Tile Materials Types and Options: Ceramic Types, Porcelain, Variation Classes, Slip Categories and Care

Tile options sort into the ceramic types the ANSI standard lists, with porcelain defined by a water absorption of 0.5% or less, color and texture variation described by classes and slip use categories set by a friction standard, and each type’s care from the maker and TCNA. The sources describe tile in general and not one maker’s product, and this guide ranks no tile and gives no price.

Which tile types does the standard list?

An ANSI blog post says ceramic tiles are available in different types with varying characteristics, including glazed wall, mosaic, quarry, pressed floor, porcelain and specialty tile. It says the standard was developed and published by the Tile Council of North America. Ask the seller which of those types the sample in your hand is and which standard grade the maker states.

How is porcelain tile defined?

The ANSI blog says porcelain tile is defined, in accordance with ASTM C373, as ceramic tile that has a water absorption of 0.5% or less. Ask for the water absorption the maker states for the exact tile before you treat it as porcelain.

How is variation in color and texture described?

The ANSI blog says the standard features aesthetic classes V0 to V4, where each number quantifies the degree of variation of overall color and texture. Ask the seller which variation class the tile carries and look at several tiles from one lot, not a single sample.

What do the slip categories mean?

The Council’s friction FAQ lists product use categories with an interior dry category at 0.42 or more dry dynamic coefficient of friction and an interior wet category at 0.42 or more wet dynamic coefficient of friction. Ask the maker which product use category the tile meets and where that category says the tile suits.

How is tile cared for?

The Council says cementitious grout is porous, that many owners seal it and that epoxy grout is virtually as stain proof as the tile. It says tile is usually so easy to clean that it can often be cleaned with water, and that oil or wax based cleaners should not be used on grout. It says that anywhere there is a change in substrate or backing surface, caulk should be used in place of grout since these surfaces move independently of each other. Ask the seller for the maker’s care sheet and ask the installer which grout, sealer and caulk will be used.

How do the options compare?

What should the seller put on one sheet?

1. Ask for the type, standard grade and maker’s product sheet.
2. Ask for the water absorption and the variation class.
3. Ask for the slip category the tile meets.
4. Ask for the care sheet and the grout, sealer and caulk plan.
5. Ask each seller to give the same details in writing.

Compare Tile by Type and Standard Before Price

Ask each seller to give the type, the absorption, the variation class and the slip category on one sheet, so the tile options compare on the same terms.