Grade I

• The lowest and softest tile Grade is I, which is difficult to find because demand is low. Grade I easily breaks and chips under little pressure, such as snapping it in two over your knee. Although it is the cheapest tile, do not use it on floors. Use Grade I only as wall tile or a backsplash when you cannot afford another grade.
  
  

Grade II

• Grade II is better suited for spaces that receive mild traffic, such as residential bathrooms or kitchens. Commercial and industrial public areas require a stronger grade. It makes a good economical choice for walls throughout the house, but families with children or pets should use Grade III or above tile on floors.
  
  

Grade III

• Frequently used in homes, Grade III wears well under heavier foot traffic. Unlike the weaker tiles, this grade works great for walls, floors, countertops and home entryways. Grade III is readily available in multiple patterns and color choices. It is cheaper than stronger grades.
  
  

Grade IV

• Able to withstand moderate scratches and heavier traffic, Grade IV is more expensive but adds more durability to any surface. Commercial businesses from doctors’ offices to boutiques use this tile more often than homeowners. However, the major drawback to Grade IV is the more limited color selections and patterns.
  
  

Grade V

• The strongest and most resistant tile is Grade V, which is used in large commercial and industrial areas. Malls, grocery, discount stores, airports and schools use it. Grade V can bear the weight from heavy industrial equipment in factories and can tolerate chemical spills without permanent staining if cleaned quickly. The color selections are generally limited to muted colors, such as variations of grey, brown, blue and white and black.
  
  

Single-Fired and Double-Fired

• Another element in determining the strength of tile is whether it is single-fired or double-fired. Single-fired tile means it was baked in a kiln only once. Grades I, II and III are single-fired tile. Double-fired tile, Grades IV and V, had two separate baking cycles in the kiln, making it harder and denser.
  
  

Tile Care

• To add to the life of your tile, take proper care of it. Do not use ammonia or steel wool to clean tile. It can scratch the surface and discolor the finish and grout. Do not wax a tile floor, but damp mop it weekly then rinse with clean water. Use a grout dye to restore its original color when necessary.