Tile Floors Archives - Page 7 of 9

Tile Floors
January 3, 2017

Grout Color

Uneven grout color is not normal. However, there are a number of things that can give it an uneven appearance. The easiest colors to work with are beiges and grays. The brighter the color, the more difficult it is to balance. And since most grout is cement based, it tends to gray over time. Other things that can cause color variation include:

Too much water used when mixing the grout
Not cleaning the grout and tile properly after cured
Leaving plastic spacers in the joints
Having adhesive fill part of the joint and showing through a light colored grout
Improper mixing of the grout
Not having enough grout and having to remix it
Using grout from a bag that was previously opened and gained moisture during storage
Improper joint packing
Inadequate cleaning of the sponges
Using dirty water
Defective grout
Dirty tools
Foot traffic before the grout has cured

Also remember that different tiles have different properties, and will create different effects with the grout. If tiles are porous, for example, they may take the moisture out of the grout too fast, causing irregular patterns.

In some cases, uneven grout color can actually add to the originality of your flooring. When absolute color uniformity is desired, epoxy grouts are often recommended as they cure and clean up differently than cementitious grouts.

What questions do you have about grout color?

Tile Floors
October 8, 2016

What’s The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Ready to install new tiles in your home? What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile? And is one better than the other, depending on where you install it?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clays and other materials, then kiln-fired into the final product.

Ceramic tiles are generally made from red or white clay mixtures. They are finished with a durable glaze that helps carry the color and pattern throughout the finished tile. You’ll find ceramic tiles used most commonly for both wall and floor tile applications, and are softer and easier to cut than porcelain. Ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic, as they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.

Porcelain tiles are generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays, which result in a denser and more durable tile. The finished product is usually smoother and with sharper formed faces. When glazed, they are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than ceramic tiles. This makes them excellent choices for moderate to heavy traffic areas. You’ll find color and pattern that carries through the entire thickness of the tile, and available in matte, unglazed or high polished finishes.

As with all flooring choices, choose a tile that best suits your personality and your requirements. In all cases, stick with a good quality tile, especially in high traffic areas such as an entryway or heavy used hallway.

For bathrooms or laundry rooms, use the porcelain tile. Not only is it more durable because of its hardness, but it is also more resistant to moisture. And it makes the perfect choice for integrating color and patterns into your floors, walls, shower stalls, and when tiling around the tub. You’ll love the results.

Tile Floors
September 15, 2016

What Makes Natural Stone Tiles Unique?

What’s new in the world of tiling? It may be something that’s as old as time itself.

For centuries, natural stone tile has been used to embellish the homes of people everywhere. And with good reason. It’s one of the most durable products in nature. And you won’t find anything as beautiful as natural stone laid throughout your home.

But natural stone tile isn’t without its problems. Because natural stone tile has natural traits; they exhibit variations in color and thickness. Every stone is unique, and therefore every floor will take on individual characteristics.

For flooring in residential use, you’ll typically find one of five natural stones in use: marble, granite, slate, limestone and basalt.

Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is created through intense pressure. Although marble may appear pure white in hue, it often is veined with a variety of earthy colors, depending on the minerals present during the time it was formed. Marble is relatively compact, making it easy to cut and work with. It is an excellent product to work with in all kinds of manners throughout your home, from floors to walls and fireplaces, as well as countertops and backsplashes. It must be honed and sealed to reduce its porosity.

Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it is volcanic lava or magma that has cooled and hardened. You’ll find it in white, gray or pink in color, with characteristic dark speckles throughout. It’s attractive appearance combined with its incredible toughness makes it an excellent choice for flooring. It holds up extremely well in high traffic areas, and is often the perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Slate
Slate is also metamorphic rock. Most often you’ll find it in shades of gray, sometimes with purple, green or blue undertones. Slate is long lasting and easy to care for, making it the perfect choice for all kinds of uses throughout your home.

Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, formed from tiny mineral deposits along bodies of water. It’s usually white, off white, beige or gray in hue. It is readily available and one of the most affordable stones on the market. It cannot be polished and is generally a softer stone, making it easier to scratch or stain. You will find travertine tiles, another form of limestone, that is capable of taking polish. Both forms are used widely in all kinds of residential and commercial uses.

Basalt
Basalt is an igneous rock, with coloring from a light to deep gray, brown or black. It’s a durable, fine grained, nonporous natural stone that makes it an excellent choice for both floors and walls. You’ll often find basalt used outside as well, such as in swimming pools, garden paths and other water and garden features.

What’s the perfect natural stone tile for your next project?

Flooring, Tile Floors
August 6, 2016

Travertine Stone Tiles Work In Today’s Homes

Travertine stone tile, it’s one of the oldest building materials in history.

And it’s as popular today as it was hundreds of years ago. There is a reason it’s stood the test of time. There’s a reason why it makes a great addition to your home. All you have to decide is which travertine tile is the best for you.

Travertine is a versatile natural stone that can easily adapt to any situation. Pair it with the right décor and you can create a contemporary style in your kitchen, a peaceful oasis in your outdoor kitchen, or elegance and class in your new master bath.

Travertine was first discovered in Italy, used when Julius Caesar ruled Rome. It is also found in abundance in Turkey, where some of the richest travertine beds have been discovered, and provide travertine for tiling all over the world.

Travertine can be found in many colors, the most common being beige, brown, gray and gold. Because travertine is rich in iron and organic matter, you’ll also find travertine with hints of green, reds or rust colors. Colors depend on the cut and grade of the travertine, and how will it is finished.

A premium grade is going to have consistent color throughout, without color discoloration. Standard grade will have gray or black discoloration, with swirls running through the tile. Commercial grade will often have obvious imperfections with black and gray running throughout the color.

Travertine is cut either with a vein cut or a Fleuri cut. A vein cut is across the vein; a Fleuri cut provides a swirling, circular pattern.

Once a tile is cut, the finishing option will further dictate the look and feel. Honed travertine provides a smooth feel and texture throughout. Travertine is naturally porous; honing and filling the pores helps make it smoother and more continuous throughout the surface area.

Tumbled travertine is cut and tumbled to create an imperfect finish. Tiles are put into a rubber barrel with grit and water and shaken until they appear worn. This weathered look is great in a rustic atmosphere where you want your flooring to look like it’s stood the test of time.

Polished travertine provides a glossy finish; you’ll find this in many commercial entryways

Brushed travertine is created by using a wire brush or a rotary wheel across the flooring to give it texture. It provides a similar look to the tumbled travertine.

The beauty of using travertine tiles is they can be used almost anywhere. Depending on the cut, grade, and finish, it can be used indoor and out, on flooring and on backsplashes and showers. If it’s a flat surface, travertine is an option.

Yet all travertine tiles will perform differently depending on where they are installed. Talk with one of our consultants when you’re considering travertine tiles, to determine the right product for your situation.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Tile Floors
July 31, 2016

5 Reasons You May Be Ready For Wood Look Tile

Nothing beats the look of hardwood floors. Still, there may be times when the thought of installing hardwood flooring into your home leaves you more than unsure. Do you really want to worry about how your dog’s claws will dig into the wood? Or how a dropped toy from your toddler’s hands will dent the texture forever?

While hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition to any home, it’s not the perfect choice for every family.

Advances in the flooring industry, however, can give you the look of hardwoods with a more durable product. Why not choose a wood look tile instead?

Wood look tile has many benefits over its hardwood plank counterpart.

1. Durability
Wood flooring is difficult to maintain, especially in high traffic areas. It scratches, dents, warps, cracks and chips from regular day to day use. It needs to be cleaned regularly and refinished and resealed every few years, depending on your traffic level.

Wood look tiles give you the look of hardwood and the durability of tile. It’s easy to maintain and easy to clean. You won’t have to worry about a dropped plate or your dog’s nails doing damage. And if damage does occur, it’s easy to replace a single tile without having to rip up the entire floor.

2. Install it anywhere
Love the look of wood but debating how well it will perform in the bathroom or kitchen? Wood can be a difficult product in high humidity and high moisture areas. But with wood look tile, you can install them anywhere and have them be a beautiful addition to your home’s aesthetic value. And with so many colors and choices available, you can match any pattern or theme you desire for your home’s décor.

3. Customization
Because tile comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, customization is easy to do with any flooring in your home. Use wider planks, different colors, and vary the pattern. With tile, you never have to worry about warping that comes easier with wider plans, tile will help you maintain uniformity no matter how you incorporate it into your final design.

4. Comfort and warmth
Always wanted a heated floor in your bathroom? With radiant heating under your tiles, you can have the cozy flooring you’ve always dreamed about. Not only will the look be modern and stylish, but you’ll enjoy having a comfortable place to get ready in the morning with just a flip of the switch.

5. Cost
What holds many back from installing hardwood flooring? Cost. Wood floors can be expensive depending on the type of wood you select. Add in installation and maintenance costs, and you can quickly leave your dreams of a hardwood floor behind.

Tile isn’t as labor intensive as hardwood, and maintenance costs are less by comparison. Meaning tile is the perfect choice for budget-friendly families that want a unique look to every room in your home.

Have additional questions about wood look tile? Just ask..

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Tile Floors
July 11, 2016

4 Myths About Wood Look Tiles

Love the look of hardwood flooring but don’t want the maintenance that comes along with it? Choose wood look tiles instead.

Yet even after you decide wood look tile may be the perfect choice fo you, you may have some reservations about how it will perform over time. Here are a few things you shouldn’t be worried about.

Myth #1 Grout makes wood look tiles appear fake
Hardwood planks rub against each other. Tile usually has grout lines running between. Won’t it look fake once it’s installed?

Look for wood tiles that have rectified edges, which means the edges have been mechanically finished, so they are precise and consistent. With consistency, you can place the plank tile closer together and have less grout between. Meaning you’ll barely notice the grout once it’s installed.

Myth #2 Tile is cold
Especially in a four-season location like Denver, we prefer hardwood over tile because of its warmth. Yet tile doesn’t have to be cold. Wood look porcelain tile is very well suited to install over radiant subfloor heating. This can provide warmth no matter how chilly the outside temperatures turn.

Myth #3 Wood tile looks fake
How can tile look as good as hardwood? With today’s technology, almost identical. With each change of technology, new wood look products improve. You’ll find realistic textures and visual appearances so realistic you can’t tell the difference without getting down on your hands and knees and feeling the difference.

Myth #4 Tiles can shift and warp
Any tile in excess of 15 inches can present a challenge once installed. However, if installed correctly, it won’t be a problem. Plank tiles are available in a variety of sizes, 6 to 8 inches wide, 24 to 42 inches in length. Tiles should be staggered like real hardwood flooring patterns for maximum support. If you hire a certified technician to install your new wood look tiles, you’ll have years of enjoyment from this one of a kind look.

Convinced wood look tile is in your future?

Flooring, Tile Floors
June 22, 2016

The Benefits Of Using Wood-Looking Tile

Here in Colorado, we love the look of hardwood flooring. But no matter how much you love your hardwood, there may be places where you don’t appreciate its durability.

The bathroom, for instance.

When remodeling the bathroom, it’s easy to understand why you would like the look of hardwood to carry throughout your home. But what about moisture? What about water damage when you use the shower on a regular basis?

What if there was a way to have the look and improve durability at the same time? Wood-looking tile may be the answer. Its appearance is so realistic that it can be installed throughout your entire living space and provide the same warm appearance you’re used to with hardwoods.

But it has added benefits that hardwoods don’t.

1. It resists moisture
Wood-looking tile is made from porcelain, which means it resists moisture wherever water can go. Using grout helps seal the tiles, making them more resistant to both water and mold and mildew buildup.

2. It is easily maintained
Wood-looking tile gives you the look and feel of hardwood flooring with the durability of tile. It doesn’t require a lot of upkeep to look its best. It’s easy to clean with a bucket and a mop, and can be scrubbed to remove tough stains. Regular sweeping and mopping will keep it looking new for years.

3. It helps with room temperature
Tile is cool in the summer, and with the installation of radiant heating, can be equally as warm in the winter. This works well if you desire a spa-like feel in your bathroom, having warm flooring in a matter of minutes on a cold, winter day.

4. It has many design choices
Just like hardwoods, wood-looking tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns. From rustic to country, dark to light, there are many ways you can add wood-look tile to your décor and have it be the perfect touch to your design theme.

Flooring, Tile Floors
June 1, 2016

Why Travertine Tiles Are Perfect For Indoor Use

Trying to decide on the perfect tile for your home? Want to update your bathroom or remodel your kitchen? Travertine tiles may be the perfect addition to your floors.

Travertine tiles have increased in popularity for use within the home for many reasons.

Versatility – travertine is natural material that has been used for centuries in home design. Go back to Roman times and you’ll find travertine in place on their walls, floors, even countertops and more. Because of their aesthetically pleasing colors and styles, they can pull together any home décor.

Durability – travertine is a stone that is part of the limestone family, and is one of the most durable substances used in flooring. In ancient times, it was used as roads and can take a great deal of foot traffic. When installed correctly and maintained on a regular basis, you don’t have to worry about decay, breakage or other issues.

Beauty – natural stone is always pleasing to the eye and never goes out of style. Unlike other tile options, travertine has been used in homes for generations and maintains its looks for years. It blends well and adds the perfect background for any design theme you choose. It can be incorporated into many areas, including your hallways, shower and tub design, as well as your countertops and backsplashes.

Flowthrough – Travertine can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, which makes it the perfect choice to add to your outdoor rooms. Travertine can be the perfect look to tie your décor together, both inside and outside of your home.

Natural stone tiles will always be in demand, adding value to your home from the moment you lay them in place. Talk with one of our professional designers and you’ll quickly gain ideas that will help you incorporate travertine into any of your remodeling plans.

Flooring, Tile Floors
April 5, 2016

The Advantages Of Using Subway Tile

Want to know the hardest working tile in America? The tile that is used in more places, in more ways?

From the moment ceramic subway tiles found their way in New York City’s train stations in the early 1900s, they have captured the attention of homeowners everywhere, inspiring designs in bathrooms, kitchens, and more. They are easy to clean, stain resistant, and light reflective; these 3 by 6 inch glazed white rectangles were everything people wanted them to be in the highest traffic areas of the home.

But now, over a century later, subway tiles are no longer white rectangles. They still come in the infamous rectangular shape, but even the sizes have changed. Choose a traditional 3 by 6 inch tile, or change it up by choosing a 4 by 8 inch plank, or a 1 by 2 inch mosaic. Choose just about any color of the rainbow, as well as finding a finish that matches any décor.

Depending on the size and the patterns, subway tiles often come attached to a mesh backing, making installation much easier than installing them one at a time. Spacing is everything. If you do have to space them one at a time, or when matching mesh sheets together, be sure to use spacers on the edges of individual tiles. Not only does this save time but money as well. It eliminates re-dos, and ensures you have a clean design every time.

Installing subway tile in showers is very popular because of the way the tiles brighten the space and soften the lighting. Subway tiles look shiny and clean easily, making them the perfect choice for busy shower areas. And depending on the color and finish, they brighten up with any style of hardware, from silver, chrome, gold or even brushed nickel.

While shower stalls are a common place to use subway tiles, they are by now means the only place they provide their classic style. Try using them as a backsplash above a vanity. Or as a backsplash in your kitchen. They can add style to any accent wall – how about behind a bar, in a gameroom, or even in your wine cellar? With so many colors and styles, they are the perfect compliment to whatever your décor.

To see some of the ways our customers have used subway tiles in the past, stop by today and let us give you the perfect idea for your next renovation project.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 30, 2016

Want Low Maintenance? Try These Flooring Tiles

Why are flooring tiles a great choice for your workspace? Because of their versatility. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can ensure a great looking floor for years to come.

To help you choose the right tiles for your situation, consider these maintenance routines for each of these popular flooring tile options.

Carpet Tile
Carpet tiles require daily cleaning by running a vacuum over the area. Daily vacuuming helps remove dust, dirt and debris that could otherwise sink into the carpet fibers and destroy the backing. In addition to regular vacuuming, carpet tiles also require periodic deep cleaning. When choosing a deep cleaning method, opt for waterless cleaning methods. Dry powder cleaning uses micro-beads to attract and absorb dirt and debris. Once the powder is brushed into the carpet, a simple vacuum can remove the powder and the dirt along with it. Hot water can linger in the carpets even after extraction, loosening the adhesive and impacting the overall strength of the tile. If water is left in the tile, dirt and debris will continue to accumulate.

Vinyl Composite Tile
Vinyl composite tile provides a smooth, hard surface that’s easy to clean and easy to maintain. Like other hard surfaces, vinyl composite tile requires daily sweeping and mopping to remove dirt and debris. In addition, it requires regular waxing and polishing to help protect it from scuffs, scratches and discoloration. The process is relatively easy, stripping off the old layer and reapplying a new one. The number of times the process is needed over the year depends on the amount of foot traffic in the area.

Luxury Vinyl Tile
A step up from vinyl composite tiles are their luxury vinyl tile counterparts. What makes them different is their no wax maintenance schedules. Luxury vinyl tiles use a thick, transparent layer and a polyurethane coating on the surface to protect the tiles. This coating provides an excellent resistance to stains, scratches and scuff marks, while eliminating the need for waxes, polishes and other harsh chemicals. This results in a maintenance schedule that’s less labor intensive than other types of vinyl flooring. Over its lifetime, a luxury vinyl tile may only require a single refinishing. Daily sweeping and mopping still apply.

Which is the right choice for you? Your personality and organizational requirements will help define. In any case each of these flooring tile options will give you an easy way to make your workspace look great, and be easy to maintain too.