Glazed ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, sizes and surface textures. They are thicker and more durable than the tiles that are often used for walls and counters, and tend to be less glossy in appearance, though they are available in glossy, satin, matte and dull finishes. The glaze renders the tile water repellant and depending on the finish of the glaze used, the tiles can be non-skid. However, ceramic tiles are slippery when wet.

Unglazed ceramic tiles are similar to glazed ceramic tiles, but do not have the glazed finish. Therefore, they come in the natural color of the clay used, or may be slightly colored using pigment before the tile is fired. The unglazed tiles may be installed unfinished, or if a bit more money is spent, they may be sealed to increase the moisture and stain resistance of the tiles.

Glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles are rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute for their durability and wear resistance. The quality of a tile will be based on the quality and density of the clay used to create the tile. The following is a guide for the types of tiles available and where they should be used:

Class 1 - No Foot Traffic

Use in residential bathrooms where softer footwear is worn.

Class 2 - Light Traffic

Use in residential areas where there is light foot traffic. Do not use in higher traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic

Use in light to moderate traffic residential areas and light commercial areas such as offices and reception areas.

Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic

Use in heavier traffic residential zones such as kitchens and bathrooms, and medium commercial and light institutional applications such as restaurants, hotels, hospital lobbies and corridors.

Class 4+ - Heavy to Extra Heavy Traffic

Use in heavy traffic and wet areas such as walkways, shopping centers, building entrances, and around swimming pools.

When selecting your tiles, also consider how much water the tile will absorb. The more air pockets there are in the clay, the more water the tile will absorb. Air pockets may not be visible to the naked eye, so be sure to ask about this issue. As a rough guideline, consider the following:

• Non-vitreous tiles absorb 3% or more of their weight in water and are best suited to indoor applications.

• Semi-vitreous tiles absorb between 3% and 7% water and should also be used for indoor applications.

• Vitreous tiles absorb 0.5% to 3% water and are suited for both indoor as well as outdoor use.

• Impervious tiles are the densest, strongest tiles. They absorb between 0% and 0.5% their weight in water and are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.