WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING TILE
Learn more about the importance of the technical details, and what each means, below.
Usage
Floor
Tile meets all criteria for use on floors (excluding shower floors or outdoor floors, for which there is a separate criteria). *
Wall
Tile meets all criteria for use on vertical surfaces such as walls, backsplash, and fireplace surrounds.*
Countertop
Tile meets all criteria for use on countertops, and vertical surfaces such as walls, backsplash, and fireplace surrounds.*
Shower Floor
Tile meets all criteria for use on the shower floor. It may also be used for walls, backsplashes, other floors, etc.*
Exterior
Tile meets all criteria for use in outdoor applications.**
*See abrasion resistance, DCOF and frost resistance for installation-specific details.
**See floor and wall usage criteria and abrasion resistance, DCOF, and frost resistance criteria for installation-specific details.
Special Features
Certified Porcelain
Tile has been certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency.
Customize
Tile order can be customized.
Encaustic
Encaustic-look porcelain tile.
FlexFit
Tile is available in pre-fabricated sizes cut from a larger slab.
Large Format
Tile available in sizes larger than 15 inches.
Made in the usa
Product is made in the USA.
Mosaic/
Deco
Product has mosaic or deco tile available.
Paver
Tile can be used outdoors as a paver.
Post-Consumer REcycled
Tile contains recycled material from post-consumer resources.
pre-consumer recycled
Tile contains recycled material from pre-consumer resources.
Reveal Imaging
Tile employs imaging technology and inkjet printing.
StepWise™
Tile has infused technology that makes it 50% more slip-resistant.
Terrazzo
Tile has a terrazzo look style.
Tru-Edge™
Tile has rectified edges, which can have a smaller grout joint.
ZeroTox
Tile contains zero VOCs, zero PVCs, zero formaldehyde, and no allergens.
Materials
Ceramic
Glazed Ceramic
Porcelain
ColorBody Porcelain
Glazed Porcelain
TEchnical Porcelain
Glass
Metal
Mixed Materials
Natural Stone
Granite
Limestone
Marble
Slate
Soapstone
Travertine
Quartzite
Quartz
Quarry
Vinyl
Installation
| Grout Joint Recommendation | This represents the minimum width the grout joint should be to avoid lippage, breakage, etc. There may also be a recommendation for placement of tile in brickjoint layout and different requirements for floor and wall installations. |
| Shade Variation | Tile coloring can range from monochromatic to a highly varied in coloring and shading. Variation exists within individual tiles and from tile to tile. Results range from V0 to V4 where V0 is uniform and monochromatic and V4 has considerable variation from tile to tile. |
Performance Characteristics
| Water Absorption | A measurement of density and porosity that determines how much water tile will take on when exposed to water. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given in percentage of water absorbed by the tile. |
| Breaking Strength | A measurement of pounds required to cause a tile to break. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given in pounds at which the tile broke in testing. |
| Scratch Hardness | A measurement of the resistance of a tile when scratched by ten reference materials (gypsum, fluorite, quartz, diamond, etc.). Based on the MOHS hardness scale. Results given on a 1-10 scale where 1 is low scratch resistance and 10 is high scratch resistance. |
| Chemical Resistance | A measurement of resistance to chemical substances when exposed over time. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given as resistant or not resistant. |
| Abrasion Resistance | A measurement of resistance to visible surface abrasions and wear. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given on a 1-5 scale where 1 is best suited for light traffic and 5 is suited for heavy commercial traffic. |
| DCOF | Dynamic coefficient of friction, DCOF, measures friction between two surfaces especially where there is contamination. Results reflect the amount of force required to keep two surfaces sliding against one another. StepWise technology increases friction and makes tile 50% more slip resistant than regular tile. |
More Information
Avoid Slippery Surfaces
Learn which measurement gives you the right amount of slip resistance for your project.
StepWise Slip Resistant Tile
Boasting DCOF of at least .60, StepWise technology makes tile 50% more slip resistant.
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