Tile Floors Archives - Page 8 of 9

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 25, 2016

Using Marble Tile: What To Consider

Choosing new flooring for your bathroom? There are plenty of reasons why marble tile may be the perfect choice for you. Not only has marble been the inspiration behind home design for centuries, its also a versatile material that will leave your bathroom in beautiful condition for many years to come.

Yet not all marble is the same. How do you choose the right marble for you?

Consider veining levels
Marble comes in many colors with varying degrees of veining. Veining refers to the movement or pattern woven throughout the final piece you select. It can range from subtle to high; no two stones are ever the same. It’s best to investigate a wide variety of marble choices before making your final selection to get a feel for all the options available to you.

Choose the right finish
When selecting marble tile for the bathroom, it’s important to keep in mind that not all tiles are the same. It is essential to choose tile that can withstand high humidity conditions, and one that will withstand heavy foot traffic without being slippery. Marble for bathroom floors must be compatible for wet conditions; not all marble is. Marble with honed or low-gloss finishes will offer the best results. Always talk with a flooring consultant before making your final selection to ensure the marble you select is the right choice for the conditions.

Choose the right color
Marble comes in a variety of colors, with an equal amount of veining options as well. You can stick with a subtle white marble background with varying shades of veining, or go with a darker, richer shade to add a bit of elegance to your space. Try complimenting your bathroom floor with your countertops, shower space or backspash. Together they will create a space you will be proud to live with for many years to come.

Consider the different cuts
While marble provides natural beauty to whatever space you choose, there are different ways of cutting it, which will play into the way it’s designed. A vein-cut marble is cut to enhance the movement that occurs through the stone, and produces a consistent veining pattern across the slab or tiles. A cross-cut marble is cut at a 90 degree angle to the position that would have been used for vein-cut marble. This exposes more variety in patterns of the veining, and gives you a more dramatic look and feel.

Whatever your choice, whatever your selection, marble tile is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your bathroom for many years to come. Ready to see your choices in marble flooring? Stop by today.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 23, 2016

The Best Tile For A Water Resistant Bathroom

The bathroom. It’s not a place to experiment with inferior building materials.

Choose wisely and you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. Go with a substandard material and you’ll be paying the price.

Bathrooms need water resistant materials. And tiles are one of the best ways to achieve it. Just remember that selecting tile for your bathroom is a big deal. Before you install tile, whether on the floor, the shower walls, or the backsplash around your vanity, it’s important to make a choice that will not only look great, but will wear well no matter what you do.

Bathroom Floor Tile
The bathroom floors will have to withstand all kinds of moisture. From floods and tidal waves when the kids bathe, to daily steam from the shower, your flooring can take a lot of abuse.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles have long since been favorites of homeowners throughout Colorado. Both come in a wide array of colors, patterns and styles. And with today’s modern twist, you can incorporate the look of cement or even wood into a tile that will provide wear-resistance while keeping up with the latest trends.

Bathroom Shower Tile
Think shower tile. Think inspiring. Choosing tile that handles well in a shower doesn’t have to mean you settle for boring. There are many different tiles that can inspire the senses while giving functionality throughout the day. The color and pattern can be anything you choose. Make the right selection and you’ll avoid chips and scratches that can come from everyday activities.

Not only does a fully tiled wall give you added moisture resistance, it can make a stunning statement as well. Consider using neutral colors, natural stone is a great choice. Granite or marble can also be applied for a unique application.

You can also use tiles to spruce up any location. A backsplash made of glass tiles can add to your décor while preventing damage to the surrounding area. Choose metallic tiles to add a touch of class. Change up the size to create an even different look; tiles come in all shapes and sizes, and with a little planning, can add beauty just about anywhere.

Ready to add bathroom tile to your remodel? Start the process be seeing what’s available now. Stop by today.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 17, 2016

Fix or Replace Your Cracked Ceramic Tile

Nothing says old and outdated more than a cracked tile in the middle of your room. Whether its on your wall in the shower, or on the floor in your kitchen, that small little crack can quickly escalate, and not only provide you with an eyesore, but also with the potential to further the damage.

Is there a way to fix a broken tile and not have it stand out amongst the rest? Is it possible to repair? Or is the only way to have your wall or floor look shiny and new once again to replace it all and start with new?

In many cases, fixing your cracked ceramic tile is possible.

Where is the crack located?
Some cracks are easier to fix and not have it noticeable. Is the crack in the middle of the kitchen floor? Is it next to a wall? Is it center stage in your shower stall? Evaluate where the cracked tile is and how noticeable it will be when fixed.

Do you have extra tiles?
Whenever you install tile, make sure you hold on to a few extra for replacing cracked and damaged tile in the future. This provides you with an exact match, color and size.

Do the tiles match up with the rest of the surrounding area?
Tiles aren’t always in the same color stock, or of the same size as its counterpart. If you have a spare tile you can use for replacement, align it and see how it will look if the swap is made. Happy with the look? Then its easy to replace.

Is there damage behind the crack?
How long has the crack been in place? Where is the crack located? In many cases, a crack can lead to bigger problems. For instance, a cracked wall tile in the shower can allow water to penetrate behind the tile and seep into the wallboard. Even the tiniest of problems behind one tile can quickly escalate behind many more.

Are your tiles dingy and dull?
How long have your tiles been in place? Years of wear and tear can leave them dull and dingy. Replacing a cracked tile with one from the original die lot can quickly escalate the wear and tear. If tiles are well worn, replacing one will only show off the wear. It may be time to replace and try something new.

Are you ready for a new look?
Have you hated your blue shower for years? Is the tile in your kitchen more of a pain than an enjoyment? A cracked tile may be the best “excuse” you’ve had to try something new. Come in and see the many new options in today’s flooring, and you’ll quickly find a new look that’s perfect for you.

Flooring, Tile Floors
January 10, 2016

Creating The Perfect Shower With Tile

Looking to create the perfect master retreat? Why not start the process by creating the perfect shower?

No bathroom renovation is complete without an overhaul of the shower. And today, showers aren’t just about simplicity and a quick way to shower off. Instead, they range from simple elegance to over-the-top options that can leave you with a spa-like feeling anytime you choose.

And while you can dress up your shower with fixtures and décor, it’s the tile that will set the stage. You can select from many materials, sizes and finishes to coordinate your final look. Stay traditional, or move towards the trendy.

Subway Tile
Think bathroom tile, think classic 4×4 square tiles. For many people, that’s the case. But with so many options, consider moving to a different size to add personality to your personal space. Try a 3×6 subway tile in glazed white with a contrasting color to add a spark. While these tiles tend to bring out a traditional look and feel, when combined with other options can create a thoroughly modern look. For instance, use in conjunction with mosaic, stones or glass tile for color and appeal.

Glass Tile
Glass tiles have taken on a life of their own in recent years. From small, transparent mosaics or larger, shimmery tiles, you’ll find many options to match your décor. Glass tile is usually suitable for walls, trim, back-splash areas and as accent tile. Use it dress up shelving in your shower, frame your fixtures, or simply accent the overall look and design. The small multicolored mosaic tile patterns provide both textural and visual interest to any area of your bathroom. While many think square or rectangular tiles when considering glass, move towards newer, more vibrant sizes like glass pebbles for an interest addition to your design.

Natural Stone Tile
Nothing says elegance more than natural stone tile. And when considering it for a bathroom shower, there are many different possibilities. Natural stone tiles come in many sizes, shapes, styles and colors. Go with a light natural undertone, or select a darker, dramatic style that will add to your contemporary design. Whether you choose porcelain tile that looks like stone, or move to natural stone tiles and slabs, the varied shades of color will add a soothing natural touch to your space.

Updating your bathroom shower this year? Select shower tile to create ambiance, and start the process today by seeing all of the options we have for you. Stop by today.

Flooring, Tile Floors
October 31, 2015

How Will Your Tile Floor Be Installed?

So you’ve decided to have tile floor installed in your home. For most homeowners, they focus in on the tile itself. What color, what size, what material, what pattern. Yet the tile floor itself is only half of the process.

It can be confusing to talk with several different tile companies and have each contractor give you different quotes and different possibilities for the same job. It’s not the tile that leaves you confused, it’s the process of installation. After all, there are many ways to install tile, each with its own benefits.

Mortar and Wire
Mortar and wire requires the most work, is the most time consuming and is usually the most expensive. Yet it’s also the most preferred method to assure a solid, level installation for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Wire is stapled into place over the surface area. A layer of mortar is applied, and once it hardens, glue is spread to bond to the mortar and the tile. The tile is cured before grout is mixed and applied.

Mortarboard
Mortarboard are pre-made sheets or mortar that can be quickly laid into place. They save time and money because they eliminate the step of laying wire and allowing wet mortar to harden. However, mortarboard can be tricky to use because horizontal surfaces are rarely level, and vertical surfaces are rarely true to plane. This can allow cracks to easily form underneath the mortar once its in place.

Glue
Glue alone is the easiest and least expensive method to use. Depending on the surface, glue will react differently in different situations. Wood can expand or contract, especially when subjected to varying environmental conditions. Hot and cold conditions can allow wood to expand and contract. Wet conditions can lead to cracks and failure.

Make sure your contractor understands your families lifestyle, and any nuances that may make a difference in the way your tile is laid.

Flooring, Tile Floors
October 24, 2015

Will Wood-Look Tiles Hold Their Value?

Each of us can think back to something in our lives that screamed “trendy”. Maybe it was the pink shag carpet you had in your home as a kid. Or those burnt orange appliances that graced your kitchen’s décor.

And while they may have been the “in” thing for a while, just as quickly they turned into the biggest eyesore in your home.

And you couldn’t get rid of it fast enough.

Unfortunately those mistakes cost a lot of money. And when you have to remodel and redecorate every few years, spending thousands of dollars in the process, just to achieve a look you can live with, its normal to want to make sure every dollar you spend is money well spent.

Do you really want to live with the next pink shag carpet for years?

That’s why when something new comes to market, its easy to doubt if it will last.

With today’s technology, we’re seeing a wide variety of looks and feels show up in flooring choices that before were considered outdated and boring. If you’ve noticed wood-like tiles popping up in both ceramic and porcelain tile, you know what I mean.

But is wood-look tile a passing trend? Or is it something you can rely on both for its looks and durability, and for its resale value in the marketplace?

Sources indicate that this is a trend that is here to stay. Tile has all the makings of a flooring choice that is perfect for every home. Tile is easy to maintain, is cost effective for every budget, and has a green factor that consumers increasingly desire.

Wood-look tiles look like actual wood. You can get them in any color, from dark finishes to whitewash and more. You can find them in finished in any manner, to resemble elegant dark stained walnut, to giving the appearance of a beach shack in your favorite location. And as technology continues to expand and consumers begin seeing the possibilities, this will only increase desire for this durable product.

Wood-look tiles are cost effective. Budget is always a consideration when installing new floors. And if you are looking at a flooring update, what it will cost you today is equally important as to how soon you’ll have to update your flooring again in the future. With tiling, you can meet both requirements in an effective way. With so many choices available, you can meet any budget requirements today. And because tiling is one of the most durable products on the market, you won’t have to replace your flooring anytime soon.

Wood-look tiles add practicality to your home. Many people have concerns about adding certain flooring to different rooms in your home. You would never add carpet to a bathroom. And hardwood can be a concern for the kitchen. With wood-look tiles, you can create continuity throughout your home and never worry about the long-lasting effects of your flooring choice. Tile will withstand all the punishment your family dishes out, and look great in the process.

And because your choices are almost limitless, wood-look tiles are the perfect choice for anywhere in your home.

Want to see all the choices available to you? Stop by today. We promise you that you will be amazed.

Flooring, Tile Floors
October 21, 2015

The Pros and Cons of Tiling Your Floors

Remodeling and changing out the flooring in your home can be an overwhelming process. Where do you start? What materials should you choose?

And while your heart can quickly lead you in many different directions, your gut quickly tells you to be sensible in your choices. Choose materials that will take a certain level of wear and tear. Choose a material that you won’t have to replace in a few short years.

All of those thoughts can lead you to one of the most versatile materials available today: tile.

Tile is the perfect choice for virtually any room in your home. Not only does it provide a clean and elegant look, it’s also durable and easy to maintain.

However, here in the Rocky Mountains, tile in every room may not be for everybody. Before you decide if it’s the perfect choice for your room remodel, keep these pros and cons in mind.

The Pros Of Tiling Your Floors
Ask any real estate agent about what sells in today’s homes and they will quickly point to items that can stand the test of time. Tiling has the same timeless appeal as do hardwoods, especially when classic earth tones are used that can be mixed and matched with any decorating style.

A growing trend is to install a radiant floor heating system, to have warm floors on those cold, winter mornings. Tiling is a perfect choice and its already increasing in demand.

Depending on the tile selected, its beauty will last for years with very little extra maintenance. Tiling requires little more than regular sweeping and dusting, other than wiping up spills as they occur. As long as tile is properly grouted, properly sealed and glazed, it will withstand any kind of living your family can give it.

Tile flooring is the perfect choice for homes with pets, as accidents can quickly be cleaned, and most tiling can withstand a dog’s nails. They are also perfect for family members that may be prone to allergies. As long as non-toxic grout is used, tiling provides all natural materials that can leave a home chemically reduced.

The Cons Of Tiling Your Floors
While a popular choice for any room in your home, tiling may not be perfect in all cases.

Tiles can be cold in the dead of winter if not installed over radiant heating systems. And when the winter chill takes over your home on cold mornings, tiles can make it seem even colder.

Unlike carpet or cork flooring, tile has no insulation properties and is therefore one of the noisiest flooring choices you can lay. You can solve the problem by strategically laying area rugs and runners.

Not every tile is the perfect choice for a room. Glazed tiles are easy to maintain, but they are also more slippery when they get wet. This can be a big problem in heavy moisture areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, or near entryways where rain and snow can come in. New innovations have made tiles with anti-slip surfaces to help solve the problem; be aware of what you are purchasing and that it matches your expectations.

Tile is also a very hard substance, meaning it can crack and break if heavy items are dropped on them.

To Tile Or Not To Tile?
Tiling is a smart choice for any home in Colorado, because of its timeless appeal and durable nature.

If you want an elegant look that will be both easy to care for and give you longevity for many years to come, tiles may be the perfect choice for any room in your home. And with today’s tiling options, you can achieve just about any look you are going for. Stop by and see your options today.

Tile Floors
September 23, 2015

Tiles Make The Perfect Companion For Outdoor Entertaining

Here in Colorado, we love our sunshine. And the best way to enjoy the sunshine is by being outside.

Maybe that’s why today’s favorite, most easily sold houses include outside space for entertaining. Sitting and relaxing, entertaining with friends, even creating a feast before the big game is all a little easier when you have gourmet cooking available when your space is built the right way.

Having an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area is the key to making all of this happen.

Here in Colorado, many people find they use their outdoor kitchen space all year long. In fact, it’s the perfect place to cook on those warm evenings when you don’t want to heat up your home, just as it’s the perfect place to enjoy a burst of warm air that hits in the middle of winter. (And we always get a stretch of those days every year!)

Planning your outdoor entertaining area can be part of the fun. As you plan your space, be sure to include:

BBQ and cooktop space
Plenty of counter and work space
Open oven
Cooler and refrigeration
A place for television or projection

And while it’s easy to dream big with your outdoor space, the one material that will help put all your dreams in proper place is with the use of tile.

Tile is the most versatile material available for all of your remodeling projects.

Tiles can be used to finish off everything in your outdoor entertainment area.

Back splashes
Countertops
Flooring
Planters
Built in walls and seating

Tile creates a solid look that’s easy to clean, easy to maintain.

And when it comes to selecting your tile, the possibilities are endless. Why not choose travertine? Or natural stone?

If you want to create a seamless transition from your kitchen and eating space inside, to your kitchen and entertaining area outside, why not use the same tiles for the entire project? Even here in Colorado where temperatures easily dip below 0 degrees a few days of the year, tile is the perfect choice to create elegant and sophisticated spaces inside and out.

Ready to start planning your new space? The best place to start is with a few ideas. Stop by today and see our complete selection of tile, and let your imagination kick in.

Flooring, Tile Floors
September 19, 2015

The Beauty Of Travertine Flooring

Some materials work better than others at creating a beautiful and efficient home. They work so well we see them pop up again and again throughout history, an important part of the structure of where we live.

Travertine is one of those materials that has not only stood the test of time, you can also find it spanning across many geographical locations. Travertine is plentiful in many regions throughout the world, making it an all-around reliable and easy-to-find building product. Travertine was used in Ancient Egypt, was used by the Greeks, and used to build the long withstanding buildings we still can see scattered across Europe representing the Roman Empire.

Head to the Roman Coliseum and you’ll see travertine on display as one of the key building materials. And if it can stand the test of time in a place still on display today, it can be the perfect addition to your home, from flooring, to backsplashes, to pavers, to sinks and more.

While travertine might not get the press in décor magazines that you’ll find with granite or stone, you will find it a viable option for every room in your home. We’ve seen travertine used in:

Hallways and Entries – travertine can add a touch of class and elegance, and make a grand statement as people pass through your door.

Bathrooms, Tubs, Showers and Vanities – travertine is a popular surface to bring a relaxing look and feel to every corner of your bathroom. Because of its versatility, you can use it in many ways, from small detail work, to large tiles on your floor.

Family and Living Space – while travertine tile may not be the first choice in our colder Colorado climate, it can be a good choice, especially when combining it with radiant heat or with cozy area rugs. It’s the perfect choice for creating a calm and serene environment.

Kitchens – the kitchen is the hub of the family home. Because so many activities take place – from cooking, to parties, to homework, to relaxing – travertine offers the perfect flooring choice for easy care and maintenance.

Courtyards and Patios – the look and feel of travertine doesn’t have to stop at your doors; carry the look from inside to out. It’s a great addition to your outdoor room space, including patios, courtyards and eating and grilling space.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Tile Floors
August 19, 2015

Wood Look Porcelain Tile vs Wood Floor: How To Use Both

Lets face it; Coloradans love their wood floors. And rightfully so. Colorado is a rugged, outdoors kind of place. A place where we enjoy being outdoors almost every day of the year. From snow skiing and tubing, to water skiing and biking, those 325 days of sunshine each year give us a chance to do what we love best.

But when the sun goes down, we want to come home to a place that’s easy to live in … and offers gorgeous décor. That’s why wood fits the bill every time. Wood floors are easy to maintain, beautiful to look at, and compliment any décor.

Yet wood has its problems.

If you’ve ever had a washing machine overflow, with water soaking into its surrounding area for several hours before you discovered the problem.
If you’ve ever had a toilet overflow, sending a flood of water through every inch of your bathroom floor.
If you’ve ever had a child drop an ice cube, or a Popsicle, or even a glass of water, and not tell you about it.

You understand the problems.

As high tech manufacturing continues to improve, the range of porcelain tile options increases as well. One of the top interior design trends that has resulted from technology advancement is wood look porcelain tile.

These porcelain tiles are carefully crafted with patterns and textures that duplicate the look of just about any wood species in the natural world. If you have a preference for mahogany, oak, birch, beech, the list goes on.

Yet no matter how closely they resemble the look of real wood, they have the durability of porcelain tile. They may have a realistic appearance, yet it’s the moisture proof property most come to love. Which means they are appropriate to use in all kinds of places you may have been hesitant to install hardwood before.

Like laundry rooms, bathrooms, even shower stalls. And yes, they are so beautiful you’ll even consider them in other places throughout your home, like your kitchen.

What’s more, if you’ve always wanted to warm up your home with underfloor radiant heating, this can be your chance. Porcelain tile is the perfect product to install over an underfloor heating system.

Can they be combined perfectly with wooden floors you already have in place? Of course. One of the best ways to see how easy it can be is to stop by and see your options. You’ll be amazed at just how far wood look porcelain tiles have come.