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Types of Porcelain tiles

 

. There are two main types of porcelain tile: Through-bodied porcelain tile and glazed porcelain tile.
Through-Bodied PorcelainTerm: The term through-body refers to the tile being consistent in composition through out the body of the tile. The color and texture runs through the entire dimensional thickness of the porcelain tile.

Features:

Strong and Dense Tile
Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use
Usually Slip Resistant unless polished
Superior Scratch & Chip Resistance
Similar color throughout if chip occurs
Choices may be limited
Material should be sealed

Composition: Through-body tile is derived from mixtures of clay, sand and other natural minerals that are shaped into tile and fired at high temperatures.

Appearance: Through-body tile is considered as one of the most fashionable choices for floors, walls and countertops. The color of the tile runs throughout its body.

Usage: Through-bodied porcelain tiles can be used for both residential and heavy commercial installations.
Glazed PorcelainTerm: Glaze is a glass wear layer or hard finish (usually colored), applied to the surface of machine-made clay tiles.
Features:

Strong and Dense Tile
Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use
Superior Stain Resistance
Many Choices in Color and Style
Only seal if glaze has been polished

Composition: Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and a glaze applied over the surface. It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong bodied tile.

Appearance: Glazing, either shiny or matte, provides the most beautiful and varied colors, designs and decorations in ceramic tiles.

Performance: Glazed tiles are non-porous. The glaze being an impervious facial finish protects tile from stains and moisture. These tiles are usually easier to maintain and can be treated for a higher slip resistance.
Usage: Vitreous glazed floor tiles are a durable option for counter tops and walls, providing a surface that is practically stain-proof.

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FAQ ABOUT WOOD LOOK TILES

1. Q. WHAT SIZE GROUT LINE SHOULD I USE WITH WOOD LOOK TILES?
A: WE SUGGEST USING A 1/16 OR 1/8 OF AN INCH GROUT LINE.
2. Q WHAT IS A RECTIFIED TILE?
A: THE EDGES ARE CUT PERFECTLY FLAT FOR A BUTT JOINT INSTALLATION.
3. Q WHAT IS A BUTT JOINT INSTALLATION?
A: BUTT JOINT INSTALLATION IS EDGE TO EDGE.
4. Q CAN I DO A BUTT JOINT INSTALLATION?
A: IT DEPENDS ON THE TILE YOU HAVE SELECTED; ONLY A RECTIFIED TILE SHOULD BE USED IN A BUTT JOINT INSTALLATION

WOODLOOKTILES

WOODLOOKTILES

5. Q7. Q WHY CHOOSE A WOODLOOK TILE OVER A NATURAL WOOD PRODUCT?

A: WOODLOOK TILES ARE LESS EXPENCIVE TO INSTALL. IT IS ALSO RESISTANT TO WEAR, SCRATCHES, & WATER. IT CAN BE USED IN AREAS WHICH NATURAL WOOD CONNOT BE USED IN. ALSO THE PLANKS ARE NOT INTERLOCKING SO REPAIRS ARE EASY & HASSLE FREE, FOR THE MAJORITY WOOD LOOK TILES JUST COST LESS.
A: WOOD LOOK TILES ARE LESS EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL. IT IS ALSO RESISTANT TO WEAR, SCRATCHES, & WATER. IT CAN BE USED IN AREAS WHICH NATURAL WOOD CANNOT BE USED IN. ALSO THE PLANKS ARE NOT INTERLOCKING SO REPAIRS ARE EASY & HASSLE FREE, FOR THE MAJORITY WOOD LOOK TILES JUST COST LESS.

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What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

 

porcelain tile ceramic tile wood look tileIn general, porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Although both are made from clay and other naturally occurring materials fired in a kiln, the clay used to make porcelain tile is more refined and purified. It’s fired at a higher temperature and greater pressure, resulting in an extremely dense and hard material.

Porcelain tile is an ideal product for cold-weather climates where freeze/thaw conditions are a concern. Due to its low moisture absorption rate (.5 percent or less), porcelain is less likely to crack and is more impervious to stains.

For safety in wet areas or in flooring applications where accessibility is a concern, look for a tile — whether porcelain or ceramic — with a high coefficient of friction. This property is measured on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 being the most slip-resistant.

Porcelain can also be rectified — cut to a precise size so all tiles are identical, allowing the tile contractor to set extremely tight grout joints.

Certain factors make installing porcelain tile a more difficult do-it-yourself project. Its density and hardness require a wet saw with a porcelain diamond blade. For proper surface adhesion, you should use a latex modified thin set mortar. For large-format porcelain tiles, a level substrate is needed to reduce lip page, or variations in height.

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Sealers for Ceramic Tile Facts & Considerations

A sealer is a liquid coat applied to the porous surface of the tile or grout, to protect them from oxidation, natural deterioration and day-to-day wear. Typically speaking, sealers are used to protect unglazed tiles and grouts from absorbing stains. Take a look at these guidelines, which are meant to get you started when it comes to choosing the right sealant for your ceramic or porcelain tile project:
Types:
There are two types of major types of sealers for ceramic tile or porcelain tile:

  • Penetrating Sealers: These are absorbed into the tile or grout, forming a stain resistant shield just below the surface. Most penetrating sealers will not change the appearance of the tile.
  • Surface Sealers: These are coated on the top of tile and grout, forming a non-porous, stain resistant sealant. The surface sealer will enhance the rich natural colors of the tile and adds a slight luster as well.

Important Considerations:

  • The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tiles does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile.
  • However, all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains, should be sealed prior to grouting. It will prevent the grout from staining the tile, especially when a dark colored grout is being used with a light colored tile.
  • Impregnating sealers go into the grout joint and protect against water and oil-based stains.
  • Highly absorbent tiles such as hand made tiles must be permanently sealed with either a penetrating or surface sealer.
  • Use only penetrating sealers on dense, unglazed tiles such as quarries or porcelains.
  • It is important to follow your distributor’s recommendations as well as reading the instructions on the product being used.

The above information is a selected set of guidelines. It is a good idea to ask the experts about which type of sealer performs best for the type of tile you have for further details. If color change is a concern, or staining resistance, then these are the questions to put to your seller. Talk to your ceramic or porcelain sales rep, or your local retailer about the latest products for sealing ceramic tile or porcelain tile. Ask about whether penetrating sealers vs. surface sealers with regard to your specific tile and aesthetic expectations  find out which is the best fit for your project.

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Wood Look Ceramic Tile Renders Authentic Wooden Looks

woodlook tileYou can have the beautiful look of wooden flooring and it is not that you will have to purchase logs of wood and get them cut and polished. Presenting the wood look ceramic tile, this has been designed to look so realistic that if you have it installed on the floor of your room, it will be surprising to see the authenticity of the wooden looks.

These tiles have been especially designed to serve this purpose and use materials imported from different parts of the world. These tiles are much more economical to install and easy to maintain and hence are a viable and the finest substitute for an actual wooden floor.

The wood look ceramic tile can be used to lay out anywhere inside your house. Be it your bedroom or your kitchen, your bathroom or your living room, these tiles will guarantee to bring the feel of the presence of wooden flooring and the look in itself is very comforting. You can even use it on the walls just like the ordinary porcelain tile. The easy layout along with the wood look of your choice, you can bring home the sophisticated look of polished wood, with so much more ease than you thought.

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YOU CAN CREATE NEW AMBIANCE IN TO YOUR ROOM WITH LESS MONEY

These days, with budgets being tight, but creativity being at an all time high, why not consider wood look ceramic tiles to give your home a much-needed updated look? Easy to use and easy on the eye and budget, these tiles are really popular and best of all, durable.

Another thing consumers will appreciate about these tiles is that they come in a wild variety of colors. These tiles are loved by those who like the look of wood, but want the buff and shine of porcelain. And you don’t just have to put them on the floor. That’s right; you can also set these tiles on walls. If you are thinking small tiles, laid by hand and painstakingly set into a pattern, think again. These beauties come in a rectangular shape, 6 x 24 planks – easy to lay out.

 

Two things that are added benefits with this type of flooring is that it offers total resistance to any chemical action between the layers of the floors in your home, and it bars moisture from coming up from the earth into the tiles. The advantage of that is, it will stop any breakaway-action of the tiles due to moisture.

 

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to making changes to your rooms. Want a whole wall done in wood tiles? You got it. It will blend into the floor and create a whole new ambiance for your room or rooms. The natural look of the wood, which is really ceramic tile, is appealing, classy and most of all, easy to keep clean. Gone are the days when you have to try and figure out how to clean wood floors, unless you want to that is. It’s a clean and simple, yet elegant look that many are opting for as an alternative to colored tiles or other materials such as bamboo.

 

Want to know the best feature of wood look ceramic tiles? The price. It is very reasonable and competitively priced; something that a great many people find attractive in this economy. If you want to upgrade the look of your home with something really unique, why not consider wood look ceramic tiles. You’ll be glad you did.

 

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PROS OF PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES

porcelain tila look like wood ceramic tile Porcelain floor tiles have been propounded as one of the most durable types of flooring that can be used in the interiors. It is perfect for high traffic areas considering it is a preferred choice for use even in malls and such high traffic zones. Also, it is a very hard flooring type which means it is less likely to crack and chip. If you choose to install glazed porcelain tiles, you ought to know that these are resistant to moisture and stains. Spill anything and cleaning porcelain floor tiles is a cakewalk with the use of a mop and a regular floor cleaner. Porcelain tiles are also fire resistant.

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WHY ARE GROUT JOINTS NECESSARY IN A PORCELAIN TILE INSTALLATION

 

 

PORCELAIN TILE CERAMIC TILE WALL TILE FLOOR TILE

 

Grout joints are necessary in a tile installation for a number of reasons. They help seal out moisture, and provide an expansion joint between the tiles. Grout joints are also necessary to keep rows of tile perfectly straight during installation.

Most tiles, whether stone, ceramic or porcelain may be slightly uneven in size and surface edge. Without a grout joint, the tiles would not line up for even installations. Additionally, if tiles were butted up against one another, expansion and contraction of the floor could cause the tiles to rub up against one another. This can cause wear and tear on the tiles that can damage their integrity.

 

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Benefit of Wood Look Ceramic Tile

ceramic tile wood look tile

 

Scratch resistant- One of the biggest problems with real hardwood is that it is soft. You can scratch hardwood very easily with normal wear and tear. Walking across some species of wood floors with high heels on is enough to dent it. With ceramic tile, you never have to worry about that. It is very hard and resists scratches and dents much better than wood.

Waterproof- With ceramic tile, you can get it wet and there will never be any issues with it. You can mop the floor, spill your drink all over it, and you will not be able to tell a difference. If you do that on a wood floor, the floor could buckle and be ruined. This makes it much easier to live on than a wood floor as you do not have to be as careful.

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CERAMIC TILE’S WATER ABSORPTION AND RESISTANCE

WOOD LOOK TIL WOOD PLANK TILE LOOK LIKE WOOD0WATER ABSORPTION

The glaze on ceramic tiles is nonporous. When referring to the water absorption of glazed tile, the reference pertains only to the tile’s body. The water absorption of glazed tiles is also important to know when selecting outdoor tiles. Any tile that absorbs more than 3% moisture, glazed or not, is not suited for outdoor use in cold climates where it may freeze and crack.

Frost Resistance: Frost resistance goes hand in hand with water absorption. The less water the tile absorbs, the greater its frost resistance.

Stain Resistance:In general, ceramic materials are among the most stain-resistant building products. Glazed tile and even some unglazed tiles resist practically all solutions that could cause staining in other types of products.

Slip Resistance: The slip resistance of ceramic tile in ordinary applications is comparable to most hard flooring materials. And it is significantly better than some. Unglazed tiles have greater slip resistance than glazed tiles and are recommended for areas subjected to frequent water spills. Many glazed and unglazed tiles also feature an abrasive grit on their surface, increasing their slip resistance substantially. These tiles are particularly suited to public areas with direct access to the outdoors.