Tile Floors Archives - Page 9 of 9

Flooring, Tile Floors
July 29, 2015

Tile Grout: Should You Replace or Repair?

“I love the tile in my master bathroom. We installed it several years ago, it’s been easy to care for, and it’s a great color that goes with everything. The problem is with the grout. We chose a lighter grout to compliment it, and no matter how hard I scrub on it, it still looks dirty and stained. Should I replace it or repair it? What’s my best course of action to enjoy my tile for many more years?”

Grout is a mixture of water and cement, with the addition of sand, finely ground gravel, and color. It comes eihter in a powder form, or ready as a premix. It’s used to fill in the gaps between the tiles, and can be used wherever you choose to install your tiles: on the floors, walls, backsplashes or countertops.

Grout provides a number of functions:

Levels out height differences between the tiles to make a smooth surface
Creates a barrier between the rows of tiles to prevent moisture, food, dirt or debris from accumulating
Bonds the tiles together to create a harder, stronger surface

While discolored or dirty grout may be unattractive, if it’s in good shape the appearance can be changed. Start with a good scrubbing with water and a cleaner. Rinse and allow to dry. If it still has stains you can purchase a grout pen that will allow you to spread a layer of “paint” on top of the grout, giving it a uniform look. Two coats may be necessary for badly stained grout.

If the grout goes beyond appearance, and shows signs of wear through cracking, crumbling, or is missing, you’ll need to remove it and either repair it in sections, or replace it altogether. Broken or cracked grout will not provide a barrier against moisture, and will allow water to seep behind the tile. This will eventually result in loosened tiling, and can cause mold to develop behind the tile.

When the tile was installed, did you keep extra grout? If so, repairing can be a simple process of replacing it with existing grout. If not, you can bring in your grout to attempt to match it with a current color on hand. If you can’t find the perfect shade, it is possible to adjust the grout color slightly by adding more water for a lighter shade, less for a slightly darker shade.

In some cases it may be better for replacement. To remove all the grout from the area and check to ensure the tiles are properly laid and maintained, hiring a tiling contractor can provide you with the best results.

Have additional questions about your grout?

Flooring, Tile Floors
April 11, 2015

Pros And Cons Of Using Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone is one of the most stylish and fashionable materials you can use for your flooring. You can use it inside and out. You can use it in any room in your home.

But there are a few things you should know before you make your final selection.

There are four types of natural stone that are popular choices homeowners select regularly; are one of these right for you? Below you will find more details about each variety of stone including where they perform best and where they may need additional consideration. With this knowledge, you will be able to decide on the perfect stone that matches your needs.

Stone Flooring Features, Benefits, and Disadvantages

Marble: natural beauty with limits

Marble is formed when limestone crystallizes as a result of high pressure and high temperatures while underground. As it crystallizes, it becomes harder and denser. This hardness allows it to be smoothed and polished during processing. Like all natural stones, marble must have a protective sealant applied before use, and must be maintained and reapplied regularly for full protection. Marble is susceptible to staining, so its important to clean up spills immediately to avoid potential damage. Everyday substances that contain acid – alcohol, fruit juices, vinegar, tomato products, mustard, salad dressing, tea, coffee, cosmetics – all can stain or damage the area is left sitting for any length of time.

Pros: Beautiful colors and patterns, because its natural, no two tiles are ever the same.

Cons: Prone to staining, will show wear quickly from acid based products.

Granite: tough but heavy

Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, which is why its used frequently in kitchens. Granite is formed from cooling magma underground. Because the cooling process is very slow, granite builds both strength and hardness as it goes through the process. Its made up of a variety of minerals, including quartz and feldspar, which give it its granular composition and texture. However, its strength is also its weakness. Because granite is very hard and unforgiving, when installing it as flooring, the subflooring must be completely level and have the strength to support its heaviness. If the floor has bumps or even tiny valleys, granite tiles will crack easily.

Pros: Beautiful color, hard surface that takes wear and tear from normal family life.

Cons: One of the heaviest flooring choices, must have support in place.

Slate: resilient but ununiform

Slate is formed deep in the earth as shale, and under the right combination of heat and pressure. Slate tile has a duller and slightly more uneven look than its other natural stone predecessors, which also makes it the tile of choice if slip resistant flooring matters to you. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, often providing a rustic or modern look and feel. It is more stain resistant than other stone choices, takes water well, and is highly durable. Slate can be cracked if laid on an uneven subfloor, or if a heavy object is dropped on it. Because slate is formed in layers, in rare cases it has been known to flake or peel Its important to treat with a sealant immediately after installation and maintain the sealant on a regular basis.

Pros: Dark, earthy color pallets with a natural, rustic look. Tends to be more resilient than other stone.

Cons: Tiles can be uneven due to the layering quality of the tile.

Travertine: soft stone that feels great but wears more easily

Travertine has a similar makeup as limestone or marble, and is composed of a sedimentary rock, calcite. Travertine has been used for centuries around the world; look to the Colosseum in Rome to see it in use. Travertine is a porous stone with natural holes from formation. In order to protect it, it must be sealed prior to grouting and again after installation for protection. It will soak up liquids and will stain if left untreated. It is also susceptible to stains from acidic foods. Travertine is a softer stone, which means its also more prone to scratching and showing wear and tear.

Pros: Travertine comes in rich, earthy tones. Because it’s a softer tile, it will feel soft underfoot.

Cons: It has a tendency to scratch, and will stain if not treated.

Contact PRO! Flooring today to speak to one of our flooring experts and find which natural stone tile will work best for your project.

Related: A Guide to Resilient Flooring

About Pro Flooring Brokers

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. Check out our products to learn more. Visit our showroom, meet our team, and let’s start your flooring project together. We offer:

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you.

Tile Floors
April 8, 2015

Pros And Cons Of Using Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic is a decorative art form in which images are created by assembling small pieces of tile, glass or other stone material together. Its used both for decoration and for interior design. When used in large quantities within the home, for places like flooring, bathrooms, or as backsplashes in your kitchen, they are often laid out and placed on sheets to make the placing process easier.

Using mosaic tiles can provide visual pop and flair to any room in the home. It can also provide character in tiny places where adding great detail or lots of color simply can’t happen.

Working with Mosaic Tiles

When working with mosaic tiles, you’ll find them in a variety of colors and patterns, and made from a variety of materials. Natural stones are commonplace: quartz, marble, granite, travertine, slate, all can be used to bring out the natural colors for your home décor. And a more common trend in many homes throughout the Front Range is using glass mosaic tiles. In some cases they create their own patterns, and in some cases they are being combined with natural stone to create uniqueness.

When blending mosaic tile of different materials, you will provide better depth and will have a more dramatic flair. For instance, one popular trend is to combine crystal glass and travertine stones together to form a detailed centerpoint within the room – the backsplash in the kitchen for instance.

Glass & Natural Stone Tiles

Glass tiles or a mix of glass and natural stone can be used in a variety of patterns. By using glass, you are introducing a lightness into the room due to glasses natural ability to be luminescent and light reflecting. Glass is also non-porous, which means its resistant to stains, mold and mildew, and will be easily wiped up and cleaned from grease and grime. And in the case of soap scum in the bathroom, a simple solution of vinegar and water will leave them clean and shining in minutes.

How To Install Mosaic Tiles

Installing mosaic tiles is a bit different than larger tiles. Because of their size, its easier to install mosaic tiles that have been pre-attached to mesh sheets, which can then be cut to size to be worked around angles and fixtures. Because small tiles tend to be more fragile than other tiles, they will crack and break easier, and must be handled with a little more care. However, it is also easier to replace a broken tile and replace it with a spare.

Pro Tips – Glass Tile – Paint the back wall

Because glass tile is translucent, you will be able to see the wall and the adhesive behind it. Which means extra care should be used to start with a clean wall painted in a comparable color, and application of adhesive should be clean and smooth. Be sure there are no air bubbles or uneven patches that might show through.

Also keep in mind that glass in naturally slippery when wet. If using in the bathroom or in an area that will get wet or face humid conditions, it is important to treat the surface with a non-slip sealer.

Regardless of which tile you select for your finished project, by combining mosaics with your room décor, you’ll surely find a style you will love for years to come. One that will wear well and look great, matching your tastes perfectly.

About Pro Flooring Brokers

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. Check out our products to learn more. Visit our showroom, meet our team, and let’s start your flooring project together. We offer:

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you.

Flooring, Tile Floors
March 10, 2015

Choosing The Safest Bathroom Floor

Remodeling your bathroom? Nothing can be more fun then taking on a home project. Adding new trends, new décor, can not only make you happier with your home, it can also add resale value as well.

Yet as you are looking at all of the options available to you, its important to keep in mind safety as well. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most serious problems we face are the effects from a fall. In fact, with the senior population, it’s the leading cause of fatal injury. And a great deal of those falls occur in the bathroom. Which means choosing the right floor isn’t just about looks and ambiance, its about safety too.

There are several flooring choices that offer safety features to young and old.

Ceramic Tile
Tile is probably one of the most popular choices for bathrooms, and for good reason. Ceramic tiles look great, last for a long time, are easy to clean and maintain, resist scratches, are resistant to mold and mildew, and come in an infinite amount of color and pattern combinations.

Ceramic tiles come in a variety of styles. While some can be safe and perfect for bathroom use, just as many exist that are slippery and very dangerous. Couple a floor with slip tendencies with a floor that becomes wet on a regular basis, and it’s a sure sign for potential problems. When choosing tiles, make sure you choose slip resistant tiles that meet the ADA standards for slip resistance.

Vinyl
Most vinyl flooring combines slip resistant with the softness of a cushion backing, giving plenty of give as you move around the bathroom. If a fall does occur, the vinyl backing can provide a little give in the process.

Today’s vinyl offers an unlimited amount of options. If you have a particular look or style you prefer, chances are you can find vinyl to match the look. Vinyl can be found to mimic wood flooring, tiles, even more sophisticated products like reclaimed wood, and more. Vinyl is available both in sheet and tile format, making it the perfect bathroom choice, no matter how big or small your room is.

Cork or Bamboo
Both cork and bamboo are increasingly popular bathroom floor choices because they are attractive, slip resistant, and a renewable resource. Because both absorb moisture, its important to get the right cork or bamboo product for your bathroom – be sure to mention it when talking with a flooring consultant. Many of today’s products are specially treated with mold and mildew resistance, and can be anti-microbial, allergen and VOC free.

Given the potential hazardous situation a bathroom can bring on, its important to choose wisely as you make your final decisions. Safety first; beauty second. But in today’s world with today’s options, why settle for one when you can have both? Stop by today and see the many options available to you.

Flooring, Tile Floors
December 20, 2014

Removing Stains From Ceramic Tiles

Nothing is as strong or as durable as ceramic tile. That’s why you’ll find ceramic tile in many homes throughout Colorado. From entryways, to kitchens, to bathrooms, it’s the perfect addition to your home.

While ceramic tile is one of the most durable and maintenance free flooring choices available, it still has its limitations. Some foods, chemicals, minerals, or other spills have natural stain qualities, and when left for periods of time can leave permanent remnants behind. The stain can penetrate the porous finish and become difficult to remove.

When it comes to deep saturated spills, there are a number of things to try:

Bleach
Hydrogen peroxide
Steam cleaning

In all cases, use a small amount of the cleaner, and work into the stain with a small brush. Clean and rinse periodically to test to verify if the stain has been removed and to make sure the chemicals aren’t penetrating the color of the tile.

In addition to tiles being impacted by spills and stains, you may also find grout impacted by the stain. If a stain impacts the grout as well as the tile, you can try removing it by following the same steps mentioned above.

However, for grout stains that can’t be removed with a stain removal system, you may have to remove the grout altogether.

At the time of installation, it’s a good idea to keep a few extra tiles and extra grout on hand for these situations. Than you’ll have the color in place and ready to go.

If you don’t have extra on hand, you still have options. Remove the stained grout with a small grout remover, which can be bought at any home improvement store. Bring your grout sample in and we can help you match grout color as closely as possible. Once you have the material, mix and pour into the space you’ve created. Use a gloved finger to firmly push and seal grout into the effected area, taking care to blend it in with the other grout around it. Wipe the area clean with a damp sponge to remove excess grout from the tile.

Flooring, Tile Floors
December 16, 2014

Want Versatility? Try Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and maintenance free flooring choices on the market today. Its also one of the most beautiful. It comes in an extensive range of shapes, finishes, sizes, colors and shades, and can be used in many different ways.

Ceramic tile has long been considered to be multi-purpose, and can be used throughout the home, both inside and out. If you look back in time, you’ll find ceramic tile being used in many ways for thousands of years. Its still as popular as ever, being used on:

Floors
Walls
Countertops
Backsplashes
Patios
Fireplaces
Walkways
House trim

Keep in mind that with different styles and finishes, some are made for inside use, some for outside use. Before purchasing tile, be sure to let your sales consultant know what you have in mind.

Size

Ceramic tiles are available in any size of your liking. From tiny mosaic tiles, to tiles as large as 24”x24” square, size is only limited by what the area demands. The larger your space, the more uniform the look will be by using a larger tile. But it also depends on the overall look you are trying to achieve. In certain cases, you can find handcrafted tiles that will be perfect accents to your overall theme. Why not try a splash of color in the backspash above your range?

Finish

Ceramic tiles come in many different surface finishes: smooth, textured, glazed, unglazed, polished and unpolished. Keep in mind that not all finishes are suitable for every area of your home. A smooth, polished look may be great for a backsplash in your kitchen, but would be too slippery and dangerous for your bathroom floor. Be sure to choose the right finish for the area the tiles will be laid.

Shape

Ceramic tiles are available in many shapes, including rectangles, squares, hexagons, octagons, and more. However, square tiles are the most popular and are the easiest to work with without a lot of layout and planning.

Colors and Shades

Ceramic tile is a natural product; its color is derived naturally from the elements. But the more specialized look you desire, the more color you can find in your options. Manufacturers create ceramic tile in lots to minimize variation in color and hue; that way one batch will match as its used to piece together your room. Keep in mind that shade variation is natural even in lots and run numbers. This is to allow a natural look and keep a creative flow as you piece together your final pattern.