Sustainability

Metropolitan Ceramics® quarry products are one of the longest lasting flooring products available. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Tile Council of North America found quarry tile to be the best value among competing floor covering products based specifically on the price and longevity of the product.

"Cradle to Cradle" is fast becoming the standard by which the sustainability of building products is measured. This concept puts focus on the entire life cycle of a product. Metropolitan® quarry tile fits this criteria because it is mined at a close proximity to the manufacturing site, it can last for many years and even centuries, and it can be recycled as a roadbed material with no negative impact to the environment at the end of its life cycle.

Durability Testing Data
Manufacturing for long wear in demanding applications, Metropolitan Ceramics® unglazed ceramic quarry tile meets or exceeds the following standards relating to sustainability.

SPECIFICATION TEST STANDARD RESULT
Abrasion Resistance ASTM C1243 Maximum Value of 275 mm³ D.T.E. tests at < 275 mm³
Absorption 5-hour boil ASTM C373 5% D.T.E. tests at 3% maximum and qualities as vitreous
Breaking Strength ASTM C648 Average ≥ 250 lbf. D.T.E. tests at 400lbf. or better
Thickness ASTM C499 Max. range of .050” D.T.E meets the standard.
Nominal Size ASTM C499 The facial dimension of each tile in the sample shall not vary more than ±2.00% from the nominal dimension. D.T.E. meets the standard
Freeze/Thaw ASTM C1026 Observations after 300 cycles. No visible damage. D.T.E. meets the standard