Everything You Need to Know About Ceramic Tile Flooring

Different types of ceramic tile have different properties and recommended applications: 

• Ceramic (Earthenware). Ceramic tiles are made from clay or other mineral material that is fired in a kiln and finished with a glaze. The glaze adds colour and sheen to the tile surface. These tiles come in various thicknesses and can be applied to walls, shower walls, and shower floors.
• Porcelain. Because they are fired at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are durable and fantastically moisture resistant. They can be applied to walls, floors, and shower floors.
• Natural Stone. It’s hard to beat the durability and colour variation of natural stone. However, natural stone tiles are porous and need to be sealed for resistance to water and staining, especially if used in the shower. It can also be applied to floors and walls.
• Terrazzo. A composite tile, terrazzo is made of chips of marble or stone moulded in cement. It has a textured surface and can be applied to walls and floors.
• Terra Cotta. Similar to clay garden pots, terra cotta tile is highly absorbent and needs to be sealed before indoor application to walls or floors. 

Some types of tile, like brick veneer and glass, can only be applied to walls.

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing ceramic tile for your home: 

Tile Size 

Ceramic floor tile usually comes in sizes ranging from 4” by 4” to 24” by 24”, with thicknesses ranging from ½” to ¾”. Ceramic wall tile is smaller and thinner, usually available in sizes from 3” by 3” to 6” by 6”. Even smaller mosaic tiles usually only measure around 2” and can be installed one-by-one or by using a premounted mesh sheet. Ceramic tiles are available in rectangular, subway, hexagonal, and octagonal shapes as well. 

When installing ceramic flooring in a room, the size of the tile plays an important role in practicality and overall look. Small tiles are a good choice for a bathroom as the multiple joints create a non-slip surface. However, larger tiles will make the room seem bigger.

Hardness Rating

A tile’s hardness rating will determine its suitability for any given area. Some tiles, for example, are made for indoor or outdoor use, while others can be used for both. In the bathroom, you’ll need a slip-resistant and moisture-proof tile, while entryway tiles should also have a good resistance to abrasion. If your home has a ramp, then a slip-resistant tile is important for safe use as well. 

Firing Process

The hardness of a tile depends on the process used to fire it. As a rule of thumb, harder tiles were fired for longer. Tiles come in either single- or double-fired varieties:

• Single-fired tiles are glazed and baked in the kiln one time.
• Double-fired tiles are glazed, baked, coloured, and decorated again, and then baked once more. 

Porosity 

Porosity refers to how many air holes a tile has, which affects how much water it can absorb. Denser tiles absorb less water and are a better choice for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, that need tiles to be waterproof.