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 C501 | Index of 35 or better | D.T.E. tests at >80 or better |
| Absorption 5-hour boil | ASTM C373 | 5% | D.T.E. tests at 3% maximum and qualities as vitreous |
| Breaking Strength | ASTM C649 | Min.250lbs. | D.T.E. tests at 400lbs. or better |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C67 | No industry standard | D.T.E. tests at 10,000 P.S.I. or better |
| Facial Size Variation | ASTM C499 | Average facial dimension of each tile not to exceed 4% from nominal dimension(s) | D.T.E. meets the standard |
| Freeze/Thaw | ASTM C67 | No industry standard | ASTM test is 50 cycles |
| Metropolitan internal test | Metropolitan internal standard is 3,000 cycles | ||
| Metropolitan quarry tile is a natural product with through-the-body color that will not wear off. | |||
Please consult the Tile Council of North America (http://www.tcnatile.com/) regarding outdoor tile installation.