Before You Buy Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Details and Definitions on Trim and Color to Guide Your Ceramic Flooring Decisions

Ceramic floors are highly customizable, durable, environmentally friendly and safe. Along with praised practicalities, ceramic floors carry unique characteristics and endless opportunities for pattern and design. Because ceramic floors offer so many advantages and opportunities, you have a lot more to research, and a lot more to learn. Our showroom specialists are always available to answer any questions you might have, and you can always call or email us with questions. To give you a head start in your research, this article will provide you with information on some details and definitions that you're sure to come across when deciding on a ceramic tiled floor.

When you begin the process of choosing ceramic tiles, you want to first determine the type of tile that will support the activities of the room. You would then move to choosing a color and shade, then a texture and size. After that, a layout plan including pattern, trim and decorative elements are created. When you get down to the nitty-gritty, you'll choose your grout type and color. You'll find more information on grout and the final process of installation in articles under the ceramic-porcelain heading on this website. This article will cover the basic terminology of trim and color.

Definitions in Ceramic Tile Floor Trim

Every industry has their terminology, and the ceramic floor industry is no different. When it comes to floor tile trim, the words Bullnose and Cove Base will be called to your attention. Most manufacturers will use both types of trim, and Bullnose can be used as Cove Base.

The term Bullnose refers to a trim that has a rounded finished edge. A Corner Bullnose has two rounded edges, and is used to finish a corner. Bullnose and Corner Bullnose tile trim give your floor a smooth, elegant finishing touch.

A Sanitary Cove Base is a floor tile trim with a rounded finished top, similar to that of a Bullnose, but it covers the body of the tile.

Variations in Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic and natural stone floors have much in common, and many ceramic floor designs are set out to emulate natural stone. The variances of texture, shade, color, glaze, gloss and natural design are as unique as the members of your home.

Solid ceramic tiles will give you a more uniform look, however there will still be noticeable shade differences among dyes and tiles. Industry leaders (specifically the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, or CTDA) have created a Shade Variation Guide for buyers. You'll find the variation codes on the back label of samples.

V1 is the code for Uniform Appearance. There are minimal differences between production runs.

V2 is the code for a Slight Variation in appearance. You'll notice differences in textures, patterns and colors between production runs.

V3 is the code for Moderate Variation. Tiles may carry different shades of the same color, but they have a high chance to vary significantly in weight, depth and shade of the color

V4 is the code for Random Variation. Tiles will be different in many respects. If you're looking for a truly unique design, ceramic tiles labeled V4 would be your tiles of choice.

The Source of Color

The geographic region that the clay is sourced from determines the color of the body, but colors will vary, even when from the same manufacturers. Keep in mind that the color of the clay does not determine quality, it is the manufacturer who ultimately determines the quality of the ceramic tile.

When you visit our showrooms in the Chicago area, you'll find that we carry ceramic tiles from the finest manufacturers, and you'll never have to worry about quality. We want your ceramic flooring to be of the highest quality and have the most personally satisfying design. If you need any help understanding the jargon of ceramic tile design or variations, feel free to approach us with your questions. Meanwhile, browse through our other ceramic and porcelain tile articles to learn more about these flooring choices.