A floor and walls create a unique look for a room compared to any other material. These materials capture light and give the place a character that describes the place. Tiles are a very popular option for bathrooms and kitchens due to their ease of cleaning and water resistance nature. However, not all tiles are the same and different porcelain tiles are available depending on their grades. So, choosing a better quality porcelain can be challenging. In this article, we will delve deep into how to choose a porcelain tile grade for your project.
There are 4 types of porcelain making process. Each of them are described below:
The forming stage of porcelain making requires creativity and accuracy. The clay is shaped using hand techniques like pinching, coiling, or pressing into moulds. The clay is then formed into a shape and dried to remove excess moisture.
Glazing is the application of liquid glass to the surface of a ceramic or porcelain tile piece. This is done by spraying or dipping. Later, the piece is sent for firing in the oven, which makes the glaze stick to the object’s surface.
Decorating porcelain has been done for a long time. It makes the pieces colourful and textured and also protects them. The main methods used are hand painting, staining, and transfers. Hand painting means using brushes or sponges to paint directly on the piece. Staining involves dipping the piece in dye to get a specific colour. Transfers use a special process to put an image onto the piece.
Firing is the final step in creating a porcelain tile. In this process, the pieces are heated to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat forms a glass-like layer on top of the piece, making it hard and durable.
The PEI or Porcelain Enamel Institute rating is crucial when choosing porcelain tile grades for your project. This rating measures a tile’s resistance to wear from abrasion and helps determine where it can be used. Although the PEI rating system might seem complicated initially, it’s quite easy once you understand it. Knowing this will help ensure the success of your project.
The grade of porcelain tile is influenced by the materials used to produce it but mainly by its thickness. Thin grade 1 tiles are not lower-quality tiles; they are used for different purposes. Specifically, Thick tiles are used for floors with high foot traffic, whereas thin and lighter tiles are used for walls. Below is the PEI scale breakdown of different tiles.
Grade 1 tiles are highly preferred for walls only and are the least durable. They are not recommended for floors or countertops and are used mainly for kitchen and bathroom walls. Grade 1 tiles are equal to the tough porcelain tile grades in terms of stain resistance, designs, colours, and low maintenance.
Grade 2 tiles can be used for flooring in rooms with light traffic, like bathrooms or bedrooms. They aren’t made for heavy foot traffic and cannot be used for floors in commercial spaces. These modern tiles are also great for wall coverings.
Most Grade 3 tiles are considered residential floor tiles. They are suitable for moderate foot traffic and places with everyday wear and tear, such as offices and small shops. Grade 3 tiles suit floors, walls, countertops, kitchens, hallways, and family rooms. In addition to all the interior applications, Grade 3 tiles can also be used as outdoor porcelain tiles.
Grade 4 tile is recommended for most commercial spaces. It is designed for heavy traffic and is often used in restaurants, shops, offices, and other areas needing durable, easy-to-maintain floor tiles. Many homeowners also choose Grade 4 tiles for places that need strong flooring, like laundry rooms and mudrooms. They are also an excellent choice as porcelain pavers for patios.
Grade 5 tiles are the toughest and most durable porcelain tiles available in the market. They are mostly preferred in areas prone to heavy traffic and wear and tear, such as schools, colleges, hospitals, industries, etc. These grade 5 tiles can also withstand harsh chemicals. They are available in various colours and patterns to suit your requirements.
There are also other factors that affect the durability of porcelain tiles apart from the grades.
Apart from grades, It is important to consider various applications and types:
It’s also important to consider the different uses of each type of tile and how those uses might affect their performance.
This method can affect how durable and well it performs. Porcelain tiles are usually made using dry-pressed, extruded, or RAM-pressed methods. Depending on the forming methods, porcelain tiles can be dense, non-porous, or porous, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The coefficient of friction measures how well a surface resists slipping against another surface. Porcelain tile usually has a high coefficient of friction, making it a great option for places with a high risk of slip-and-fall accidents, such as pool decks or showers.
When choosing porcelain tile for your project, slip resistance is crucial. The American National Standards Institute suggests a rating of 0.60 or more for commercial floors and 0.42 or more for residential bathrooms and laundry rooms. Avoid using tiles with lower ratings in slippery or wet areas.
Scratch resistance should be considered while choosing tiles. Porcelain tiles have higher scratch resistance, which makes them suitable for higher-traffic areas. Compare A-grade and B-grade porcelain tiles to make your decision. While B-grade porcelain tile is a better option.
Another key factor to consider is the water absorption rating of porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are more dense than ceramic tiles, so they have a lower water absorption rating. This is especially important for cleaning, as porous tiles can easily absorb water and stains.
Several factors come into play while choosing the best tile for your project. Colour, strength, and design are the important aspects that influence selection. It is advisable to research on your own and buy from reliable manufacturers or stores for the highest-quality porcelain tile.
The quality of porcelain tile can vary based on type; glazed tiles offer more durability than unglazed ones. When choosing, consider strong colours and patterns in printed tiles, and inspect for chips or flaws before buying. Italy remains renowned for producing top-quality porcelain tiles, so check the tile’s back to see where it’s made.
Knowing the different types of porcelain tiles and where to use them is important when picking the right one for your project. We’re the leading supplier of porcelain tiles in Ontario. We offer various grades and styles to match any budget. Our team can guide you in choosing the best option for your needs. Contact Markham Ceramic Tile and Stone today for a quote, or visit our tile store in Markham. You can also shop for our floor and wall tiles online.
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