Husband and I deciding on tile - input on tile grades please (more)?

Question

My husband is dead set on getting a 4-grade tile (because he swears that anything less will have to be replaced for wear in 15 years).

It's my understanding that 5 is the highest grade - commercial grade, for use in things like retail venues with a lot of foot traffic.

So, with a family of 4, likely a dog in the future, a kitchen table and chairs being moved around - how long will a 3-grade tile last? My favorite tile is a 3-grade. He's willing to forgo the "look" for the grade.

Anyone with experience in this area, your input is welcomed. Thank you.

Ticket...if you've never heard of tile grading, I'm not sure how you've been in the biz for that long. Seriously - we've only been looking for about 2 months and it was one of the first things "taught" to us by the tile people we worked with. Here's a tutorial. http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Ceramic-Tile-Grades.10844.html?oids=39c1c109

I'm not worried about cracks and durability w/regard to breakage - we are worried about wear patterns. After I posted this question, I ended up finding this tile grading system and may have convinced DH to get the grade-3.

Answer 1

I've been tiling for years and have never heard of grades in tile.
I'd pick a tile of your choosing with the shine already on it, 5/16 thick or thicker ( and i assume you're speaking of ceramic ) as the thin stuff will crack easier for the beginner.
satillo's are flat finish, have a long life and can be coated and polished so to appear as coated originally...also 3/4 " thick and 12x12s.
always use a backer board and screw down in 12x12 Sq's. this will secure less movement and minor cracking in the long run.
if you have a lot of flr movement in an area, get in the basement and put up a few support blocks w/uprights to the weak areas of the floor.

Answer 2

See the link below for information on setting tiles...