Industry Standards
Not only do we take pride in fashioning beautiful designs, but we also believe in being best-in-class when it comes to industry standards. That’s why we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations in design and we surpass ASTM standards when it comes to the quality of our products.
Product usage
Floor Tile
Tile meets all criteria for use on floors; however, it may also be used on vertical applications such as walls, countertops and fireplace surrounds.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
Wall Tile
Tile meets all criteria for use on vertical applications such as walls, backsplashes and fireplace surrounds.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
Countertop
Tile meets all criteria for use on countertops, and vertical surfaces such as walls, backsplash, and fireplace surrounds.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
Shower floor
Tile meets all criteria for use on the shower floor. It may also be used for other floors, walls, backsplashes, etc.
*See performance features for installation-specific details.
Exterior
Floor
Tile meets all criteria for use in outdoor applications.
*See floor and wall usage criteria and abrasion resistance, DCOF, and frost resistance criteria for installation-specific details.
Product Features
Certified Porcelain
Tile has been certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency.
Customize
Tile order can be customized.
Encaustic
Encaustic-look porcelain tile.
Large Format
Tile available in sizes larger than 15 inches.
Made in the USA
Tile proudly manufactured in the USA. May contribute to LEED credits for Regional Materials.
Mosaic/
Deco
Product has mosaic or deco tile available.
Paver
Tile can be used outdoors as a paver.
Post-Consumer Recycled
Tile contains recycled material from post-consumer resources.
Pre-Consumer Recycled
Tile contains recycled material from pre-consumer resources.
Reveal Imaging
Tile employs imaging technology and inkjet printing.
StepWise™
Tile has infused technology that makes it 50% more slip-resistant.
Terrazzo
Tile has a terrazzo look style.
TruEdge™
Tile has rectified edges, which can have a smaller grout joint.
ZeroTox
Tile contains zero VOCs, zero PVCs, zero formaldehyde, and no allergens.
Product Materials
Ceramic
ColorBody Porcelain
Glass
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed Porcelain
Metal
Mixed materials
Porcelain
Quartz
Natural Stone
Granite
Limestone
Marble
Quartzite
Slate
Soapstone
Travertine
Installation
| Grout Joint Recommendation | This represents the minimum width the grout joint should be to avoid lippage, breakage, etc. There may also be a recommendation for placement of tile in brickjoint layout and different requirements for floor and wall installations. |
| Shade Variation | Tile coloring can range from monochromatic to a highly varied in coloring and shading. Variation exists within individual tiles and from tile to tile. Results range from V0 to V4 where V0 is uniform and monochromatic and V4 has considerable variation from tile to tile. |
Performance Characteristics
| Water Absorption | A measurement of density and porosity that determines how much water tile will take on when exposed to water. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given in percentage of water absorbed by the tile. |
| Breaking Strength | A measurement of pounds required to cause a tile to break. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given in pounds at which the tile broke in testing. |
| Scratch Hardness | A measurement of the resistance of a tile when scratched by ten reference materials (gypsum, fluorite, quartz, diamond, etc.). Based on the MOHS hardness scale. Results given on a 1-10 scale where 1 is low scratch resistance and 10 is high scratch resistance. |
| Chemical Resistance | A measurement of resistance to chemical substances when exposed over time. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given as resistant or not resistant. |
| Abrasion Resistance | A measurement of resistance to visible surface abrasions and wear. Based on ASTM testing standards. Results given on a 1-5 scale where 1 is best suited for light traffic and 5 is suited for heavy commercial traffic. |
| DCOF | Dynamic coefficient of friction, DCOF, measures friction between two surfaces especially where there is contamination. Results reflect the amount of force required to keep two surfaces sliding against one another. StepWise technology increases friction and makes tile 50% more slip resistant than regular tile. |
More About DCOF
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles shouldn’t be used in areas where oil, grease, or water is expected on the floor both indoors or out.
- Proper maintenance, care, and cleaning will minimize slippery buildup that can result in risky situations. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for the care and cleaning of tile floors.
- ANSI A137.1 Section 6.9 (also known as the AcuTest™) is the standard in testing the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). Marazzi USA recommends that any independent testing carried out by customers to ensure that products or competitiors products meet testing standards other than AcuTest be done prior to product selection. Marazzi USA does not warrant that any of its products will meet testing standards other than ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6.
- ANSI A137.1 specifies a wet DCOF of ≥.42 for interior tile in level spaces that will be walked upon when wet.
- No floor tile is “slip proof.”
- Minimize slip risk after a spill by cleaning up quickly, eliminating foot traffic, and using appropriate footwear. Properly installed drainage, and regular maintenance also decrease risk. Consider use conditions, maintenance program, and application to determine whether a product is compatible for an installation.
- Tile size impacts slip resistance, especially in wet areas. Larger tiles could result in planar variation that increases possibility of standing water and increases slip risk. Smaller tiles allow for more grout lines thus more agile sloping to the drain.
- Marazzi USA does not recommend polished or semi-polished surfaces in any areas subject to water, oil, or grease exposure.
- Marazzi USA recommends the following guidelines in cooperation with a regular maintenance program to decrease risk of slipping:
| Slip Hazard | Example Area Classification (includes, but is not limited to) |
Minimum DCOF BOT3000 AcuTest (Wet) |
| Dry & Level Interior | Public areas that are normally DRY, level, and contaminant free. Some examples are (but not limited to): hotel lobbies, apartments, public buildings, shopping centers (excluding food areas), hospitals, elevator lobbies, interior hallways, cafeterias, retail stores, theatre lobbies and other dry health service areas. | Any |
| Wet & Level Interior | Level public areas that are likely to be walked on when WET. Some examples are (but not limited to): Entry foyers of hotels, offices and other public buildings, supermarkets (entry areas, food preparation, produce, or any area where water may occasionally be present), shopping center food courts, and toilet facilities, and production areas not involving oil or fats.
In addition to this ANSI category defined above, Marazzi USA also suggests using the following criteria. These are Marazzi USA recommendations for the specified floor applications and are not ANSI standards: |
≥ 0.42 |
| Exterior Applications | Service or recreation areas involving constant water where light or no footwear is used. Some examples are (but not limited to): public showers, steam rooms, swimming pool decks, and locker rooms. | ≥ 0.60 |
| Pool Decking & Other Wet Areas with minimal footwear | Pedestrian areas that could be exposed to water (excluding ice), but are otherwise reasonably maintained, where footwear is typically used. Some examples are (but not limited to): walkways, gazebos, or patio areas. | ≥ 0.60 |
| Oils | Service or production areas involving oils, greases, and/or fats. Some examples are (but not limited to): automotive fluids, catering areas, areas involving deep-fry and grill equipment, other food preparation areas involving grease or oil. BOH (Back of the house) quick service or family style restaurants or delicatessens. Any area where combined grease and water accumulation may be present.
Marazzi USA recommends quarry and treaded paver products for this application. |
≥ 0.60 |
| Ramps & Inclines | Inclined areas or ADA compliant ramps. Some examples are (but not limited to): Stairs and stair treads/nosings, wheelchair ramps, workshop bays (where no oil is present), sidewalks, and driveways where pedestrian tra c is normally present. | ≥ 0.65 |