If you have never considered ceramic tile before, you will be amazed at the variety of colors, patterns, sizes, shapes, and textures available for you to choose from. With the sophisticated manufacturing processes being used today, ceramic tiles have become easy to maintain, much more affordable, and can compliment any interior design. According to the Color Association of the United States, a major movement toward translucence and transparency with romantic, dreamlike qualities has evolved. The new palette has high degree of warmth emphasizing red and yellow - influenced color families, which are balanced by the cool air both cheerful brights to uplift us, as well as soft, mellow tones to relax us. It's all about "personal choice". Some of the important things when selecting ceramic tiles are the slip-resistance, the size and color of the grout joints, the thickness of the tile, height variations from room to room, size of the tile, suitability of the subfloor, cleaning of the tile, and PEI classification.
A PEI classification of 0 through 5 can be considered.
Class 0 - No Foot Traffic: Wall tile only and should not be used on floors. Class 1 - Very Light Traffic: Very low foot traffic, bare foot only. Class 2 - Light Traffic: Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic: Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated. Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic: High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, balcony, and countertop. Class 5 - Heavy Traffic: Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial, and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.