PROS OF TILE
Both chic and classic, floors of tile or stone are especially inviting in warmer climates and you may find that tile is a good way to help them cut down air conditioning bills. And tile is not just for the kitchen or bath, ceramic and porcelain tile are well suited for any space. In fact, with the introduction of wood plank tile (tile that resembles hardwood), they’ve become increasingly popular for use in main living areas. We specialize in custom tile work for showers, tubs, borders, back splashes, fireplace surrounds and floors.
INSTALLATION OF TILE & STONE
We will assist you every step of the way after you’ve selected your tile or stone with professional on-site measurement, removal of old tile or stone and skilled installation. Your tile projects will look amazing after our expert installation.
Once you have selected your new tile or stone, we will provide free in home expert measurements, removal any of existing tile and professional installation of the new tile.
Following is a checklist of things to do before the installation even begins to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Determine who will be removing the old flooring and moving any furniture. Complete any painting, wallpapering or other remodeling prior to installation.
The most important aspect of installing a tile floor is the surface preparation. Prior to installing a tile floor, the installers will be sure to:
- Remove all existing flooring.
- Verify that subfloor is structurally sound, rigid, level, smooth and clean. If needed, a cement backer board will be laid first.
- Before beginning, all tiles will be removed from the different boxes and randomly mixed to ensure that minor color differences don’t form an unwanted pattern in your new floor.
- Sweep and pick up any debris from your floor before the tile flooring installation.
TILE CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Tile—whether it’s ceramic, porcelain, or stone—is one of the longest-lasting flooring materials in existence. It requires little to zero maintenance (apart from regular mopping and occasional repair). Basic, consistent maintenance of your tile floor will ensure that it remains beautiful and trouble-free for many years. Just follows these steps:
- New tile and grout needs to dry/cure for at least 72 hours prior to any maintenance.
- Clean floor/tile with a damp mop at least once a week. Heavy traffic areas more often.
- Sweep or vacuum floor prior to mopping to remove any dirt or debris.
- Be sure that any cleaner you use has a neutral pH so that it will not stain the grout.
- Never use soap or detergent as it may dull tile surface and promote mildew.
- When cleaning, use a cotton mop, cloth, sponge or non-metallic brush.
- Always rinse with clean water to remove any remaining solution residue.
- Do not use an acid or ammonia-based cleaner, because it could affect the color of the grout. Acid-based cleaners will cause polished marble tiles to dull.
- Do not use bleach or vinegar and water – vinegar is an acid.
- Do not use steel wool pads or any abrasive on tile or stone. These materials can scratch or dull the surface. Any loose particles of steel left on the grout will cause rust stains.
- To protect the tile floor, affix felt or similar pads to the legs of any metal, iron, wood or plastic furniture that could scratch and dull the surface. If outside, metal furniture may rust or stain your tile.
PORCELAIN VS CERAMIC TILE
Whether ceramic or porcelain, manufactured tiles are a mixture of clays that are shaped and fired at high temperatures. Natural stone tiles, like slate, granite, or travertine, are quarried products—but many ceramic and porcelain tiles mimic the look of stone very realistically. They create beautiful floors for much less than the cost of stone. If you’re wondering which to choose, here’s a summary of ceramic and porcelain key points:
Glazed Ceramic Tile
Offers excellent value!—typically lower in cost compared to porcelain tile with similar texture/patterns
Costs less than solid-surface products and natural stones
Very durable—wears well over time on interior floors
Available in a variety of stylish designs and colors
Has long-lasting, durable surface glaze
Fine natural ingredients and well-controlled manufacturing processes are used
Has a low rate of water absorption, so it’s suitable for interior floors and walls
Offers wipe-clean maintenance
Glazed Porcelain Tile
Requires a rigidly controlled manufacturing process using the most advanced procedures and technology
Is considerably denser and more impervious to liquids
Has a much lower rate of water absorption than ceramic tiles and is considered frost-proof—therefore, porcelain is suitable for exterior use in all climates
Has a higher breaking strength than most ceramic tiles
Is fired at extremely high temperatures, becoming 30% harder than natural stone (like granite and marble)
Costs less than solid-surface products and natural stones
Available in a variety of stylish designs and colors
Offers wipe-clean maintenance