The Truth About Tile: It Means Durability

Ceramic tile can be the ideal treatment for walls or floors. It looks good, is easy to care for and is highly durable.

Tile costs more than many treatments, but because it usually lasts longer it is usually cost effective.

Here are pointers for buying tile:

* Before buying tile, consumers should have an installer inspect the area they plan to cover. The installer can predict what professional installation will cost and what surface repairs are needed.

* There are basically three types: wall, floor and ceramic mosaic. All can be glazed for a shiny, matte or crystalline finish, or left unglazed for a natural look.

Wall tiles are generally thin (one-quarter to one-half inch), so they’re easy to apply to vertical surfaces. Some wall tiles can also be used to cover countertops. Thick wall tiles with heavy glazes are often suitable for floors in lightly traveled areas. Wall tiles--measuring up to 4 1/4 inches square--are available in pre-grouted panels that contain up to 64 tiles. Panels work especially well in showers and tubs.

Floor tiles are thicker and heavier than wall tiles and usually can be used on walls and countertops as well as floors. Perhaps the most popular type of floor tile is quarry tile. Available in its natural clay hue or glazed and in colors, quarry tile is well suited for passive-solar greenhouses because it retains heat.

Ceramic mosaics are small square or hexagonal tiles (usually measuring 1 to 2 inches across) and can be used indoors or out. Mosaics work well on floors, walls and countertops.

* In most cases, the tiles are mounted on paper or mesh-back sheets to simplify installation. Some manufacturers also offer ceramic mosaic patterns on preset sheets.

* Buy extra tiles, because tiles may break in shipping or installation. If selecting an unusual tile, consider buying an extra carton for future repairs.