Selecting Your Tile
Deciding On Durability
Porcelain / Ceramic Tile
The ceramic tile industry has a very easy to interpret rating system, the PEI scale, to help you determine which tiles may or may not be suitable for your application. This scale rates the surface of a tile from Class 1 to Class 5 with a rating of 1 meaning the product is the least resistant to abrasion and a rating of 5 being the most resistant. While any tile can be used on the wall, floor tiles take a lot of wear and tear and must be manufactured to deal with this. A rating of 2 or greater is adequate for light traffic on a residential floor but for higher traffic areas, such as kitchens and entryways, a rating of 3 or greater would be best.
Natural Stone
Natural Stone is not man made and as such it cannot be represented by the PEI scale. Stone has been used for thousands and thousands of years and has held up quite strong. Our trained and knowledgeable staff have the knowledge to guide you through which options will give you a durable floor with all the beauty and character you get from natural stone.
Choosing a Size
Tiles come in just about every imaginable size, from 3/8" mosaics to giant 24" X 48" slab tiles. 13"x 13" has recently been the most popular size floors and 8" x 10" has been the most popular for walls. The up and coming sizes are 16" x 16" for floors and 8" x 12" for walls. The currnt trend is leaning towards using larger sizes of tile because larger tiles make the area appear larger. Also, many floor tile come in multiple sizes, which allow for numerous creative patterns to be created. Explain the look and feel you want for your room and we will do our best to help you design it.
Choosing a Color
Only you can decide what color is best for you but here are a few basic rules to remember: A lighter color will make a space appear larger. A darker color will add warmth and hide dirt. Neutral colors allow to change your accesories. If you love a certain color don't be afraid to go with but remember- You will be stuck with it for a while
Some tiles look almost identical from piece to piece but many others will have color and shade variations that will give character to the look of your room. Both manmade tiles and natural stone will vary as they are produced. If you require a specific shade, we recommend looking at a couple of pieces of the current shade lot to make sure its really what you want. Any questions along these lines should be resolved prior to installation.
Texture Tips
Generally speaking, a tile with a matte finish is less slippery than those with smooth or shiny finishes. This is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing floor tiles, especially in areas that are prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. With this being said, some people still feel that the resulting look from using polished marbles and porcelains outweighs the lack of slip resistance.
Selecting a Style
Rustic and stone-looking tiles are very popular because they are adept at fitting in with any decor and hiding dirt. Tile with a marbelized finish lend a more formal look to the room. Tumbled marble has a timeless look and fits with many different styles. Newer products such as glass and metal tiles can be used in conjunction with ceramic tile and natural stone to create a unique finished product.
Choosing a Grout
Grout comes in a wide array of colors. If you use a grout that matches the tile, the grout lines tend to disappear. This is usually the recommended method for a clean and cohesive aesthetic. Using a contrasting color makes the individual tiles stand out for a more pronounced look. Ask about stain proof grout for those difficult to keep clean areas and grout rejuventors to bring back old or dirty grout.