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Tile floors
Tile floors have been a popular decorating material for over thousands
of years, plenty of time for tile to build an impressive record of durability
and versatility. And tile flooring takes to customized designs, unique
glazes, and special effects with ease.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made with low fired clay bisque that appears either
white or red-brown. It is appropriate for lighter usage areas such as
bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. Kitchen counters can be made with
some ceramic tiles, but their durability will not be equal to Porcelain
grade tile. Colors can range anywhere on the spectrum, from monochromatic
contemporary to a heavily varied handmade look. Many ceramic tiles have
a wide variety of embossed and painted decorative options. Ceramic grade
tiles are generally not recommended for floors. Ceramic tile sizes typically
range from 4" to 8" squares, and popular European rectangular sizes
starting at 8" x 12”.
Porcelain Floor Tile
Porcelain floor tile has become the industry standard for quality and
durability. These tiles will offer the absolute hardest, most durable
surface that you can use on a floor. Usable for both residential and
commercial purposes, these tiles will last the life of a structure,
in most cases. In addition upkeep will be kept to a minimum. Once a
rarity, porcelain tile is now available from all the top manufacturers.
Unglazed products are also available for outdoor use. Many new 12" and
13" floor tiles are available with kitchen counter trim, making them
an extremely durable counter surface. Individual floor tiles usually
range from 12" to 20".
Porcelain Wall Tile
Porcelain wall tile is a very high density, high fired product which
has superior durability. The clay bisque is a light grey in color. These
tiles are appropriate for kitchen counters, shower walls, backsplashes,
etc. The glazes on the porcelain tiles are known for a higher range
of color variation, giving a rich, custom look. Porcelain tile is also
frost-proof, so it can be used in swimming pools and fountains as well
as on outdoor cook tops. Finishes can range from glossy smooth to stone
rough. Porcelain wall tiles typically range from 1"to 6".
Quarry Tile
Quarry tiles are dense, unglazed tiles that are well suited to outdoor
applications. They typically are earth tone colors of terracotta-reds,
browns, and grey’s. They are perfect for patios and walkways as well
as commercial floors where a non-slip surface is needed. Quarry tile
comes in sizes ranging from 6" to 12".
Metal Tile
Metal tiles are relatively new to the tile market. They are typically
used as accent tiles, mixed in with other types of tile or stone. The
tiles tend to have a relief or raised pattern set into them. Metal inlays
in a kitchen backsplash are a great way to add another design element
as well as a unique way to tie in with metal appliances and cabinet
knobs. These tiles work especially well with tumbled and antique stone.
Some metal tiles can be used for floor inlays. A natural pewter or nickel
look is the most popular, but finishes range from old world rustic iron
to stainless steel contemporary.
Travertine Tile
Travertine’s are very similar to marble, but have open tubular veining
in the stone that is typically filled when processed. They also have
more directional veining when cut with the grain. Cross-cut travertines
are becoming more and more popular for their non-directional veining.
Travertine’s come either polished or honed (satin finish).
Granite
Granite is a very hard crystalline volcanic rock that can withstand
much more abuse than marble. It is appropriate for kitchen counters,
floors, bathrooms, etc. The polished surface of the stone can be used
in high use residential counters with minimal upkeep. Like all stones,
granite should be sealed after installation to minimize the risk of
a stain occurring.
Glass Tile
Glass tiles have become more and more popular every year. The translucent
quality of glass gives it an entirely different look than ceramic tile
or stone. The styles range from old world rustic to clean contemporary.
It can be used for an entire wall, or inserted as an accent row or inlay
with other tile or stone. Because glass is frost proof it can also be
used for exterior applications such as pools and fountains. Sizes range
from 5/8" to 8"
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