Tile Selection

There is no other floor & wall covering in the world with the same variety, durability, usefulness and endless possibility as tile.

Understanding the different properties and attributes of types of tile, will help in making an informed Tile Selection.

Frost Resistant:All tiles can be used indoor but in New Zealand's frosty winters, not all tiles can be used outdoor. The amount of water a tile absorbs  determines whether it's frost resistant or not. As a guide a maximum absorption rate of 6% is recommended. Tiles tested under ISO 13006 &/or EN14411 must display this information on the packaging.

Absorption rate:Interior wet area floor and wall tiles should have a maximum absorption rate of 6%. The reason being porous tiles may change shade(darker when wet) ,inhibit mold growth in the bisque of the tile and crazing(cracking of the surface glaze).

Slip resistance(coefficient of friction) must be considered when using tile outdoors. It is a requirement in the New Zealand Building code that Level access routes to which the public has access, including level accessible routes, shall have a mean coefficient of friction(μ), of not less than 0.4μ when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3661.1. Access routes to which the public have access include walking surfaces such as decks, patiosand stepson the approach to the main entrance to Housing, and common areas of Communal Residential and Multi-unit dwelling accommodation. For other access routes a coefficient of friction of less than 0.4μ may be acceptable, but account should be taken of the effectiveness of the surface when worn or wet.

Not all tile manufacturers display the slip rating for their tile. Check with your tile supplier for the μ rating.

Wear resistanceof glazed tile should be given consideration. Exterior surfaces must be more durable as they are exposed to heavy traffic, scratching and harsher abrasions. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) have produced a rating guide  from 0 to 5.

PEI 0: should never be used on floors. They are only suitable for walls.

PEI 1 Very Light Traffic: Tiles suitable only for locations where softer footwear is worn, or where shoes are not frequently used, e.g.; residential bathroom or other areas with light traffic. Also for interior commercial and residential walls.

PEI 2 Light Traffic:  Tiles suited for general residential traffic. For areas that are walked on by soft soled or “normal” footwear with very small amounts of scratching dirt. Not for kitchen, entrance halls, stairs and other areas subjected to heavy traffic.

PEI 3 Moderate Traffic: Tiles suited for all residential and light commercial areas such as offices, reception areas, boutiques, interior walls, bench tops and residential bathroom floors. Not recommended for commercial entryways.

PEI 4 Moderate to Heavy Traffic:  Tiles suited for regular traffic. Recommended for medium commercial and light institutional use, such as restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors.

PEI 5 Heavy Traffic: Tiles suited for regular traffic. Recommended for medium commercial and light institutional use, such as restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors. Check with your tile supplier of which rating your tile has.

Note: Full bodied porcelain tile has no rating, as it has no glaze and is very durable. 

Size:Described tile size is not always the actual size of the tile. For example a tile described as 600mm x 300mm may have an actual size of 597.5mm x 298.5mm and so on. When combining different tiles, ensure their actual size is the same.

Thickness:The tile thickness will effect the weight of the tile. The thicker the heavier, if you choose a thick tile >10mm ensure the substrate will be capable of supporting the weight per m².

Also on interior walls around window/door frame/architraves, thicker tiles once laid may be prouder then the frames. Check this detail before commencing laying, otherwise your options are limited.

Weight:When choosing a wall tile, consideration should be given to its weight per m².  The thicker the tile, the heavier. Porcelain is generally heavier then Ceramic because it is denser. Natural stones are heavier again.

Ensure before you purchase a tile, that your substrate is suitable and strong enough to support the weight.