Ceramic tiling is a classic for bathroom floors, but it can be a great choice in other rooms, too—even on the walls! Tiling adds a touch of sophistication to your home and is available in all the colours, patterns and shapes you could imagine. Ceramic tiles are highly resistant to scratches, water and stains, making them an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms and entrance halls. Here’s how to choose the right ceramic tiles for your home project.
Ceramic vs. porcelain: What’s the difference?
There are two main types of tile on the market: ceramic and porcelain. Many people think the two are interchangeable, but there are some important differences in terms of composition, appearance and performance. The clay used to make ceramic tiles is lighter and therefore more porous, while the denser clay in porcelain tiles makes them more resistant to damage.
This means that ceramic is great for walls, but porcelain is preferable for floors.
![We explain the differences between ceramics and porcelain](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para1.jpg)
![We explain the differences between ceramics and porcelain](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para1.jpg)
Where to use ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles should be used in areas where water spillage is likely, such as entryways, bathrooms and kitchens.
You can also use them outdoors, as long as they are scratch-resistant and have good traction.
![Ceramic's water resistance and durability make it a good choice throughout the home.](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para2.jpg)
![Ceramic's water resistance and durability make it a good choice throughout the home.](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para2.jpg)
The benefits of ceramic
- Easy to maintain
- Resistant to wear and stains
- Waterproof
- Extensive choice of décor-friendly patterns, shapes and colours
Did you know?
- Ceramic tiles are harder to install than other types of flooring
- Replacing a damaged tile is a delicate operation that may require professional help
![Ceramic tiles offer many advantages](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para3.jpg)
![Ceramic tiles offer many advantages](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para3.jpg)
Factors to consider when choosing a ceramic tile
Before you buy, consider the following factors:
Design
Choosing a tile design is largely a matter of personal taste. You have a wide variety of shapes and colours to choose from. However, for a timeless look, we suggest choosing a subtler design that can be embellished with colourful accessories. Medium tones are best for bathrooms, as darker colours tend to show soap and limescale build-up and lighter ones will not hide stains very well.
Size
These days, design rules for tile size aren’t as strict as they once were. It’s perfectly fine to install large tiles on walls or in small rooms. Still, there are a few guidelines:
- Smaller tiles are still a good choice for bathroom floors, because the many joints involved create a non-slip surface.
- Large tiles will make a room feel bigger.
- Larger tiles are generally easier to maintain, as there are fewer joints to clean and less build-up between them.
Finish and traction
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in many different matte and glossy finishes. The finish is not just a design choice, however—it also has an impact on traction. Polished tiles have very low traction, so they’re not a good choice for flooring, especially in the bathroom.
You can get an idea of a ceramic tile’s traction from its slip resistance, or anti-slip rating. For residential use, choose a tile with an “R” rating somewhere from normal (R9) to non-slip (R11). Keep in mind that tiles with a higher “R” rating are harder to maintain and don’t feel as good on bare feet.
R9 - Normal | R10 – Somewhat non-slip | R11 – Non-slip | R12 – Very non-slip |
Suitable for indoor residential spaces with no water accumulation Kitchen, hallway |
Suitable for indoor residential spaces with little water accumulation Kitchen, hallway, bathroom, shower floor |
Suitable for indoor and outdoor residential and commercial spaces with heavy water accumulation Kitchen, hallway, bathroom, shower floor |
Suitable for indoor and outdoor residential and commercial spaces with heavy accumulation of water or other liquids Balcony, residential pool border, production line |
Rectified or not
Rectified tiles have had their edges straightened out to perfect 90-degree angles. This added step in the manufacturing process allows the tiles to be installed with narrower, almost invisible joints. Rectified tiles tend to give a sleeker and more modern look.
However, they need to be installed very precisely on a perfectly flat surface, as even the smallest imperfections will show.
![A rectified tile will give a sleeker and more modern look](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para5.jpg)
![A rectified tile will give a sleeker and more modern look](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para5.jpg)
Tile quality
The quality of a ceramic tile is determined by its abrasion resistance, represented by a rating from 1 to 5 developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). PEI ratings of 1 or 2 mean that a tile is suitable for an installation on the walls only. PEI 3 tiles can be used in higher-traffic areas of the home such as kitchens and hallways. PEI 4 and 5 tiles are the most durable, making them suitable for commercial use.
PEI abrasion resistance rating
PEI 1 and 2 | PEI 3 | PEI 4 | PEI 5 |
Wall installation only Backsplash, shower wall, fireplace wall |
Floor or wall installation in residential spaces Kitchen, bathroom |
Floor or wall installation in low-traffic commercial spaces Kitchen, bathroom |
Floor or wall installation in high-traffic commercial spaces Shopping centre, airport
|
Shade variation guide
The colour of each tile may vary in shade for the same product, batch or box. Before you start installing your tiles, we recommend inspecting each box to make sure the level of shade variation is acceptable for your project. Shade variation scales can give you an idea of how much colour and texture variation to expect from a given tile model. Usually, tiles designed to imitate natural materials like wood or marble will have more shade variation.
V1 - Uniform appearance | V2 - Slight variation | V3 - Moderate variation | V4 - Substantial variation |
Plain design for all tiles |
Plain or minimal design variation between tiles |
Design with colour variation or slight pattern variation from one tile to another |
Design with a lot of variation from one tile to another |
Layout
There are many different ways to lay ceramic tiles. Some tiles are designed for specific layouts, such as herringbone or octagonal. Note that certain layouts will require a little more planning and effort. Here are a few examples of tile layouts:
Stacked |
Brick lay |
One-third offset |
Herringbone |
Diagonal |
Chevron |
Choosing a tile grout
Grouting is an essential step in the installation process. Grout seals the joints between tiles to keep out dirt and water. It’s also important aesthetically, since the colour of the grout will affect the finished look. When choosing a grout, the first things to consider are location, type of tile and joint width. After that, you’ll want to choose the colour best suited to the look you’re going for.
There are four main types of tile grout on the market:
- Sanded cement grout: For joints larger than 1/8 inch. Very durable but not very waterproof. Requires a sealant.
- Unsanded cement grout: For narrower joints (1/8 inch or less). Ideal for wall tiles or more fragile tiles that could be damaged by scratches from using sanded grout. Requires a sealant.
- Epoxy grout: Highly waterproof and stain resistant. Ideal for kitchen backsplashes and showers. Can be complicated to apply for beginners.
- Pre-mixed grout with quartz: More expensive but very durable. Since it comes pre-mixed, the colour is very consistent.
Some types of tile need to be installed with specific grouts. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask an in-store expert.
![A few tips for choosing the right ceramic grout](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/Coulis-ceramique-choisir-640x720.jpg)
![A few tips for choosing the right ceramic grout](https://www.bmr.ca/media/wysiwyg/conseil-guide-achats/couvre-plancher/plancher-ceramique/ceramique-choisir-640x540-para6.jpg)
Once you’ve chosen your tiles and grout, you’ll need to get ready to install them. Follow our guide to understand the different steps of tile installation. If you want personalized advice, just talk to one of our experts at your local BMR store.
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The information in this article is intended as a guide only and may not be applicable in certain situations. When in doubt, talk to a local BMR expert.