 When it comes to ceramic tile, you can count on finding the best values at Flooring Xpress.
We stock numerous types of tiles including specialty imports that
we arrange direct from overseas manufacturers. Whether you are tiling a basement
mud room or a chef's masterpiece kitchen, you're sure to find the style of
tile that meets your desires.
We even carry a full line of ceramic accessories and installation materials for the do-it-yourself project.
And don't forget to ask your sales professional how you can FEEL THE HEAT with a ceramic floor heating mat. There is no more reason to have cold feet anymore.
 At Flooring Xpress, we developed and use an internal rating system for every product we purchase. Many manufacturers put their own ratings on their products, but they often use different criteria which makes it hard to get an apples-to-apples comparison as a consumer.
When we rate ceramic tiles, there are 4 basic product characteristics that we look at: Construction, Body Type, PEI Rating, and Absorption Rate. Additional or unique characteristics are also taken into consideration and may increase a product's rating. It must be understood that just because we give a Platinum rating (highest level) to a particular product, it doesn't necessarily mean that it scores highest in all 4 of these base characteristics. We balance all of these factors, add our experience, and then give a rating that reflects the overall makeup of the tile.
CONSTRUCTION:
Not all ceramic tiles are ceramic! Just as we use the term "Kleenex" when we need a tissue, most of us use the term "Ceramic tile" in a broader sense than we should. Tile flooring can be of the following construction types: Ceramic, Porcelain, Marble, Natural Stone or Vinyl Composition. Each is made up of different natural materials that affect the quality and rating.
BODY TYPE:
Among true ceramic and porcelain tiles, there are two types of clay that are generally used to form the body of the tile: White Body and Red Body. While neither clay affects the performance of the tile, a red body usually receives a lower rating because of its appearance when chipped or scratched below the tile surface. Depending on the color or style baked on the top of the tile, the red colored clay usually has a more negative appearance when it shows through.
 PEI RATING:
Determined by the type of manufacturing process and kiln used, ceramic tiles will naturally have a higher or lower density. This density - referred to as a PEI Rating -- affects the long-term wear and performance of the tile. Ceramic with a higher density will withstand cracking, chipping, or breakage more than tiles with a lower density. The PEI Rating is an industry standard method of rating this performance and is ranked from PEI 5 (highest) to PEI 1 (lowest).
ABSORPTION RATE:
As the density of a tile goes, so goes its rate of absorbing moisture. A higher density will provide for a lower absorption rate. A lower absorption rate is desirable in order to prevent cracking that can result when water is trapped in the tile during temperature changes (even indoors).
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