Learn the basics of tile flooring to select the right style for your project.

Indoors & Outdoors

Captivating and intriguing, tile has extraordinary beauty and limitless potential for pattern and color. Tile rated for use outdoors is durable, moisture-resistant, and requires little maintenance; so it's an excellent choice for patios. Ceramic tile flooring is readily available in varieties that complement almost any architectural style and type of design. Tiles must be set on a concrete base. Setting tile involves considerable labor, which adds to the overall cost.

Rating Tiles for Floors

Floor tiles usually are harder and more durable than tiles made for walls or countertops. Also, floor tiles have different degrees of resistance to abrasion, slippage, staining, and breakage. For patios, a nonporous, slip-resistant tile is usually preferred. When selecting tiles for outdoor floors, always check the manufacturer's recommendations.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed ratings that help determine the proper tiles for various uses. ANSI has established four categories that rate tiles by their ability to absorb water, or their porosity. These categories essentially reflect how a tile is manufactured. Tiles made with lower temperatures and shorter kiln times tend to be softer and more porous, making the tile more susceptible to staining or breakage. Tiles fired at higher temperatures and for longer periods are hard and dense, and more resistant to abrasion and stains.

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