Features
to Consider
Break
strength: This
is a measure of how much weight the tile can support. The break strength
needs to be greater than 250 pounds to be used safely on a floor.
Wear
rating: This
measures the durability of a tile's glaze (for glazed tiles only). Some
glazes can wear away with years of heavy traffic; others are guaranteed
for up to 15 years. The International Standards Organization (ISO) rates
glazed tiles from 0 (decorative tile) to 5 (heavy-duty). Tiles rated 3
or higher are suitable for floors. Unglazed tiles typically have color
extruded through the tile body and therefore do not have a wear rating.
Coefficient
of friction (COF):
This is the slip-resistance rating for tile. COF ratings range from 0 to
1. Tile in areas with high traffic, such as entryways, or in areas
subject to water spills, such as bathrooms and kitchen sink areas,
should have a higher rating. Tiles .6 and higher are considered
slip-resistant.
Water-absorption
percentages: Tiles
are rated nonvitreous (which means they absorb more than 7
percent water), semivitreous (meaning they absorb from 3
to 7 percent), vitreous (those that absorb .5 percent to 3
percent), or impervious (meaning they absorb less than .5
percent). Consult with tile manufacturers about using nonvitreous tiles
in wet locations -- such as in the shower or as a sink backsplash. If
the tiles are glazed, the surface will be impervious to water and
therefore suitable. Tiles that absorb 5 percent water or more are not
suitable for outdoor use in regions with freezing temperatures.
Cost
Guidelines
Ceramic
floor tiles will cost anywhere from $.77 each to as much as $12 each for
better grades of tile. Break strength has much to do with tile costs.
