Tile Floors Archives - Page 5 of 9

Flooring, Tile Floors
July 3, 2018

Maybe It’s Time To Tile The Bathroom

If you’ve decided now is the time to upgrade your bathroom, you can’t help but notice all of the things you can do with tile. Tile isn’t just for the floors anymore. In fact, tile is the perfect material to use throughout your bath. It’s perfect to use for the floors, for the walls in your shower, even for the backsplash by your vanity.

What tiles are the best to use in each situation? What are today’s trends, and how well will they stand the test of time?

Think Large

Because tile has grown in popularity, you’ll find today’s choices are greater than ever. Instead of using traditional tile sizes, think big instead. And when we’re talking big, we mean 18×18, 24×24, or even larger for floors, and 8×24 or 10×30 for walls. These larger sizes can make your space appear bigger. And by using larger tiles, you’ll have fewer grout lines to worry about down the road.

Concrete

The latest rage is concrete – it’s poured as a floor, even used on countertops. Why not try concrete tile too? In a bathroom, it can give you a warm and contemporary look and feel. And the tone allows you to mix and match any earthy color combination you choose.

Subway

Subway tiles will never go out of style. Depending on how you use them, they can give your space a retro flair or push the edge of contemporary. While traditional white might be perfect for your home, it’s by no means your only choice. Subway tiles also look wonderful in traditional brick tones or mixed with your concrete tiles.

Wood Tiles

Yep, it’s hard not to get into the newest look for tiles: wood plank. So many homeowners have tried to put hardwood in the bathroom, only to be quickly disappointed. Now you can, thanks to wood tiles. They have a distinct look that are inspired to carry on your wood theme into the most difficult rooms in your home. Whether you like traditional hardwood, prefer an updated whitewash, or settle on reclaimed wood-look, you’re going to like wood tiles.

Don’t Forget The Details

When you’re installing tiles in the bathroom, details count. Luckily there are unlimited possibilities when putting together the final touches to your bathroom decor. In the shower, you can mix and match tile to cover the floor, the walls, drains, storage areas for bottles and soap, benches, even create eye-appealing trim running around your fixtures. You can make tile stand out or let them blend in.

Your idea potential is unlimited. And you’re going to love the results. Just be sure you select an installer who is experienced in working with tile. Bathrooms experience high levels of humidity and moisture. For that reason, make sure the job is done the right way the first time.

Flooring, Tile Floors
June 28, 2018

Wood Plank Flooring – Surprise, It’s Tile

Here in Colorado, we love our hardwood. But in some places throughout the home, hardwood just doesn’t make sense.

Try putting it into your master bathroom; how well does it stand up to the moisture and wet conditions?

How about in the basement? A damp basement may be the perfect place to warp the hardwood.

And outside living spaces? Sure, you may be able to use your covered space many months of the year. But hardwood? Nope, there’s no way you’d ever consider it.

Which is why hardwood plank tile maybe just the thing.

The first thing to understand about wood plank tile is it comes in many sizes – just like hardwood. Whether you want 24, 30 or 40 inch lengths, there’s a wood plank tile for you. Prefer a more standard 6 inch width, or want a more distinct look by moving to 8, 10, even 12 inch width or more? You can find what you’re looking for.

And when it comes to color, you’ll find tile mimics traditional hardwood in every way. Whether you want light or dark, a standard oak look or something more unique like reclaimed wood, you’ll find it in today’s tile choices. You can even mix two shades together to create a look that’s all your own.

What’s best, is you can install them anywhere. They can withstand moisture. They can handle outside conditions. They’ll quickly become your favorite flooring throughout your home.

And if you’re worried about them feeling a little cold on a winter day, consider radiant heating. Install this heating system before you lay your tile, and you’ll find warmth for your feet no matter what the temperature readings are for the day.

Are you ready to install wood plank tiles in your home?

Flooring, Tile Floors
May 11, 2018

Do You Have Asbestos Floor Tile In Place?

Asbestos is something we hear a lot about. And if you have an older home, chances are you may have asbestos in certain locations.

Asbestos is a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that was common in construction until the 1980s. It was banned once the list of health risks began to form. But banning it from production of current building materials doesn’t eliminate the fact that it still exists in homes and commercial properties that have been in place for decades. It doesn’t cause a problem until you start to remove it.

If you live in an older home that may have asbestos floor tiles in place, how you handle removal is of the utmost importance to your family’s health and safety.

According to the EPA, asbestos fibers pose a health risk when they are friable, meaning they crumble easily and release into the air. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they lodge in the lungs and do not break down. Over time, this can lead to illness, including:

Lung cancer
Asbestosis – a non-cancer respiratory disease
Mesothelioma – cancer of the lining surrounding the lungs, heart, and abdomen

Asbestos floor tiles do not post a problem unless they are disturbed. When you saw, sand, drill, or tear the tiles out, this can release fibers into the air where they can be inhaled.

Do you have asbestos tiles?

The only way to find out for sure is to have them tested. You can either hire an asbestos remediation expert or obtain a test kit in which you remove a floor sample, and mail it into an asbestos testing lab. The kit comes with instructions and you should wear gloves and a dust mask during the process.

If your home was built before 1980, there’s a good chance they contain asbestos because most flooring tiles manufactured during this time did.

The most popular size tile during this timeframe was 9×9. However, they did come in 12×12 and 18×18 as well, so size isn’t everything.

You may also notice a stained or oily appearance, which comes from asphalt, it’s main ingredient. You might also see a black adhesive underneath, which was commonly used to glue the flooring tiles down.

Living with asbestos tiles

One of the best ways to deal with asbestos tiles is to leave them in place. New vinyl, laminate flooring, hardwood, even carpet can successfully be installed over asbestos flooring without disturbing it and creating a further problem.

Removal options

When you’re ready to remove the asbestos, seek direction from your local authorities and talk with a flooring expert before you being the process. The safest removal option is to have an asbestos remediation contractor remove the tiles. This will ensure the entire removal process is done per regulation to keep you safe during and after the process.

Have any questions about installing new flooring over asbestos tiles?

Flooring, Tile Floors
May 3, 2018

Create A Stunning Look With Terrazzo Flooring

Looking for a durable, low-maintenance flooring option for a room built on a concrete slab? Want style and ambiance without having to worry about the subfloor underneath?

A terrazzo floor may be the perfect choice for you.

Terrazzo flooring gives a similar appearance to polished marble or granite, which means its versatile enough to include in any room in your home. While it was once thought of as more of a commercial application, terrazzo is gaining popularity in residential settings.

Terrazzo originated in the Mediterranean region several hundred years ago. In Italian, terrazzo means “terrace.” It was originally produced by pressing stone chips into the surface of natural clay, and they sealed it with goat’s milk for an artful display. Eventually, the process became more automated. Cement replaced clay. Glass and painted tile replace the stone chips.

Modern day terrazzo includes polymers, resin, and epoxy that improve the texture while increasing durability. It’s a solid, dense, and impenetrable surface that never requires sealants, polishing, or buffing to retain its natural glow.

Terrazzo floors are nothing short of stunning … in the right place.

Installing terrazzo is strictly for the pros. It’s labor intensive, which means it can be quite pricey, depending on the final materials and patterns selected.

Terrazzo can also be quite slippery when wet. Or dry, if you’re in stocking feet. If you have small children or elderly residents, it might not be the best choice.

Still, nothing is as stunning as shiny bits of marble, granite, and quartz reflect in the light. Experienced installers can create intricate patterns, and turn ordinary living spaces into true works of art. And because terrazzo is durable and resilient, its non-porous surface area discourages both staining and bacterial absorption. That makes it a top choice for high traffic areas.

To clean, remove surface dust daily. Wipe up spills promptly. And use a wet mop as needed to clean off dirt and grime. Avoid using solvent-based cleaners and sealers that can dull terrazzo’s finish.

And after years of use, terrazzo can be re-grinded and polished to bring it back to looking new.

Flooring, Tile Floors
April 18, 2018

How To Buy Porcelain Tiles For Outside

Want to know what today’s savvy home buyers want most? More space. And here in Colorado, that space often leads to outdoor rooms. When the weather’s nice, why not extend your entertaining space beyond your kitchen and living space and including it outdoors. With patios and decks, you can entertain outside almost every month of the year with a little ingenuity.

When you start planning your outside space, it’s easy to get caught up in the options. A fireplace? You bet. Outdoor cooking space? Of course.

But what many don’t think about is the options for the floors. It doesn’t have to be cement or wood based. Porcelain tiles can easily do the trick. If you’re looking to tile an outdoor space, you can’t go wrong with porcelain.

If you’re shopping around for porcelain tiles, here’s what you need to look out for.

Anti-Slip Rating

When choosing porcelain tiles for an outside location, remember that outdoors can be a slippery place, even on the hottest of days. Things like plants and mud can play havoc with keeping your space neat and tidy, so it’s essential that you choose a porcelain tile with the highest anti-clip rating. Look for an R10 rating which means it has extra friction and grip, making it the ideal choice for every season.

Frost Resistant

Picking out tiles for outside means they will have to endure more stress. Ground frost can cause damage to tiles that aren’t made for dipping temperatures and aren’t properly rated. That means they can quickly crack and succumb to the elements if you haven’t chosen wisely. Be sure the porcelain tiles you choose are created for your environment.

Stain Resistant

No matter how neat and tidy you are, your floors often take the brute of daily living. And being outdoors means they’ll have an even further opportunity for potential problems. Even if you don’t step on them, trees, bushes, landscaping, grass cuttings, and move can settle into the cracks and do extensive damage if not chose wisely. Make stain resistance top priority and the color you select in the beginning will last year after year.

Water

Tiles are a great choice for areas that have moistures. But outside tiles can become a nightmare if they absorb moisture. Be sure to check with the manufacturer and ensure they repel moisture. Follow guidelines for cleaning and resealing to ensure they stay in top condition year after year.

Have additional questions about porcelain tiles being used in your outdoor locations?

Flooring, Tile Floors
March 14, 2018

How To Select Kitchen Tiles

Want to renovate your kitchen and update it with modern materials? Look no further than tile.

The kitchen is one room which can use tiles in different ways. Not only can you use tiles on everything from the floor to the counters to the backsplashes, but you can also select colors, designs, and patterns that integrate into your decor.

Tile is a long-term investment, so it should be decided wisely to avoid feeling regret as trends come and go. When you select wisely, it will ensure a high-quality look and feel that can last for years.

Cost

Most homeowners start the process with cost. While it’s important to stick with your budget, it’s also important to understand that quality is more important. It’s better to stick with a higher-quality ceramic tile, for instance, than moving up to a lower quality stone tile that causes problems over time. Talk with a flooring expert and discuss both your needs and your budget.

Installation

Are you more of a do-it-yourselfer? Do you need your new floors in a timely manner? Some kitchen tiles are easy enough for a novice to install. Just set and click into place. But if you have difficult situations – a floor that isn’t straight, for instance – it might be better to let an expert complete the task from beginning to end.

Nature Lover

Are you looking to stay as green as possible? Do you want to avoid chemicals wherever you can? Be sure to mention that to the flooring rep when you’re shopping around. Some products are eco-friendly and are formed naturally. But it doesn’t stop there. Also, ensure the backing and glue meet your specifications as well.

Traffic

Do you live in your home alone? Are you the home where the best parties take place? Different homes do better with different tile selections. Porcelain tile flooring is dense, less porous, and also less prone to moisture and stain absorption. If you have heavy foot traffic, this may be the ideal kitchen tile for you.

Upgrading your kitchen? Tile may be a perfect choice. Stop by and see all of your options today.

Flooring, Tile Floors
March 3, 2018

What Grip Should Your Bathroom Tiles Have?

What’s the most important part of the decision when selecting tiles for your home? The final look tops the list for most homeowners.

If you’ve ever stepped on a tile and felt your feet slip out from under you, you’ve probably placed “safety” as a close second.

When it comes to safety, grip levels are important to ensure you have a safe environment for everyone who enters your home.

When you start to shop for tiles, you’ll notice some tiles have a slip rating. If they don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re dangerous. It just means that the manufacturer has chosen to offer a minimum level of slip protection.

You’ll also find an array of tiles that list an anti-slip factor of R9 or R10.

It’s important to stress that no tile is completely safe. Using precautions is always a good idea, no matter what the rating of a tile is.

But some rooms need more protection than others. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, outdoor room, poolside – these locations almost always have the possibility of having water dripped onto the floor. And with the wrong tile in place, the situation can turn dangerous quickly.

If a tile has an R9 rating, it means it has a low friction level. This grip level is perfect for parts of your home that you expect to be dry most of the time. You could install an R9 tile in a bathroom where you most likely will have a bath mat present every time you get out of the bath or tub.

R10

An R10 tile mas a medium level of friction, which means the grip level is slightly higher than an R9. If you have an active house where kids and pets are always leaving wet messes in place, an R10 rating can help you stay safer. R10 can provide peace of mind.

If you’re shopping for tiles for your home, be sure to move past the color and the shape. Safety is a big concern, and if you get the wrong tile, it can lead to disaster quickly. No one knows your home as you do. If you’re consistently cleaning up wet messes, err on the side of safety and move to an R10 rating.

If you have any other questions about the tiling in your home, we’re here to help.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 29, 2018

Using Linear Tile Floor To Improve Your Home’s Design

A linear tile floor can improve your home’s overall design. The elongated shape of linear tile has the ability to create the optical illusion of making a room appear larger and more uniform. It can enhance and define your home from end to end.

Lengthen Your Room

The lines in linear tile have the ability to stretch a room if you place them in a direction that maximizes the layout. Plank tiles can showcase grain. Grout in different tiles can further play into dimension. To elongate a room, for example, lay the tile with the lines running in the direction that needs more length. The eye travels in the direction of the flooring and gives the appearance of more space.

Create Uniformity

In large spaces where dimension isn’t a problem, linear tile can create visual continuity by using large linear tiles. This will present as a less busy, more fluid selection. Select a subdued grout color that blends in with the tile, and keep the grout lines as small as possible to further enhance the fluidity. This will maximize the feel of an open concept room.

Widen By Placing On The Diagonal

Older homes often have smaller rooms. By using linear tile on the diagonal, you can distract from walls that aren’t square. Rectangular planks or linear style flooring installed in a diagonal pattern has the ability to widen a narrow room, maximizing the effect for the eye.

Use Wood-Look For Style and Efficiency

Hardwoods are popular; that isn’t going to change any time soon. Plank tile has the ability to give you the looks of hardwood and the functionality of tile. And because there are so many options today, you can select any color or style you can dream of.

It’s Not Just For Flooring

A linear tile isn’t just for the floor. You can also take it up the wall to create an artistic focal point. How about creating a dramatic effect around your fireplace? Or enhancing a half bath off your living space? As the flooring continues up the wall, it can create an impressive finish and add flair and personality to your space.

How can you incorporate linear tile into your living space?

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 3, 2018

Which Floor Tile Pattern Is Right For Your Home?

Considering adding tile to your home? Before you select the color and the pattern, you’ll also need to decide how the tile will be installed. Tiles come in many shapes and sizes, and as such, can be installed in a variety of different patterns. Spend a little time online searching for what you love. Then bring that with you when you shop.

Grid Pattern

The most common way of laying out tiles is in a simple grid pattern. Depending on the size of the tiles and your room, this is one of the most cost effective and easy ways to install without waste. Tiles are laid side by side, together, to create its own inherent pattern. It works perfectly no matter how big or small the tiles are.

Running Bond or Offset Pattern

This is the next easiest pattern to create. Think of it as if you were laying bricks. This pattern can be done with both square and rectangular tiles, alternating how they are laid into place. The first row is laid with the second row directly underneath, so that the corner of the tile sits at the center-point of the one above. It creates a running appearance. The advantages are it creates a little extra texture and softens the overall space.

Harlequin Pattern

The harlequin pattern involves placing square tiles at an angle, on the diagonal at 45 degrees to the walls. This gives an illusion of greater space, making a room appear bigger than it truly is. It’s particularly useful in spaces with unusual shapes, giving the pattern the opportunity to pull your view into focus. You’ll see it a lot with black and white alternating tiles, though any color combination can work.

Herringbone Pattern

You’ll often see this in use with parquet flooring. The Herringbone pattern combines interlocking rectangular tiles set at a 45 degree angle to the wall. Depending on the size and style, the pattern usually is laid lengthwise along the longest wall to maximize the effect.

Chevron Pattern

This is a close relative to the Herringbone pattern, with its main impact to create a classy look in any room. The Chevron pattern lays tiles out in rows of parallelograms, with each row facing in the opposite direction to the one next to it, creating a V shape. The sharp central line of the V creates a zigzag pattern that contrasts or blends perfectly, depending on the color and the style.

Basketweave Pattern

The Basketweave pattern is two brick-shaped tiles set horizontally against two brick-shaped tiles set vertically. It’s an easy pattern to create and adds texture and style without too much effort. This can create texture either with tiles all the same color, or consider interweaving tiles of different color or pattern for an interesting look.

So which pattern will you choose? Which is the right one for you?

Flooring, Tile Floors
November 5, 2017

Natural Stone: It’s Not Just For Flooring Anymore

When people think of natural stone, they tend to think of flooring. And we’ll admit that it’s one of our favorite materials to install as flooring. Nothing is as beautiful as the one of a kind look natural stone provides.

But natural stone is so much more. It can be used in any room in your home, on virtually any surface, for a multitude of uses.

It’s easier than ever to create a dramatic statement by including it just about anywhere. A backsplash. A shower wall. A fireplace. A bathroom.

And while many people associate natural stone with kitchens and bathrooms, we’ve seen them installed in every room in the home with dynamic results.

That’s the benefit of working with stone. It’s versatile no matter where you choose to install it.

How about a living room wall behind your television?

Or incorporate it into your home gym and create the luxurious look of a day spa?

We also love the look when you incorporate into unexpected places in your kitchen. Move it out from the backsplash and cover an entire wall. When you mix it with different materials for the countertop and cabinets, you can create a look that is uniquely your own.

And while you can find a wide range of inspiration from searching online, an easier way is to stop by our showroom. As your partner in home design, we can show you what works for different rooms in your home. Our design consultants are knowledgeable and can guide you through a wide selection of products. We can offer our expert installation team to ensure a professional experience from beginning to end.

We know your home is an expression of your style. Let us help you create rooms you’re not only excited to come home to each day, but ones that you’ll love showing off to your family and friends too.