Flooring Tile - Can all ceramic tiles be used on shower walls
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01-20-02, 06:12 AM
I am currently building a large addition to my house and would like to tile the upstairs bath floor and tub/shower surround. My question is, are all tiles water proof for these applications and how do I tell which are suitable and which arn't? I have never tiled before and I also intend to tile the downstairs laundry room with quarry tile on the floor so any advice I can get would be appreciated.
twelvepole
01-20-02, 11:59 AM
Ceramic tiles are coated with liquid glass and kiln fired at very high temperatures. Shiny glazes are softer and can be scrathed more easily and can be slippery. Matte finishes tend to bess slippery. There are many textured tiles available to minimize slippage.
The Porcelein Enamel Institute has classified tiles. This classificatio is used as a guide to purchase tiles depending on where they will be installed.
Class I: light use such as in bathrooms, usually the 4x4 wall tiles
Class II: light to medium traffic, not recommended for entries and high traffic areas
Class III. all residential floors
Class IV: residential/light commercial
Class V: commercial traffic and heavy traffic
There are no rules about tile size. The current trend is bigger is better. More and more people are using the larger floor tiles on walls.
Makes sure all the numbers on the boxes of tile are the same to assure that you are getting tiles form the same dye lot. Figure enough for waste with some left over in case of repairs. If you have to go back you may not be able to get the same dye lot and you may have distinct color differences.
Make sure you use the recommended concrete underlayment if not installing on concrete floor. Concrete underlayment board is highly recommended for shower/tub areas from the standpoint of waterproofing. After grout has cured, seal with at least 2 coats of penetrating sealer. Follow manufacturer's instructions re: reapplication. Grout is porous and will absorb oils, soils, stains and can breed mold and mildew in showers.
Most quarry tiles are unglazed and require sealing with a penetrating sealer and cleaning with a pH neutral cleaner.
Go to www.doityourself.com/ceramic for helpful installation info.
The Porcelein Enamel Institute has classified tiles. This classificatio is used as a guide to purchase tiles depending on where they will be installed.
Class I: light use such as in bathrooms, usually the 4x4 wall tiles
Class II: light to medium traffic, not recommended for entries and high traffic areas
Class III. all residential floors
Class IV: residential/light commercial
Class V: commercial traffic and heavy traffic
There are no rules about tile size. The current trend is bigger is better. More and more people are using the larger floor tiles on walls.
Makes sure all the numbers on the boxes of tile are the same to assure that you are getting tiles form the same dye lot. Figure enough for waste with some left over in case of repairs. If you have to go back you may not be able to get the same dye lot and you may have distinct color differences.
Make sure you use the recommended concrete underlayment if not installing on concrete floor. Concrete underlayment board is highly recommended for shower/tub areas from the standpoint of waterproofing. After grout has cured, seal with at least 2 coats of penetrating sealer. Follow manufacturer's instructions re: reapplication. Grout is porous and will absorb oils, soils, stains and can breed mold and mildew in showers.
Most quarry tiles are unglazed and require sealing with a penetrating sealer and cleaning with a pH neutral cleaner.
Go to www.doityourself.com/ceramic for helpful installation info.
John Bridge
01-20-02, 03:00 PM
As a general rule, we can put any tile on a wall. We just can't put wall tiles on floors. Chose the tile that is easily cleaned for your shower areas. Also, bone up a little on sealers.