Frequently Asked Questions

AC rating is a standard for laminate flooring.  For a breakdown of the AC ratings SEE BELOW.

• AC Class 1 Rating: Residential, light foot traffic (ex: bedrooms)
• AC Class 2 Rating: Residential, light foot traffic (ex: bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms)
• AC Class 3 Rating: Residential, light to moderate food traffic (all residential areas)
• AC Class 4 Rating: Residential, Light-Moderate Commercial (ex: small retail settings, offices)
• AC Class 5 Rating: Residential, Moderate-Heavy Commercial (ex: department stores, restaurant seating areas)

Tiles are given a shade rating, which provides an idea of the variation in colour and patterning in the series of tile. SEE GUIDE BELOW

The colour shade or shades of all tile varies some degree from piece to piece, from each production run to run.  At least several pieces from the same production run should be reviewed whenever possible to determine acceptable colour shade variations.  Any questions or concerns about your tile selection should be clarified prior to installation.

V1 – Uniform Appearance: Differences among pieces from the same production run are minimal.

V2- Slight Variation: Clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colours.

V3- Moderate Variation: While the colours present on a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colours to be expected on the other tiles, the amount of colours on each piece may vary significantly.  For example “that little bit of colour” on one piece of tile may be the primary colour on the next piece.

V4- Random Variation:  Random colour differences from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colour from that on the other tiles.  Thus, the final installation will be unique.

PEI is a rating given to tiles to reflect the durability of a tiles porcelain enamel.  The ratings range from 1 to 5, for a break-down of each rating SEE BELOW.

• PEI Class 1 Rating: Wall tile, this tile cannot be used with any foot traffic, this tile can be used on wall applications in residential and commercial settings
• PEI Class 2 Rating: Wall tile, and light foot traffic (Soft-footed areas such as; washrooms)
• PEI Class 3 Rating: Wall and light to moderate foot traffic, residential applications
• PEI Class 4 Rating: Wall and moderate to heavy foot traffic, residential and light to medium commercial applications
• PEI Class 5 Rating: Wall and heavy foot traffic, residential to heavy commercial applications.

It is not recommended to install laminate in any wet areas as water in your floors joints can cause swelling and separation.

Power grout is a grout product from TEC that has many benefits.  It has a built-in sealer, making it a highly stain resistant grout and provides strong, colour consistent joints by resisting efflorescence, cracking and shrinking.  Power grout provides excellent performance in virtually any environment.  (http://www.tecspecialty.com/products/grouts/advance-performance-grout/?l...)

Un-sanded grout is often referred to as “Wall Grout”, and sanded grout is often referred to as “Floor Grout”.  The main differences between the two are sanded grout is made with sand particles in it, which lessens the amount of shrinking when it dries.  Sanded grout is used in larger grout joints (≥ 1/8”), and when installing floor tile, as it is more durable.  Un-sanded grout is used when installing smaller grout joints (≤ 1/16”), and is easier to work with on vertical surfaces because of its “stickier” consistency. Un-sanded grout has more flex than sanded grout so it is not recommended for the floor. 

A mortar is a man-made product that is usually in powder form that needs to be mixed with a liquid (usually just water).  Mortars dry into a cement form, with incredible hold.  They can be used anywhere, in wet or dry areas, on floors or walls, and can hold larger tile sizes. 

A mastic is an organic plant-based product that is purchased in liquid form.  Due to its organic nature it is prone to mold and mildew, so it is NOT recommended for wet areas.  Mastics can be used for wall installations in dry areas, as well as kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.   Mastics are easier to work with than mortars as they have better grip initially, and set faster.

When a manufacturer recommends leaving a gap around the perimeter of your room, it is important to follow these recommendations.  The gap around the perimeter allows space for your flooring to expand and contract.  Without this space the expansion and contraction, caused from humidity and temperature change, can cause your flooring to buckle and become damaged. 

How long you need to wait between installing and grouting your tiles really depends on what you are using to install (mastic, mortar).  However, the general rule of thumb is 24 hours between the two.  The longer your adhesive can set the better.

Contrary to what many people think a larger tile size can actually help your space look larger!  A larger tile creates fewer grout lines, and a less-busy visual.  Larger tile sizes are growing in popularity so luckily you don’t need to limit your choices to a small tile just because you have a small space.

Different factors can affect your grout colour over time.  Some grouts are made with a Portland cement base which can cause a slight colour variation where some areas of the grout may have a larger concentration of the cement from the mixing process.  Centura carries a line of grout called TEC Power Grout, which does not contain Portland cement, creating a more consistent colour throughout, this grout also has a built-in sealer which helps prevent colour staining as well!

Another factor that can discolor your grout is your water.  Water can leave an efflorescence on the surface of your grout, which is created from the salt in the water rising to the surface once the water dries.  Centura carries a product called Aquamix Eff-ex, which is created to help remove the efflorescence.

Often times when using a natural stone it is best to seal your tile, as well as some polished porcelains, however there are some exceptions so it is always best to consult with a flooring expert. 

Porcelain is actually a form of ceramic, however there are some differences between the two.  The water absorption rate for porcelain tile is 0.5% or less, meaning the tile is much denser and therefore making it more durable than other ceramic tiles.  Porcelain tile is also fired at a higher temperature for a longer period of time than other ceramic tiles, creating a stronger surface.  Most of the floor tiles at Centura London and Windsor are porcelain, and many of the wall tiles are ceramic, as the wear on wall tiles is very low.