How To Move A Gun Safe On Tile Floor? Top 99 Best Answers

How much weight can porcelain stoneware hold

If you’re looking for the best tiles to renovate your home this season, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to give you all the information you need about porcelain stoneware tiles and how much weight they can support – essential information if you plan to put heavy furniture on them.

Many homeowners choose either porcelain or ceramic, and each has advantages and disadvantages. We’re going to clear up some of the common misconceptions about porcelain stoneware floor tiles and give you the details you need to make your decision – read on for more!

What is a porcelain stoneware tile?

Porcelain comes from China and dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Traditionally, it is ‘vitrified’ pottery, meaning that one material has been transformed into another using high temperatures.

In the case of porcelain, it was originally extracted from “petuntse” – a type of rock found in China – and mixed with “kaolin” – a form of clay. This was then heated to 1,450 °C.

Today, porcelain is made using different materials and processes. However, it is popular worldwide for its strength and functionality, particularly for wall and floor tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.

A modern tile floor is created by combining clay with hard rock such as quartz, silica and feldspar. This is also heated to an extremely high temperature.

If the porcelain stoneware tile is glazed, it does not need to be sealed or glazed again. A stoneware tile has far lower porosity and increased strength due to the combination of clay and stone and the manufacturing process.

Other porcelain tiles are resealed or glazed to give them an authentic look. As a result, the tile has greater porosity than glazed versions.

The difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles

The difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is confusing – not surprising as the two look similar and are made in the same way.

However, there are significant differences between a porcelain stoneware and a ceramic tile floor that affect the intended use and the price.

They may look and feel the same on the outside, but ceramic and porcelain are made of different materials. Pottery uses red, brown, or white clay, which is less dense and more water-absorbent.

Conversely, porcelain combines white clay with sand or feldspar to create a harder porcelain tile that is less absorbent.

When buying porcelain stoneware for your kitchen or bathroom, each material has advantages and disadvantages. For example, porcelain is stronger and more durable, but ceramic is easier to cut and cheaper.

In comparison, ceramic tile is much less waterproof than porcelain and tends to have an artificial glaze. It may also require some grout paint.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware

Porcelain tiles require a professional to cut and install them properly – you definitely don’t want them to crack or become damaged after a few years.

However, this is the great advantage of porcelain stoneware. When fitted correctly, they are incredibly durable, water repellent, stain resistant and moisture resistant. In addition, porcelain stoneware is very reliable and wear-resistant, which is why it is the first choice for many bathroom and kitchen floors.

Unlike ceramic tile, single-tile porcelain is denser with fewer air pockets and is harder and thicker overall, giving it extra strength and durability. Porcelain stoneware is also the easiest tile to maintain as it does not require special sealing.

Because of its luxurious appearance, porcelain is often found in entrance areas and lobbies in hotels and museums. But it’s also extremely practical and will stand up to years of treading in high-traffic areas.

Although porcelain stoneware is not invincible, it very rarely breaks, making it a great, durable tile perfect for use in your home.

The disadvantages of porcelain tiles

While porcelain stoneware is the obvious choice when you want a durable kitchen floor, there are a few things to consider when deciding between porcelain and ceramic.

Overall, this tile is the best choice – but it’s also more expensive, harder to install, and harder to repair.

The factors that make porcelain so strong and durable are the same factors that make installation difficult. Porcelain tile is thick and heavy; It is not easy to cut and should only be installed by experienced flooring professionals unless you have the proper equipment. Unfortunately, this can sometimes make installation expensive and make repairs difficult.

In general, this tile will cost you more than ceramic. The cost is measured per tile, so it’s best to measure your space first and count the number of tiles you need for a side-by-side comparison. If you have a large area to cover and are on a tight budget, ceramic tiles may be a better option.

How durable are porcelain stoneware tiles?

Porcelain stoneware is extremely durable, making it an excellent choice for kitchen floors. The material from which this tile is made is very dense after firing due to its composition of sand, quartz or feldspar. It is therefore scratch and crack resistant.

If you invest in porcelain stoneware and pay money for the installation; You want it to last some time. Luckily, this is one of the main features of this tile – once installed, you can expect your kitchen or bathroom tiles to last around fifty years without repairs!

Although ceramic tile floors cost less overall, you may find that the savings are marginal. Added to this is the significant difference in durability, which makes it easy for you to choose a tiled floor.

What weight can porcelain stoneware tiles carry?

One consideration when purchasing tile for your home is the tile support of porcelain versus ceramic. If it’s being used for a high traffic area and footsteps are the only pressure on the tiles, there shouldn’t be any problems – the tiles should last for decades.

However, if you place heavy objects on the tiles, such as B. cast iron stoves or heavy furniture, you should consider the strength class of the porcelain. Typically, this tile should have an absorbance value of no more than 0.50% with an average breaking strength of 275 lbf (pounds force).

Porcelain stoneware has a high load capacity; Still, it is worth checking the force value on it before installing heavy objects. Be careful when laying tiles as there is always a risk of cracking if the force is too great.

Is it worth buying porcelain stoneware?

Whether for your kitchen or terrace, porcelain stoneware looks beautiful and lasts for decades. Porcelain tiles are the best you can buy – they are of good quality and very resistant to footfall and water absorption. You won’t have any moisture problems and your wall tile or floor tile should last 50 years.

Ceramic is also a suitable choice if you are on a budget. These can look as good as porcelain if chosen and installed correctly.

However, they are less crack resistant and have higher water absorption, making them unsuitable for many homes.

Porcelain tiles are always worth buying if you have the budget for it. They are far more durable than ceramic tiles and you won’t need to replace them for years. While ceramic floor tiles are glazed for effect and protection, porcelain stoneware is the real deal!

frequently asked Questions

How strong is porcelain stoneware?

In general, this floor tile is the strongest tile you can buy, but that doesn’t mean they have the same breaking strength.

Typically the tile should have passed a static load test and show a load bearing capacity. This is given in kilograms or Newtons.

Can you put heavy furniture on porcelain stoneware?

Yes! A porcelain stoneware floor is suitable for supporting the weight of heavy furniture.

As with any heavy object you place on floor tiles, it pays to calculate the weight ratios on flat concrete – you can find these in the manufacturer’s PEI rating. Always use caution when standing heavy loads on this tile.

Can you drive on porcelain stoneware?

It is not suitable to drive a vehicle on porcelain tiles due to the risk of cracking or breaking them.

However, if the floor tile is laid on a flat concrete floor and they are properly bonded, they should be able to withstand the weight of a car in a breaking strength test.

Final Thoughts

Porcelain stoneware tiles are the perfect solution for kitchen and terrace tile floors. Made of sand and hard rock such as quartz or granite, these tiles are water-resistant and very durable. Porcelain stoneware tiles are very strong and can withstand the weight of heavy furniture and cars in strength tests – they last for decades!

You don’t have to worry about your porcelain floor tiles cracking or breaking with everyday use, they won’t! They even withstand shocks such as heavy objects falling on them. Porcelain floor tiles will never chip or crack. The only risk is during installation when you or your installer cut the tiles.

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made in the same way – a combination of special clay and hard stone fired at a high temperature – but porcelain is probably stronger overall due to the type of stone used. Ask the manufacturer about the PEI rating of the material for a direct comparison.

What goes into the weight of a gun safe?

Safes are heavy, plain and simple. From small home safes to massive full-size safes, none of them are that easy to move. Entry level gun safes typically weigh between 200 and 600 pounds. Mid-range safes weigh between 600 and 1,000 pounds. High-end weigh between 1,000 and 1,600. And commercial safes can weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

But what goes into them that gives them so much weight? Well, there are a number of factors that go into determining how much a gun safe weighs, but it really depends:

Size Gauge Steel Layers of Fireboard Safe Design

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Gun safe size

The bigger a safe is, the heavier it gets, and that’s because in most cases it takes more steel, more fire plates, more shelves, etc etc to build a larger model. Most manufacturers usually have a number of sizes available for a given safe model. As a given model increases in size, so does its weight.

But of course there are always exceptions. In these cases, a larger safe will have thinner steel and fewer fire plates. This can result in it weighing less than a smaller safe. But in general, the larger the safe, the more it weighs.

Steel gauge

A “gauge” is a measurement used in the United States to determine the thickness of steel. I know this is going to sound completely backwards, but the lower the number, the thicker the steel. So a safe with a 10 gauge body will have thicker steel than a safe with a 14 gauge body. And obviously thicker steel weighs more than thinner steel.

Layers of Fireboard

Some safes are insulated to protect valuables from heat and flame. Models with better fire protection often use multiple layers of fire panels, maximizing insulation and making the safe weigh more. The more layers it has, the better the fire protection, but the heavier it becomes.

Gun safe design

There are a few design variations that affect weight. The two most important are additional layers of steel and concrete or composite linings. These two design features can significantly increase the weight of a safe and also significantly increase the price of the safe.

Conclusion

Many people believe that a heavier safe is more secure – and in general, that’s true. But of course there are always exceptions. For example, a safe with a heavier gauge of steel may have design flaws in the door, and if the door is easy to pry open, it is no more secure (no matter how much the gun safe weighs). Moral of the story: Check safe weights, but don’t stop your research there.

VIEW OUR OFFERS Which safe is right for you? TAKE THE QUIZ

Safes are large, heavy, and unwieldy items. They can be really awkward to move, especially when you’re alone.

You might be tempted to tip your safe over just so you can buy more, but is that the best idea?

Well, generally putting a safe on its back is not a problem as long as you tip it safely. However, you need to make some preparations to ensure that your safe and its contents are not damaged in the process.

The first thing you want to do is empty the safe. If you tip the safe with your guns or valuables inside, they will fly around.

It is also advisable to remove any shelves or organizers if they are movable. This also prevents them from coming loose and being flung around inside the safe.

Loose items can easily break, but they can also damage the inside of your safe. They can smack into the locking mechanisms, hinges, and panels as they roll over.

Before you tip the vault, check if it’s really necessary. If you can mount the safe through doorways and openings without your safe tipping over, then do it! Remember, you’ll have to raise your safe afterwards, which means you’ll have to raise your £500 safe properly again! If you can avoid this, you should do it!

If you really need to tip your safe, prepare the house and safe first.

So put your safe on your back

You should wrap the safe in a blanket or plastic before moving it. This will protect the paintwork from bumps or scratches.

You also want to put a thick rug on the floor. This reduces the pressure on your floor covering and avoids scratches.

Clear the path of obstacles and hazards, removing any doors or frames that get in the way. You don’t want to get stuck halfway! It is advisable to measure the safe beforehand to check that it will fit through doors and openings.

The last thing to do before tipping is figuring out how you’re going to move the safe once it’s on the back. A dolly is the best way to move your safe. You can buy or rent these from moving companies and hardware stores.

Now you can flip the vault. Never do this alone. You need to control the top or you’ll end up with a nice big dent in the bottom and a possibly broken safe.

Make sure one or two people are available to pick up the top of the safe if it tips over. Walk slowly so they have time to catch the safe.

When moving the safe, keep an eye on the locking mechanism. This usually protrudes from the front of the safe and can easily get caught on door frames, walls and people! Avoid this at all costs.

Bent, broken, and chipped locking mechanisms are bad news. Depending on the type of lock, you may be permanently locked out of your vault.

Can you put a Liberty Safe on your back?

Liberty Safe is one of the leading suppliers of gun safes in the USA. They supply everything from handgun safes to giant home safes for rifles and shotguns.

Your gun and house safes weigh at least a few hundred pounds. That means moving it can be a bit of a challenge.

Liberty recommends using a trolley when transporting your safe around the home. This way you can keep your safe upright as much as possible. Before moving, wrap your safe in blankets and lay out moving mats to protect your floor.

Like other safes, you can flip Liberty gun safes on their backs to fit in a van or car, as long as you’re careful. Again, you are advised to remove any content before moving the vault. You should also remove any shelves, shelves, or organizers before you move.

If you need to lay your safe on its back to move it through doors, pay attention to the locking mechanism.

Don’t forget that putting your safe in a van is only half the battle. You have to make sure you have enough hand and strength to get the safe back up at the other end.

In most cases, Liberty recommends that you leave the transport of your safe to professionals. This can be your own safe fitter or a moving company.

Liberty Safe recommends that you have your existing safe transported by a professional and experienced moving team or have your new safe delivered to your home. We make this recommendation for your safety and to prevent damage to your safe and home. The prices of the fireproof safes and safes for sale on our website do not include delivery. They can only be picked up at the dealer.

Curbside delivery of your safe is available for an additional fee which includes delivery within a 40km radius of the retailer. Shipping is available within the continental United States (48 states). But a question we’re often asked is how much does it actually cost to move or deliver a safe?

Main factors affecting pricing

There are several factors that go into calculating the cost of moving a vault. Standard prices for moving a vault range from $175 to $525. Prices are based on:

Weight and dimensions of your safe

Distance to place of delivery

Where your safe will be placed in your home

Standard pickup and delivery to the location of your choice

Information necessary for planning the delivery

When scheduling your delivery with a gun safe mover, you will need to provide as much information as possible. This will ensure you receive an accurate quote. The more open and complete you are with the details required for the move, the smoother your delivery will be. You also avoid surprises with additional charges on the day of delivery.

We recommend providing photos showing the following:

The way to your home

Doors through which drivers must bring the vault

Any hallways or rooms through which the movers have to push the safe

The final location where the safe will be located

When specifying where you would like your safe to be located in your home, it is the exact location that counts. Indicate if the safe should be located in:

Garage-like construction with a flat delivery area without steps

Ground floor room with three or fewer stairs

Basement or second floor room with 12 or fewer straight steps leading to another level

What does standard delivery include?

The standard delivery fee includes:

Up to three deliverers

Specialized vans

Special safe transport and installation equipment for weapons

Insurance to cover possible home damage

highway toll

The time it takes to complete the delivery

Custom shipping cost

We recognize that not all deliveries meet the definition of a standard delivery. Additional charges may apply for:

Multiple floors

One or more landings

Tight curves

Removing doors, railings and moldings

Distance to place of delivery

Complexity of movement, such as moving safely over grass or dirt

Bolting the safe to the floor

The cost of moving or delivering your safe is a smart investment in your safety and the protection of your safe and home. The prices given in this article are only average prices. Contact your local Liberty Safe dealer for final pricing.

The cost of moving a safe: weight, dimensions and prices

When moving a gun cabinet, there are many factors that affect the overall cost of the move. These include: the weight and dimensions of your gun safe; whether you need to hire movers to help with transportation; if you need to hire a truck or use your own vehicle; and how long does it take for the movers to complete the job? The average gun cabinet weighs around 900 pounds with an outside dimension of 48 x 24 x 24 inches. This means an average price range of $500-$1000 plus an additional fee of between $50-$150 for hiring professional movers rather than using your own two hands and equipment.

Gun safe moving can be a risky business for those who are not professional movers. Gun safes typically weigh between 500 and 1000 pounds and require special equipment in addition to two people to move around safely. In addition, gun safe owners need to consider the cost of renting a truck or van. This depends on whether you need to transport it indoors or outdoors. Moving gun cabinets is just as important as moving other large household items like furniture, appliances, and electronics. It requires careful planning and thought before attempting to tackle this project without hiring professionals like College Dudes Help U Move.

Can you move a safe yourself?

If you can move a gun safe alone, it’s still advisable to have three people do the job together. One person is in charge of moving and lifting, while two others stabilize the gun safe from either side. Lifting too much weight can cause injury. Therefore, take precautions by using proper form when lifting heavy objects such as gun cabinets.

How heavy can a safe be put up?

Very large safes vary in weight but typically range from 700 to 1100 pounds. The dimensions of a gun cabinet also affect how heavy it is. If you climb stairs and find that your gun cabinet’s dimensions exceed 48 inches in width or height, you might want to immediately consider hiring professional help like College Dudes Help U Move. In some cases we can arrange a service where they deliver the gun cabinet upstairs on their truck so you don’t have to worry when it’s time to move!

Where is the best place to safely store a gun in your home, garage or basement?

Many people have gun safes to protect their firearms. But where is the best spot in your home or garage that offers maximum protection for a gun safe?

The Basement: This keeps it away from both heat and moisture that can damage weapon inventories over time. Plus, this location makes it easier for you to store ammo away from kids who might be curious to find some shiny things while adventuring through the house!

A gun safe that screws into the wall of a closet: Both closets and cupboards are good hiding places for gun safes because they are not visible when not in use. When installing, make sure that there is enough space inside so that open doors do not hit one side of the gun safe!

Is a safe home worth it?

Many people would agree that gun safes are worth the investment. They generally come in a variety of sizes to fit most needs and budgets, making them easy for anyone to install with a few simple tools.

It’s also important to remember that gun owners will need other types of security measures as well, including motion detectors or alarm systems installed throughout the home, as well as an escape plan in case burglars get inside! The most important thing is not only to consider your own safety, but also how you will help keep everyone else safe around you!

Can I hire someone to move my safe for me?

The answer to this question is really simple – yes! Safe movers are available in most cities and offer a variety of services that can make your move easier. Companies like College Dudes Help U Move offer affordable moving and storage services. Additionally, they are available 24/7 and are specialists in gun safe and security vault moves.

This is a guest post by Shannon from Natural Baby Mama. I asked Shannon to guest post because her extensive testing of lead in household products and materials revealed worrying levels of lead in products that many assumed were safe.

Their posts uncovered what companies didn’t tell us, drew attention to the issues, and even prompted some companies to improve their practices.

This post focuses on common building materials used in new builds and renos that often contain lead and how to test them.

– Corinna

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why lead is still a problem in household products

I began researching the risks of lead when my first child was born and we lived in an elderly home. I have learned that lead is found in many things in our homes: from consumer goods to toys, kitchen products to building materials.

Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause permanent brain damage in children (source).

While lead can be found in all kinds of products today, I’ll focus on what I’ve learned about lead in building materials. I will also show you how to test your materials and products for lead.

Disclaimer: These statements are my own opinion and are based on my personal research over the last 8 years. I am not liable or responsible for any results you may have as a result of this article. Please always consult the right professionals when seeking advice and also carry out your own due diligence.

I was shocked to learn that lead was so prevalent in our old homes and some of our consumer products, but I was even more shocked to learn that lead is still a common find in new building materials that are made today shelves can buy.

I became aware of lead being used in building materials after we moved and did a non-toxic remodel. There was no easy way to get an answer when a product contained lead. Back then, I reached out to companies to find out if their products were lead-free. Several companies replied in writing that this was the case.

I later tested these items and found that they contained lead. That’s when I realized that I had to personally test materials and products.

Over the past 8 years I have tested many hundreds of items for lead using an XRF analyzer. This includes building materials and many other household and consumer goods.

For more information on how people are being poisoned with lead today and how to test yourself for lead exposure, see my post Lead Poisoning and Prevention Strategies.

How to test building materials for lead

There are two main methods of testing for lead, 3M LeadCheck swabs and XRF testing.

3M LeadCheck swab

3M LeadCheck swabs are a great tool for testing a variety of materials. They work best on paint, lead dust, or on scratched or broken materials.

3M LeadCheck swabs are designed to detect up to 600 ppm (parts per million) of lead. This means you may not get a positive reading if your item is less than 600ppm. To put this in perspective, the allowable limit for lead in children’s items is 90ppm.

3M LeadCheck Swabs are not intended for testing items beyond their testing capability.

For example, if you use a LeadCheck swab on your cookware with a lead-free glaze, you will most likely get a negative reading. The swabs must be in direct contact with lead to function properly.

When you test paint with a LeadCheck swab, it only tests what it comes in contact with. So if you have lead paint under 3 coats of new paint, a swab cannot identify the layers of lead paint underneath.

Likewise, with ceramic tile, if the lead is under the glaze, it will not be absorbed. (Sometimes the lead is in the glaze layer and sometimes under it).

3M recommends notching your product for testing so you can access the inner layers. Personally, I don’t scratch or scratch lead paint as I don’t want to create lead dust.

If you break a product like a tile to gain access to the inner layers, you may be exposing yourself and those around you to lead dust. If you have cracked tiles with dust, you may be able to use a lead swab.

With LeadCheck swabs when you get a positive reading indicating leachable lead.

3M details of how to use their swabs on their website, please refer to them before using their product for accurate results.

Where to buy

3M LeadCheck swabs are inexpensive and widely available. You can find them at major hardware stores like Home Depot and on Amazon.

XRF testing

The vast majority of my testing was done with an XRF analyzer.

Handheld XRF devices are highly calibrated, precision instruments used to accurately detect lead and other elements (including other heavy metals).

They are usually operated by trained professionals. However, some places are rented to individuals.

I have a lot of experience seeing an XRF in action and have been trained in using the XRF by the company I rented from; However, I am not professionally trained or certified to use the XRF.

What to look for in an XRF analyzer

There are different types of XRF devices and multiple brands. I used a Niton with consumer goods mode testing in parts per million.

The consumables mode (the ability to test consumables as opposed to, say, soil or other materials) and the ability to test in ppm are both extremely important if you’re considering renting a machine.

Testing in other modes or increments may not give you accurate readings in my opinion. I personally wouldn’t pay for testing if I couldn’t get a reading in ppm.

Safety of XRF Machines

There are two types of XRF devices on the market: radioactive and non-radioactive.

Non-Radioactive XRF: The Niton XRF I rented is non-radioactive but uses X-ray technology for testing. As we all know, X-rays emit radiation. Each test takes less than a minute. According to Niton, using their non-radioactive XRF is roughly equivalent to taking a medical or dental X-ray. (Niton used to have a reference of how many hours of use would roughly equate to one medical x-ray, but that information can no longer be found on their website). Personally, I have stopped testing items with an XRF due to concerns about exposure to X-rays. Some knowledge of using the tool safely and accurately is required and this article is not intended to provide that training.

Radioactive XRF: This device is radioactive and requires special training and protective equipment. This is not something you would ever rent. Most professionals you would hire to test don’t use radioactive XRF, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this.

How to rent an XRF

Renting an XRF is quite expensive. A 24 hour rental is in the $400 range.

To find a place that rents an XRF for personal use I would use google and search for XRF rentals. I have previously rented from Pine Environmental.

Hiring someone to come test costs a little less than hiring one yourself. Depending on who it is and where you are, it can be $100-$200 for a few hours.

Those operating an XRF analyzer should be fully familiar with its use, limitations, and risks. This article does not cover the training required to operate this machine and should not be taken as a recommendation to use a machine without training.

Leading in building products

For all of the materials listed below, I would typically test with an XRF analyzer. A LeadCheck swab may or may not work properly on these materials as direct lead contact is required for the swabs to work.

If I know there may be direct electrode contact, I use a swab.

It’s important to note that just because a product contains lead doesn’t always mean it will leach lead and harm your family. It could be, however, and that’s reason to be vigilant.

The products I am reviewing below are the ones that I have found to contain lead. I tested products in different price ranges and from different stores. Whether something is expensive or not doesn’t reduce the likelihood that lead was used in its manufacture.

This is not a complete list of all products that contain lead, nor do all products listed here always contain lead. This is based on external research and studies as well as personal testing by me, Shannon.

taps

If your faucets were purchased in the United States before 2014, they likely contain lead.

New faucets used for potable water (kitchen or bathroom sinks) are now “lead-free” due to the Safe Drinking Water Act 2014. Note that lead-free allows up to 0.25% weighted average lead. This level is considered safe and is not a problem for me personally.

For example, a tub faucet doesn’t have to be lead-free, but you can find lead-free options.

Look for faucets that use lead-free brass internal components.

If you’re concerned about lead in your kitchen faucet and water, you can easily test your drinking water for lead. There are water quality testing labs in most major cities. Google your city and water tests. Testing is quick and relatively inexpensive.

There are also labs you can send a water sample to, e.g. B. at National Testing Laboratories. Return shipping isn’t included, so factor that into your testing cost (I paid $60 to ship my comprehensive water test back to them).

If you find that you have lead in your water, a simple fix can be to replace your faucet and buy a good quality water filter. After completing these steps, test your water again.

to shine

Many lighting fixtures contain lead. Often the cable is in the wiring, but it can also be in the glass or in the housing. When installing I would recommend wearing gloves and discarding the gloves afterwards.

Incidentally, this also applies to stand-alone lighting (floor or desk lamps). We tested some new bedside lamps that came back with a high lead content.

Lamps that you touch regularly could be tested for lead. Avoid brass.

bathtubs

Some bathtubs may contain lead, particularly porcelain-lined cast iron or steel tubs.

Typically, older bathtubs have lead in the porcelain coating. As the coating erodes over time, or if chips or cracks are present, lead can enter pool water. This can be a source of lead poisoning.

kitchen sinks

I personally buy stainless steel kitchen sinks because porcelain in general can contain lead.

I haven’t personally tested kitchen sinks, but I had a company confirm that lead was present in a particular porcelain sink I was interested in. The same company had a lead-free porcelain bathroom sink.

See Bathtubs above for more information on porcelain.

Article made of brass

In general, brass has lead. I’ve tested brass that is in the 50,000ppm range, but there are different ranges of lead in brass. Lead-free brass is available, but more expensive and rare.

Brass can be used in many household items and is often used as a base with a plating on it. If a lead-free plating is intact, the lead is (generally) included.

An example could be a satin drawer handle or your lighting fixtures.

doorknobs

Door handles may contain lead. This is either due to the use of brass or older lead crystal buttons. Many doorknobs are also lead-free!

Stick to stainless steel if possible. From my testing, plated nickel is often, although not always, lead-free. Oil rubbed bronze is considered a living finish and rubs off revealing the underlying leaded brass (if used).

ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is the most common household tile and by far the most likely to contain lead. In fact, it can be difficult to find lead-free ceramic tile. Porcelain stoneware is a type of ceramic tile.

To find lead-free tiles, you can contact the company to see if they’ve been tested for lead and to see their test report.

Unfortunately, I’ve had several experiences where a company stated that their tile was lead-free, and when I tested the tile, it had lead. The tiles I tested ranged from 200 ppm to over 1,000 ppm lead.

Another thing to note about tiles is that many have antimicrobial properties added to them.

How to test your tile

In my experience, any lead-free glaze on a tile would create a barrier that would prevent a 3M LeadCheck swab from being positive if lead was present in the tile. Lead is found in the glaze of tiles or under a clear, lead-free glaze.

I don’t recommend breaking tiles and creating potential lead dust, just for testing.

You may be able to use swabs on the underside of a new piece of tile. These are usually left unglazed.

The LeadCheck swabs test up to 600 ppm lead. If the tile is below this range, you will get a negative on the swab.

If you want to know if a tile contains lead or not, the best way to test it is with an XRF tool. Another option would be to assume your tile contains lead and proceed with lead-safe practices.

Corinne throws in – this e-booklet contains the XRF lead test results of 64 tiles in 2021.

I show the results for each tile with a photo and a link to where to buy the tile.

If you buy the same tile from the same year, you can expect the test results to be similar or the same.

I would still take precautions against the dust, but personally I would feel better going with a tile that has been well proven.

If that is not possible, there is also a brand in the study that lives up to its claims.

You can get the e-book here on Etsy.

How to install or remove tiles in your home

The risk of lead exposure comes from removing your existing tile and cutting tile.

remove tile

First I would decide if removing the tile is worth it for you. If you’re doing a remodel that involves removing tiles, you risk contaminating your entire home with lead dust if you don’t handle it properly.

This risk extends beyond tile if you live in an older home with other lead issues.

If proceeding with tile removal, I would follow work area lead containment protocols and seek the advice of lead containment experts.

You can buy lead cloths from 3M and personally I would test the dust in your house before and after the remodel.

cutting tiles

Always cut your tile wet. Never let anyone cut dry.

Always trim outside and outside your home, never inside your home.

Have workers remove shoes or put on booties before entering your home.

Plastic free walkways to the area where they work.

Final Thoughts

These are some simple steps to reduce your exposure to lead in building materials and remodeling. I hope you found this information helpful in making your home healthy.

About Natural Baby Mama

My name is Shannon and I am a natural living blogger focused on non-toxic living for the whole family. As I navigated the non-toxic world of the living, I researched everything from kitchen items, toys, clothing, building materials, and everything in between. Visit Natural Baby Mama’s website for more information.

Frequently asked questions: ceramic tiles

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Are ceramic tiles a healthy option for floors?

Ceramic tile is one of the best eco-friendly flooring options out there. In most cases, ceramic floor tiles are waterproof and not very porous, making them easy to deep clean and providing an unlikely surface for mold, mildew and other allergens to grow. Additionally, tile floors are inherently low in toxic materials and often have little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Although they tend to be more expensive than carpet or vinyl flooring, ceramic tile is far more durable and has a very long lifespan. As a result, fewer spare parts are required, which means less material and energy is used in production. Unlike carpet, ceramic tile is a hard surface to fall on, but installing non-slip tiles, which have sand baked into the surface of the tiles during manufacture, helps reduce slips and falls.

It is also important to consider the materials that will be used to lay the tiles. Many adhesives are worse for indoor air quality than the flooring itself. When installing floors, make sure any adhesives you use are low-VOC. The same applies to grout, thin-bed mortar, self-levelling underlays and all other products used for tiling.

What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are substances containing carbon and varying amounts of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulfur or nitrogen; these substances easily become vapors or gases. A significant number of VOCs are commonly used as solvents (paint thinners, varnish thinners, degreasers and dry cleaning fluids).

You were right, of course. So you might have to ask a physicist to explain why porcelain tiles don’t break like teacups.

When people think of china, perhaps the fragile teacups that our families kept “for company” come to mind. Our parents and grandparents feared that the delicate porcelain would break if handled roughly.

Porcelain stoneware floor tiles can crack or break. However, when laid correctly, they can be strong and durable – and even withstand dropped objects.

In this article, we explain why porcelain tile has excellent advantages when it comes to flooring, including durability and lack of toxicity.

What makes porcelain (and ceramic) tiles durable?

Porcelain always contains a very fine clay called kaolin – finer than that used in ceramic tiles. Kaolin, which is decomposed granite, is so dense and the firing (vitrification) process so hot that porcelain is even harder than granite.

Porcelain is never made from pure kaolin, but it always contains some of it. When kaolin is added to a naturally occurring type of clay, it allows that clay to be fired at extreme heat (1900 to 2300°F). The heat melts the clay and makes it glassy.

However, even the inherent hardness of porcelain does not prevent it from cracking when laid directly on a wooden or other pliable subfloor. And if porcelain breaks or comes loose, it can release potential toxins in the mortar or adhesive.

Porcelain’s glass-like quality also comes from silica (the sand used to make glass) in the fired clay. Installers should wear filtering masks when working in locations where silica (glass) particles could be released into the air.

If the porcelain tiles themselves aren’t toxic…

Porcelain tiles are safe if not broken or ground to the point of becoming brittle or powdery. However, they should be adequately supported, sealed and anchored.

And they should be handled with the recommended precautions when discarded or recycled.

After firing and curing, porcelain is a safe and non-toxic flooring material. There are no harmful chemicals and porcelain does not emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Just make sure the grout and glue your plumbers use are also non-toxic and free of VOCs.

Porcelain tiles have very low water absorption, which makes them much more resistant to moisture than ceramic tiles. They are also easy to clean. As such, they are a popular choice for bathroom floors.

Of course, it is not always 100% safe

Like clay, porcelain stoneware comes from nature. And every natural soil material (slate, granite, wood, etc.) has its associated risks.

Wood uses stains and varnishes, and many stone surfaces use sealers. Most surfaces have to adhere somehow.

Any of these substances are safer than synthetic carpet, vinyl tile, or anything made with synthetic resin. It is always wise to take precautions when assembling or installing something, even if it comes straight from nature.

So make your flooring choices carefully and with information to support your decisions when choosing your flooring or other remodeling materials from us.

At Caledon Tile Bath & Kitchen Center our staff have the knowledge and experience to help you with the decisions you make for your home.