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Epoxy grout can be used on porcelain tile. By using epoxy grout you’ll be sure to use the highest quality grout in the market that will last a lifetime.
Do you use sanded or unsanded grout for porcelain tile?
Unsanded grout should be used in joints that are less than 1/8-inch-wide. It has a smooth texture and clings well to vertical surfaces, which makes it useful for grouting ceramic wall tiles. Sanded grout should be used for flooring and wall tile joints wider than 1/8 inch because it resists shrinkage and cracking.
Can you use sanded grout on porcelain tile?
Sanded grout is recommended for any install using ceramic, porcelain, granites, flamed or brushed marble, terrazzo, rock pebbles or meshed pebbles with a 1/8″ or up grout joint. Due to this addition, the grout becomes extremely strong, almost like putting colored cement in-between your tiles.
Do I need special mortar for porcelain tile?
Answer: Yes, porcelain and natural stone tile manufacturers recommend the use of a polymer modified mortar for installation of large format tile to concrete, plywood and synthetic membrane surfaces. TCNA recommends the use of mortars meeting ANSI A118. 4, A118.
Do you have to grout porcelain tile?
Here’s an age-old question: can you do a groutless tile installation? Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout.
Do I need to seal porcelain tile before grouting?
We recommend sealing polished porcelain tiles prior to grouting as well as after.
What kind of mortar do you use for porcelain tile?
Epoxy mortars work well for porcelain and ceramic, as well as for glass, stone, metal, mosaic, and pebbles. Epoxy mortars can even be used for installing rubber flooring or wood block flooring.
How thick should mortar be for porcelain tile?
The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer – typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8″ notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement.
Is there a special thinset for porcelain tile?
ANSWER – Porcelain Tile should be installed with a latex modified thin-set or a polymer modified thin-set. The Custom Marble Granite Mortar I believe is a polymer modified thin-set. For larger tiles 12×12 or larger should use a 1/4″ sq. Don’t trowel too far ahead and make sure thin-set stays tacky.
How can I tell if my tile is ceramic or porcelain?
The easiest and fastest way to tell a ceramic tile from a porcelain tile is to take a look at its edge. A ceramic tile, whether for floor or wall use, has a glaze on top of the surface, giving it its color and finish. Porcelain tiles may be glazed but are frequently not.
Which is better porcelain tile or ceramic tile?
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they’re harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use.
What is the smallest grout line for porcelain tile?
Grout lines need to be at least 1/16” for the grout to even fit, and often larger than that depending on a variety of other factors. For some grouts, like sanded cement grout, 1/8” is the minimum line size.
What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic mortar?
Maybe you didn’t realize it, but porcelain is ceramic. It’s just a harder denser variety. Under most conditions a modified mortar is what you’d use for porcelain. Latex/polymer fortified is modified mortar.
Is Versabond good for porcelain tile?
Versabond-LFT professional medium bed mortar is a non-sag, nonslump, polymer modified mortar for use with large format porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tile. With a non-slumping formula to eliminate lippage, Versabond-LFT can be applied to ¾” (19mm) thick on horizontal surfaces.
Can you lay porcelain tile on concrete?
Concrete provides one of the most stable working platforms in the world and is the preferred foundation layer for a ceramic or porcelain tile installation. The cemintitious thinset mortar used with porcelain tile installations is merely modified concrete containing additives for flexibility and additional adhesion.
Can you use unmodified thinset on porcelain tile?
Just to clarify Danny’s answer; You need to use a modified thinset with porcelain. The only time you can use unmodified is when the manufacturer of an associated system advises to use something else such as with Ditra and Kerdi installations. So unless you’re going over such a system, you have no choice.
What kind of thinset goes under cement board?
Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backerboard. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed. (Thin-set mortar ingredients are cement, fine sand and a water retaining agent. It’s used to bond ceramic or porcelain tile and cement backerboard.).
Can I use Mastic on porcelain tile?
Mastic and thinset mortar are types of adhesives most often used for ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile installations.
Does porcelain tile crack easily?
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
Which is better glazed or unglazed porcelain tile?
Unglazed tiles are thicker than glazed tiles, and due to their density, chemical-resistance, and lack of porosity, they are better suited to areas with lots of moisture, such as washrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. In terms of safety, they are the better option.
Why are some porcelain tiles so cheap?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay materials and fired at high temperatures. It’s more difficult to reach those higher temperatures (which create a denser, more durable product), so the higher the temperature, the more it adds to the cost.
Is porcelain stronger than ceramic?
In general, porcelain tile is harder than ceramic and offers greater design flexibility. Due to its low moisture absorption rate (0.5% or less), porcelain is less likely to crack and is more impervious to stains.
Which is better for bathroom floor ceramic or porcelain?
Ultimately, porcelain tile is the superior choice for bathroom floors. When compared to ceramic, the material is much better equipped for rooms that use plumbing. It’s also easier to maintain than ceramic tile.
Which is more expensive porcelain or ceramic tile?
Cost of Porcelain vs. While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences. Porcelain tiles are therefore more expensive than ceramic tiles.
