Blog - C to C Tile

Terrazzo

Written by Steve Stringfellow on August 19, 2020. Posted in Cement, Specialty.

Like many timeless materials, Terrazzo’s roots can be traced back many centuries. There seems to be some debate as to when Terrazzo gained popularity in Italy but the 15th century is pretty safe bet as Michelangelo is thought to have used Terrazzo in St Peters Basilica. Traditionally used as a flooring material it does have design possibilities for furniture, accessories and other products like sinks.

Terrazzo can be made with marble, granite, glass, mother of pearl and other materials all mixed in a cement or resin binder. Cement is the more traditional binder but resin has become popular due to its strength and lighter weight. Still there is a time and a place for both types of Terrazzo. The traditional method of pouring the terrazzo in place and then grinding to a shine is the most familiar installation method. This installation requires skilled artisans and can be out of budget for different types of projects. Pouring terrazzo into molds is becoming more and more popular as tiles and slabs can be manufactured from the molded products. Molded products have an added benefit of being easier to install.

Terrazzo is a durable flooring material and very difficult to damage. Chips and fissures can occur but these are due to the substrate over the material itself. They can chip but they are also easily repaired. For Durability Terrazzo is unparalleled. It’s easy to clean and maintain.

Terrazzo is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and its being replicated in many different forms. Porcelain tile options are readily available if a true terrazzo does not meet your project needs.

For style, beauty and opulence little can compare to Terrazzo. There are considerations which your C to C representative is able to guide you to the best possible solution.

Porcelain Tiles VS. Ceramic Tiles

Written by Steve Stringfellow on July 10, 2020. Posted in Ceramic, Porcelain.

I am often asked the difference between Porcelain and Ceramic tiles. Both fall under the broad category of Ceramics. They are both used for floors, walls and countertops. They can both have a wide range of colors, styles and designs. So what are the main differences?

The type of clay body, density of that clay body and the water absorption rate are the main differences between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile. For the average homeowner these differences will not mean very much unless you are installing a swimming pool, fountain or other product where the tiles will be submerged. Porcelain is made from a finer grain clay making it more dense and it has a water absorption rate of less than .5%. Ceramic tiles are made from a coarser grain clay, making it a little less dense and have a water absorption rate of greater than .5%. Both Porcelain and Ceramic are typically glazed with a liquified glass material and cooked in a kiln at high temperatures. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures making it harder and more brittle than ceramic. The hardness and water absorption rate both help to guide which product is best for an installation. Ceramics are generally used for indoor floors and walls while porcelains can be used indoors and outdoors on floors and walls. Porcelain can be used outdoors in milder climates but with technology even this is changing the possibilities. Ceramic clay is generally red or “griege”. If a chip happens on a ceramic tile you will see it. Porcelain clays can be red or griege but they can also be dyed to match the main color of the glazed surface making it more difficult to notice a chip if one were to occur. Pricing for both Ceramic and Porcelain can have huge ranges and will depend on a number of factors like: machine made or handmade, Size, Color, country of origin and so forth. Installation practices for Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are similar however for a DIYer a ceramic tile is a little easier as the clay is softer and easier to cut with a snap cutter or small wet saw. Porcelain tiles will generally need to be cut on a wet saw with a good quality diamond blade. If installed and maintained properly porcelain and ceramic tile should last a lifetime. Of course there are always exceptions like structural shift which can cause cracks but that can occur with many different flooring and wall products. Care and maintenance are similar for both products using damp mopping and a mild water and soap mixture. The grout will need to be maintained but that is a topic for another day. As you can see the differences are minimal. When we work with our clients we can make recommendations for which tile option will best service the needs of the installation project. Porcelain and Ceramic have many similarities. For indoor residential projects either one would be a good choice depending on the lifestyle of the homeowner. We are here to help guide you to make the best purchase for your home.