Types of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made from materials such as porcelain and earthenware. It comes in a range of sizes and shapes. These tiles can be square, octagonal, triangular or rectangular. The different types of ceramic tiles are rated and divided into categories by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. This rating is according to how much traffic the ceramic tile can take.

No Foot Traffic

This type of tile is rated as Class 1. It is not a type of ceramic tile that should be used for flooring but can be used to tile walls. It is rated for use in residential interior designs. This type of tile is not for use in areas that receives a lot of contact.

Light Traffic

Light traffic ceramic tile is rated as Class 2. It is rated for use in residential interior designs. This rating makes it better for tiling floors in the bathroom. This rating suggests that it should not be used for countertops.

Light to Moderate Traffic

This type of ceramic tile is rated Class 3. A Class 3 rating allows the tile to be used for floors in the home with light to moderate traffic. It can also be used on walls and countertops.

Moderate to Heavy Traffic

This type of ceramic tile is rated Class 4. It can be used on residential floors and walls. It is great for moderate to heavy traffic in the family room or kitchen. It is not recommended for use on countertops.

Heavy to Extra Heavy Traffic

Heavy to extra heavy traffic ceramic tile is rated as Class 5. It can be used for all floors in the home. It will stand up to high traffic areas such as the kitchen and foyer. If the walls have high contact, it can be used to tile them as well.