Does porcelain tile need expansion joints?

"One of the most basic and important facts an installer should know when working with ceramic (including porcelain, glass, and natural stone) tile is to always have expansion joints in place. If expansion joints are not part of the installation, failure is lurking in the shadows waiting to strike.

How much does porcelain tile expand and contract?

Porcelain tile, a very dense bodied product with a very low thermal expansion rate, expands approximately . 000004 inches per degree Fahrenheit.

Do you need a gap between porcelain tiles?

Allow a 3mm minimum joint, up to 20mm maximum between tiles (if using ProPave grout, other brands may differ). To aid full coverage and adhesion to the bedding mortar, check that the tiles are level using a spirit level. Allow the paving to fully cure (approx. 24-48 hours*) before grouting.

Can you lay porcelain tile without grout lines?

Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout. Why's that, you might wonder. It's not like grout adds to the stability of the tile installation (unless we talk about a few exceptional cases) so why is grout necessary?

What is the smallest grout line for porcelain tile?

Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it's not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.

Why do tile floors need EXPANSION JOINTS?

Can you lay porcelain slabs with no gap?

Regardless of the paving pattern you desire, when you lay down your next set of slabs, ensure there is approx. 5mm between each paver. If you need to cut any porcelain pavers down to size, check out our cutting paving slabs guide.

Do porcelain floor tiles expand?

All tiles will expand and contract due to changes in temperature and moisture, and almost all substrates will move differently to their coverings. These movements can transfer to the tiled surface, causing cracks, bulging, debonding, and/or tenting.

Does porcelain expand and contract?

Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile expands and contracts with thermal and moisture changes in the environment as do all building materials. The expansion or contraction will rarely be seen with the naked eye.

Can porcelain tile be laid directly on concrete?

You can install the tile directly on the concrete. You can install a CBU or cement board on the concrete, then the tile on top of that. Finally, you can use an uncoupling membrane between the tile and the concrete.

What holds up better porcelain or ceramic tile?

Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.

Do you cut porcelain tile face up or face down?

This depends on how your saw cuts the tile. If the blade cuts from the top leave the tile facing up. If it cuts from the bottom then leave the tile face down. Keep in mind the first side that the blade meets the tile will be the smoothest because there is less for the blade to “push” through.

Are porcelain tiles harder to fit?

As porcelain tiles are heavier than their ceramic counterpart, they may be more difficult to install, especially when used on the walls. It's also possible that, if too heavy, it may be unsuitable for certain walls or exceed the maximum weight allowance for some substrates.

Why is porcelain tile harder to install?

Difficult to install:

Since porcelain tile is denser, it's more difficult to work with as well. The things that make it so long-lasting and reliable, also make it harder to cut through and layout properly.

What are the cons of porcelain tile?

Cons to consider:

Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.

What is the average labor cost to install porcelain tile?

The national average cost of labor can run between $4 and $14 per square foot. However, to install ceramic or porcelain tile floors, expect to pay anywhere from $4 to $25 per square foot.

Does porcelain crack easily?

– Simply put: no! Among tile options, porcelain stands out as a very strong and durable choice. It's denser than its ceramic and vinyl counterparts, although not quite as hard as some natural stones (such as quartzite).

Why do porcelain tiles cost more to lay?

Cost to Install

Because porcelain tile is so tough, it's also more difficult to work with, making it more expensive and time-consuming to install compared to softer tiles. Contractors aren't as interested in installing porcelain tiles because they know the job is going to be more difficult.

How high can porcelain withstand?

Heat Resistance to Withstand Extreme Temperatures

1,220℉), alumina Fine Ceramics only begin to melt or decompose at temperatures above 2,000℃ (approx. 3,632℉).

Why are my porcelain tiles lifting?

The tiles may not be perfectly attached to the concrete. If that's the case, then the tiles will start to loosen and lift. Lifting floor tiles can also be caused by the moving of the surface below the tiles. Sometimes, the surface expands, which loosens the tiles.

Are porcelain tiles perfectly flat?

The edges of the modern tile are sharp, corners are exactly 90 degrees, and every porcelain tile is perfectly flat. Because rectified tiles may be more prone to edge chipping, a very fine bevel is added to the edge for protection.

Is porcelain the strongest tile?

Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile.

How thick should mortar be for porcelain tile?

The use of thin set mortars has met the challenge of properly installing ceramic and porcelain tile for years at a minimum thickness of 3/32” to a maximum of about ¼” (depending on the manufacturer's recommendations) after the tile is imbedded.

Do porcelain slabs break easy?

Being such a hard and dense material fired at very high temperatures, porcelain is more brittle than concrete pavers although generally similar to many types of natural stone.

Will porcelain slabs crack?

Once installed, it is highly unlikely for a porcelain tile to crack, and the most common time for cracking to occur is during installation or if something very heavy and hard is dropped from height onto the paved area. Porcelain paving tiles offer several benefits over natural stone or ceramic tiles.