Tile

Offering the most in natural stone and ceramic styles

All about tile

For flooring that’s creative, practical, and charming, our tile is unbeatable. You’ll find a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes to choose from. And when you add extra pizzazz with glass trim, hand-painted accents, or colored grout, you can take tile to new levels! With a long history as one of the most durable flooring materials available, tile is also a great choice for rooms that see a lot of wear or moisture. It resists stains and scratches and is easy to clean. The result is a floor that’s not only beautiful but practical.

Installation

Ready to install your new tile? Learn what to expect on installation day.

Tile Care

Tile is easy to care for, although it does require some routine maintenance.

Types of tile

Ceramic and porcelain are both formed with extreme pressure and intense heat. Non-porcelain ceramic tile is made of a combination of white, red, and brown clay that is occasionally mixed with other minerals. While porcelain is similar, it also contains a type of crystal known as feldspar. When heated and pressurized, feldspar becomes glass-like, giving porcelain its shine and extreme durability.

Natural stone is commonly used in both flooring and countertops due to its beauty and durability. Common stone types include granite, marble, limestone, travertine, onyx, slate, and sandstone. Each will have its own cleaning and care requirements, and some are more porous than others. Research each type before choosing one for your home!

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 is comprised of two basic elements: clay and water. Various clays are mined, ground, and blended to a fine powder. Then, they are pressed together. The tile is then dried to reduce 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 2,000 degrees fahrenheit. 

Porcelain tile is made from a blend of fine-grain clays and other minerals to produce a very dense product that is 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. 

The densest of all tile types, ColorBody™ porcelain tile has a through-color body and is defined by its <0.5% water absorption. These tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and are suitable for both indoor or outdoor applications. 

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. 

To help select suitable tiles for specific applications, tiles are rated with 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 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 entryways.
  • 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 wearability is needed. 

Ceramic tiles are also classified by their water absorption rate, which reflects the density of the body of the tile. There is a direct relationship between the water absorption rate and the suitability of the various types of tile for interior or exterior applications. Tiles suitable for exterior applications must have a very low water absorption rate, especially in climates subject to freezing and thawing cycles. These are typically porcelain body tiles, which have a moisture absorption rating of less than .5 %. 

As with many natural products, tiles will vary in shading. This adds to the beauty and design of the products. When choosing a tile, it’s best to view a few of the same types of tile together to visually determine the overall appearance of the tile. 

ENDLESS OPTIONS IN DESIGN

Elevate your tile!

One of the best things about tile is the ability to install it in special patterns that add interest to your floor. These patterns are easy to create and offer endless variety—another plus. Try alternating colors for a dramatic, two-toned effect. Mix sizes and shapes; choose between repeated or random patterns. No matter how you lay tile, it’s sure to make a statement.

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