Common Ceramic Tile Questions

Q: What is the difference between glazed and unglazed tile?

A: Glazed tile is coated with a surface finish (glaze) fused to the body by firing at very high temperatures. Because of the ease of adding colour, pattern and texture to the glaze, style, colour and design are virtually unlimited. The colour of unglazed tile results from the natural clay of the tile body or pigment added to the clay. The colours are more limited but because that colour extends throughout the tile, wear is not visible.

Q: Will ceramic tile break or chip?

A: Ceramic tile is more susceptible to breaking in carriage and before installation than after. After proper installation, it is very difficult to break or chip tile unless it is hit with a heavy object such as a hammer having a small impact area. Structural breaks can occur if there is movement in the substrate. If damaged, individual tiles can be replaced.

Q: Is ceramic tile cold?

A: Tile is actually the same temperature as the surrounding air. It holds warmth in a sunny room or a cooler temperature in an air conditioned or cold room. Body temperature is usually warmer than the air, and this causes tile to feel cool. Underfloor electric heating is now safe, effective and available for installation by the competent do-it-yourselfer and is available from www.tilestoreonline.co.uk from £40 per square metre.

Q: Is ceramic tile slippery?

A: Slip-resistance will vary with the type of tile. Ceramic floor tile will have about the same slip-resistance as other hard surface floors such as vinyl or wood. Naturally, if there is liquid spilled on any hard surface floor, the slip-resistance will greatly diminish? Abrasive surfaces are available on many tiles. Keep in mind that the more abrasive a tile surface is, the more difficult maintenance will be. Consider using a mat at entrances and in wet areas.

Q: How durable is ceramic tile?

A: Ceramic tile, properly installed, should last the lifetime of your home with minimum care. Tile will not show wear when used on walls; unglazed floor tile also will not show wear. Glazed floor tile is dependent on the durability of the glaze and body and the amount of traffic to which it is subjected. Most manufacturers do classify the durability of their tile.
Rating 1: Light Traffic (residential bathroom floors) and Counter Tops
Rating 2: Medium-Light Traffic (residential interior floors except kitchens, stairs, landings, and entranceways)
Rating 3: Medium-Heavy Traffic (all residential areas and commercial areas with similar traffic) Rating 4: Heavy Traffic (all residential and most commercial areas)
Rating 5: Heaviest Duty Traffic (all residential and all commercial areas)


Q: Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?

A: There are numerous ceramic tiles that are frost-resistant and are excellent for patios, porches, pool decks, etc. Many unglazed tiles are suitable for exterior use. Their slip-resistance will be dependent on the surface texture, and slip-resistance is important! Glazed, frost-resistant tiles are recommended for vertical exterior surfaces only. The ceramic tile manufacturer will indicate if a particular type of tile is frost-resistant. A frost-resistant installation method is essential.

Q: Do ceramic tile have shade variation?

A: As is true with other quality decorating products such as textiles, carpet, wall coverings, and wood, ceramic tile does have shade variations. Hand-crafted tiles generally have the greatest variation, and this quality contributes to their unique beauty. Samples are meant to represent the tile as adequately as possible but may vary to some degree. Be sure to inspect your tile sample before you place a full order to determine if it meets your approval.

Q: What should I know about grout?

A: Grout, the coloured mortar between tiles, has been drastically improved in recent years. It is available in numerous colours to coordinate with your tile choice. The actual finished grout colour in an installation is affected by moisture, temperature and installation techniques. Because of these variables, the installed shade may differ from a showroom sample. Choose grout colour to blend rather than match. Today, there are grout formulas that contribute to stain-resistance and mildew-resistance. Improved sealers can assist in keeping the grout at its best.

Q: Does ceramic tile require a special floor construction?

A: Standard floor construction of boards laid over floor joists with standard spacing centre with a well secured 3/8" plywood underlayment is usually suitable, always use marine plywood in areas subject to moisture. A clean, structurally sound concrete slab is also suitable and does not require additional underlayment.


Q: Should sealer be used on ceramic tile?

A: Sealer is unnecessary and should never be used on glazed tile. Sealer is often used on unglazed natural clay tile, pavers or unglazed porcelain tile. Some manufacturers of these products recommend a particular sealer. However, in most cases, a good penetrating sealer is advisable. It is usually invisible or provides a soft lustre. Heavy sealers such as urethane are not recommended because of potential scaling or uneven wear.

Q: How does the price of ceramic tile compare with other floor coverings?

A: The initial installed cost of ceramic tiles may be higher than some other flooring materials. However the new www.tileandtoolstore.com by utilising improved manufacturing technology and reducing marketing and distribution costs have significantly decreased the margin of difference. When considering the true cost comparison, you must look at the life span of ceramic tile. Due to the fact that you probably will never have to replace your tile and the low cost and easy maintenance, ceramic tile is the least expensive of all finishes. Statistics show that an investment in ceramic tile will increase the value of your home.

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