Finding the ideal floor for your home, the floor that you have always dreamed of and that will decorate your home for years to come, can be quite a challenge. Deciding on the best material according to its technical and aesthetic properties is not easy.

To help you, we want to clear up any confusion about ceramic tiles  in this article . That’s why we’re answering the 5 most frequently asked questions our customers as

1. What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?

One of the main questions regarding ceramic tiles is whether they are the same as porcelain tiles. Do they have the same properties? How are they different?

Because of their similarity, these two materials are often spoken of as if they were one and the same, which can lead to a lot of confusion. But they are different, and we will tell you why:

•  Porcelain tiles are pressed under higher pressure and fired at a higher temperature, making the product denser and therefore more durable and long-lasting . This makes it perfect for laying indoor and outdoor flooring.
• Ceramic is more porous and therefore absorbs a higher amount of water than porcelain. This allows better attachment to vertical surfaces as the mortar can set more easily, but makes it impossible to use outdoors (patios, facades, etc.) where the material could absorb rainwater or crack due to frost or extreme temperatures. For this reason, ceramic is most often recommended for outdoor areas.
• Porcelain tiles are more difficult to cut and drill during installation and handling . For this you need a special diamond disc or a special drill.

When it comes to the designs available, both materials offer a wide variety of styles , but when it comes to formats, the choice is wider for porcelain tiles than for ceramics.

2. What is the PEI of ceramic tiles?

PEI stands for Porcelain Enamel Institute and is a scale that classifies types of ceramics according to the wear resistance of their surface .

The PEI of ceramics is determined by rotating a wear medium on the surface to check the degree of wear. Depending on the result, the material is divided into stress classes from 0 to 5. The higher the PEI value, the more wear-resistant the tile is.

• PEI 0:  Tiles with this specification are not suitable for floor coverings, but for wall coverings.
• PEI 1: The wear resistance is low, which is why tiles with this wear class are suitable for areas with low traffic, such as private bathrooms.
• PEI 2:  Wear resistance is slightly higher and ideal for certain private indoor areas, such as the bedroom.
• PEI 3: Tiles with this wear class can already be used for living areas with slightly higher traffic, for example in the living room or kitchen.
• PEI 4: The PEI should not be less than 4 for commercial premises. Tiles with this wear class are suitable for both residential areas with high traffic and commercial spaces with low traffic.
• PEI 5: The perfect option for outdoor areas and commercial spaces with high foot traffic.

As you can see, PEI is a criterion that you should take into account when choosing a durable flooring for the different areas of your home.

3. What is a rectified porcelain tile?

Rectified porcelain tiles are lowered on the sides so that the contour is completely straight. In this way, the gap between the tiles is kept as small as possible with a 90º angle on the edge .

Large format rectified ceramic tiles are perfect for areas where you want to reduce grout lines to create a virtually continuous appearance and make the room appear larger.

In environments where dirt in the joints can become a problem, it is necessary to use fungicidal grout that is easy to clean, for example in the bathroom, where humidity in some places can favor the appearance of fungi.

4. What is the minimum joint width for ceramic tiles?

The minimum joint width for ceramic tiles is between 1.5 and 3 mm .

Each tile format requires a specific joint width depending on the installation area and surface. In some cases this can be more than 5 mm  , for example if it is an edge or expansion joint or is installed outdoors. The joint width is crucial for the correct functioning of a ceramic tile cladding in terms of elastic behavior as well as moisture and water vapor transfer.

The appropriate joint width for each individual case is specified in the UNE 138002 standard.

5. What is the Mohs for ceramics?

The Mohs scale  for ceramics ranks materials from lowest to highest scratch hardness. Talc is the mineral that is most easily scratched (even with fingernails), and is therefore classified as Hardness Type 1.

This is followed by gypsum, which is more difficult to scratch (2), calcite (3), fluorite (4), which can be scratched with a knife, apatite (5), orthoclase (6), quartz (7), topaz (8), Corundum (9) and diamond, the hardest mineral, rated at 10.

In general, the higher the firing temperature of the ceramic, the higher its scratch hardness and therefore its rating on the Mohs scale. For example, the ceramic mass has a hardness level of 1, whereas ceramic fired at over 1,450 ºC has a hardness level of 8.

Both ceramic and porcelain are materials with excellent technical characteristics, suitable for covering any room in your home.