First, will the ceramic
tile be glazed or unglazed? Will the stone
tile be polished or unpolished? These questions
can be answered by the design requirements,
personal taste, and the desired function
of the finished surface. Generally, glazed
or polished surfaces are easier to clean
than unglazed, unpolished surfaces.
INTERIOR FLOORS-RESIDENTIAL
Slip resistance and abrasion resistance is always a factor in floor tile.
These factors are somewhat flexible in residential applications. However,
the use of a "wall tile" on a floor is not recommended. A
tile with good breaking-flexural strength should be used.
It is very interesting that some polished
stone tile have incredibly high slip
resistance when dry. When wet, polished
stone can be very slick.
Also with stone or ceramic, deep fissures,
crevices, or voids in the tiles surface
can mean more time spent in keeping the
floor clean.
If the floor will be exposed to food
acids or other acidic chemicals, then
stone or ceramic tile vulnerable to such
attack should be avoided. An example
would be polished marble on a kitchen
floor.
INTERIOR FLOORS-COMMERCIAL
Slip resistance and abrasion resistance is critical in these installations.
Many other recommendations can be made such as high impact resistance,
breaking-flexural strength, and generally a tile with the durable requirements
for the intended installation.
Generally, commercial floors are beefed
up residential floors. This is true of
the tiles chosen as well as the substrate
below the tile. Other considerations
are the type of ceramic or stone tile
quality chosen. For example, only stone
tiles in the group A or B classification
might be considered for a commercial
floor project.
Certainly the same basic requirements
exist for the commercial floor as compared
to the residential variety related to
chemical resistance and the like.
EXTERIOR FLOORS/DECKS
These areas are considered wet areas and should be tiled with tile in
the vitreous or impervious class for best results. Slip resistance
is important since uncovered exterior floors most likely will become
wet. The wet condition will change the slip resistance. Also, the same
tile used on ramps will have a different slip resistance. Abrasion
resistance is important especially in higher traffic areas such as
exterior commercial installations. Additionally, tile susceptible to
water damage or freeze/thaw damage must be considered.
Most stone tile is suitable for this
application with the exception of polished
stone due to its poor slip resistance
when wet.
INTERIOR WALLS-RESIDENTIAL
A great deal of latitude can be allowed here with many different options
especially in a dry area. Special or decorative tile can be used here.
Stone or ceramic tiles with fissures,
crevices, or voids can easily be used
here depending on the project requirements
and design.
INTERIOR WALLS-COMMERCIAL
Many tiles are suitable and the latitude enjoyed in the residential application
is similar. However, the tile selected should be somewhat tougher and
be able to resist more frequent cleaning and possibly harsher chemicals
used to remove graffiti and the like.
EXTERIOR WALLS
These areas are considered "wet" areas and should be treated
with the type of tile recommended. Classic wall tile should not be used
on exteriors due to its high water absorption rate. In addition, tile
that is freeze/thaw resistant should be considered in many areas.
COUNTER TOPS
Since kitchen counter tops are the most common factor, these installations
should be treated as wet due to the normal way they are used. The exception
is that a tile should have good abrasion resistance and impact resistance.
In addition, chemical resistance is important due to the many acids
common to cooking. Certain consideration should be given to stain resistance
both to food materials and metal utensils.
Remember that polished stone in the
marble variety will etch when exposed
to even mild household acids.
SHOWERS/TUBS
Since these are generally considered wet areas, a tile in the vitreous
or impervious class should be used. Remember that the glaze on wall
tiles typically renders that surface impervious to water. Therefore
they too can be used in wet areas. However, slip resistance should
certainly be considered on shower floors.
Most stone tiles are suitable for this
application with a caution for shower
floors when tiling with polished stone
relating again to slip resistance.
POOLS/FOUNTAINS
Again tiles should be in the vitreous or impervious class. Depending
on the installation, care must be given to slip resistance.
Again stone tiles can effectively be
used in these areas.
Dr's
Tip: Take the time to find the
right ceramic or stone tile for
your application. Make sure that
your choice is the best to suit
your needs and budget.
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