Intended Use

General Usage Guidelines

The following General Usage Guidelines highlight those floor application types that we generally considered to be appropriate for designated product lines. However, every installation is unique and requires careful consideration of the specific requirements for that particular project. For specific determinations as to the suitability of specific products for your application, please consult an experienced tile installer, design professional or the TCNA handbook. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the project manager to choose the most appropriate product for each project based on need and traffic. Not all projects are the same.
 

Residential

Products designated as “Residential” are generally considered appropriate for use in residential (non-commercial) floor areas that are subject to normal foot traffic, including kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and other residential environments. In heavy-traffic areas, products with GLOSSY/POLISHED/TOUCH finishes are not recommended.
 

Light Commercial

Products designated as “Light Commercial” are generally considered appropriate for use in commercial floor areas that are subject to considerable foot traffic greater than residential applications, including offices, waiting rooms, retail shops, public bathrooms, apartment building common areas, restaurant dining rooms, car showrooms, bars, cinemas, medical clinics, hotel rooms and bathrooms. In heavy-traffic areas, products with GLOSSY/POLISHED/TOUCH finishes are not recommended.
 

Heavy Commercial

Products designated as “Heavy Commercial” are generally considered appropriate for use in commercial floor areas that are subject to extensive foot traffic, including shopping center common areas, hotel lobbies, fast food restaurants, dance clubs, hospitals, schools, museums, houses of worship, airports, train and bus stations and other interior applications where heavy traffic is anticipated.
 

Notes

• These are general use guidelines only and are no substitute for competent, professional architectural and design input specific to each project. For example, a product classified as Light Commercial might be suitable for use in some areas of a regional airport with moderate foot traffic, while even a Heavy Commercial product may be subject to premature wear and tear if used in a heavy-traffic industrial area where regular cleaning and maintenance are not performed.
• The occasional presence of minor color variation, spots or other small imperfections is considered a characteristic of the material and of its unique manufacturing process.
• If product is installed in direct contact with external environments, use of protective solutions, a protective mat or other anti-scratch alternatives may be necessary to reduce the formation of scratches.
• Use of low thickness products is not recommended in areas subject to heavy loads.
• GLOSSY/POLISHED/TOUCH finishes are recommended for wall cladding, as well as for flooring in Residential or Light Commercial areas that are not subject to heavy traffic, and where an anti-slip performance (DCOF) is not required.