Ceramic and Porcelain Tile are made of clay baked in a kiln.

Some common Features

• Tiles range in size from 4" to 20"
• Smooth surface
• Textured surface
• Stone-look surface
• Glazing – Adds a protective layer to resist water and stains and can enhance color

Important Factors to Consider

• Tile needs a stable sub-floor to prevent the tile and grout from cracking
• The area were tile is to be installed must be clean, dry and level
• The floor joists must strong enough to support the weight of the tile and its subsurface

Subsurfaces

• Cement Board – This is basically a board of concrete. It usually comes in 4’x4’ sheets that are ¼ to ½ inch thick. It is the most commonly used subsurface.
• Concrete – An excellent subsurface
• Gypcrete – A lightweight, self-leveling concrete-like subsurface made of gypsum and bonding agents.

Other Important Tips

• If the floor will be subject to impact or abrasion, check the tile’s hardness rating. There are several ratings to choose from, choose the one best for you.
• Choose heat-resistant tiles for a fireplace hearth.