Is ceramic tile expensive?
The initial cost of ceramic tile (when installed by a professional) is typically higher than many other floor coverings. However, because of its durability, it is also considered to be the least expensive in the long run. Occasionally, a tile may be cracked or broken, but the entire floor will never have to be replaced, except in extreme cases. Most other floors, such as carpet and vinyl flooring, will eventually need to be replaced. Tile runs the gauntlet. It will endure and increase the value of your home.

Should I use large or small tile?
Using large tiles in a small room will visually expand the room, making it look larger. However, dramatic tile patterns may make the room look even smaller.

What color grout should I use?
Using a grout that is the same color as the tile will create a blended effect, making the floor more uniform in appearance. For some, this may be the desired effect. However, using a contrasting color grout will emphasize the grid layout. You don’t want to go to extreme, however, or your floor will end up looking too busy and you will tire of it quickly. The best bet for grout selection is to choose one the blends well with the tile.

Should I use a dark or light grout?
Again, as mentioned above, choose your grout based on the color of the tile. A darker grout will hide stains and discoloration. However, when using a dark grout and light tile, you run the risk of a too-busy floor (see above).

Are ceramic tiles cool?
It depends on the temperature in the room. Ceramic tiles can be cool underfoot if the room is cool. If it becomes a problem, particularly in the winter months, consider area rugs or even an under-floor heating system. Like leather, tiles will acclimate to the room temperature.

How do you clean ceramic tile?
Cleaning tiles is simple. Wipe tiles with a damp sponge or mop, using a small amount of soap less detergent in warm water. Heavy duty cleaning can be accomplished with a bleach and water solution. Avoid abrasive household cleaners, which will scratch your tile. (see tile care for more thorough information)

Why are soaps not recommended?
They tend to leave a film which can dull the surface and promote mold and mildew.

Can I clean with vinegar and water?
No. Vinegar is an acid.

Can I use steel wool pads to clean my tiles?
No, they are not recommended for the same reason abrasive cleansers are not recommended. They may scratch the tiles. Further, loose bits of steel left on the grout will cause rust stains.

Will tile fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight?
No. The color of your tiles are oven-heated at temperatures exceeding 2300 degrees. As such, they are impervious to fading.

Will grout stain or get dirty easily?
It depends. A grout that has not been sealed after installation is subject to stains. Grout that has a protective seal over it will retain its new appearance for many years.

What are the types of ceramic tile?
There are two basic types of tile: glazed and unglazed. A glazed tile is a hardened piece of clay covered with a protective glass coating, creating a sheen. The coating is sprayed or poured on as a liquid and then hardened in the oven. An unglazed tile is simply a hardened piece of clay. There is no protective covering.

Are unglazed tiles as stain-resistant as glazed tiles?
No. Glazed tiles are far more resistant to stains because of the glass protective coating. There are some unglazed tiles with a measure of stain-resistance, but as a rule, glazed is better if worried about stains.

Will the hardness of the glaze be impacted by the temperature of the oven?
Yes, the hotter the oven, the harder the glaze.

Does the gloss level affect slip-resistance?
Naturally. High-gloss products will be more slippery than low-gloss ones.

How long will glazed tile last?
If the right product is selected for the area, and if it's properly maintained, the tile should last for the lifetime of the home. Glazed tiles are nearly indestructible.

Why can't I install wall tiles on my floors?
Wall tiles are specifically made to for walls. The glaze applied is too soft and thin and the tile itself is more porous, making the tile softer and more prone to breakage with heavy foot traffic.

How can you determine whether a tile is suited for outdoor use in a cold climate?
The tile label will specifically state whether they are frost resistant. Tile that absorb 3% or less moisture are considered frost-resistant. They are classified as vitreous and impervious tiles.

Can a floor tile be used on a countertop?
If the structure of the counter is strong enough to support the weight of the heavier floor tile, then this should be fine.

Will tiles burn if a match or cigarette is dropped on them?
No. Tiles are completely fire-proof at any temperature.

What is the most important feature to consider when selecting a tile?
A. It's durability. The tile must be tough enough to withstand the abuse it's going to be subjected to.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Porcelain tiles are usually unglazed tiles consisting of a fine mixture of clays. Porcelain tiles are very dense, impervious tiles that are extremely moisture-resistant. They are very durable tiles.

Can tile be installed directly over wood sub floors such as flake board, chip board, luan, masonite, or other composition-type boards?
It’s not recommended. Often, these are prone to absorb moisture and, if they do, may fall apart. The last thing you want under your beautiful new tiles is to have the sub floor become damaged

Can I install tile over existing ceramic tile?
Assuming the existing tile is cleaned thoroughly and sound, this should be fine

Under what conditions can tile be installed directly over a vinyl sub floor?
When the vinyl is firmly adhered to the floor and all contaminants and waxes have been stripped from the floor. If the vinyl is “cushioned,” it should be removed. Bear in mind that some older vinyl may contain asbestos, which can be dangerous if inhaled. In unsure, contact a professional.

Can a cement backer board be used to cover a vinyl floor?
Yes, if the vinyl is non-cushioned and if it is over a wood sub floor.

Ceramic Tile Manufacturing
Ceramic tiles are made from clay that contain silicates. To produce a tile, this clay mixture is formed and baked at extremely high temperatures. Ceramic tiles can be produced and purchased in two forms: unglazed or glazed.

Where Does the Clay Come From?
Simply defined, ceramic tile is made of clay. Ceramic and cement based tile are similar in at least one respect, they both are often formed by similar means. That is where the similarity ends. After the formation of the tile body, ceramic tiles go through a firing process. Cement tiles are not fired.

All tiles start out in the earth. Raw materials are quarried and refined. In the case of ceramic tiles, this includes clays, talc, and other minerals. Obviously cement based tile include cements and sands. Great care is taken in the proper mixture of these materials, as each one is critical to the success, quality and characteristics of the product produced. Once the raw materials are quarried, prepared, and properly mixed, the tiles may now be formed.

The Shaping of the Tile
There are four main methods for forming tile bodies: dust press, rampress, wet pour, and extrusion. The dust press method is used exclusively for ceramic tile. Dry clay, talc, and other ingredients (the dust) are pressed into a mold using pressure. Rampress is similar to the dust press method. The difference lies only in the size of the tile shapes.

Ceramic and cement tiles may be formed using the extrusion method, which is similar to the dust press except the mixture is wet and squeezed through a nozzle and into the shape desired. The wet pour, or slush mold, method is like the extrusion method only the mixture is much wetter.

The Tiles Are Then Hardened
After the tiles have been molded into the desired shape, they are hardened. Cement tiles must be hardened through a process called hydration where it simply hardens without human interference. Ceramic tiles require the use of a kiln. Once the ceramic tiles are shaped, they are fired in an oven at extremely high temperatures. To avoid having the tiles explode due to trapped moisture, they must first be thoroughly dried, either exposed to the air or in ovens over a period of time.

Glazed tiles were traditionally fired twice in the kiln. The glaze, or frit, a liquid glass substance, is applied through spraying or drizzling on like a waterfall. Technology in our modern world, however, has allowed tile manufacturers to accomplish both firings at once. Called monoculture, the process has simplified the automated tile manufacturing process drastically though many tile producers still choose to use the double firing method.

The Color of Tile
Often, the body of the tile, the clay mixture, is not exactly what was desired. This may be particularly true for ceramic mosaic tiles. When this is the case, an enrobe is applied prior to the glaze. The substance delivers color and a certain opacity the manufacture may be unable to produce otherwise.

Marble and Stone Manufacturing
Marble and stone tile manufacturing are altogether different from the ceramic and cement tile production. Marble and stone are not mixed and baked, unlike ceramic and cement tiles. Rather, they are products of the natural environment. Put simply, marble and stone tiles are cut and shaped from what nature provides.

The art of marble and stone manufacture is not in the mixing, shaping, coloring, and hardening. It all boils down to the cut made in the stone and how the tile is then shaped and finished to the final product seen in today’s homes. The color, dimension, veining and so forth are natural attributes on the stone and enhance the natural beauty of this type of tile. For more on marble and stone, see Marble and Stone Composition.