Tile floors are installed piece by piece allowing almost unlimited design possibilities, and also allowing different tiles to be mixed together to create a very custom floor.
When considering the true cost comparison, you must look at the life span of tile. Due to the fact that you probably will never have to replace your tile and the low cost and easy maintenance, tile is the least expensive of all the finishes. Statistics show that an investment in tile will increase the value of your home.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC TILES

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLAZED, UNGLAZED AND FULL BODY PORCELAIN TILES.
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Full-body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications. Even in extreme applications, these tiles tend not to show wear as the porcelain is quiet durable (harder than granite) and the color goes all the way through.

Glazed porcelain tiles have filled in microscopic holes that could not be present in the unglazed tile. On the other hand, unglazed porcelains may have better slip resistance.

 
P.E.I Ratings:
PEI classes range from 0 to 5. The Porcelain Enamel institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that clearly indicates the areas of use each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tiles to fit. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic aspects are incorporated.

CLASS 0 -No foot traffic:
Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.

CLASS 1 -Very light traffic:
Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, Spa bathroom)

CLASS 2 -Light traffic:
Slipper or soft soled hoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.

CLASS 3 -Light to moderate traffic:
Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.

CLASS 4 -Moderate to heavy traffic:
High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony and countertop.

CLASS 5 -Heavy traffic:

Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.

 
VARIANCE RATINGS:
VAR I: This rating means that the tile will have very little variance or shading from piece to piece and the floor will maintain a very uniform appearance.

VAR II: This rating means the tile will have slight shading variations from piece to piece. However, the overall look of the floor will remain consistent.

VAR III: This rating means the tile will have a fair amount of shading from piece to piece and shading will definitely be noticeable in the overall floor.

VAR IV: This rating means that the tile will be very shaded from piece to piece and the overall floor will have heavy variation and shading differences.
 
GROUT:
Grout is used to fill the space between the tiles and add a finished look to the floor. Grout is a mixture of cement and color additive. For little floors with wider spaces between each tile sand is added to the grout. Also, a liquid latex additive can be added to the grout to give better resiliency to the grouted areas. For ease of maintenance a penetrating sealant should be used on the grout.
 
CHARACTERISTICS OF A TILE FLOOR:

• Durable - Tile will outperform and outlast nearly any other floor covering product created for the same application.

• Easy care - Tile resists stains, odors, and dirt and can be cleaned up with a damp mop or sponge.

• Scratch resistant - Tiles are extremely resistant to scratching and you never have to worry about a cut or tear like you do with some other types of floors.

• Environmentally friendly - Tile is manufactured using mostly natural materials and does not retain colors, allergens, or bacteria.

• Beautiful and Versatile - Modern manufacturing technology has created virtually an unlimited number of colors, sizes, styles, shapes, and textures that will add rich beauty and character to any room décor.

• Fire Resistant: Tile doesn't burn nor emit toxic fumes. This makes it a perfect floor for people who smoke, or even hot kitchen pans or skillets will not scorch or melt the surface of a tile.