Questions and Answers About Tile

What is Paver tile?

Paver is a natural clay or porcelain tile having a facial area of six square inches or more and made from the dust-pressed method.

What is Quarry tile?

'Quarry tile' is a traditional term for single-extruded, natural clay tiles with a water absorption level not exceeding 6%. It's produced by the extrusion method from natural clay or shale, with properties similar to red stoneware and usually having six square inches or more of facial area.

The body of this tile is both thick and dense, making it ideal for both heavy commercial and residential installations. Their surface generally has good slip-resistant qualities. Quarry tiles are often terra-cotta in color and are used for both floors and walls. They are normally used indoors.

What is meant by Coefficient of Friction of a tile?

This is the degree of slip resistance used to determine different aspects of slippage on a tiled plane. A coefficient of friction of 0.5 and above is the recognized industry standard for a slip- resistant floor. The different aspects include wet and dry conditions, speed of subject, required force to move subject, and critical angle of tiled surface. Area, usage and maintenance directly affect a tile's coefficient of friction

What is meant by fire resistance of a tile?

The ability of a tile to withstand the effects of flame. Ceramic tiles are fireproof and will not feed a fire or release toxic emissions. This makes ceramic tiles a useful structural element to any property.

What is a Buttonback tile?

Tiles with projections on the bondable side are called buttonback tiles. Many of these projections are round and so the term "buttonback" has become famous. Some projections are of different shapes and depths besides the button-like projections usually associated with the term.

What is Saltillo Tile?

A very popular handmade tile is the Saltillo tile from Mexico. Saltillo tile offers size, shade and texture variations from one tile to another, which can add visual flair to an installation. Occasionally, they will even be marked with animal tracks. This is due to the fact that Saltillo tiles are dried in the desert before they are baked in the kiln. On their travels, the animals walk across the tiles, leaving their prints as decorative additions to the surface of the tiles! The effect of Saltillo tiles is one of rustic beauty. These handmade tiles are very porous and must be sealed and waxed to prevent staining and wear. Saltillo tile is not frost-resistant and can not be installed outdoors in regions that are prone to intemperate weather

What is a Terra-Cotta, or Cotto tile?

Sometimes referred to as Cotto, this variety of ceramic tile is used mainly on interior floors. Terra-cotta tile a hard-baked tile of variable color and water absorption. Usually unglazed, this product requires a sealer to prevent staining. Terra-cotta tile is either handmade or machine- made. Handmade terra-cotta tile, similar to Saltillo tile, is usually restricted to indoor use in regions that are not temperate to tropic all year round.. However, the machine made terra-cottas are much denser than the handmade tiles and can be installed outdoors as they are frost-resistant. Terra-cotta offers a handcrafted look with a lot of character. They do however require a little more maintenance.

Which adhesive should I use gray or white?

A gray thin set mortar is recommended if you want to use a dark colored grout, while a white thin set mortar is more appropriate if you want to use a light colored grout.

When I choose a trowel, what size notch should I go for?

It depends on the tiles you use for the job. If the back of the tile is flat, a 1/4 inch notch should be enough.

Does ceramic tile feel cold on the feet?

No. Ceramic tile is a thermally retentive product that maintains an even temperature. The tile stays pleasantly cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Does ceramic tile feel hard underfoot?

The surface of the tile is naturally harder than carpet but not harder than vinyl or wood. Its surface construction is designed for comfort underfoot.

What are the types of grout and what is their specified usage?

There are four basic types of grout:

• Unsanded Grout: This type of grout for ceramic tile is used for wall tiles where the joint is less than 1/8" wide.

• Finely Sanded Grout: This tile grout is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1/8" to 3/8" wide.

• Quarry-type Grout: This is the same as finely sanded grouts except that a coarser grade of sand is used. The quarry-type grout is used for joints that are 3/8" wide to 1/2" wide such as those used with Mexican tiles.

• Epoxy Grout: This consists of an epoxy resin and hardener. Epoxy grout is highly resistant to stains and chemicals and has a tremendous bonding strength. It is ideal for countertops and other areas susceptible to stains.

What are the types of sealers?

• Penetrating Sealers: These are absorbed into the tile or grout, forming a stain resistant shield just below the surface. Most penetrating sealers will not get dark or change the appearance of the tile in anyway.

• Surface Sealers: These are coated on the top of tile and grout, forming a non-porous, stain resistant sealant. The surface sealer will enhance the rich natural colors of the tile and adds a slight luster as well.