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Tiles are commonly made of ceramic, stone and vinyl. Ceramic tiles may be painted and glazed. Small mosaic tiles may be laid in various patterns. Floor tiles are typically set into mortar consisting of sand, cement and oftentimes a latex additive for extra strength. The spaces between the tiles are nowadays filled with sanded or unsanded floor grout, but traditionally mortar was used.
Natural stone tiles can be especially beautiful. However, as a natural product they are often less uniform and require more planning for use and installation. Stone tiles described as "gauged" have very uniform width and length dimensions; "ungauged" stone tiles may vary from their nominal dimensions.
All tiles have suggested end-use location but do ask before you decide. |
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Understanding
a few simple basics about tile will help you make the
right choice
for your lifestyle and budget. |
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Wall Tile
Ceramic wall tiles are normally less durable than tile designed specifically for flooring. Most wall tile is glazed with a semi-gloss or matte surface. The glazed surface has a very low slip resistance and becomes slippery when wet. Therefore, glazed wall tile is much more suited for wall or countertop applications rather than floors.
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Glazed Ceramic Tile is comprised of two basic elements, clay and water. Various clays are mined, ground and blended to a fine powder, and pressed together to form the body of the tile. The pressed clay body is then dried to reduce the moisture content. Next, the surface of the tile is coated with a colored glaze (similar to glass). The glaze is then permanently fused to the surface of the tile by firing it in kilns at approximately 2000° Fahrenheit, to form the finished product.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is made from a blend of fine-grain clays and other minerals to produce a very dense body, which makes it highly resistant to moisture, staining and wear. Because of these features, porcelain tile will withstand years of heavy foot traffic in both interior and exterior applications while maintaining its color and beauty. |
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To
determine the overall performance and durability of the
glazed surface of ceramic tile, there are standardized
industry tests and classifications which rate tile's
specific resistance to scratching, breaking, abrasion,
moisture, etc... |
Scratch
Hardness
Most tiles are rated for hardness or scratch resistance
using the MOHS Test and rating system. The MOHS test rates
tile from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Ceramic tile with a
value of 5 or more is suitable for most residential floor
tile applications. Tile with a value of 7 or higher is
normally acceptable for most commercial applications or
heavy traffic areas.
Wear Rating
To help select suitable tiles for specific applications
tiles are rated the P.E.I. (Porcelain Enamel Institute)
scale. The tiles are evaluated for wear resistance on a
scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
PEI 1: Light Traffic - recommended for residential
bathrooms or other areas with light traffic and where
shoes are not frequently used.
PEI 2: Medium Traffic - recommended for residential
interiors, except entryways, kitchens, stairs or any area
where tiles may come into contact with gravel or
sand.
PEI 3: Medium-heavy Traffic - recommended for all
residential interiors and light commercial applications.
Not recommended for commercial entryway.
PEI 4: Heavy Traffic - suitable for all residential
interiors and most commercial applications, including
shopping malls and public areas.
PEI 5: Heavy-plus Traffic - all residential and commercial
areas where heavy-duty wear ability is needed. |
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Vinyl
tile is a composite, layered construction
consisting of:
A) Protective wear layer:
Urethane and other high-performance wear layers
make the product easy to clean and resist
scratches and scuffs. Enhanced urethane offers the
maximum amount of protection and is priced above
regular urethane.
Less expensive vinyl no-wax tile does not have
this protective wear layer.
B) Protective clear film layer:
This film adds durability and helps protects
against rips, tears and gouges.
C) Printed design layer: On
this layer, a rotogravure printing process creates
the myriad of designs available in vinyl tile. The
visuals range from very realistic interpretations
of natural materials to original and unique
patterns.
D) Vinyl tile backing: This
bottom-most layer adds structural strength and
durability. Generally the thicker the backing, the
more durable the product.
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Vinyl Composition Tile
VCT has a through-pattern construction of color and pattern extending
throughout the thickness of the tile which makes scuffs, scrapes and
traffic wear virtually undetectable. Available in 12”x12” tiles
that allow for unlimited creative floor designs that are durable and
economical. Uses include schools, hospitals, commercial, and any high
traffic high use area.
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LLP
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Call Jonathan James /
owner operator for all your residential or commercial tile needs.
We carry ALL major brands, styles, colors and patterns. If we don't
have it we'll get it.
We guarantee competitive pricing and professional service! |
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