Why Choose Tile? Tile has been used by builders for its durability, practicality and beauty. Today, tile still embodies these functional and aesthetic properties. Whether it is an old world charm you are looking for or a post-modern look and feel, designing with tile offers endless possibilities. From glass, porcelain, stone or ceramic tile we are sure you will find the right tile for your style of décor at Carpet Superstores. Tile Characteristics: Clay body: The strength of the bisque is determined by its density. The strongest bisques have been atomized to minimize air pockets and therefore minimize chipping. Atomizing the bisque grinds the clay into smaller, rounder particles, ensuring a denser product and removing impurities. Glaze: The strength of the glaze is determined by its hardness, which is in turn determined by the temperature of the kiln, the colour (lighter is harder) and the gloss level (shiny is generally softer than matte finish). Water absorption: This is determined by density. Tiles that absorb more than 3% moisture are suitable for indoor use only, while tiles that absorb less are considered frost resistant and therefore suitable for indoor or outdoor use.   PEI Rating: The PEI rating takes the guesswork out of selecting a tile durable enough to handle the job. Always check the PEI rating. Group I - tiles suitable only for residential bathrooms. Group II - tiles suited to general residential traffic except kitchens, entrance halls or other areas subject to continuous heavy traffic. Group III - tiles suitable for all residential and light commercial use. Group IV - tiles suitable for medium commercial and light industrial applications. Group V - tiles suitable for heavy traffic and wet areas where safety and maximum performance are required. DuraCeramic: Dura Ceramic has the look of ceramic but is warmer to the touch, it is made up of a limestone composite construction and an aluminum oxide finish making it very durable. Dura Ceramic is faster and easier to install and does not require 1 ¼” subfloor which ceramics do, it also uses an acrylic based grout which is resistant to cracks and stains .With Dura Ceramic you have the choice of a traditional look when used with grout, or edge to edge for a more contemporary appearance. Ask you Carpet Superstores Representative for more information on Dura Ceramic