Q. What is vitrified tile ?
A. Vitrified tile is a tile which has been processed in such a way that it has very very low porosity (and water absorption) which make it stain resistant and very strong.

Q. Is vitrified tile better than marble or granite?
A. Vitrified Tiles have far superior properties compared to marble or natural granite because being a manufactured product their quality is controlled whereas in naturally occurring marble and granite good quality is just a coincidence. Vitrified tiles posses much better mechanical strength, scratch resistance, resistance to acids, alkalies and chemicals, resistance to staining etc compared to marble or natural granite.

Marble has a relatively lower abrasion resistance compared to vitrified tiles. It is calcium carbonate which is strongly attached by Hydrochloric acid which is commonly used in toilet & floor cleaning. It yellows over extended time duration whereas vitrified tiles retain their colour for decades.

Polished natural granite shows several surface defects and a good quality is just a matter of chance whereas vitrified tiles are guaranteed for consistent good quality. Marble laying is very cumberrsom and time consuming whereas vitrified tiles may be laid in a matter of hours and put to use after 48 hours.

What needs to be studied here is the cost factor. Apparently the Vitrified tiles seem to have an advantage and also durability to command a higher price. But are we willing to shell that extra money for aesthetics and maintenance sake is the million dollar question.

1. Continue working in quadrants as before.

• Using a rubber float, apply only enough grout as you can effectively work with.
• In a diagonal direction, press grout into the joints to an even level with the tile.
• Skim excess from tile with the rubber float. You will notice a mild “grout haze” on your tiles.
• Use a damp sponge to remove grout haze from tiles, making sure not to press too hard on joints.
• Continue this process with other joints in remaining quadrants.

2. For joints at the wall and floor interface it is best to use caulk instead of grout. There are benefits to using caulk along wall joints. All tiles may expand or contract depending on temperature fluctuations. The wall joints are also known as expansion joints. Using caulk here will buffer expansion and contraction a bit.

3. After grouting is complete, you are practically done. Wait for the entire floor to cure for about a week before giving it a good mopping to remove remaining grout haze.
You may also choose to seal the grout with a sealer to lock out dirt and or grease.

Cleaning
All ceramic tiles are stain resistant and require very little maintenance. A basic maintenance program would be to dust mop and spot-mop as necessary, then mop with a cloth-mop and neutral cleaner on a regular basis. However, some tiles will have better dirt hiding capabilities than others, and some will be easier to maintain than others.

Dirt hiding capabilities
Tiles with texture and multiple colors will hide dust and dirt better than tiles with smooth, monochromatic colors.

Slip resistance
A ceramic tile surface is more slip resistant than almost any other flooring surface. However, be aware that an abrasive surface will require an occasional deep cleaning.

Sealing
Glazed ceramic tile floor will never need sealing, waxes or coatings of any kind. Some through body porcelain tiles may; check with the porcelain manufacturer to verify requirements.

Sweeping
Tracked in dirt is abrasive and can damage your floor tile. Sweep floor regularly to prevent loose dust & abrasive particles from scratching your floor. Sweep floor with a dust mop or vacuum sweeper (without a beater brush or bar).

Mopping
Mop floor weekly to maintain appearance using a string or cloth-type mop. Sponge mops can streak your floor and shouldn't be used. Clear water or neutral pH cleaners are recommended for ceramic tile and grout surfaces. Follow manufacturer instructions on cleaning and rinsing for best results.

Protect your investment
- Equip furniture legs with felt floor protectors. Dirt and sand imbedded into plastic or wooden legs act as sandpaper as furniture is moved across your floor.
- Place rugs or mats both inside and outside of exterior entryways.
- Place rugs or mats at areas around kitchen sinks and dishwashers to prevent impact damage from dishes and utensils.
- Damaged ceramic tile floor can usually be replaced and restored to original condition if you have extra tile available from your specific shade.
- Purchase several extra pieces to keep on hand for repairs.
- Contact a licensed tile contractor to make the repair.

Never, Never, Never
- Never seal or wax your ceramic tile. These coatings are unnecessary. They will attract and hold dirt on your floor surface.
- Never use vinegar or bleach for regular cleaning. They can adversely affect the tile and grout with continual use.
- Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners for ongoing maintenance. They can mar your tile surface if used repeatedly.

Keep this in mind
Your ceramic tile can be maintained with minimal effort. Follow these basic care and maintenance guidelines and your floor will retain its beauty for years to come.

1. Tile
2. Tile adhesive or "mastic"
3. A notched trowel
4. A tile saw or a tile scorer
5. A diamond hole saw to cut out radiator pipes and other holes
6. Grout
7. Rubber float (a putty knife will scratch the tile face)
8. Tape measure (or digital laser tape)
9. Bucket (with warm water)
10. Sponge
11. Level
12. Chalk line
13. Pencil
14. Tile spacer

	Durability Ceramic surfaces last longer than most other materials used for floor and wall.		Hygiene Being hygienic and easy to clean, they are recommended for all areas where high sanitary standards are a must.
	Fire resistance Ceramic tiles do not burn, nor do they give off smoke or toxic fumes if they come in touch with fire.		Colour permanence Direct exposure of ceramic tiles to sunlight neither alters their colours, nor causes them to fade.
	Water absorption Our porcelain stoneware products are highly resistant to damp.		Frost resistance All of our porcelain tile products are suitable for outdoor laying as they are frost resistant.
	Resistance to abrasion and tread wear Our range includes floor tiles suited even to areas subject to heavy foot traffic, just choose the right product.		Chemical resistance Ceramic materials are highly resistant to chemical agents.
	Bending resistance Our ceramic and porcelain floorings feature a bending resistance which is above the set standards.		Thermal shock resistance A properly laid ceramic floor will neither deform nor break in extreme temperature conditions.
	Slip resistance The anti-slip factor in ceramic flooring is as good as or better than in other flooring materials.		Stain resistance and maintainability To keep ceramic surfaces clean, all you need to do is wash them regularly with water.