Is all tile the same?
Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain tiles.
Casa Roma is 100% porcelain floor tile made in Italy.
More about Ceramic Tile
“Ceramic” or non-porcelain tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) 1 to 4 rating. Ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to heavy residential traffic and generally have higher water absorption rating making them less frost resistant.
More about Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and commercial traffic. Full body (Through Body) porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications. Through Body Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.
Features & Benefits
- Durability: Ceramic Tile is unparalleled in the floor covering industry in its durability. If the right product is chosen and maintained properly, it could easily last the lifetime of the home.
- Stain Resistant: Ceramic tile is, in general, the most stain resistant building product in the world. Glazed tile, and even some unglazed tile, resists practically all solutions that could cause staining in other types of floor covering products.
- Hygienic: The face of ceramic tile will not retain liquids nor will it absorb smoke, fumes or odors. These properties provide for excellent hygiene.
- Easy to Clean: Plain water or a damp mop is generally all that is required to keep the tile clean.
- Scratch and Scuff Resistant: While no surface is scratch-proof, ceramic tile resists scratches, scuffs and indentations better than any other floor covering.
- Resistant to Fading: Ceramic tile will not fade due to sunlight or electrical light.
- Resistant to Burns: Cigarettes or fireplace sparks are no problem for ceramic tile.
- Environmentally Friendly: Ceramic tile body is 100% natural.
PEI rating
Consumer rating system for appropriate tile usage
Classes:
- PEI 1 (Low-traffic residential areas where soft footwear used) Example - bathroom
- PEI 2 (General moderate residential traffic) Examples - living, dining, bed or rec room
- PEI 3 (Residential and light commercial traffic) Examples - kitchen, foyer, office, reception area or boutique
- PEI 4 (Residential and medium commercial traffic) Examples - restaurant, hotel, hospital lobby or corridor
- PEI 5 + (Residential and heavy commercial traffic) Examples - exterior walkway, food service area, salad bar, building entrance, shopping centre or swimming pool
MOHS rating
How a tile's glaze/surface will hold up under continuous wear. There is a 10-point rating system
| MOHS Rating Chart | |
|---|---|
| Test Minerals | MOHS Hardness |
| Talc | 1 |
| Gypsum | 2 |
| Calcite | 3 |
| Fluorspar | 4 |
| Apatite | 5 |
| Felspar | 6 |
| Quartz | 7 |
| Topaz | 8 |
| Corundum | 9 |
| Diamond | 10 |
Ceramic tile rated five (5) or higher suitable for residential and light commercial applications
Ratings above 6 suitable for heavy commercial