Porcelain
What is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile is time-tested and trusted as a highly durable and beautiful family of surface and building materials.
Ceramic tile is defined as a ceramic surface component, glazed or unglazed, that is fired at a temperature sufficiently high to produce specific, desirable characteristics and properties. This relatively broad definition encompasses different types of ceramic tile, all of which collectively make up what is commonly known as the “ceramic tile family.”
The ceramic tile family includes:
- Wall tile
- Mosaic tile
- Porcelain tile
- Pressed floor tile
- Quarry tile
Each of these tile subsets is ceramic tile and thus shares ceramic tile’s general benefits. For example, ceramic tile is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and flame-resistant. Many ceramic tile options are also frost-and slip-resistant. Each subset is produced slightly differently and may consequently have additional advantages that lend themselves to specific applications.
These qualities make all ceramic tile types ideal for a wide variety of uses, most commonly flooring, backsplashes, and shower tile but also extending to just about any space and application inside — and outside — your home.
In addition to the functional advantages of ceramic tile, it’s also a smart choice for making a style impact with an endless variety of designs, patterns, shapes, colors, sizes, and textures. The variety available within the ceramic tile family allows you to meet your specific aesthetic needs, all with the quality and durability benefits of ceramic tile.
How Ceramic Tile Is Made
Ceramic tile undergoes manufacturing processes to achieve specific characteristics. The process involves many steps, including these key elements:
- Clays and other naturally occurring materials are typically collected within 500 miles of manufacturing facilities to reduce the energy and emissions that come from long-distance shipping.
- Precision milling processes break down and refine the clay particles so that they can be compressed to a high degree, making ceramic tile dense and moisture-resistant.
- Ceramic tiles are either dry-pressed or extruded into a shape. Dry pressing involves compressing a dry powder mixture in a steel mold at high pressure and then ejecting it, whereas extrusion involves forcing a wet mixture through a mold and then cutting it into shape.
- Ceramic tile is fired at temperatures reaching as high as 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a surface with a superior breaking strength that is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches.
Benefits of Ceramic Tile
Health & Hygiene
Easy to clean: Water is all that’s needed to wipe up most messes — no harsh chemicals necessary.
Bacteria-resistant: Ceramic tile surfaces are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria and other microbes such as mold.
Antimicrobial: Options are available with antimicrobial properties that can suppress and even destroy harmful microorganisms, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Free of allergens: Ceramic tile surfaces contain no allergens, and allergens in the environment such as dust, dirt, and pollen can’t penetrate a ceramic tile surface.
No volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are harmful gases that cause various health concerns and can be emitted by some flooring types, but not ceramic, which contains no organic compounds.
No formaldehyde: Some wood products may contain formaldehyde. Certain levels of formaldehyde can irritate asthma and other respiratory disorders.
No polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a plastic resin found in vinyl flooring. PVC contains phthalates and organotins, both regularly a subject of concern among health experts.
No plastic: The health and environmental concerns associated with plastic aren’t an issue for any ceramic tile type.
Nontoxic: Ceramic tile surfaces do not emit any toxic fumes when exposed to heat and fire.
Naturally occurring materials: A healthy choice for both you and the environment!
Environmental Sustainability
Lowest carbon footprint of any flooring material in North America: Lowest global warming potential and lowest fossil fuel resource depletion (based on comparison of publicly available flooring environmental product declarations — see Tile: the Natural Choice for more information)
Durable: Lifespan of 75+ years, lowest life cycle cost and environmental impact compared to other flooring materials
Energy-efficient: Inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling to help lower energy costs, creates the possibility of natural conditioning for more stable and comfortable indoor environments
Recycling: Pre- and post-consumer recycled content available
Salvageable: Can be salvaged in a major renovation and repurposed
Post-life clean fill option: Solid and inert, reusable as construction filler, free of plastic, and does not contribute to growing landfill issues
Low Maintenance
Water resistance: All types of ceramic tile are moisture-resistant.
Stain resistance: Stains aren’t a concern for ceramic tile.
Fade resistance: Don’t worry that your outdoor tile will lose its luster, as ceramic tile surfaces won’t fade from the sun.
Freeze-thaw resistance: Many options of ceramic tile can withstand the damaging effects of repeated freeze and thaw cycles, making it a great choice for outdoor spaces in every climate.
High breaking strength: Low porosity and high density results in ceramic tile having a high breaking strength.
Scratch resistance: Ceramic tile’s hard surface means scratches and dents are unlikely.
Safety
Slip resistance: Many slip-resistant options are available for flooring exposed to wet conditions or in moisture-rich areas, such as the shower, kitchen, outdoor applications or pool deck. Some options are even available with different textures for even more slip resistance.
Fire resistance: Ceramic tile is nonflammable, meaning that it doesn’t burn, produce smoke, or give off toxic fumes if exposed to heat and fire (and can even reduce flame spread).
Easy Cleaning
Cleaning ceramic tile is as easy as following these simple steps:
Sweep: Sweep (or brush) away dirt and debris.
Wipe with water: Wipe tile down with a cloth and clean water.
When water isn’t enough:
Neutral cleaners: Tackle tough messes with a PH neutral cleaner or a cleaner designed for tile and grout.
Elbow grease: When necessary, use scrubbers made of plastic or nylon.
- Health & Hygiene
-
Health & Hygiene
Easy to clean: Water is all that’s needed to wipe up most messes — no harsh chemicals necessary.
Bacteria-resistant: Ceramic tile surfaces are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria and other microbes such as mold.
Antimicrobial: Options are available with antimicrobial properties that can suppress and even destroy harmful microorganisms, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Free of allergens: Ceramic tile surfaces contain no allergens, and allergens in the environment such as dust, dirt, and pollen can’t penetrate a ceramic tile surface.
No volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are harmful gases that cause various health concerns and can be emitted by some flooring types, but not ceramic, which contains no organic compounds.
No formaldehyde: Some wood products may contain formaldehyde. Certain levels of formaldehyde can irritate asthma and other respiratory disorders.
No polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a plastic resin found in vinyl flooring. PVC contains phthalates and organotins, both regularly a subject of concern among health experts.
No plastic: The health and environmental concerns associated with plastic aren’t an issue for any ceramic tile type.
Nontoxic: Ceramic tile surfaces do not emit any toxic fumes when exposed to heat and fire.
Naturally occurring materials: A healthy choice for both you and the environment!
- Environmental Sustainability
-
Environmental Sustainability
Lowest carbon footprint of any flooring material in North America: Lowest global warming potential and lowest fossil fuel resource depletion (based on comparison of publicly available flooring environmental product declarations — see Tile: the Natural Choice for more information)
Durable: Lifespan of 75+ years, lowest life cycle cost and environmental impact compared to other flooring materials
Energy-efficient: Inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling to help lower energy costs, creates the possibility of natural conditioning for more stable and comfortable indoor environments
Recycling: Pre- and post-consumer recycled content available
Salvageable: Can be salvaged in a major renovation and repurposed
Post-life clean fill option: Solid and inert, reusable as construction filler, free of plastic, and does not contribute to growing landfill issues
- Low Maintenance
-
Low Maintenance
Water resistance: All types of ceramic tile are moisture-resistant.
Stain resistance: Stains aren’t a concern for ceramic tile.
Fade resistance: Don’t worry that your outdoor tile will lose its luster, as ceramic tile surfaces won’t fade from the sun.
Freeze-thaw resistance: Many options of ceramic tile can withstand the damaging effects of repeated freeze and thaw cycles, making it a great choice for outdoor spaces in every climate.
High breaking strength: Low porosity and high density results in ceramic tile having a high breaking strength.
Scratch resistance: Ceramic tile’s hard surface means scratches and dents are unlikely.
- Safety
-
Safety
Slip resistance: Many slip-resistant options are available for flooring exposed to wet conditions or in moisture-rich areas, such as the shower, kitchen, outdoor applications or pool deck. Some options are even available with different textures for even more slip resistance.
Fire resistance: Ceramic tile is nonflammable, meaning that it doesn’t burn, produce smoke, or give off toxic fumes if exposed to heat and fire (and can even reduce flame spread).
- Easy Cleaning
-
Easy Cleaning
Cleaning ceramic tile is as easy as following these simple steps:
Sweep: Sweep (or brush) away dirt and debris.
Wipe with water: Wipe tile down with a cloth and clean water.
When water isn’t enough:
Neutral cleaners: Tackle tough messes with a PH neutral cleaner or a cleaner designed for tile and grout.
Elbow grease: When necessary, use scrubbers made of plastic or nylon.
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