Penn Mar Floors - Hardwood

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PORCELAIN TILE

You may have heard the term porcelain tile. This refers to tiles, which are made from special clays and have been fired at very high temperatures. This process vitrifies the tile, which makes it very hard, like glass. This also makes the tile dense and strong.
There are two main types of porcelain tile. Glazed porcelain and through-bodied porcelain.
Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and then a glaze is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile. It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong-bodied tile. Many tile manufacturers are switching their production to porcelain-bodied tile because for a slightly higher cost, they can produce a superior grade tile.
Through-bodied porcelain does not have a glaze. The clay is pressed and then fired. It may have texture and color applied to the surface before firing but it is still the porcelain material from top to bottom. The result is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic. There is no glaze that can wear off. If the tile chips, the same or similar color is underneath.

Here is a comparison of the different types of tile:

Through-bodied Porcelain	Glazed Porcelain	Regular Ceramic Tile
Strong and Dense Tile Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use Usually Slip Resistant unless polished Superior Scratch & Chip Resistance Similar color throughout if chip occurs Choices may be limited Material should be sealed	Strong and Dense Tile Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use Many Choices in Color and Style Superior Stain Resistance Only seal if glaze has been polished	Average strength & density Indoor use only for most Many Choices in Color and Style Superior Stain Resistance Only seal if glaze has been polished

While the composition of these tiles may differ, the most important attribute to a tile is its wear rating. The wear rating is a tile's ability to resist scratching from surface abrasion. The chart below shows how tiles are rated. Keep in mind all 3 types of tiles described above come with various ratings, but through-bodied porcelains usually carry the highest rating of 5 - all residential and commercial use.

WEAR RATING SYSTEM
Class 1	Wall Application Only.
Class 2	Light Residential Use. Class 2 tiles must not be used in residential areas that are subject to constant or heavy traffic. (i.e., kitchen)
Class 3	Residential Applications. Class 3 tiles are suitable for all residential applications.
Class 4	All Residential and Light Commercial Applications. Class 4 tiles may be used in all residential areas and light commercial applications. (i.e., restaurants, offices)
Class 5	Suitable for all Residential and Commercial Application. Class 5 tiles are suitable for all applications including those with heavy traffic and constant use. (i.e., Shopping Malls, Hospitals)