How to choose the right ceramic flooring

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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