Ceramic tile is the most common type of tile, and it’s a broad category that includes many subsets of tiles. It is made from a solution of clay minerals and water, then pressed into a tile shape and fired in a kiln. Often ceramic tile has two layers: the bisque, or body of the tile, and the glaze, which is the top layer that includes the tile colour and pattern. Some ceramic tiles don’t have a glaze, and they have a solid colour throughout. This is called a through-tile construction, and these tiles are typically the natural red or brown on unglazed ceramic. Ceramic tile is durable, and waterproof when glazed, but it’s porous enough to be susceptible to chipping, and it’s not suitable for outdoor use.

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile. It is made from a dense mix of clay minerals and water. The clay is often made of feldspar, kaolin, and quartz. This combination of clay, and the higher pressure during construction makes porcelain denser than ceramic clays. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic, meaning it’s less likely to chip. It’s also waterproof when glazed, and can even be used outdoors. The Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) (http://www.ptcaonline.org/)determined that a real porcelain tile must absorb less than 0.5% of water, so not all manufacturers claiming to sell porcelain are necessarily selling certified products.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are constructed differently. Both porcelain and ceramic are made of water and clay, but porcelain contains denser clay minerals like quartz and feldspar. Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous as a result. Because porcelain is less porous, it’s more durable. It’s less likely to chip than standard ceramic, and it can even handle the freeze/thaw conditions of the outdoors. Porcelain can also have a through body colour, meaning the top layer of the tile matches the body of the tile, or a colour body, which means the body of the tile closely matches the colour of the surface design. These options allow you to install porcelain in high-traffic areas, because wear and tear is less obvious. Meanwhile, ceramic tile typically has a red or brown body colour, which can be really noticeable if the surface chips or gets worn.

Floor tile is made to be thick and sturdy so it can withstand foot traffic. Meanwhile, wall tile is thinner and lighter for easier installation. Some floor tiles can be installed on walls, depending on the size and weight, though you should consult a professional before choosing to install floor tiles on your walls. These tiles should never be used on floors, because they’re not designed to do so. They can also be more decorative, with unique finishes and 3D textures that wouldn’t be practical for flooring. Wall tiles are also more likely to be smaller than floor tiles, since mosaics and backsplash wall tiles are so popular.

Many floor tiles can be installed on the walls, but you should consult with a contractor and the manufacturer’s instructions before determining if a particular floor tile is suitable for wall installation. Consider size, weight, and installation location for the tile when installing floor tile on a wall.

Glazed tile is water-resistant when installed properly, but not all glazed tiles are suitable for use in high-moisture areas like bathtubs, showers, and around pools. You will need to check the manufacturer’s instructions to find tile that is approved for those locations.

Durable Tile is one of the most durable flooring or wall treatment options out there, thanks to the firing and glazing process that makes it so tough. Porcelain tiles are especially resistant to scratches and high traffic. Stylish Since tile can take on basically any colour, shape, or size, there’s no end to the style possibilities. Easy to clean Tile doesn’t require any special cleaning products. Simply sweep and mop tile flooring, and scrub tile walls to keep the surface looking great. Low maintenance No need to polish or refinish! Your tile will maintain its beauty without a lot of hassle. More affordable than stone With ceramic and porcelain tile, you can get the look of natural stone without the price or the maintenance requirements.

• Durable: Tile is one of the most durable flooring or wall treatment options out there, thanks to the firing and glazing process that makes it so tough. Porcelain tiles are especially resistant to scratches and high traffic. • Difficult installation: Unless you spend a lot of your free time laying tiles, you probably won’t have the experience to perfectly tile your floor or wall. Professional installation is often recommended. However, you can still make it into a DIY project if you’re determined.

PEI stands for the Porcelain Enamel Institute. This organization rates porcelain tiles based on the hardness of their glaze. These ratings determine how and where to use different kinds of tiles. This rating system is only applicable to porcelain products. The ratings are as follows: • NR: Natural stone and other unglazed categories that are not rated. • Group 1: Suitable for residential or commercial walls. Not suitable or recommended for foot traffic. Use this tile for bathroom walls, backsplashes, and accent walls. • Group 2: Suitable for general light residential traffic in bathrooms and informal rooms. • Group 3: Suitable for all residential and light commercial areas, including residential kitchens, commercial offices, reception areas, and home uses. • Group 4: Suitable for residential, medium commercial and light institutional applications. Restaurants, hotels, lobbies and commercial spaces with moderate traffic. • Group 5: Suitable for heavy traffic in both residential and heavy commercial applications, such as schools, airports, and malls.

PEI stands for the Porcelain Enamel Institute. This organization rates porcelain tile based on the hardness of its glaze. These ratings determine how and where to use different kinds of tile. This rating system is only applicable to porcelain products. Through body  This is what you’ll see in porcelain floor tiles where the body (inside) of the tile matches the glaze (outside). If the surface chips, the body colour underneath will be the same. Colour body Colour body porcelain refers to porcelain tiles that have a multicolour glaze pattern. In colour body porcelain, the bisque of the tile matches the dominant colour in the glaze. This design can often hide the appearance of chips, though not as completely as through body tiles. Double loaded Porcelain tiles can also go through a process known as doubling loading. In this design, the patterned top layer is extra thick, so only very deep chips will show the colour of the body underneath. Red body This is typical in traditional ceramic tiles. You will see a decorative top layer, but the inside of the tile is the natural red/brown clay colour. This colour will show through if your tile becomes damaged.

Glazed The glaze is like the finishing touch to your tile. It works like a bodyguard to protect your tile from moisture and stains. Most ceramic tiles are glazed, but people sometimes prefer the natural, earthy look of unglazed tiles. Additionally, the glaze can cause these tiles to be more slippery when wet so we recommend using a textured tile if you plan to use a glazed tile in a bathroom or water-prone area. Polished For a truly flawless surface, polished porcelain floor tiles are ground down to a high polish just like natural stones like marble and granite. A polish top coat finish is added to protect your tile from absorbing dirt and debris, offering you a sharper-looking floor with less maintenance and that ‘glassy’ look. Unglazed Unglazed ceramic tiles have no extra finish added after firing. They often look more earthy and natural than glazed ceramic tiles, but they are not quite as impervious to liquid or as easy to maintain. While these tiles can be (and are) still used in rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens, they will require more maintenance than their safeguarded glazed counterparts.

Clear loose dust and dirt by sweeping with a broom and dustpan. You could also use a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush attachment. Then mop the tile using warm water and a cleaning solution appropriate for your floor (check the manufacturer’s instructions). Use a chamois mop for the best results. As you mop, you will need to refresh the water bucket whenever the water starts looking too cloudy. Once the mopping is completed, dry the tile with a microfibre cloth to prevent any water spots from air-drying. As a final touch, get rid of any grime still hiding in the grout lines. To clean grout, use soapy water and scrub at any stains with a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush.

Ceramic tile shouldn’t be used outdoors, because it’s too porous and can absorb water. That means it can become damaged during freeze/thaw conditions as any absorbed water expands and contracts. If you want to use tile outside, choose a certified porcelain tile with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Be sure that the product has outdoor use as a recommended application as to not void any warranties. This will ensure that your tile looks good even through harsh weather conditions.

Both glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are fairly scratch-resistant, but porcelain is more so. Since it’s made from a denser material, you’re less likely to scratch porcelain tile. When searching for scratch resistant tile, look for a product with a higher PEI rating. A higher PEI rating means a harder, more scratch resistant glaze.

You can put a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints. Penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain-resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface. However, you should not apply a tile sealer when working with glazed tiles, since the glaze already acts as a seal.