Types

• Glazed ceramic tiles are coated with glass-forming minerals and ceramic stains. Typically, they have a matte, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. They can offer better stain and moisture resistance than unglazed tile. When you look at a glazed tile from the side you can see 2 layers. The body of the tile, or largest layer, is called the bisque. The top layer is called the glaze. Glazed tiles have a hard non-porous, impermeable surface after firing.
• Mosaics In addition to ceramic tile styles, manufacturers also offer decorative inserts, medallions and mosaics that are used to create intricate patterns and beautiful borders. Tile size 2”x2” and smaller are usually referred to as mosaics and are often used with different colors to create a pattern or decorative inset. Some of these smaller tiles also come in different shapes, such as hexagon.
• Porcelain tile is made up of 50% feldspar and is fired at a much higher temperature than regular ceramic tile. This makes porcelain tile much harder and more dense than other tile products. Because of its highly durable make-up, porcelain is more resistant to scratches and can withstand temperature extremes. Porcelain tiles are formed under extremely high pressure and fired at very high temperatures. This make these tiles much denser and stronger than the common glazed ceramic tiles so they are ideal for entryways, corridors and other high traffic areas. Also, because porcelain is non-porous, it’s very stain resistant, has very low water absorption ratings (Less than 0.5%) making these tiles freeze-thaw stable, thus can be used for interior and exterior applications as well as heavy-use and commercial areas. Porcelain tiles are growing in popularity with homeowners and interior designers. They are denser and less porous than ceramic tile and highly resistant to moisture, stains, bacteria, odors and even harsh cleaners. For homeowners, porcelain tile is especially resistant to staining, scratches, fading and is available in both polished and matte finishes. Porcelain tiles also come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures.   Porcelain tiles come in either a glazed porcelain or a through-body porcelain tile. Through body porcelain tiles have the same colors all the way through so if they get chipped or scratched the color will not change (making chips and scratches less noticeable).  Glazed porcelain tile are similar to glazed ceramic tile. They have a design layer (glaze) on top of the tile body that is a different color and will be noticeable if chipped.
• Unglazed tiles are a solid color all the way through and do not have a top layer of glaze. This is often referred to as through-body construction. They have no additional surface applications and are typically more dense and durable than glazed tile. Thus they are more suitable for interior and exterior applications. Unglazed tiles do have good slip resistance, however please note that they do require sealing to help prevent staining. They come in various surface treatments and textures.  This group includes most stones are marble tiles.
• Marbles and Stone tile have always been a favorite and used for high end applications.  Recently marble and stone tiles have hit the main-steam.    Nothing compares to the richness, elegance and class of a marble tile floor.   Marble and stones are also popular for master baths and showers.      Marble and stone tiles are typically more expensive to their ceramic and porcelain counterparts, more work and cost to install and require a little bit more up keep.
   

P.E.I. Wear rating or Class

• Group I:  Generally wall tile products fall into this group. Some wall tiles can be used on the floor. Consult the manufacturer of the tile for their recommended areas of application.
• Group II: Tiles that can be used in residential areas, but not areas with high foot traffic, such as in kitchens, foyers, laundry rooms, etc.
• Group III: Tiles that are recommended for all residential installations with normal foot traffic.
• Group IV: Tiles that are suited for light to medium commercial applications, such as offices, sales rooms.
• Group IV: Tiles that are suited for light to medium commercial applications, such as offices, sales rooms.
• Group V: Tiles used in heavy commercial traffic areas and are suited for exterior areas, shopping centers, airports, hotel lobbies, public walkways

Shade Variation

Many tile manufactures also have a shade variance label to help you understand how different in color and pattern tiles in the same box may be.  Shade variation is inherent in all fired ceramic products and certain tiles will show greater variation within their dye lots. Shade variation is usually listed on the back label of each sample with a low, moderate, high or random rating.

• Low: consistent shade and texture.
• Moderate: moderate shade and texture variation.
• High: high shade and texture variation.
• Random: very high shade and texture variation

• Tip- Selecting Grout:  Most people believe that overall a tile floor is the easiest to care for.   But most people say their only or biggest complaint, if they have one, would be keeping the grout clean.   Here are a few thoughts to help you with your selection.   In most applications grout looks the best when it matches closely to the color of the floor.  This keeps the floor surface and room appearing larger and keeps the focus on the tile surface and not the grout surface.   All standard grouts dirty over time and end up turning a medium grayish brown color unless scrubbed clean often.    Thus unless your ready for a lot of extra work avoid white or black grout on the floor.   Think of grout as the mortar between bricks on your fireplace.  Some customers treat grout in this way were as they wash it with the floor but don't necessarily scrub it clean very often letting the grout age and excepting its natural evolution.    For those that want an extremely light or dark color, want a tile surface in say a food area, or juts don't want the hassle or worry of grout care opt for using an epoxy grout during installation.  Epoxy grout is rubberized and non-porous.  It does not stain, discolor-color or crack very easily.    epoxy grouts are much more expensive and more work to install.  Also epoxy grout is known for causing skin rashes during installation so if your doing this yourself be sure to where gloves. 
• Tip- Tile finishes:   when selecting tile keep in mind that tiles with a rougher finish tend to be less slippery when wet and can be a bit harder to clean.  Tiles that are smoother in texture are more slippery but a easier to clean.   Currently the textured slate look is very popular.  Many homeowners look for tile that has a slight texture but no deep crevasses for dirt to stick.  Or even tiles that have an apparent deep texture (appear to be of a rougher finish) but actually are relatively smooth