all the glazed floor tiles you can find today are single-fired “monocottura” types of tile. The process used to make them is called “dust pressing.” This requires very little water and compacts the tile material under extremely high pressure. Tiles are then cooked at high temperatures, usually over 2000 degrees, creating a very durable, long-lasting tile.

Different Types of Ceramic Tiles by Grade

When choosing from the various kinds of ceramic tiles you will also want to consider the grade of the tile. Grading begins at II and goes through V.

• Grade II tiles are often used in residential applications with light traffic, such as a bathroom.
• Grade III tiles are also appropriate for residential use and are often found in kitchens and entryways, which are higher traffic areas in the home. These types of ceramic tiles might also be used in commercial environments where there is not a high volume of foot traffic.
• Grade IV tiles are found in commercial and residential settings. These types of tiles hold up in just about any environment. They are durable and long-lasting, but not so industrial that they will not look great in a home.
• Grade V tile that is used in industrial settings. These types of tiles are extremely sturdy and able to withstand traffic, as well as exposure to various chemicals. You rarely find grade V tiles in residential settings because of their industrial look.

It can be tough to recognize types of ceramic tiles by grade because tiles are not marked in any way. If you are unsure whether a tile is industrial or residential, ask the salesperson. Cost will vary from grade to grade, so you want to be sure you choose the right tile for your needs and not be forced to pay for something that is not necessary in your environment.