Tile Information

Ceramic tile is a kiln fired flat tile that is formed into shape from clay or other silicon materials such as sand or quartz. It is harder than VCT, which means it will generally last longer with less maintenance. It also more brittle, which means that it can fracture more easily than VCT.

It is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and finishes. While they can be used for countertops, floor and wall surfaces in kitchens, baths, etc. or in decorative places, our primary interest is in their use as a floor covering. Impervious to water, stain resistant and easy to clean they are useful in high traffic areas.

Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed. Unglazed tile is good for outdoor applications because it is not affected by freezing temperatures. Glazed tile is easier to maintain for indoor applications.

Installed in evenly-spaced rows, ceramic tiles are cemented in place and the joints are filled in with grout. Choice of grout is important from a maintenance perspective. New epoxy grouts are impervious to water, easier to clean, and retain their appearance better than traditional mortar grout. Epoxy grout has a different appearance from mortar grout, and if the more traditional appearance is desired, mortar grouts can be sealed to make them easier to maintain.

Ceramic tile is used in both residential and commercial settings. You will see ceramic tile in uses similar to VCT... home kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and in schools, retail chains, and municipal buildings.

What is Ceramic tile?

Porcelain tile is ceramic tile that is made from dry-pressed porcelain clay resulting in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine-grained, and smooth with sharply formed face.

What is Porcelain tile?

Residential VCT installation.

Residential Ceramic Tile installation.

Ceramic Tile

Residential Porcelain Tile installation.

Residential & Industrial Cleaning Co.

Carpet Cleaning Specialists Since 1988

Phone: 877-209-6117 (toll free in the US)

704-821-1233

704-261-1233

E-mail: CustomerService@ricinc.net

Tile information

VCT is an acronym for Vinyl Composition Tile, a product made mostly of limestone and smaller amounts of plasticizers and other bonding agents. The color in the tile is “through pattern,” which means it runs through each portion of tile, lengthening its life. It is considered a resilient flooring material—designed to retain its shape after having after having 50 psi of weight placed on it.

VCT is durable and relatively inexpensive, and can last for many years depending on maintenance, nearby conditions (abrasives tracked onto the tile), and traffic load. On the downside, it requires more maintenance than ceramic or porcelain tile.

VCT is widely used in both residential and commercial settings. You will see VCT in home kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and in schools, grocery stores, retail chains, and municipal buildings.

Commercial VCT installation.

VCT, Ceramic, and Porcelain Tile

What is VCT?