Useful Information 
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL FAQS
What do all these test results on-line mean? What's best?
Test results provide purchasers information on product performance. Daltile products are designed to provide its customers the broadest array of colors, textures, sizes and styles. However, each individual is unique and each design style should allow the flexibility to conform to the preferences of the designer. As a result, Daltile provides extensive product information to allow each designer to customize their look without having to sacrifice the practical needs of the application. Daltile recommends that you refer to our product catalog for a detailed explanation of each test and the industry recommendations for performance given your unique application needs. Coefficient of Friction Coefficient of Friction (“COF) is the relative slip resistance of tile. The COF test disclosed by Dal-Tile is a laboratory or field test established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide its customers comparable slip resistance values for each of its floor tiles. The measurements disclosed are designed to be one important factor to consider in evaluating slip resistance. Other factors can affect slip resistance, such as the degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material; presence of foreign material, such as water, oil and dirt; the length of the human stride at the time of slip; type of floor finish; and the physical and mental condition of humans. The higher the COF, the more slip resistant the tile. OSHA requires a 0.50 COF for walkways and the A.D.A. recommends a 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramps. Scratch hardness of a tile refers to the exterior surface of the tile and how easily it will mar. It is therefore not a big issue for wall tile but is for floors and countertops. The higher the number the better. A value of 7 or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications. Abrasion Resistance measures the hardness of the glaze and measures the overall durability of the tile. There are 4 categories (or classes) of differentiation. The classes range from Class 0 (not recommended for floors) to Class 4 (heavy commercial floor). Water Absorption measures the susceptibility of the body of the tile to absorb water. Tiles range from impervious (less than 0.5%) to Non-Vitreous (more than 7.0%). Exterior applications will require an impervious tile. The water absorption may impact the installation method, as well. Although this test is used primarily to evaluate glazed and unglazed product, it is sometimes used as a good indicator to predict the stain resistance of unglazed tiles. Generally, for unpolished, unglazed tile, the lower the water absorption the greater the stain resistance. Breaking Strength measures the expected load bearing capacity of various installations. The higher the breaking strength, the stronger and more durable the tile. Chemical Resistance measures the resistance of the tile to various chemicals. An application where there is exposure to staining chemicals and substances should select only tiles identified to be resistant.
Test results provide purchasers information on product performance. Daltile products are designed to provide its customers the broadest array of colors, textures, sizes and styles. However, each individual is unique and each design style should allow the flexibility to conform to the preferences of the designer. As a result, Daltile provides extensive product information to allow each designer to customize their look without having to sacrifice the practical needs of the application. Daltile recommends that you refer to our product catalog for a detailed explanation of each test and the industry recommendations for performance given your unique application needs. Coefficient of Friction Coefficient of Friction (“COF) is the relative slip resistance of tile. The COF test disclosed by Dal-Tile is a laboratory or field test established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to provide its customers comparable slip resistance values for each of its floor tiles. The measurements disclosed are designed to be one important factor to consider in evaluating slip resistance. Other factors can affect slip resistance, such as the degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material; presence of foreign material, such as water, oil and dirt; the length of the human stride at the time of slip; type of floor finish; and the physical and mental condition of humans. The higher the COF, the more slip resistant the tile. OSHA requires a 0.50 COF for walkways and the A.D.A. recommends a 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramps. Scratch hardness of a tile refers to the exterior surface of the tile and how easily it will mar. It is therefore not a big issue for wall tile but is for floors and countertops. The higher the number the better. A value of 7 or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications. Abrasion Resistance measures the hardness of the glaze and measures the overall durability of the tile. There are 4 categories (or classes) of differentiation. The classes range from Class 0 (not recommended for floors) to Class 4 (heavy commercial floor). Water Absorption measures the susceptibility of the body of the tile to absorb water. Tiles range from impervious (less than 0.5%) to Non-Vitreous (more than 7.0%). Exterior applications will require an impervious tile. The water absorption may impact the installation method, as well. Although this test is used primarily to evaluate glazed and unglazed product, it is sometimes used as a good indicator to predict the stain resistance of unglazed tiles. Generally, for unpolished, unglazed tile, the lower the water absorption the greater the stain resistance. Breaking Strength measures the expected load bearing capacity of various installations. The higher the breaking strength, the stronger and more durable the tile. Chemical Resistance measures the resistance of the tile to various chemicals. An application where there is exposure to staining chemicals and substances should select only tiles identified to be resistant.
I would like to check the price of a specific item.
Daltile has a network of Select & Studio Dealers who have access to product availability and pricing for the Daltile products you prefer. To locate the Daltile Dealer nearest you, click on “Locate Us on the navigation bar above.
Daltile has a network of Select & Studio Dealers who have access to product availability and pricing for the Daltile products you prefer. To locate the Daltile Dealer nearest you, click on “Locate Us on the navigation bar above.
How long until I receive my sample(s)?
Samples are sent from the Dallas-area regional distribution center (Sunnyvale, TX) via FedEX Ground. Orders placed before 11:00 a.m. will be shipped the same day. Orders placed after 11:00 a.m. will be shipped the next business day.
Samples are sent from the Dallas-area regional distribution center (Sunnyvale, TX) via FedEX Ground. Orders placed before 11:00 a.m. will be shipped the same day. Orders placed after 11:00 a.m. will be shipped the next business day.
