So You have decided to give your Kitchen/Bathroom a Facelift . Now what?
Did you know that one of the most important areas of any property is the kitchen. Not only is this a functional space for food preparation, but it is also a hub for entertainment and socializing. Most traffic in the home occurs in the kitchen - a space not only reserved for the women of the house, but also for family and spending quality time together.
The kitchen can ultimately make or break your sale, because it's one of the areas of a home that is most focused on by the media. One of the things to consider when remodeling a kitchen/bathroom is does it need tiling or retiling?
Our friendly Staff will give you a good idea of what type of renovation you are after.
Buy what you love! And we will Install it for you.
Some Tile Material Options
Granite - Marble - Travertine - Tumbled Stone- Ceramic Tile - Glass Mosaics
Porcelain Tile- Mosaics - Slate - Handmade Tile and many more
Did you know that one of the most important areas of any property is the kitchen. Not only is this a functional space for food preparation, but it is also a hub for entertainment and socializing. Most traffic in the home occurs in the kitchen - a space not only reserved for the women of the house, but also for family and spending quality time together.
The kitchen can ultimately make or break your sale, because it's one of the areas of a home that is most focused on by the media. One of the things to consider when remodeling a kitchen/bathroom is does it need tiling or retiling?
Our friendly Staff will give you a good idea of what type of renovation you are after.
Buy what you love! And we will Install it for you.
Some Tile Material Options
Granite - Marble - Travertine - Tumbled Stone- Ceramic Tile - Glass Mosaics
Porcelain Tile- Mosaics - Slate - Handmade Tile and many more
Types of Tile Flooring:
Tile flooring is manufactured from a variety of materials such as clay, stone, metal, terrazzo, and quartz. Each type of tile flooring has its own defining characteristics. Generally speaking, the two most commonly used types of tile flooring are ceramic and natural stone.
-Ceramic tile is manufactured from clay materials that are quarried, prepared, and then formed into a mold. Common forming methods for ceramic tile include dry press, extruded, and slush mold. The dry press forming method involves a mixture of dry material being pressed into a mold under extreme pressure. Extruded ceramic tile is formed when a mixture of slightly wet material is extruded into a mold. Slush mold is a forming method in which a mixture of very wet material is poured into a mold and then hardened in a kiln at an extremely high temperature.
-Porcelain vs. Non-PorcelainCeramic tile can best be characterized as either porcelain or non-porcelain. Traditional ceramic tile is non-porcelain and is made from white, red, and/or brown clay and other minerals. Porcelain ceramic tile is made from clay and minerals as well, but it also contains 50% of a white dust or sand called feldspar. Feldspar is a type of crystal found in rock that acts as a "flux" during the kiln-drying process, melting into a glass-like material and bonding all of the molded ingredients together. Minor modifications to the ingredients of ceramic tile or the kiln-drying process (i.e., to the temperature and type of kiln) create enormous variety in the appearance and characteristics of manufactured ceramic tile flooring products.
-Porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic tile can be either unglazed or glazed. Glazed tile has a matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish applied to the surface during the manufacturing process. In the past, glazed tile was kiln-fired twice, once to harden the tile mold and a second time to harden the glaze. Today, in addition to double-fired ceramic tiles, an automated single-fired manufacturing process called Monocuttura hardens a glazed mold in one step. Glazed tiles have increased stain resistance, scratch resistance, and traction, as well as decreased water absorption, in comparison to an unglazed tile.
-Non-porcelain, ceramic tile is among the most economical types of tile flooring. Porcelain ceramic flooring is more expensive than non-porcelain and can be harder to work with. However, it offers greater durability, natural stain resistance, minimal water absorption, and through-bodied color. Many types of tile are manufactured in a similar fashion to ceramic tile, but they are less common. These include brick, cement, glass, encaustic, saltillo, and terra cotta tile. The varying materials and manufacturing processes create distinctive product characteristics.
-Natural stone tile is produced from natural materials that are quarried, slabbed, finished, and cut to size. Common types of stone used as flooring tile include granite, marble, limestone (including travertine), and slate. Among these types of natural stone are thousands of varieties with characteristics that depend on where and when the stone was quarried.
- Granite is a type of igneous rock that is very dense and hard. Its distinctive appearance is due to speckled minerals found within the rock, its unique veining, and the thousands of available colors. Granite is nearly impervious and, once it is polished, resists scratching. It is an excellent choice for flooring in kitchens and high-traffic areas.
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that has rich veining and is available in a variety of colors. Marble is more porous than granite and is not recommended for kitchen flooring unless honed and then sealed on a regular basis.
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that offers an earthy appearance in both light and dark shades. The surface can be textured or polished smooth. Limestone is less dense than granite and marble. It can be easily stained and is also prone to scratching. It is not recommended for kitchen or high-traffic flooring applications.
Travertine is a type of limestone that offers an unusual crystallized appearance with an earthy tone. Travertine is a soft, porous stone with a natural surface that has pitting or divots. A honed or polished surface can be achieved after filling the surface voids. Travertine is not recommended for kitchen floors, as it can be easily scratched and stained. Special care and surface sealing is required to maintain travertine.
Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is extremely dense and very durable. Slate is available in darker earthy tones. The surface of slate is naturally textured unless a smooth, honed finish is achieved. Slate is an excellent choice for kitchen and high-traffic area flooring.
About Travertine Tile
Travertine is a form of limestone with unique porous veins that give the milled tile their beauty. The stone is found in a wide variety of natural colors, and four different finishes may be applied to individual tiles. Travertine has long been used in many of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Today, in addition to being an excellent flooring material, travertine tiles may also be used as pavers, countertops, stair treads, columns, sinks, and even bathtubs.
Product PerceptionItalian travertine and marble is generally perceived to be of the highest quality because the quarries and manufacturing centers are well established. Turkey has a large amount of travertine and is home to many of the most skilled quarries in the world. Brazilian travertine is thought to be of a lower quality, followed by the stone quarried in Mexico, mostly due to the lower quality of workmanship.
Natural stone derived from limestone, such as travertine, is perceived to be a luxury item and is used in residential and commercial spaces to achieve a visual effect that communicates success, good taste, and affluence. However, because the stone is porous, the possibility of staining is present. This has led to the overall perception that travertine is a luxurious surface that lacks practicality. Fortunately, modern methods of milling and sealing the stone make staining much less worrisome leaving one with simply the aspect of luxury.
Travertine Benefits
Popular Applications
Travertine is a form of limestone with unique porous veins that give the milled tile their beauty. The stone is found in a wide variety of natural colors, and four different finishes may be applied to individual tiles. Travertine has long been used in many of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Today, in addition to being an excellent flooring material, travertine tiles may also be used as pavers, countertops, stair treads, columns, sinks, and even bathtubs.
Product PerceptionItalian travertine and marble is generally perceived to be of the highest quality because the quarries and manufacturing centers are well established. Turkey has a large amount of travertine and is home to many of the most skilled quarries in the world. Brazilian travertine is thought to be of a lower quality, followed by the stone quarried in Mexico, mostly due to the lower quality of workmanship.
Natural stone derived from limestone, such as travertine, is perceived to be a luxury item and is used in residential and commercial spaces to achieve a visual effect that communicates success, good taste, and affluence. However, because the stone is porous, the possibility of staining is present. This has led to the overall perception that travertine is a luxurious surface that lacks practicality. Fortunately, modern methods of milling and sealing the stone make staining much less worrisome leaving one with simply the aspect of luxury.
Travertine Benefits
- Travertine provides a durable surface with a proven history of longevity.
- Travertine provides additional structural strength to property.
- The natural travertine colors and patterns vary from surface to surface making each installment unique.
- Natural stone increases the resale value of properties.
- Travertine instills a sense of pride in ownership, because of its authenticity.
Popular Applications
- Flooring – Travertine can be used in entrances, hallways, foyers, as well as living spaces.
- Wall Cladding – Travertine can be used in exterior and interior spaces.
- Shower Stalls
- Pavers
- Fixtures
About Porcelain And Ceramic Tile
There are many options of porcelain and ceramic tile from which to choose. Surface patterning on tiles can include wood, stone, metal, and even fabric, while rectified tile has gone through a manufacturing process to assure each tile is exactly the same size and shape, standard tiles may have a more natural or rustic feel.
Mosaic tile is cut and carved into small pieces placed close together for a dramatic effect. Rectangular tiles can vary from subway tile for your bathroom to tiles that resemble wood flooring but with less upkeep. Square tiles are more commonly used in entranceways and sunrooms, or on backsplashes.
Go outside or stay indoorsThe primary difference between indoor and outdoor tiles is the amount of water that they can bear without warping or cracking. Although thinner tiles will work on walls for decorative value, floor tiles need to be thicker and denser to handle foot traffic. Underfloor heating can add warmth and value to your home.
There are many options of porcelain and ceramic tile from which to choose. Surface patterning on tiles can include wood, stone, metal, and even fabric, while rectified tile has gone through a manufacturing process to assure each tile is exactly the same size and shape, standard tiles may have a more natural or rustic feel.
Mosaic tile is cut and carved into small pieces placed close together for a dramatic effect. Rectangular tiles can vary from subway tile for your bathroom to tiles that resemble wood flooring but with less upkeep. Square tiles are more commonly used in entranceways and sunrooms, or on backsplashes.
Go outside or stay indoorsThe primary difference between indoor and outdoor tiles is the amount of water that they can bear without warping or cracking. Although thinner tiles will work on walls for decorative value, floor tiles need to be thicker and denser to handle foot traffic. Underfloor heating can add warmth and value to your home.
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Tile Backsplash IdeasBrowse tile backsplash ideas, and get ready to install an attractive and efficient backsplash in your home.
Whether you're getting ready to install a brand new tile backsplash or just want to update your current backsplash, you'll first want to explore as many kitchen tile backsplash ideas as possible.
One of the great benefits of a tile backsplash—setting aside the fact that it'll protect your kitchen's walls from unsightly, unsanitary food spatter—is that it can add great aesthetic appeal, visual diversity and color to your kitchen design. The tile backsplash in a kitchen—especially one that features an otherwise understated, contemporary design—is often a great place to experiment with bold designs, patterns and colors.
Additionally, many homeowners find that a tile backsplash is exceptionally easy to clean—an essential feature if the kitchen in your home is an active one where plenty of meals are prepared. Many tile backsplashes will wipe clean with a rag and some cleaning spray after meal preparation has left them laden with splashes and other cooking spatter.
On top of its ease of use and utility, tile is also highly customizable, making it an attractive backsplash option for anyone looking to mirror an existing kitchen design or add visual interest via a backsplash. Various tile materials are available in an almost endless array of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. Tile materials can be purchased at just about any home improvement store, online or in-store. If you can't find what you're looking for at the local home improvement store, many tile specialty retailers are available online or, most likely, in your area. Whichever style of tile you choose for your backsplash, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it close by or via the Internet.
Some common styles have become popular choices because of their wide availability and visual appeal. Subway tile is a classic choice that can be found in many commercial and residential kitchens. Subway tile's straightforward style is defined by rectangular ceramic tiles (usually in white or light colors) paired with light grout. This understated color scheme is popular, but a wide variety of colors can suit your kitchen design, and the rectangular tile allows for many pattern choices, as well.
Mosaic tile is another popular tile backsplash choice, especially for anyone interested in adding some visual interest to their kitchen. Often made of glass, ceramic or stone, these small tiles stick to a mesh backing and are arrayed in a diverse pattern. The mesh backing means homeowners don't need to worry as much about cutting the tiles, which makes mosaics a popular choice among DIY-ers looking for a simple, attractive and easy-to-install option.
Last, but not least, penny tile is a popular choice for anyone with an eye for vintage styles. Often featuring small, light-colored tiles surrounded by dark grout, this style recalls bygone eras and lends an air of classic elegance to any kitchen design.
Whether you're getting ready to install a brand new tile backsplash or just want to update your current backsplash, you'll first want to explore as many kitchen tile backsplash ideas as possible.
One of the great benefits of a tile backsplash—setting aside the fact that it'll protect your kitchen's walls from unsightly, unsanitary food spatter—is that it can add great aesthetic appeal, visual diversity and color to your kitchen design. The tile backsplash in a kitchen—especially one that features an otherwise understated, contemporary design—is often a great place to experiment with bold designs, patterns and colors.
Additionally, many homeowners find that a tile backsplash is exceptionally easy to clean—an essential feature if the kitchen in your home is an active one where plenty of meals are prepared. Many tile backsplashes will wipe clean with a rag and some cleaning spray after meal preparation has left them laden with splashes and other cooking spatter.
On top of its ease of use and utility, tile is also highly customizable, making it an attractive backsplash option for anyone looking to mirror an existing kitchen design or add visual interest via a backsplash. Various tile materials are available in an almost endless array of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. Tile materials can be purchased at just about any home improvement store, online or in-store. If you can't find what you're looking for at the local home improvement store, many tile specialty retailers are available online or, most likely, in your area. Whichever style of tile you choose for your backsplash, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it close by or via the Internet.
Some common styles have become popular choices because of their wide availability and visual appeal. Subway tile is a classic choice that can be found in many commercial and residential kitchens. Subway tile's straightforward style is defined by rectangular ceramic tiles (usually in white or light colors) paired with light grout. This understated color scheme is popular, but a wide variety of colors can suit your kitchen design, and the rectangular tile allows for many pattern choices, as well.
Mosaic tile is another popular tile backsplash choice, especially for anyone interested in adding some visual interest to their kitchen. Often made of glass, ceramic or stone, these small tiles stick to a mesh backing and are arrayed in a diverse pattern. The mesh backing means homeowners don't need to worry as much about cutting the tiles, which makes mosaics a popular choice among DIY-ers looking for a simple, attractive and easy-to-install option.
Last, but not least, penny tile is a popular choice for anyone with an eye for vintage styles. Often featuring small, light-colored tiles surrounded by dark grout, this style recalls bygone eras and lends an air of classic elegance to any kitchen design.
