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Factors to Consider While Choosing Tile Flooring?

While it is true to say that the higher the PEI rating, the greater the wear-resistance of the tile, the PEI floor rating is not the only factor that should be taken into account when choosing a tile. Tile flooring is rated not only on its ability to withstand water penetration and resistance to abrasion but also on its aesthetic qualities. Both visual and structural characteristics are equally important in the process of choosing a type of tile for your property.

A quality tile flooring with a tough presence and an impressive appearance can only be possible if the following factors are considered while choosing tile flooring:

	Abrasion Resistance: The PEI rating or the degree to which a tile's glaze will withstand the wear of foot traffic
	Breaking Strength: The degree to which a tile will withstand breaking stress
	Mush scale scratch test: To determine how easily the tile scratches
	Shape and dimension
	Visual inspection
	Water absorption
	Bond strength
	Chemical resistance
	Crazing (resistance to cracking)
	Freeze or thaw resistance
	Impact resistance
	Acid resistance
	Water penetration through glaze
	Cleanable
	Marking resistance to metals

Of these factors, the three most important are the PEI rating, the water absorption, and the glaze hardness (Mush scratch test). Additionally, one should observe

	if the tile edges are square or warped
	if the surface texture is consistent
	if the tiles are of the same size and the coloring runs consistently

Looking into these factors will prevent your tile flooring project from being complicated by errors during installation and provide you with a stable, good looking floor

Important Factors to Consider Before Installing Tile Flooring

So, you’ve decided to install tile flooring! Luckily, the wide varieties of tile flooring enables you an equally wide selection that best suits your project. Here are some important things you should consider before you select and buy the appropriate tile flooring and much before you start the installation process.

1.	Choosing tile flooring Tile flooring has many advantages - durability and low-maintenance are two of the most obvious

2.	Selecting the right SIZE, STYLE and TEXTURE Flooring tiles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and textures. The size of tile flooring ranges from one inch to 2 feet per tile, the most common in between one and one and a half feet

3.	Choosing the Style Tile flooring offers many style options to choose from. These depend upon your desired look. A rugged or rustic appearance, such as the look you get from Saltillo tile flooring, will be ideal if you want a natural, lived-in look in your flooring. While for high traffic and commercial areas, porcelain tile is a good choice for durability

4.	Choosing appropriate grout color and width Grout is a cement-oriented bonding material used for filling joints between tiles. It has added colors to compliment your tile flooring. Ask your sales rep about the varieties grout for tile flooring that might work best with your chosen type of tile flooring

5.	Installation materials and methods There are different installation methods for tile flooring. But one aspect is common in every method, i.e. the preparation should be looked into in detail prior to the start of installation. You should make sure that you have the right materials – a high quality bonding material, grout, a sealer and the right tools for cutting the type of tile you’ve chosen. For the inexperienced, it may be a time and money saver in the long run if you hire an experienced tile flooring installer

6.	Maintenance Tile flooring is one of the easiest types of floors to clean. If maintained regularly, they will retain their shine and aesthetic appeal for a lengthy period

Of these factors, the three most important are the PEI rating, the water absorption, and the glaze hardness (Mush scratch test). Additionally, one should observe

	if the tile edges are square or warped
	if the surface texture is consistent
	if the tiles are of the same size and the coloring runs consistently

Looking into these factors will prevent your tile flooring project from being complicated by errors during installation and provide you with a stable, good looking floor

The Dos and Don'ts of Tile Care

Tile floors are considered as one of the most reliable choices for commercial and residential spaces. They are easy to clean and maintain and do not have many sensitive properties. Regular maintenance of your tile floors will help them to retain their strength and beauty for a long time. Here is a list of things that should be looked into while taking care of tile floors.

DO

	Use a protective cover for the tile surface while applying grout to avoid construction- cleaning problems. The cover can include kraft paper, cardboard, plywood, others

	Seal on all grouted joints.

	Test scouring powders on a small area or a sample tile first

DO NOT

	Install tiles until all heavy construction is complete. Most of the tiles are finish materials and heavy objects and construction material can cause damage to its finish

	Use top sealers that can become a coating over the tile and grout joints

	Allow cleaning solutions to dry

	Use steel wool pads, scouring pads, or any item containing harsh aids like metal. Apart from the possibility of damaging the glaze or surface, small steel particles can cause grout to rust.

	Use cleaners that contain any bleach and/or acid for cleaning and maintenance. Acid and ammonia based cleaners may alter grout color. They can also etch and cause staining on the tile.

	Use any oil-based detergents, wax cleaners, or sealants for the maintenance of your tiles.

	Use agents that contain dye/color on stone or unglazed ceramic tile.