How to shop for tile flooring
Tile flooring adds design interest, sophistication, and value to a property. It's also easy to clean and can last 50 years or more when taken care of properly. However, keep in mind that there are many types of ceramic tiles, each with its characteristics that behave differently in various installations. Following are some things you should explore when shopping at our tile shop in Remsen, IA.
Understand why tile class is so important
The Porcelain and Enamel Institute created a system to determine how much wear and tear a tile can withstand; using the wrong one can result in damage and early replacement.
Tile flooring can be used for walls or floors, depending on the class or category. The boxes are labeled, but it's never a bad idea to speak with us in detail, so we know exactly how you plan to use the ceramics. This is what you'll see: Class 1 is for indoor wall use only. This is because wall tiles are thinner, often more slippery, and cannot withstand the weight of people walking on them.
Then it gets more specific. For example, class 11 is for low traffic floors where people wear socks-only, slippers, or bare feet, such as in the bedroom. Class 111 can be used on indoor moderately foot trafficked floors and walls, backsplashes, countertops, and tub and shower surround. Finally, class 1V is for heavy foot traffic areas, like kitchens and entryways, and light commercial applications and outdoor use.
Tile flooring can be used for walls or floors, depending on the class or category. The boxes are labeled, but it's never a bad idea to speak with us in detail, so we know exactly how you plan to use the ceramics. This is what you'll see: Class 1 is for indoor wall use only. This is because wall tiles are thinner, often more slippery, and cannot withstand the weight of people walking on them.
Then it gets more specific. For example, class 11 is for low traffic floors where people wear socks-only, slippers, or bare feet, such as in the bedroom. Class 111 can be used on indoor moderately foot trafficked floors and walls, backsplashes, countertops, and tub and shower surround. Finally, class 1V is for heavy foot traffic areas, like kitchens and entryways, and light commercial applications and outdoor use.
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Know about absorption rates
While all tile is waterproof, these rates determine how and where it can be used. Impervious means the tile is entirely impenetrable to liquid, and it can also be used outside. Vitreous tiles can also be used outside but may not withstand freeze-thaw cycles the way impervious ones can. Semi-vitreous means only indoor use on low-to-moderate foot trafficked floors, while non-vitreous tiles can only be used on indoor walls.
Coefficient of friction (COF)
This refers to grip. Tiles can be slippery when wet, so the best grade is .50 for residential applications and .60 for commercial. You can also increase the grip by selecting a tile with texture or one with many grout lines.
The right or wrong tile can impact your flooring remodeling project and our staff experts will help you sort it all out and make sure you choose the best type for your home. Come in for information, inspiration and a free tile flooring quote at the Moeller Carpet & Floor Covering showroom in Remsen, IA, We work with homeowners and businesses in and around Remsen, IA, Le Mars, IA, Sioux City, IA, Cherokee, IA, Sioux Center, IA, Orange City, IA, Kingsley, IA, Marcus, IA && Paullina, IA.
The right or wrong tile can impact your flooring remodeling project and our staff experts will help you sort it all out and make sure you choose the best type for your home. Come in for information, inspiration and a free tile flooring quote at the Moeller Carpet & Floor Covering showroom in Remsen, IA, We work with homeowners and businesses in and around Remsen, IA, Le Mars, IA, Sioux City, IA, Cherokee, IA, Sioux Center, IA, Orange City, IA, Kingsley, IA, Marcus, IA && Paullina, IA.
