Porcelain tile
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 30 00
Traditional uses
- Walls, floors
- Glazing creates hard surface, more resistant to wear and damage (compared to non-porcelain ceramic tiles) therefore suitable for any
application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic.
- Lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles, therefore frost resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor
applications
Emerging uses / trends
- Application to casework
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Patterns and textures vary by product
- Colors range from white to black and all in between
- Color is through tile, if it chips, does not show a discoloration because color is uniform throughout
- Finishes often mimic natural stones (striated or mottled with flecks of accent color)
- Denser and less porous than ceramic tiles
- High resistance to moisture, stains, bacteria, and chemicals
Surface forms / shapes
- Typically square and rectangular forms, but does vary
- Tiles can also be circular, octagonal, hexagonal, have rounded corners, or be oblong.
Cost analysis
- $4 - $7 / CuFt:
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Applied
Material performance
- Durable
- Dense and not porous
- Resistant to stains, bacteria and chemicals
- Long life and low maintenance
Dimensional and opening restriction
- Varies by product
- Typical thickness 3/8”
- Typical dimensions 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, 6”x6”, 12”x12”, 18”x18”, 24”x24”, 12”x18” and 12”x24”
- Typical grout joint 1/8”-3/8”
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Machine processed
- Porcelain tile is made up of approximately 50% feldspar; the remaining 50% is made up of various high-quality light firing ball clays.
- Porcelain tile is formed under high pressure, generally 6000 pounds per square inch, and fired at 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates a very dense, less porous, much stronger material that is less prone to moisture and stain absorption than ceramic tile.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
Porcelain tile is a manufactured product that is friendly to the indoor environment. It produces no fumes or gases, will not support mold, mildew or bacterial growth, and can be maintained without the use of harsh chemicals. Porcelain tile has a long life cycle and is resistant to staining and chipping that results in fewer replacements and reduced waste (compared to its counterparts). When porcelain is replaced, it produces low-volume, environmentally stable material, lowering disposal costs and reducing environmental impact. Some manufacturers use recycled ceramic content as well, some manufacturers have no waste manufacturing processes.
Coefficient of friction
- Varies by product. See manufacturer for details
References
Student contributions
- Sarah Atwood, Spring 2010
- Shalini Sookar, Spring 2008
- edit this entry, Spring 2007
- edit this entry, Fall 2005
