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Ceramic Tile
Mosaics
Mosaic tiles, once popular in prewar residences, are small porcelain tiles that measure about 21?4 by 21?4 inches at the maximum. They are generally sheet-mounted at the factory to save time in installation. They, too, are strong and have low water absorption.
Because they are small, mosaics can follow a contour, as in a shower floor. Mosaic tiles also allow for multiple drainage channels in wet areas to improve slip resistance. They recently have become quite popular as accents to larger tiles.
Glass
Often used as an accent to a ceramic tiled floor, glass is another material being constructed into tiles. Glass tiles are impervious to moisture, making them useful for kitchens and baths. And they can be eco-friendly too. Many companies are manufacturing glass tiles from recycled bottles and other glass products.
Trim units
Although not as ornamental as wall tile trims, paver trims are available to coordinate with tile flooring. Paver trims, such as bullnoses and cove bases, serve a functional purpose. They typically round out hard edges on stair treads. Or they can be used as a finish molding rising a few inches up the wall around the perimeter of the floor and along cabinet toe-kicks.
Color and shade variation
Because of the handcrafted nature of ceramic tiles, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) has implemented a color/shade variation program. The CTDA found that some customers were disappointed when their tiles arrived in varying colors. Although these random variations are part of the beauty of a handcrafted tile, you might not want the diversity. Check the CTDA color/shade designation for your tile. It can range from V1 (uniform appearance) to V4 (substantial variation). If there is no CTDA designation, ask your dealer about the variations you can expect.
Also, when installing tile, it's good practice to blend the tiles from several boxes to avoid any shade shifts from lot to lot.
Slip resistance
There's no question -- some ceramic tiles are slippery. Yet there are no national standards or requirements for slip resistance or coefficient of friction (COF). For practical purposes, however, the COF for floor tile is measured. Knowing the COF of your tile can help you make a sound choice at the beginning. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a COF of 0.6 or greater on flat surfaces and 0.8 on ramps and inclines. If you have seniors or disabled persons in your household, you may want to take the COF into consideration.
There are also other ways to ensure a safe floor, such as choosing a tile that allows for well-placed grout lines or increasing the size of your grout joints. A tiled floor can be made more slip resistant by applying slip-resistant coatings. The down side to having a no-slip floor? The more slip resistant a tile is, the harder it is to clean.
Mosaic tiles, once popular in prewar residences, are small porcelain tiles that measure about 21?4 by 21?4 inches at the maximum. They are generally sheet-mounted at the factory to save time in installation. They, too, are strong and have low water absorption.
Because they are small, mosaics can follow a contour, as in a shower floor. Mosaic tiles also allow for multiple drainage channels in wet areas to improve slip resistance. They recently have become quite popular as accents to larger tiles.
Glass
Often used as an accent to a ceramic tiled floor, glass is another material being constructed into tiles. Glass tiles are impervious to moisture, making them useful for kitchens and baths. And they can be eco-friendly too. Many companies are manufacturing glass tiles from recycled bottles and other glass products.
Trim units
Although not as ornamental as wall tile trims, paver trims are available to coordinate with tile flooring. Paver trims, such as bullnoses and cove bases, serve a functional purpose. They typically round out hard edges on stair treads. Or they can be used as a finish molding rising a few inches up the wall around the perimeter of the floor and along cabinet toe-kicks.
Color and shade variation
Because of the handcrafted nature of ceramic tiles, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) has implemented a color/shade variation program. The CTDA found that some customers were disappointed when their tiles arrived in varying colors. Although these random variations are part of the beauty of a handcrafted tile, you might not want the diversity. Check the CTDA color/shade designation for your tile. It can range from V1 (uniform appearance) to V4 (substantial variation). If there is no CTDA designation, ask your dealer about the variations you can expect.
Also, when installing tile, it's good practice to blend the tiles from several boxes to avoid any shade shifts from lot to lot.
Slip resistance
There's no question -- some ceramic tiles are slippery. Yet there are no national standards or requirements for slip resistance or coefficient of friction (COF). For practical purposes, however, the COF for floor tile is measured. Knowing the COF of your tile can help you make a sound choice at the beginning. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a COF of 0.6 or greater on flat surfaces and 0.8 on ramps and inclines. If you have seniors or disabled persons in your household, you may want to take the COF into consideration.
There are also other ways to ensure a safe floor, such as choosing a tile that allows for well-placed grout lines or increasing the size of your grout joints. A tiled floor can be made more slip resistant by applying slip-resistant coatings. The down side to having a no-slip floor? The more slip resistant a tile is, the harder it is to clean.
