QUESTION

Quality - How do I know if the ceramic tile I've selected is good quality and value?

ANSWER

ANSWER - Labor costs, exchange rates, quality of product, and business practices of your supplier of tile are all functions of what price it will sell for. First, determine quality by requesting data sheets showing recommendations for usage and limitations, and showing test results per industry standards.

A rule-of-thumb is that less absorbing tiles are denser and more durable which is important for floor tiles. If you get a tile that is in the category of vitreous (0.5% to 3% absorption) or impervious (less than or equal to 0.5% - as porcelain tile is suppose to be) then the body of the tile is normally very durable.

There are other factors in terms of hardness of the glaze of the tile which is normally measured relative to the MOH’s Scratch Hardness scale. The MOH rating is important relative to wearability of the glaze, particularly for commercial high traffic areas, and for chip resistance.

Chemical resistance is important for swimming pools tiles and kitchen countertop tiles that are normally exposed to acidic conditions which can cause deterioration and etching which is a permanent stain. This type of information is not as important for tiles only recommended for walls.

Foremost, make sure the manufacturer of the tile recommends its use for your type of application and work with a reputable supplier. Also, make sure you hire a qualified installer who knows how to install ceramic tile correctly based on your type of application. Your tile is only as good as its installation!
ANSWER - Labor costs, exchange rates, quality of product, and business practices of your supplier of tile are all functions of what price it will sell for. First, determine quality by requesting data sheets showing recommendations for usage and limitations, and showing test results per industry standards.

A rule-of-thumb is that less absorbing tiles are denser and more durable which is important for floor tiles. If you get a tile that is in the category of vitreous (0.5% to 3% absorption) or impervious (less than or equal to 0.5% - as porcelain tile is suppose to be) then the body of the tile is normally very durable.

There are other factors in terms of hardness of the glaze of the tile which is normally measured relative to the MOH’s Scratch Hardness scale. The MOH rating is important relative to wearability of the glaze, particularly for commercial high traffic areas, and for chip resistance.

Chemical resistance is important for swimming pools tiles and kitchen countertop tiles that are normally exposed to acidic conditions which can cause deterioration and etching which is a permanent stain. This type of information is not as important for tiles only recommended for walls.

Foremost, make sure the manufacturer of the tile recommends its use for your type of application and work with a reputable supplier. Also, make sure you hire a qualified installer who knows how to install ceramic tile correctly based on your type of application. Your tile is only as good as its installation!