Must-Do Tests Before Buying Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
09 January 2024
You're in the market for a new tile, but you're not sure how to pick a winner. Porcelain or ceramic tile can be a great choice for many homes, but you want to make sure you end up with a durable, high-quality product. Before you hand over your credit card, there are a few must-do tests you should perform right in the store to determine if the tile you're eyeing is a keeper or a dud.
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In just a few minutes, you can gain valuable insight into factors like the tile's hardness, resistance to scratches and stains, and how well it handles moisture. Put the tile through its paces with these essential tests and you'll head home with the confidence that your new tile will stand up well to the demands of your space for years to come.
Check for Cracks and Chips
The last thing you want is to install tile only to find cracks or chips once it's in place. Carefully inspect each tile before purchasing and again before installation.
Check the surface for any cracks, scratches or chips along the edges or face of the tile. Even small imperfections can lead to breakage down the road or allow moisture to seep in. Run your fingers along the surface to feel for any minor flaws.
Flip each tile over and examine the backside. The back of the tile should be free of cracks or chips that could compromise its structure. Press firmly on the back to ensure it feels solid with no give.
Pay close attention to the corners and edges of each tile. Corners and edges tend to be weak points, so chips or cracks here are especially problematic. Check that corners are fully intact with no missing pieces.
Do a visual check of the overall size, shape and pattern of the tile. Each tile should be consistent and match well with the others for an even appearance once installed. Variations in sizing, roundness or pattern can result in an uneven, sloppy look.
Porcelain tiles and ceramic tile are intended to last, so it's worth taking the time to thoroughly inspect each tile before purchasing and installation. Minor imperfections you overlook now could turn into big headaches down the road.
Be picky and get tile you feel confident will stand the test of time. Your patience and diligence will pay off with a floor or wall you'll enjoy for years to come!
Assess Water Absorption
To make sure your new tiles aren’t duds, do a quick water absorption test. This determines how well the tiles will handle moisture once installed.
Grab a few spare tiles and submerge them in water for 24 hours. After a day, take them out and weigh them. The tiles should not gain more than 3% of their initial weight. If they absorbed significantly more water, that batch may not be suitable for high-moisture areas like bathrooms or basements.
Some other things to check:
--> Make sure the glaze is evenly applied without cracks, pinholes or uneven spots. Imperfections in the glaze can allow water to seep in.
--> Check that tiles with a porous body (like terracotta) are properly sealed. Sealant prevents excess water absorption and staining. If unsealed tiles feel rough or powdery, they likely need sealing before installation.
--> For larger format tiles (12 inches or bigger), do a twist test. Hold opposite corners of a tile and gently twist. It should not warp or bend easily. If it does, the tile may not be structurally sound enough for flooring or walls.
--> Look for a PEI rating of 3 or higher for floor tiles. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating indicates a tile’s ability to withstand foot traffic without scratching or wearing down. Higher PEI ratings mean better durability.
By doing a few simple tests before purchasing, you can avoid winding up with tiles that stain, warp, scratch or crack easily. Take your time and choose a product suited for your needs that will stand the test of time. Your floors and walls will thank you!
Test Surface Hardness
The hardness of a tile determines how well it will withstand surface scratches and stains. Test the surface hardness of any tile you’re considering to ensure it’s suitable for your needs.
To test hardness, simply scratch the surface of the tile with a key or coin. Apply firm and even pressure as you drag the object across the surface. If the tile scratches or grooves easily, it’s a softer tile that may show damage over time with normal wear and tear. These softer tiles typically have a lower Mohs scale rating, from 1 (talc) to 3 or 4 (calcite or fluorite).
For high-traffic, moisture-prone areas like kitchens or bathrooms, look for harder tiles with a 5 or higher Mohs scale rating, indicating moderate to high hardness. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice, as it’s one of the hardest with a rating of 7 (quartz). Ceramic tile can also work well, depending on the clay and firing process used. Glazed ceramic tiles tend to be harder than unglazed.
Scratch-resistant, durable tile may cost slightly more but will save you headaches down the road. After installation, seal any tile to help prevent stains from setting in. Re-sealing may be needed over time, depending on the sealer product used.
In summary, test the hardness and durability of any tile before purchasing to determine if it’s right for your needs. Look for harder, denser tiles rated 5 or higher on the Mohs scale for high-traffic areas. Sealing the tile after installation will provide an extra barrier against stains and scratches. With proper care and maintenance, hard, durable tile can last for decades.
Conclusion
So there you have it, five crucial tests to perform before you hand over your hard-earned cash for ceramic or porcelain tile. Take the time to do these evaluations and you'll have confidence that your flooring or wall tile choice was well vetted. No more surprises after installation or regrets that you didn't spot quality or color issues beforehand.
Armed with the knowledge from these assessments, you're ready to make an informed decision and choose tile you'll enjoy for years to come. Who knows, you might even become an amateur tile expert in the process! But for now, just focus on finding tile that fits your needs and budget. The rest will fall into place.