Floor Tile Materials

Tile ratings

All types of tiles are rated for hardness, which can vary widely.  The Moh Scale measures a tile's its ability to withstand wear and tear and the percentage of water absorbed.

The Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness ratings are as follows:

Group I - Light Traffic: residential bathroom floors where bare or stocking feet are the norm.

Group II - Medium Traffic: home interiors where little abrasion occurs. Not for use in kitchens or entries.

Group III - Medium-Heavy Traffic: any home interior.

Group IV - Heavy Traffic: homes or light to medium commercial areas.

Group V- Extra Heavy Traffic: use it anywhere.

Porosity

You should also take note of each tile's level of porosity, it's ability to absorb moisture.  This is an especially important consideration when choosing a tile for the bathroom, kitchen, basement, or outdoor area.  In these damp areas, you want to choose an impervious (non-absorbing) tile material.  The next levels are: Vitreous, Semi-Vitreous, and Non-Vitreous (the most absorbent).

Tile groups

Ceramic: This popular type of tile is made from baked clay.  It is hard and cold and resistant to most daily wear and tear.

Quarry: Made from unrefined alumina clay, these tiles are impervious to water and grease, which makes them a good choice for kitchen use.  Like ceramic, though, they are cold and noisy.

Brick: These are great for outdoor patio areas.  They are warm and inviting and come in more colors than the typical red, yellow, and brown.

Marble: Because of its high cost, marble is best used in thin sheets placed over a very level and stable surface.  It is cold and noisy, but looks great in almost any part of the home. 

Slate: An impervious and highly durable material, slate is-on the other hand-quite expensive and difficult to work with.  Because of its weight, slate should only be used on ground floors.

Stone: There are many types of stone tiles, including limestone, sandstone, and granite.  Each has its own set of attributes.

Cork: These tiles are made from pressed and baked natural cork.  They are quiet and fairly durable.  Cork tiles are available for many uses, so make sure you are purchasing ones made for flooring.

Linoleum, Rubber, and Vinyl: The soft and durable materials are great choices for kitchens and workrooms.  They are also easy to install.

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