Q: How is ceramic tile made?

A: Powdered clays and sand are pressed under 2,400 psi (pounds per square inch) into the desired tile shape. Next, the tile is glazed with different colors and silk screens, then fired at temperatures reaching 1,180° C or 2,500° F. The finished product is a durable, maintenance-free ceramic tile.

 

Q: How does ceramic tile compare to other flooring for durability and cost?

A: Ceramic tile is unmatched in durability and long-term cost savings. In studies conducted by independent laboratories, ceramic tile proved to be far more durable and to have less long-term cost of any material tested including vinyl, carpet and wood (Long-term costs include material, installation, replacement needs and maintenance.).

 

Q: How hard is it to clean ceramic tile? Does it require a special cleaner?

A: Wiping or damp-mopping regularly with water and an all-purpose cleaner will keep your ceramic wall and floor tile looking new. For heavy-duty cleaning of ceramic floor tile, use a scouring powder plus a nylon scrubbing pad. For really difficult stains, mop a scouring powder paste over the surface of the ceramic tile and let it stand about five minutes. Scrub it with a brush, rinse, and wipe dry. Ceramic wall tiles can simply be wiped clean. Avoid using steel wool pads and harsh cleaning compounds so your ceramic tile will maintain its luster.

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Q: What are the advantages of ceramic floor and wall tiles?

A: Ceramic products are natural, beautiful, versatile, lasting, resistant, hygienic and easy to clean.

 

Q: Does ceramic tile require a special floor construction?

A: Standard floor construction of 2" x 10" floor joists spaced 16" on center with 3/4" plywood subfloor and 1/2" Durock® cement board is suitable. However, more than 20 years' experience shows that a rigid, cementitious backer board is superior to plywood as an underlayment. A clean, structurally sound concrete slab is suitable and does not require additional underlayment.

 

Q: What should I know about grout?

A: There are 3 different kinds of grout:

• Standard grout: this is mixed with water and has additive already in the powder of the grout. This helps to make the grout stronger, but it has no stain resistence.
• Upgrade 1: This is called xt grout. It has more additive mixed in to make it sronger and less prone to staining.
• Upgrade 2: This is called grout boost. It is the most stain resistent of them all.

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