Tile Terms:  Know What You’re Buying

Choosing ceramic tile for your home can be a daunting proposition. However, equipped with a little knowledge, you can make the process much more enjoyable and much less difficult. Not all ceramic tiles are created equal. Products are produced for specific installations.  Before you begin your search familiarize yourself with a few key terms. This knowledge will equip you to make the correct selection for your specific application.

Among the manufacturers of ceramic tile there are certain standards that are universal. ISO Standards have been established by the International Standards Organization to unify product standards and testing methods for ceramic tiles worldwide. Manufacturers that adhere to these standards produce all Global TILE ONE products. One of the most important of these standards is the PEI rating. The P.E.I. (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is a measurement of how well a ceramic tile will wear.  Generally, ceramic tile manufacturers classify their products in 5 categories.  They are as follows:

• PEI I   Usually refers to tiles applicable for wall installations only
• PEI II   Suitable for floor applications where there is very light traffic
• PEI III Suitable for most residential applications other than kitchens.
• PEI IV Suitable for all residential applications and some light commercial applications
• PEI V   Suitable for all applications except malls, airports and transportation terminals

In addition, there is a classification, U, which is given to products specifically designed for industrial applications.

At this point in your education, I would like to impose the following guideline. There are so many wonderful products at very competitive prices that you should not choose any product with a rating less than PEI IV for any application other than your bathroom.  A better product will more than pay for itself with years of carefree use.

A few additional terms that will serve you well as you begin your quest are:

• Bullnose Tiles: Trim tiles featuring one rounded edge used to finish wall installations.
   
• Decorated Tiles: Ceramic tiles that have been embellished by means of hand-painting, silk-screening, decals or other techniques.
   
• Frostproof Tiles: Tiles specifically designed by the manufacturer to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect, hence suitable for exterior applications exposed to high humidity and low temperatures.
   
• Frost Resistance: Ability of certain tiles to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect.
   
• Grout: Installation material used to fill the joints between tiles
   
• Matte Glaze: Glaze that produces a non-shiny finish.
   
• Moncottura Tiles: Tiles produced by the single-firing method.  Also called Single-fired tiles. Glazed tiles produced by the single-firing method in which the raw tile body and gaze undergo a single pass through the kiln at high temperatures.
   
• Mortar: The setting material used to bond tiles to a given surface.  Different types of mortar are suitable for different backing and conditions.
   
• Mounted Tiles: Tiles assembled into units or sheets by the manufacturer for easier installation.
   
• Porcelain Tiles: Dust-pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption levels of less than 0.5% and high mechanical and chemical characteristics.  The surface of these tiles may be glazed or unglazed, polished or unpolished.