What to know when shopping for tile floors
Walk into our tile showroom, and you'll see an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, designs, shapes, and sizes. While it can be fun creating your next floor, we will make sure you get the right grade and level for your installation. Everyone has a specific use, and the right one will make your remodeling project shine.
Floor vs. wall
Floor tiles are thicker and can withstand the weight of foot traffic. Wall tile is thinner and never recommended for tile floors. Each one is assigned a Grade - 1, 2, or 3; Grade 1 holds up to extreme foot traffic; Grade 2 is moderate to heavy, and Grade 3 is for walls only. Let us know exactly how you plan to use it so we can be sure you get the right one.
Request an estimate
PEI ratings for glazed tiles
Established by the Porcelain and Enamel Institute, this "I to V "rating system signifies the resistance to wear. PEI-III is best for moderately heavy foot trafficked rooms, and PEI-IV is suitable for very heavy trafficked busy rooms. For commercial use, PEI-V is suggested for floors, and PEI-I and PEI-II are only ideal for walls in all applications.
Impervious means the tile is completely waterproof, while vitreous suggests it only absorbs a little water; both can be used outside and in high-moisture areas. Non-vitreous and semi-vitreous should be used in dry indoor spaces. Also, ask us about slip-resistance, labeled as COF (coefficient of friction), and we'll always make sure you get the right one for your application.
Impervious means the tile is completely waterproof, while vitreous suggests it only absorbs a little water; both can be used outside and in high-moisture areas. Non-vitreous and semi-vitreous should be used in dry indoor spaces. Also, ask us about slip-resistance, labeled as COF (coefficient of friction), and we'll always make sure you get the right one for your application.
What is a ceramic tile?
Ceramic is always made of clay but may include glass or porcelain, also considered a ceramic type. It's ultra-durable and is entirely impervious to liquid so that it can be used outside as well. The 4 X 4 square is thinner but has a tough outer shell and is waterproof when glazed.
Other ceramics include mosaics, which are tiny and highly decorated pieces. Terra cotta has a beautiful reddish-brown color and is durable but needs regular sealing. Subway tiles are mainly seen on backsplashes but can be used on floors as long as they're low traffic indoor ones.
Tile flooring has been around since ancient times and for good reasons with its high-end designs, durability, waterproofing, and easy cleanability. Visit the Al Barnes Carpets showroom in Cedar Point, NC, to see our large inventory of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. We'll help you choose the right one for your home in Cedar Point, NC, Cape Carteret, NC, Emerald Isle, NC, Swansboro, NC, Newport, NC or Indian Beach, NC.
Other ceramics include mosaics, which are tiny and highly decorated pieces. Terra cotta has a beautiful reddish-brown color and is durable but needs regular sealing. Subway tiles are mainly seen on backsplashes but can be used on floors as long as they're low traffic indoor ones.
Tile flooring has been around since ancient times and for good reasons with its high-end designs, durability, waterproofing, and easy cleanability. Visit the Al Barnes Carpets showroom in Cedar Point, NC, to see our large inventory of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. We'll help you choose the right one for your home in Cedar Point, NC, Cape Carteret, NC, Emerald Isle, NC, Swansboro, NC, Newport, NC or Indian Beach, NC.
