selecting tile flooring

Choosing a tile depends highly on tastes, options and intended uses. There are, anyway, some basic rules and features you should also pay attention to. Aesthetics and prices are important elements to consider, but traffic levels and moisture should also be considered.

Types of tile: main features

There are ratings for porosity, indoor or outdoor uses, or for wear… Take them into account.

Below we list some general features you should pay attention to, when considering the several types of tile.

Type of tile	Durability	Water resistance	Maintenance	Cost	Indoors
Glazed ceramic	Medium-High	Medium-High	Low	Very variable	Very used
Porcelain ceramic	High	High	Low	Medium-High	Used
Stone	High	Very variable	Medium-High	Very variable	Very used
Cement-bodied	High	Demands sealer	Low	Low	Little used
Quarry	High	Medium	Low	Low-Medium	Commercial
Terracotta	Low	Low	High	Low-Medium	Very used
Brick	High	Demands sealer	Low	Medium	Little used
Pavers	High	-	Low	Low	Little used

The tile rating

When choosing a tile, pay attention to its rating. Some tiles are rated for outdoor uses only, while others are rated for indoor applications (and others for both).

Ratings also measure the porosity (the percentage of water absorbed by the tiles). Porous tiles may be inadequate to many outdoor uses and should be avoided in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture proof flooring is important.

Porosity ratings of tile - by increasing degree of porosity - are:

- Impervious;
- Vitreous;
- Semi-vitreous;
- Non-vitreous.

Impervious is the least water absorbent type of tiles, while non-vitreous is the most absorbent…

A more general tile rating reflects the wear resistance of the tile and should be considered in accordance with the intended type of use (high or low traffic foot). See next point.

Choosing Tiles: Tile Wear Ratings

When selecting a type of tile take into account its wear rating: choose the right tile for the intended use.

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is an excellent guide, recommended by many international and national organizations, and considers five rating classes:

- PEI Class 1 - No foot traffic (just for wall use).
- PEI Class 2 - Light traffic (for wall use and very low floor-traffic applications).
- PEI Class 3 - Light to moderate traffic:
- PEI Class 4 - Moderate to heavy foot traffic
- PEI Class 5 - Heavy to extra heavy foot traffic (most porcelain tiles have PEI ratings of 5).

Note: ratings are important, but don’t get too stuck with them.