home improvement: March 2010

Friday, March 19, 2010

How to Choose Kitchen Tiles Like a Pro

If you are a new house owner and you are looking for quick tips on how to choose kitchen tiles for your home then this article may help you to do so. This article will quickly discuss kitchen backsplashes, granite tiles and ceramic tiles. After reading this, you should be able to see why the different tiles mentioned above are worth considering.

If you know your kitchen tile types well, you would notice that a kitchen backsplash is not a tile type. It is the upright portion built against the wall at the back of your stove or sink. It is the most visible part of the kitchen as you would be staring at it most of the time you are in the kitchen. Thus, having elegant tiles and stylish designs to decorate it is an essential part of your kitchen beautification strategy. Obviously, the two tile types that we are going to discuss here is the granite and ceramic types.

Granite kitchen tiles are usually used for kitchen flooring (but that does not mean you should not use them on backsplashes, you can...) and for good reason too. They have slip resistance. That means the chances of you slipping and falling on your head is greatly reduced! This is good especially when you have children at home. What is more, this type of tile is known for its beauty and durability. Thus, it sometimes comes with a steep price. On the other hand, it is not costly to maintain so it is really up to you when budget is an important factor in your decision making.

Ceramic tiles are also durable much like granite tiles. Other than that, it is also resistant to heat making it a perfect candidate for tile backsplashes and counter tops. With it, you can place hot frying pans or pots on top of it without worrying that it will be damaged by the heat.

There are certainly more types of kitchen tiles out there to choose from. But given the information above, you can certainly opt to use granite or ceramic tiles for your kitchen without resenting it in the end.

Further reading and information on kitchen tiles can be found in these articles discussing different aspects of kitchen tiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Addison_Lee

Monday, March 15, 2010

Kitchen Tiles - That Latest Trend of the Household Project

It has been seen that the demand of kitchen tiles is increasing day by day with the passage of time. Whatever the design and colour theme of your kitchen, you can find the right option of kitchen tiles that can make your kitchen more beautiful and fancy. They are durable, easy to clean and maintenance free. One of the best things of their usage is that you do not need to spend any more on another material once you have installed them in your kitchen. They are comparatively soft material, so you need to take your extra care while installing them in your kitchen. Using a detergent, you can easily overcome the issue of cleaning of stains or marks that are stuck to them. Undoubtedly, you will be able to collect some important information on the most demanding tile in the world.

Almost everyone among of you knows that kitchens are more susceptible to dirt and debris so it is very easy to notice them on the walls and floors of the kitchen. Generally most members of the family, whether they are children, young or old people, visit this place to have something when they are hungry so it is very common to find some stains and marks on the floors and walls of the kitchen. Not only this, you can also find oil spills and miscellaneous items scattering down there. That's the reason that why people prefer to use the material in the kitchen that is hard and user friendly. One of the most important things that need to take into consideration is their maintenance. People always use the material that can be easily cleaned and also has a gorgeous look.

You should always go with the tiles that can withstand abrasions since you have seen that there are various utensils moving around the place. You can also notice some unexpected stains and marks made by the children while they scattering the food in the kitchen. In this case you can do anything except cleaning these marks. Apart from that, you should also choose the tiles that have the ability to stand against tough abrasions without creating any wear or tear.

Whatever the type and design of your kitchen tile, don't forget to select the option that has slip resistance feature because you can easily find the liquid fall in your kitchen as compared to other rooms of your household project, therefore, you need to be very attentive while choosing the right alternative for your home and buying it in the market.

Today, Kitchen tiles have become the latest trend among the masses. Whatever your taste, you can easily find the one among a huge variety of their colours, shades, hues, patterns. Make a list of your all requirements and then go for the selection procedure. Approach the kitchen tile professional and put your all requirements and needs in front of him. He or she will definitely suggest you the right option that will suit both your needs and budget. Hence, get rid of the old trend and colour your imagination with beautiful designed and advanced kitchen tiles.

About The Author:-
Jacob Oramy is a renowned writer who has written several articles on different interior designing techniques and his articles also gives light on the various uses of kitchen's interior, Kitchen tiles, Ceramic tiles, Granite tiles, Bathroom tiles and Mirror tiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Oramy

Use Kitchen Tiles and Add an Unmatchable Beauty to the Place

You must be well aware of the fact that kitchen tile is becoming famous with the passage of time. Several makers increasingly opt for kitchen tiles as they are beautiful looking, long lasting, easy to clean and absolutely maintenance free. Once placed, you are free and would not have to invest more on kitchen's beautification. They are not really tough so you should ideally take care at the time when you are installing them in the kitchen. Any stains or marks on them can be easily cleaned with a detergent. The following write up would provide you valuable information about the most demanding tile in the world.

There is no doubt about the fact that kitchen is the place of your home that gets very dirty and untidy most of the time you use it. There is too much foot traffic here that you would definitely need something really strong to keep the floor ticking for a long time. Children, old people even visitors come inside kitchen and the possibility of stains and dirt on the tile is maximum. Oil spills, tea fall and miscellaneous items are scattered everywhere is common sight in kitchen. So at the time of making your kitchen you need to ensure that the material that you are utilising is hard and user friendly. It can be cleaned easily and it should also look beautiful.

The tiles to be installed in kitchen should be such that they are resistant to abrasions as there is numerous utensils moving around the place. Children can scatter food, make stains and you just don't have any options for them. And that is the purpose for which, the tiles installed here should be capable to fight tough abrasions without producing any wear or tear.

Talking about the floor, the tiles should be such that people don't go down as there is lot of movement all along. It should not be very slippery as the possibility of liquid fall on the kitchen floor is much higher than any other room in the home, hence, you can well understand the importance of floor kitchen tile. They should be carefully selected at the time when you are buying them in the market.

The demand of Kitchen tiles has risen manifold in the present times. Also there are number of colours, shades, hues, patterns in the market with an extensive range of shades and patterns to choose. You can select as per your requirements and creatively make your kitchen taking help of professionals who can provide an extra style to the overall style of the place. Most of them have readily accepted them, it is time you follow the latest trend.

About the Author:-

Ricky Manty is the owner of a major tile installation company in UK. He has made significant contribution in providing tile installation and maintenance tips for the buyers of bathroom tiles, Kitchen tiles and Marble tiles. Read his expert articles to get easy and affordable solutions for your tiling projects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Manty

Tips to Find the Best Kitchen Floor Tiles

The best kitchen floor tiles will vary from room to room as well as different situations. The best kitchen floor tiles for you should work within your space, budget, as well as your overall design. Here are a few tips for finding the best kitchen floor tiles for your space.

Go with something a little bit neutral. This can still be interesting. However, tile is a pretty big commitment. You want to make sure that you have design durability and choose a tile that can hold up to your family. For more of a vintage look try going with a white and black checkerboard. This will tie in different colors of appliances and cupboards but also adds a graphic element to your room. You can also use this in a contemporary design style. Another option is to go with a Spanish terracotta finish tile. This lends a warm red, orange, or clay color to the room without being too bold. Depending on the area of the country in which you live it might even be the traditional tile for your home.

Decide whether you want your floor to blend in our stand out. Flooring is usually the focal point of the room. Instead, you might want to focus in on stainless steel appliances or beautiful kitchen cabinets. In this case you'll want the other items to be the stars of the room. Then you can focus more on a neutral background with your flooring. In this case you should go with basic colors such as white, gray, or taupe.

The best kitchen floor tiles should solve problems. You can use them as a tool to bridge gaps in your room that don't match. You could pull out your floor color and match a particular cabinet color. This will give life to your entire room on a budget. It can also help you save items that you would have thought you had to tear out before. The right kitchen flooring can really lend a cohesive style to the rest of your space.

The best kitchen floor tiles work for how you actually live. They should be durable and not crack if you drop a pot on them. You also want to find something that works for your lifestyle. Natural stones can require that you seal them. You might want something that is a little less maintenance in which case a ceramic tile might be the way to go.

Learn more about large artwork. Stop by Sara Gilmore's articles where you can find out all about kitchen floor tiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Gilmore

Kitchen Backsplash Tiles - Why Tiles Are Better Than Trays

A beautifully designed kitchen backsplash will serve to liven up the kitchen. There are different materials you can use for this purpose. Each material has an advantage over the other therefore, you have to consider the material with the highest benefit. This article will examine kitchen backsplash tiles compared to other methods. Using tiles for your backsplash means that it is a permanent feature in the kitchen. Other materials such as decorative trays are not permanent and therefore appropriate if you intend to leave the house after a while. These materials are also compared to the tiles hence perfect for someone designing the backsplash on a budget.

Using other materials to create your backsplash gives you total freedom to explore and display your creativity. This is because you can use any practical material such as platters, framed prints, framed tea towel or even your own photos. You can also extend the decorations to cover the whole wall. With kitchen backsplash tiles, you are limited to glass or ceramic tiles. Extending the tiles all over the wall is also not practical. Another major difference is the installation process. With kitchen backsplash tiles, you need some technical knowledge and proper preparation before undertaking the task. With the other materials, the installation process is quite simple and therefore does not require too much preparation. You also have room to change any material that does not fit with the overall kitchen decor at a later date. This may not be possible with the tiles.

Despite these, kitchen backsplash tiles are still superior in terms of durability and maintenance. They only need regular cleaning and will not be damaged by water or other weather elements. They also display a higher level of commitment to the process of decorating the kitchen since they are not seasonal like the other materials. All these characteristics indicate that tiles are superior.

Stanley Hardin has been writing articles for more than 5 years. Not only does this author specialize on the subjects of health, diet, fitness and weight loss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stanley_Hardin

Friday, March 12, 2010

Variety in Shower Tiles

There is a lot to be said for shower tiles. They are easily maintained, easy to clean, they make for a neater looking shower and they are less likely to mold and mildew. Your bathroom is a direct link to your homes decor. The better your bathroom looks the better the rest of the house looks but you have to remember to stay the similar decor for the bathroom as you have for any room that the bathroom opens into. For example, you don't want a retro style bathroom with a contemporary style bedroom if they are attached.

Shower tiles come in a wide variety of styles, colors and materials. Marble and ceramic are probably the most well know materials for shower tiles. But are you aware they also are available in porcelain, mosaic and granite as well? You can purchase shower tiles for the floor as well as for the wall of your bathroom and shower. It is not recommended that you use the same tiles on the floor as you use on the walls for one main reason. Wall tile is generally glazed which gives it a shiny and slick feel to it when it is wet. Glazed tile on the floor would create a slipping hazard and could be dangerous.

Some tiles do not need glazing to make them shiny. Marble and granite for instance are natural stones and when polished they will naturally be shiny. Most mosaic shower tiles are made of glass and glass is naturally shiny because of the sand that is used to create it. You will find that shower tiles have many varying styles, colors, designs and prices. Bathroom tile is no different than tile that is used in the kitchen. They are both made of the same materials but one may be slightly smaller than the other.

Some retailers only carry limited amounts of some shower tiles. This may make it necessary for them to order sufficient amounts in order to complete large projects. This should not affect the cost of the tiles and in many cases there is no cost for ordering either. Granite and marble tile may be slightly higher than other tiles of similar design. The materials, designs and size of the tiles will have an effect on the prices. Bathroom tile can be found at most local home and building supply stores at competitive prices.

Ceramic and porcelain shower tiles are the least expensive tiles. Mosaic tiles mix different shapes and colors to create a design where porcelain and ceramic tile is molded with the design in them. All shower tiles are easy to clean with a general cleanser and a sponge or cloth. This does not mean there may be times that a little elbow grease may not be necessary to remove hard water stains or soap scum. If you have a special surface on your tile, you may want to ask local retailers if there is a special cleanser that you can use to prevent damage to the surface.

For more about the home decor benefits of Shower Tiles, visit http://www.showerremodelingonline.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Wynn

Painting Ceramic Tile - Bad Tile? Paint It!

Painting ceramic tile is one of the best home makeovers you can easily (and cheaply!) accomplish. With the wide variety of colors and stencils available these days, transforming a tiled area with fabulous results is as easy as painting the walls.

Any tiled area in your home can be painted over with the exception of areas with water/high humidity. There are products out there that can handle the moisture in these areas (bathtub or shower surrounds or floors), but they are best left to the experts.

To begin, choose your paint wisely. Oil-based paints will stick better, but take longer to dry thoroughly. Acrylic paints will peel without properly preparing the tile ahead of time. If you choose acrylic paints, you will spend more time preparing the area for painting than you will actually painting.

Simple steps for painting ceramic tile:

1. Thoroughly clean the area to be painted with a mild abrasive cleanser. Make sure you clean the grout as well.
2. Buy, beg or borrow an orbital sander - even a hand-held unit will do. Sand the tile lightly, just enough to scratch the shiny glaze and give the paint something to hold on to. If you are using acrylic paint, you will want to remove most (if not all) of the glaze.
3. Clean the tile again to remove the dust from sanding. Let the area dry for 48 hours (the grout takes longer to dry).
4. Paint your tiles with a high adhesion primer and let dry completely. Add a second coat if the tile color shows through.
5. Very lightly sand over the primer again, to remove any upright points the paint roller may have left. Be careful not to sand off too much!
6. Paint your area, using a low-nap roller. If your paint is too thick, thin it slightly, according to the manufacturers instructions.
7. You can add stencils, stripes or free hand designs at this point. Let your imagination guide you!
8. After your new color is completely dry (about 2 days), apply at least one coat of water-based urethane, to protect the surface of the paint. Painted tile floors will want additional coats of urethane, to preserve that fabulous new look.

Painting ceramic tile does not have to be hard or expensive. With the right tools and know-how, you can create a unique style in any area of your home, inside or out. These simple steps can be used on new, loose tile as well, to create one-of-a-kind trivets, coasters and more, or for future tiling use. Kids can help and create their own masterpieces as well, for gift-giving or show-and-tell at school. Explore your creative side and gain valuable experience doing smaller projects before tackling that spare bathroom with the lime green tile.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about painting ceramic tile [http://makingceramics.info/painting-ceramic-tile-bad-tile-paint-it], please visit Making Ceramics [http://makingceramics.info] for current articles and discussions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Pearson

Porcelain Tiles Are Simply Gorgeous

These tiles are made by mixing clay and other substances together and heating it at extremely high temperatures. However, the hardness and porousness of these are depends upon the length of time and temperature they are exposed to. These are much harder than ceramic tiles as the former is fired for a longer duration.

These make popular flooring material but can also be used on walls. The glazed type is preferred for bathroom walls, primarily because of its low water absorption rate. Porcelain tiles are graded on their hardness and their ability to resist moisture absorption. There is a special scale to rate from zero to five, with five being the hardest. The harder tiles are applied on floors and wall, while the lower rated material are normally used as electrical insulator in appliances and other electronic equipments. The best porcelain tiles are the ones that make it to the highest ratings. But, the lower grade tiles are suitable for other applications..

These are chip resistant and are perfect material for counter top surfaces. More often than not, These are not only prove to be more resistant than natural stones, but are also easier to maintain. It does not call for any special sealants or treatments and can be less absorbent than natural stone.

There are certain points to consider while going for porcelain tiles. For example, outdoor applications will need frost proof tiles as these are the hardest rated tiles. Always look for full bodied tile, which means that the color of the tile goes all the way through the tile and this will be the hardest tile. This is mandatory while floorings. Often, these tiles are manufactured with only a hint of color on the surface that can corrode with prolonged exposure. Porcelain tile does not have the same design option that is available with ceramic tile.

Away from others these are expensive as compared to ceramic tiles but effectively prove to be cost-effective in the long-run. The cost generally depends upon the tile rating and the pattern. Size also plays a major role in deciding the cost. Most of the home improvement stores will feature an array of Porcelain tile. These tiles are a great value for money as they are durable and stain-proof.

About the author:-
Thomasan Adison is a renowned writer in the field of tile installations. He has the expertise in the installation, grouting and maintenance technique for the natural stone tiles. His expert guidance would solve your queries related to Porcelain tiles , Travertine Tiles, Ceramic Tiles etc. You can go through his informative content and get easy solutions for your household projects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomasan_Adison

How to Choose a Flooring Tile

The Greeks and the Babylonians probably worried about choosing a flooring tile just as much as we do. Tiles have been discovered in the ruins of those civilizations and in the Pyramids. The decorated tiles that we now take for granted originated in Persia before moving around the world. Tiles come in all shapes and sizes, and with many different types of decoration, so there are a lot of issues to consider when selecting the right tile.

Tile Shape And Size

To begin with, think about the shape. Tiles that are square or rectangular are easier to fit than those with an irregular shape. The size of the tiles is also important. Tiny mosaic tiles may look beautiful, but large tiles will be much easier to fit. If you are planning to fit them yourself, this is a major consideration. Make sure that all your tiles are the same size. Expansion during the manufacturing process can result in variations of up to a quarter of an inch.

It's also important to think about the decoration. Perhaps you want unglazed tiles in a terracotta or other natural finish. Maybe glossy glazed tiles would be the better finish for your bathroom floor. Make sure that your tiles have the same shade number and come from the same lot. This will minimize any differences in color.

Tile Location

To help make the decision on the right flooring tile, think about where you're going to use it. Porcelain tile is hard wearing and is suitable for use in a range of settings, especially outdoors. Ceramic tile may be a good choice for a bathroom or kitchen where tiles will be susceptible to moisture. Another way to narrow down tile choice is to consider the rating. Whether your tile supplier is McDonough in Atlanta, Shaw or an international supplier such as Interceramic, they will generally give a rating to the floor tile. Here's how it works.

PEI Tile Ratings

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rates tiles according to how hard they are, how much moisture they absorb and how durable they are. The re are five PEI ratings can help you to choose the right flooring tile. Group 1 tile is suitable for light traffic such as in bathrooms. Group 2 is suitable for medium traffic, while group 3 is for medium to heavy traffic, and can be used anywhere within the home. Group 4 are for heavy traffic and may be used in commercial environments, while Group 5 are for extra heavy traffic and may be used anywhere. Thinking about the high traffic areas of your house will guide you as to which type of tile is appropriate for which part of your home.

Size, shape, color, glazing and rating are the key considerations when choosing a flooring tile. Check out our Atlanta tile store to see a full range of flooring tile options.

Sharon Hurley Hall is a professional freelance writer, ghostwriter and blogger. Check out this Atlanta Tile Store for more help with flooring tiles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Hurley_Hall

Choosing Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Kitchen backsplash tiles are the perfect place to explore -- and experiment with -- all the many wonderful kinds of tile now available. Because the backsplash is a small area with high visibility, you can really explore the decorative possibilities of ceramic, stone, glass, and metal tiles. You won't have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful design.

Don't worry too much about choosing the perfect tile for your kitchen backsplash the first time you visit a tile showroom. The chances are good that the first tile you admire won't be your final choice, because the variety is so great. Just choose a tile that appeals to you in some way -- color, texture, shape, size, or any combination of those elements. That will be a starting point, while you learn about kitchen backsplash tiles and discover which tiles are best suited to your project.

A kitchen backsplash doesn't get the same kind of wear-and-tear that a mudroom floor, for example, gets every day. Backsplash tiles don't need to be as durable as many others. You won't have to limit your choices to the toughest and most durable tiles on the market. Feel free to experiment with materials and colors that you've never considered before. Don't be afraid to try art tiles and handmade tiles, if you see some that you like. A really wide range of tiles can be used for backsplashes!

It's important to consider how easy a tile is to clean when you're planning to use it in your kitchen. Unglazed tiles have a beautiful texture, but they are more likely to stain than glazed tiles. Stone tiles are also quite porous. Don't worry, though! Tiles can be sealed to make them suitable for use as kitchen backsplash tiles.

This is a great place to splurge on a more expensive choice. You get a lot of bang for your buck with kitchen backsplash tiles! The area to be covered is quite small, but it makes a huge difference in the look and feel of your entire kitchen. A little luxury here will make the entire room feel luxurious.

The best way to find out whether a tile is both beautiful in your house and suitable for use in your kitchen is to take home a few sample tiles. Put them on your countertop and lean them against your old backsplash. Leave them there for a few days, and use your kitchen as you normally do. You'll soon discover which tiles can stand up to the wear and tear of your family's life! Even more important, you'll be sure how the tile looks under your kitchen lights and next to your cabinets.

Have fun experimenting! You don't have to choose your new kitchen backsplash in a single afternoon. Try different textures and colors, and don't be afraid to mix different materials. Take your time exploring the wonderful tiles on the market, and you'll end up with a kitchen backsplash that you'll love for years to come.

Lou Paun is often called the HouseHuzzy because she loves old houses. And new houses. And . . . well . . . just about all houses! She writes more about kitchen backsplash tiles at http://kitchenbacksplashtile-househuzzy.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_Paun

Kitchen Counters - The Latest Trend

I have visited a lot of homes since I have been with Re/Max Houston over the past 20 years. I've been selling Houston real estate now since 1981. For most of these years, I have been advising homeowners on the proper "staging" of their home in order to facilitate a sell. Heck, back in the dark ages, staging was not even in our vernacular. If memory serves me, we called it, "Hey lady, you need to do something with your home if you want to sell it." Staging sounds much more professional.

During this time, there have been a number of hot button trends that have come and gone with time. I should say, with the passing of decades. With another of my landmark birthdays on the horizon, let me just say that trends come and go. A wise seller and Realtor will be in tune with these trends if they want to maximize the value of their property much less sell it as well.

For example, in the 1980's, new carpet was a must for the proper staging of a home for sale in Houston, TX. That orange or green shag carpet from the previous decade just had to go. Peace, love and Jimmie Hendricks lives, but not if they wanted to sell their home. It was time to move on, tune in and change the carpet. Oh! That butcher block laminate kitchen counter was to die for. Try to sell a production built home in Houston then without butcher block. Forget it!

The early 1990's was all about tile. Just install tile on the floor, the counters, bathtub, walls and even the front porch and you were all set. Ok, a little wood flooring here and there could not hurt either. Now, that was staging, 1990's style.

Today, one of the significant hot-button trends are kitchen counters. What Re/Max Houston professional doesn't hear daily, "Is there granite in the kitchen," the buyer asks? Your home in Katy, Texas or Sugar Land for example, needs to have four bedrooms, a game room or media room and it would be really great if it had granite kitchen counters. While granite seems to be the soup de jour, granite is not the only game in town. In fact, you might be surprised what countertop still reigns at the top of the heap.

As you can imagine, homeowners have a plethora of kitchen counter options. Have small children? You might prefer a counter that be cut, eat, spill, and even do homework on. Ok, is has to look good too and it must fit into the family budget. Just keep in mind, when marketing a home in the Houston real estate market, the appearance of the kitchen is very important today. A nice countertop can add pizzazz to your kitchen and facilitate a sell. So, here is the "low down" on the current "up town" kitchen countertops.

When touring homes, buyers are quite surprised to find lovely stone backsplashes and-laminate counters? That's right! Hold on to your hat because laminate, not stone is still the most common material used for kitchen counters. Laminate tops are inexpensive, durable, come in an array of colors and are easy to install. Did I mention less expensive. Manufacturing technologies have improved the appearance providing a variety of looks. Many production builders in the greater Houston real estate market still rely on laminate counters to keep their costs down. You want granite? Well, here is your upgrade price.

Fifteen years ago, granite was still somewhat of a rarity. Today, due to greater availability and an increased number of fabricators, granite tops are much more common and more affordable. On the average, the retail price of a typical granite countertop will run about $30.00 to $35.00 a square foot installed. A little more exotic granite could cost about $80.00 a square foot installed. Granite is available in many colors. Since each piece of granite is unique, it is important to visit the fabricator to select the exact slabs you would like to use. Granite requires little maintenance, but you must be careful with unsealed granite being damaged by hot grease. Granite is usually installed by a professional.

Engineered stone, such as "Corian" and "Silestone," combine the beauty of natural stone and the functional benefits of a solid-surface material. They are composed of a blend consisting of crushed natural stone bound together with synthetic materials. They are non-porous countertops, difficult to stain and have excellent scratch resistance qualities. These products are typically installed by authorized contractors of the manufacturer which can increase the cost of installation. The retail price of these engineered stone products can run about $55.00 a square foot and more. A natural stone such as granite can actually cost less depending on which stone you select.

Acrylic and polyester tops such as the old cultured marble that is installed in many bathroom counters, are available now in hundreds of different colors and textures. They are non-porous which makes them excellent for food preparation. They can be formed into many shapes and sizes. Correctly installed, these products appear seamless as well unlike laminate. If burned or scratched, the damage can usually be buffed and sanded out. They are durable products, and they typically should be installed by a trained professional.

Of course, there is always tile. Tile now comes in a huge variety of colors, materials and prices. Tile does offer great design flexibility too. Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are the least porous and work well in the kitchen environment. Marble, unglazed clay and limestone tiles are softer and more absorbent. These products are best used for bathrooms. With tile, grout is part of the equation. The proper grout material and color must be selected with the appropriate tile.

It's now decision time. As a homeowner, what kitchen counter do you install that adds value, looks nice and will facilitate a sell in the future? Oh, it must fit your pocketbook too. If we have learned anything, the answer can depend upon what decade you decide to sell your home. Today, the smart choice is probably with granite based on demand, cost and appearance. In 2010 however, it's anyone's guess. Best recommendation: install and enjoy. You are the one who has to live there now. If you have the right home in a good location, a buyer in the future will still buy your home, even if aluminum foil is the product of choice. Trends, after all, come and go.

Contact Richard Elkowitz for Houston Real Estate [http://www.houston-real-estate-specialist.com] and Searching Homes for Sale in Houston, TX [http://www.houston-real-estate-specialist.com/Homes-For-Sale-Houston-TX.aspx]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Elkowitz

The Most Popular Marble Floor Tile Varieties Today

Marble floor tiles are becoming very popular for use in homes all over the world.

And even though these types of tiling materials have been around for centuries, it is just now that a wider segment of society is taking a much closer look at the many benefits that they have to offer. It would be safe to say that if you are looking to update your house, then using marble flooring may be the way to go.

The Choice Of Flooring Material Helps In Improving A Home's Aesthetic Value

The choice of flooring material carries a major role in the overall look and functionality of a home, is just as vital as the other furnishings that you put in the house. Since marble floor tiles help to create a healthy mix of elegance and functionality, it is considered to be one of the finest materials to be used for flooring.

There are a lot of different varieties and designs of marble tiles sold in shops and hardware stores, with each one varying in color, texture and veining, finish and overall look. The different marble tiles available today offer a wide array of uses and applications, which makes some individuals prefer certain types of marble tiles over the others.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

The focal point of any kitchen is a beautiful countertop. Ceramic tile is perhaps the most suitable option for kitchen countertops. Ceramic tile is also ideal to give an upscale as well as artistic appearance to countertops. In addition, ceramic tile countertops form smart alternatives to kitchen remodeling and cabinet re-facing projects. Ceramic tile countertops are now available in a range of colors, textures, patterns, and shapes.

Ceramic tile countertops are resistant to heat, scratch, and stain. Cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility are their other advantages. Usually, ceramic tiles can be installed on all types of countertops like those made of plywood, cement, and lightweight aggregates. But, the main thing is the application of the right backing under the tiles. The selection of sink type is also important. Usually, sinks selected for ceramic tile countertops are 'tile in' and 'self rimming' types. The tile in type sink is generally set below the tile surface, and the other type is set on the top of the tile. Typically, the size of ceramic tile countertop ranges from one square inch to six square inches. Today, trim tiles are available to cove backsplashes and front edge treatments.

Installing ceramic tile countertop includes steps such as preparing the counter surface, laying out the tiles, applying adhesives, embedding the tiles, setting the edge tile, setting and spacing tiles, setting perimeter tiles, and applying sealer and grout. Ceramic tile countertops are generally set on mortar bed or cement backer board with thin set mortar. For best results, the field tile, the trim, and accents must be carefully selected. As they are easy to clean, it is always advisable to use cement grouts and epoxy grouts. Finishes such as glazed, porcelain, quarry, and mosaic can be applied to add to the charm of ceramic tile countertops.

Ceramic tile countertops have certain downsides too. Since the grout between the tiles is light color and can harbor germs, they require constant maintenance and cleaning. Ceramic tiles are prone to break, and they cannot be easily repaired.

Ceramic Tile provides detailed information on Ceramic Tile, Ceramic Floor Tile, Ceramic Tile Design, Installing Ceramic Tile and more. Ceramic Tile is affiliated with Mosaic Arts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough

Ceramic Tile Counter Tops For the Bathroom

Ceramic Tile is a great material to be considered for a counter top in any Bathroom space. These tiles can add texture, be integrated with back splashes and are available in many different color palettes. Primarily made from clay and various natural minerals and materials, Ceramic tiles get their strength once exposed to extreme heat. From a bathroom design perspective, this product can be a great fit.

Cost

Ceramic tiles for bathroom counter tops are available in many sizes, shapes, thicknesses, colors, textures, and strengths all at various prices. You can spend as little as $.99 a sq foot to as high as $45.00 a sq foot for designer tiles.

Color/Design

Ceramic tiles are a porous material thereby requiring a sealant or in other words a glaze. A natural glaze application would allow for the tile to gain a hard surface but would also leave the tile with its natural hue. In order for a tile to have a particular color, pigments are then added to the glaze and once fired, become an intentionally colorful tile.

The options truly are endless for tiles with respect to color, texture and style. The difficult part is really deciding which one best fits with your space!

* Glass tiles can be a beautiful addition to your bathroom counter tops as well. Remember that glass tiles are clear with color pigment inside the tile themselves. They change color with light, grout and backing. Durability

With respect to durability, all tiles are ranked using a Roman numeral grading system of I to V. Today the internet and discount tile supply stores are a fantastic option for getting great prices on tiles, but beware that not all packages will be properly labeled to distinguish a strength grade.

In bathroom counters it is vitally important to have a tile with at least a grade III strength rating. With respect to durability, a grade III or higher glazed ceramic tile is an excellent solution for counter tops in any Bathroom for many reasons: It is very strong and can last almost as long as any other counter top surface product on the market today if installed properly and well maintained.

Scratch resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles rank highly among similar materials for scratch resistance.

Strength - Although the strength of glazed ceramic tiles are ranked in grades and can be very strong with respect to wear and scratching, these counter tops can be more susceptible to damage than laminate and solid surface. Very heavy objects could eventually create enough pressure over time to crack tiles and should something heavy fall onto the counter, breakage will most likely occur. It is possible to fix broken tiles, however this process can also damage surrounding tiles so diligence is needed when doing so.

Fire resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles are fire resistant and will not burn or emit toxic fumes.

Water resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles are moisture resistant with an absorption rate of 3% to 7%. If water is left pooling on a ceramic surface for a prolonged period of time, damage can be expected. Proper cleaning and vigilance will keep tiles looking like new.

Maintenance - Cleaning spills quickly and occasionally cleaning the grout can prolong the life of your ceramic tile counter top.

Construction/Installation

It is not necessary to have Ceramic tile counter tops professionally installed, make sure you follow these few rules and you'll be fine.

1. Do your research and seek out credible advice. There are several fantastic websites designed to help you install your ceramic tile counter tops and be sure to visit your local building centers where some will host free lessons on tiling. The more information and advice you can receive the less mistakes may be made therefore saving you money!

2. Choosing a color or style of bathroom counter top tile is an important consideration, but so is your grout! Be sure to get the right grout and don't forget to choose the right grout color as well. Be aware of the look you are trying to achieve and realize that your choice of grout color could dramatically change the overall look of your bathroom counter for better and for worse! Space between your tiles is also something very important to consider. Greater effect and style can be created in something as simple as tile spacing.

3. Another tile to consider installing is un-manufactured tile or hand-made tiles. One very important thing to note about using and installing these tiles is that each tile is generally different. This tile can add rustic beauty to your space but beware of inconsistencies; your end result may not resemble your intention!

Environment/Health

Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom counter tops in that they are very easy to clean. These tiles are non-conductive and therefore do not attract dust and dirt. From a green perspective ceramic tiles are ideal. Created from natural ingredients they are not harmful to landfills and post consumer recycled glass is a great option if you are so inclined.

In conclusion, Ceramic tiles are Very sexy and allow for much creativity in your bathroom design. Ceramic tiles are very prevalent in Mexican and Spanish design for a reason. They are durable and versatile and you can incorporate your ceramic tile counter tops into your back splash, match them to your floors; create a great space with unlimited possibilities!

The Oops Factor

Ceramic & Glass counter tops can be a scary bathroom choice due to breakage and maintenance! Although easy to clean, tough on spills, heat resistant and sanitary, these counter tops are problematic for damage! The tiles are also subject to breaking when abused so be careful with heavy items and try to always clean spills quickly to avoid staining your grout. With proper care you can have a great relationship with ceramic tile counter tops in your bathroom for years to come.

Michael Kyle is Co-founder of The Sexy Bathroom.Com and The Sexy Kitchen.com Two great web sites dedicated to Kitchen & Bathroom Design, Planning and Materials as well as a great resource for design photo's and entertaining.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Kyle

Why Value Ideas For Kitchen Tile Backsplash

For those that are not exactly creatively inclined, the very thought of ferreting out innovative ideas for a kitchen tile backsplash can deflate their optimism. It's a supremely onerous task that is considered cerebral by those that cannot look beyond the parochial realms of interior design books.

But if you are in dire need to revitalizing your kitchen space, you cannot treat these ideas as anonymous abstractions. In fact, they are your only succor when you are trying really hard to create drama and intrigue in that dull and lifeless space.

So jettison that inveterate ambivalence, and get set to greet these proven tile backsplash ideas for the kitchen with glee.

What Makes These Ideas Tick

All this song and dance about kitchen tile backsplash ideas can seem quite cacophonous to those that fail to understand their tremendous creative and artistic heft. Here's why these ideas have managed to capture the imagination of homeowners and designers alike:

Their individuality and inimitability is really their USP. They have managed to carve a niche for themselves with their stunning array of colors, finishes and designs.
Painted and glazed, these tiles manage to elicit piquant reactions as a matter of routine.
The riot of colors that spreads liveliness and cheer all around remains untainted by external elements.
The ease of installation is another feather in their already overflowing cap.
With such a spectacular assortment of shapes, sizes and colors, it takes just a modicum of vision and effort to create a stunning work of art.
Whether you decide to follow the norm and match the tiles with the floors and counters, or chose to do something completely bold and brazen, the choice is entirely yours.
Mix and match assume a whole new meaning with these tiles. You can either cover the entire wall with tiles of the same size or use different tiles varied in colors and size to cause a flutter.
Traditional, rustic or modern- no theme is too overwhelming for these tantalizing tiles.

So if you want your kitchen to suffuse you with pride, you better open your mind to these awe-inspiring ideas.

See exactly how you can easily generate 100's of BRILLIANT Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas ... F-A-S-T ! See http://www.TrulyLovelyHome.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krishna_Charanadasa

Ceramic Tile Or Porcelain Tile - Which is Better?

The answer to this question really depends on where the tile will be used. Currently, over 80% of tiles used for flooring are porcelain tiles, while the majority of tiles used for walls, backsplashes and counter tops are ceramic tiles. Exterior surfaces, like patios, are usually pavers, or porcelain tiles.

The reasons have to do with durability in the case of floor tiles. While price, color, and design choices have a lot to do with the ceramic tiles selected for walls, backsplashes and counter tops.

Ceramic tiles have been around for thousands of years. This is a testimonial to their durability and versatility. The body of the tile (called the bisque) is made up of clay and other minerals. When combined, these raw materials give the bisque its strength and stability.

The quality of the tile has to do with the quality of the manufacturer, density of the clay, and breaking strength of the tile. Porcelain is simply a finer grade of clay and makes a harder tile body.

Porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles because porcelain tiles are very dense. When baked at 1800 degrees, a surface color is created on the porcelain tiles. But when baked at 2200 degrees, the color goes through the entire body of the tile.

Therefore, if these get a chipped, it will not show as much as on a tile with only a surface coloring. Porcelain tiles can be used outside, even in areas where the temperature gets below freezing. They are considered "frost resistant" (not freeze proof). This makes porcelain suitable for patios since the elements will not damage it.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are wear rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). This system of rating tiles is approved by the American Society of testing and Materials (ATSM). The ratings are as follows:

PEI 1 = Not hard enough to walk on. Use on walls only.

PEI 2 = Use on wall and bathroom floors only. But only use smaller tiles on the floors. Larger tiles (6 x 6 or 8 x 8) may crack with prolonged foot traffic.

PEI 3 = Use on kitchen and bathroom counter tops, walls and floors where foot traffic is not heavy (okay for residential).

PEI 4 = Can be used in residential, commercial and light institutions.

PEI 5 = Use in all residential and/or commercial applications (malls, airports, etc.) This rating means the tiles are very resistant to chipping or cracking.

Many tiles have a glaze applied to the surface. Unglazed tiles have greater slip resistance than glazed tiles and are therefore recommended for areas subjected to water. The advantages of glazed tiles are that you get an unlimited color range, and greater stain resistance. Unglazed tiles will give you better wear, and added slip resistance.

It is possible to find tiles that feature abrasive grit on their surface, which substantially reduces the possibility of slipping. These tiles are well-suited for public areas and the outdoors. There is another testing process just for the glaze. This is called the Mohs test, and it determines the hardness (scratch resistance) of the glaze.

As you can see, there are many levels of quality, which determine the various levels of pricing. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. However, there's always the possibility that you are misinformed about the tile you are buying.

It's important to deal with suppliers who will give you the straight story and have your best interest in mind when suggesting tiles for your home.

Here's a tip regarding installation. Make sure the sub-floor is dry, stable and sturdy before applying floor tiles. If the sub-floor is "spongy" (in the case of plywood) or damp (in the case of basement concrete slabs) your tiles will eventually crack.

Installing ceramic or porcelain tile in your home adds value, and enhances the quality of your lifestyle. One of the best benefits for a homeowner is the low cost of maintaining tile floors and walls. Relax and enjoy.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about porcelain tile, and take advantage of the resources on http://www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com, where guidance, information and support are always available for homeowners with remodeling projects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Gueli

Tile Style - An Introduction to the Various Types of Floor Tiles Available - Part 1 - Ceramic Tiles

Finding the cheapest tile and best looking is not always the way to go when you decide to tile your floor. There are a number of factors which should first be taken into consideration before you rush out and buy something, so here I hope to explain and give you an insight into the various types of floor tiles available which could be most suitable for your skills and particular application.

Starting with the most basic and common of all, ceramic tiles are certainly a great all-rounder suitable for most indoor applications, be it either for floor or wall. Their popularity is defined by them as being an inexpensive and easy to work with option when floor tiling, but like all things they do have some drawbacks.

Ceramic tiles are basically made of compressed clay with a pattern added, which is then sealed topside with a hardened gloss film giving them a distinctive glaze. They are quite durable and resilient, however compared to other tile styles can be easily chipped and broken. This is easily seen by the use of a tile breaker tool which can only be used with ceramic tiles as a fast method of cutting them in straight lines. A wheel is used to score the glaze on the tile, and then with applied pressure can break it into two pieces. Very similar to cutting glass, and if you get a shard from a broken tile stuck in your finger you can find it just as sharp.

These tiles are impractical for commercial applications where they can be more easily prone to damage, but are ideal for use in the home, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Another drawback is there exact sizing. If you choose to pay less for low-end tiles, then you'll obviously get poorer quality manufactured floor tiles. They could vary in size by up to 1/8" of a difference, and this discrepancy of dimensions can really throw your grout lines way off if you're not too careful.

On the plus side though, they are lightweight to work with, very waterproof so long as the glaze has not been chipped thus exposing the bare clay, and they are very easy to wipe clean. An ideal tile to start with for the beginner in floor tile laying, and can be reasonably cheap to allow a window for error when tackling your first floor tile project.

For a FREE 74 Minute DVD on Floor Tiling and more information on how to lay floor tiles, visit Matt Seiling of Seiling's Floors website at http://www.seilingsfloors.com/free

It took Matt almost 3 years to perfect his book "A Unique Step-By-Step Guide: Making Floor Tiling Easier". He wanted to make it as accessible as possible for people of all varying degrees of experience. From 1st time beginner, to the veteran that's been tiling for years, this book covers everything necessary to learn floor tiling, with many shortcuts and pro tips that make the job faster and easier. For an opportunity to either purchase the book, or receive a Free DVD on floor tiling, go to http://www.SeilingsFloors.com. Click on the FREE DVD, to see what special promotion he has to offer to his readers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Seiling

Tiling Advice and Tips - What Different Types of Tiles Are There?

There are many different types of tiles for wall tiling, floor tiling, porch and conservatory tiling and even swimming pool tiling which you can find for your tiler to lay or fix to your surfaced to be tiled, but it helps to know the difference between types of tiles and also find out which ones are right for your particular jobs. Tiles can be broadly categorised as follows in terms of the materials that they are composed of:

Ceramic Tiles

One of the most popular types of tiles. Ceramic tiles are widely used in bathroom and kitchen wall tiling. Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed, with glazed being the most popular in home improvement. Unglazed ceramic tiles tend to be used more in commercial tiling.

Quarry Tiles

Quarry tiles are made from fired earth or clay. These types of tiles have been around for many years and have been used widely in the UK alone for hundreds of years. They are extremely durable and are used often on commercial workplace floors, for example in commercial kitchens or food preparation areas. However, they are also very popular in home improvement and considered very traditional. Period kitchens look particularly fetching when quarry tiles are laid. They are also good for porch floors and verandah's and even some conservatory floor tiling. Bear in mind though that quarry tiles tend to be very thick so tiling jobs using these types of tiles can be more costly due to the increased labour times and blades used for cutting the tiles. Tilers with good business sense will have to incorporate this additional labour and disposable blades for tile cutting into their quote.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta literally means "cooked earth". Again, similar to quarry tiles these are fired. They are not as durable as quarry tiles and they are extremely absorbent. If you are using terracotta tiles you will most likely need to use a tile sealant to finish the tiling job to the correct standard and to avoid problems with loose and damp floor tiling.

Porcelain Tiles

Similar to ceramic tiles and very hardwearing and durable. They tend to be more expensive than the basic ceramic tiles on the market. Again, you can buy them glazed or unglazed. Their absorbency levels are lower than that of ceramic tiling. Very popular in home improvement jobs.

Mosaic Tiles

Very small tiles made from lots of different types of tiling. Using mosaic tiling to carry out wall or floor tiling in bathrooms or kitchens can take an age. You should bear this in mind if you are looking for quotes from tilers for these types of tiles as the labour costs are likely to be much higher than if the tiles are of a standard or even large size. There are however nowadays mosaic tiles which have been placed onto a form of meshing which saves a lot of time. You can buy these at most home improvement stores or online tile suppliers. Even so, because the mosaic tiles tend to move around on the mesh you should still expect to pay more for mosiac wall or floor tiling jobs than when using standard or large size tiles. Remember this - the larger the tile, the less time and labour costs should be involved.

Natural Stone Tiles

This is generally a term which describes a group of tiles rather than defining a particular type of tile. Any type of tile which comes from natural sources such as granite, marble, slate and limestone. These are all quarried and belong to the group of natural stone tiles. They tend to be very hardwearing. Some of them are quite porous so may need to have a tiling sealant applied to find the tiling job properly.

The following types of tiles could be said to belong to the 'natural stone tile' group:

Metamorphic Marble Tiles

These are tiles which have literally changed form one type of materials to another. For example, stone can metamorph into marble over the years due to a number of changing factors such as heat, light, pressure, weather and the presence of certain catalystic minerals within its close environment.

Dolomite Marble Tiles

Marble tiles with more than a 40% magnesium carbonite are known as dolomite marble tiles. Extremely hardwearing and durable but not a very high sheen finish, unlike other types of marble tiling.

Magnesian Marble Tiles

Marble tiles with more than 5% magnesium carbonite content but less than 40% carbonite content are know as magnesium marble tiles. These will provide a higher reflective polish or 'sheen' than dolomite marble tiles. Again, these are durable tiles and extremely hardwearing.

Calcite Marble Tiles

The highest 'polish' or 'sheen' category of marble tile. When marble has less than 5% magnesium carbonite it is known as 'calcite marble'. The sheen is very high and very reflective but this type of marble tile will require a little more care to maintain as it can be easily discoloured by alkalis and acids coming into content with it.

Limestone Tiles

Often mined from areas near the sea. Limestone contains 'lime' from the sea. It is very easily discoloured and colours range from white through to black, grey, brown and yellow - so, a very wide range of colours to choose from. May require some care to avoid staining.

Granite Tiles

Granite tiles come in roughcast or smooth finishes and are becoming increasingly popular in home improvement jobs. It is better to use a rough finish on bathroom floors as smooth finish granite can be very slippery and could cause tripping hazards. Granite is very hardwearing and tiles can be bought in different levels of thickness. However, bear in mind again that the costs of laying granite tiles can be more expensive due to the length of time taken to make the tiling cuts and the amount of disposable tiling blades used on tile cutting equipment with granite wall and floor tiling.

Slate Tiles

Very durable, very hardwearing tiles which require little aftercare. Slate tends to be much more waterproof than other tiles making them an ideal choice for external tiling and even roof tiling. Slate tiles are becoming increasingly popular in interior home improvement jobs, featuring in bathroom tiling, kitchen tiling, splashback tiling and other areas such as fireplace hearth tiling. A very versatile type of tile.

Travertine Tiles

Travertine comes largely from rocks which are near or within mineral springs. The colours can range from white in its purest form through to yellow and brown tints which can arise as a result of reactions with the mineral springs from where it was mined. It is a beautiful tile and is commonly used in architectural buildings. Some of the more famous buildings using travertine within their architecture are the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, the Basilica in Paris and the Coliseum in Rome. Still widely used today largely for its fabulously aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Glass and Mirror Tiles

These are becoming increasingly popular in home improvement and within commercial organisations such as reception areas of modern offices and hotels and restaurants. Glass tiles come in a huge range of colours and sizes. They are easy to clean and very durable and hardwearing. They are aesthetically pleasing and good for the commercial market as well as the modern home.

Handmade Tiles

Exactly as described. These are custom made tiles created under commission possibly by a homeowner or architect wanting a completely bespoke look and feel for their tiling job. This is an expensive option however if you want something unique you can find suppliers who provide beautiful handmade tiles.

Whichever tiles you choose always ensure that you use the services of a professional tiler and check reviews on past jobs first.

Olivia works with Top TradesPeople - the free quotes website where people find good quotes from local tradesmen and where good tradesmen find jobs. Get quotes from tilers with reviews from Top Tradespeople. Tilers find tiling jobs with Top TradesPeople

Find local recommended tradesmen. Get free quotes from tradesmen with reviews on jobs in your area. Post your jobs, get free quotes, check reviews, add reviews. Tilers, plumbers, plasterers, roofers, electricians, joiners

http://www.toptradespeople.co.uk/find/trades/tradesman/tiler

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O_Reynolds

Flooring - Installing Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.

Tile Types

Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12" x 12".

Underlayment

For proper installation the base foundation or the underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of ¾" to 1 ¼" of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6" on center over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and debris prior to installation. There are leveling compounds that you can apply before applying tile if necessary.

Preparing the Site

Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor.

Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Installing the Tile

Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8" to 3/16"thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼" notched trowel for 12" x 12" tiles.

Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly.

Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tiles working from the center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond.

As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.

When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼" space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.

Grouting

After the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.

Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.

Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.

About the Author:
Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Donovan

Ceramic Tiles - Beautiful Masterpieces Giving a Vibrant Appeal

Ceramic tiles in simple terms refer to the mixture of clays that are pressed into shape and fired at high temperatures. Basically ceramic material being porous in nature needs to be sealed with a glaze.

Depending upon the customer requirements these ceramic tiles come in varies sized slabs with sides from few centimeters to more than one meter and about 5 mm to 20-25 mm in thickness. Ceramic tile due to its toughness is widely accepted as it comes with exceptional qualities that no other decorative building products can match to it. These tiles although known to be one of the very ancient products are still used in the most advanced and modern applications. Here the main advantage of the ceramic tile lies in its usage pattern is that does not change or fade from exposure. Another impressive point to highlight is its amazing capability to retain the hygiene as it do not retain liquids or absorb fumes, odors and smoke resulting in being ideally suitable for the residential and industrial purposes.

Here to offer is consumers wide variety These can be classified into two types which are glazed and unglazed tiles while glazed tiles undergo an additional phase in the firing process by deploying a liquid glass.These tiles tend to be less robust in terms of density and thickness as compared to unglazed tiles. Glazed These can achieve its desired colors by mixing certain mineral elements like gold, silver, copper, cobalt and zinc.

While on the other hand unglazed tiles tend to be denser and thicker than the glazed tiles. Due to its unfinished exteriors, they certainly become the obvious choice among the people who look for a slip resistant surface specially in the areas like laundry room or kitchen where the tile is likely to be subjected to high amounts of wetness. To make the task of selecting the right Ceramic tiles PEI guide acts as valuable source which tells about the application of these tile and further enabling its customers to opt for a tile that is strong enough to withstand the rough conditions.

About The Author:-

Mathew Hogard is an experienced tile dealer and advisor. Him articles provide informative data on maintenance and installation of Marble tiles, Floor tiles, Ceramic tiles and Limestone tiles .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mathew_Hogard

Ceramic Tile Vs Porcelain Tile Guide

As a tile professional and owner of an online tile store, the difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile has become a common question that comes up on a daily basis. I often hear a consumer say, "I need porcelain tile because if it chips nobody will notice because the color goes all the way through." Well, this is only true in through body porcelain tiles, and they are not the most common porcelain tiles. The most common form of tile is glazed porcelain tile. It is the most affordable but the color does not go all the way through.

When I hear a customer say something along these lines it is time to ask myself a question. Should I explain or educate? In this article I will attempt to do both.

First off porcelain is a much denser tile than ceramic and less likely to chip. Also it's absorption rate is less, which makes it frost resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.* But if a glazed porcelain tile chips, you will see the porcelain. In many cases buying a porcelain tile for a residential product is overdoing it and a ceramic tile will do just fine for your project.

Every tile, ceramic or porcelain, has a PEI rating. The PEI rating should be the determining factor in making your final decision, not whether the tile is ceramic or porcelain. The PEI rating will tell us how resistant a tile is to chipping or scratching. Below are the PEI ratings and the recommended use for each rating.

Rating Usage

PEI 1 Suitable for indoor walls only. Will chip and scratch easily.
PEI 2 Suitable for light traffic floors and walls.
PEI 3 Suitable for all residential applications.
PEI 4 Suitable for light commercial and residential applications.
PEI 5 Suitable for heavy commercial applications.

Almost all 12x12 ceramic tiles are rated PEI 3 or better making them suitable for all residential applications including kitchens. So don't say no to a ceramic tile that would look great in your home because of it's composition. Ask about the PEI rating and let that influence your final decision.

EDITORIAL: If your kitchen is anything like mine it falls into the light commercial category so I like to recommend my tile store customers use a PEI 4 ceramic or porcelain tile for those applications. We all know a glass or a plate is going to drop eventually, and who wants to spend their Sunday repairing a tile or worse yet hiring someone else to fix a tile. In all the other rooms in the home I would choose the tile that looks the best and fits into my budget. (PEI 3 or better of course.)

* Some glazed porcelain tile and through body porcelain tile are only rated for enclosed outdoor applications and you consult the manufacturer specifications before installing. This is especially true in locations where winters are harsh.

The Tile Man is the resident tile expert at http://www.WorldClassTiles.com, an online discount tile store offering tiles in a variety of colors, styles, and materials.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Kopietz

Kitchen Tiles, New Ingredient of a Modern Kitchen

There are excellent floor designing equipments available in several patterns and designs. They have the capacity to transform the way the kitchen and dining area look. When considering about installing tiles in the kitchen area one should keep it in mind that the tile should be non-porous because here water and stains are the main consideration. One should opt for denser tile that can tolerate higher loads. The other consideration is its slip resistance quality.

One should avoid tiles with very smooth surface for kitchen safety. Kitchen tiles should be non-abrasive and anti porous. The reason behind this is that kitchen is a place with all sharp, edgy things that can scratch the tiles and make it look dirty. Again spills are common place in kitchen. So it should have water resistant quality. The kitchen tile should be fire resistance quite unlike wooden flooring. And most importantly it should be easy to clean.

Kitchen tiles come in different shapes, colours and design which give the home owner an ample range of choice. This choice includes even backslash or fantastic pattern in kitchen and dining space. Normally there are five top materials are used in......

Ceramic: Most popular with low budget kitchens. They are affordable and durable. Comes in variety of shapes and easy to maintain. Ceramic tile is made from a mixture of clays that are pressed into shape. Tiles have either a glazed or unglazed surface. Glazed tiles have a special ceramic coating that is applied to the body of the tile and then fired under tremendous heat.
Marble: Little expensive yet very popular. But it requires high maintenance as gets marred with stains and scratches.
Granite: Granite tiles are dense, durable and have enough strength to withstand years of hard use. Granite tiles are a perfect choice for hard surface applications where durability and low maintenance is important like kitchen, countertops, high traffic floors and flooring for commercial applications. Absolute black, black galaxy, blue pearl is popular granite tiles. Granite does not stain, or scratch easily, and is chemical resistant; these qualities allow for easy, low-cost maintenance. Additionally, granite is economical in the long run, lasting for decades on end, and eliminating replacement and re-modeling costs.
Slate: It is known of its beauty and long life. Usually fitted on roof, slate tiles are prone to cracks and split. It is rough surface is very much resistant to slip even when wet or greased. It is also durable if installed with care and in a proper way. Slate tiles can also be used to keep room warm or cool creating radiant heating and cooling.
Glass: glass tile is quite popular for its beauty and variety of designs. It looks stunning after installation.

About the Author:-

Jason Colling is a renowned writer who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles, kitchen worktops, Floor tiles and tile adhesives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Colling

How To Maintain Your Marble Tile Flooring

Marble tile is a wonderful choice for homeowners because of the varied designs that come naturally with this kind of flooring. The earth-tones make it a breeze to coordinate the rest of the home with the floor, yet the venation is snowflake-like, making no two floors the same. Not only that, marble is generally hypoallergenic, it does not trap bacteria.

Now the catch is how to keep your marble tile floor as beautiful as the day you had it installed. Marble is a natural stone, thus making it pre-disposed to stains. The homeowner should take precautionary steps as well as preventive maintenance to keep their marble floor as it should be.

It would be best not to use marble in high-traffic areas (e.g. foyer, kitchen). When this is unavoidable, using a glazed marble tile is a good idea. It still needs regular cleaning, but is more resistant to staining and damage.

Marble is prone to a number of different kinds of stains. The most common are stains and discoloration caused by acidic substances which are the result of little household accidents. Spilled vinegar and citric juices are common culprits of marble floor stains. Even leaving spilled water on the marble floor may cause spots if not attended to because of the porous quality of this natural stone. The solution is to immediately mop up or wipe away the liquids that come in contact with the floor, not allowing it any time to settle.

Other common stains come from tannic liquids or solutions like tea, beer and wine. Like the way they can stain clothes, or even your teeth, they also create hard-to-remove stains on marble floors, since marble is very reactive to acidic substances. A good remover for these sort of stains is Hydrogen Peroxide with a few drops of Ammonia.

Stains in kitchens with marble floors are generally from oils. Cooking oil, oily foods and grease may leave drops on the marble tile, leaving unsightly discoloration, not to mention the hazard of slippery floors. Applying a mild household detergent and quickly scrubbing and drying the spots will get your floor spic and span.

Rust stains may result when you have metallic items which oxidize because of the damp, leaving a rust stain on your floor. Think metallic flower and ornamental plant pots. A nice little household tip to remove rust stains is to use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. It works especially well on rust stains on colored marble. The homeowner should watch out though and make sure not to let the lemon juice stay on the marble floor overlong.

Seeing a discolored marble floor is certainly disturbing. One good solution is to use Hydrogen Peroxide or bleach to return it to its original color. To maintain a good shine, using polishing powder is very effective. A buffing machine is used to apply the powder to the floor.

Now for those who would like to use a more permanent method of maintenance, diamond sanding is a good choice. This is particularly for those homeowners who would like to restore the shine their marble floor used to have. Make sure to choose a professional sander because if this method is done wrong, it may leave circular sanding marks on your floor from the use of uneven diamond abrasive pads.

Last but not the least, we have the two most important maintenance methods of all, which are the cheapest and most effective too. One, clean your marble floor daily with a neutral pH cleanser and water, making sure to dry quickly after. Two, dirt and grime tracked in from daily traffic should be cleaned or wiped away immediately. Doing these two things will definitely sustain the beauty of your marble floor, letting you and your family enjoy the charm it brings to your home.

Vanessa A. Doctor from http://jump2top.com

http://tilenet.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor

Choose the Perfect Kitchen Flooring Ideas For You

If your kitchen floor has seen better days, it may be time to replace it. It's a really easy way to do a kitchen makeover, too, since your kitchen floor materials can come from just about anything. However, think about what you do in your kitchen before you choose. There are lots of options out there, so take some time and make sure you get what's right for you.

When you're researching kitchen floor ideas, the first thing to keep in mind is its durability. Your kitchen floor probably takes a lot of abuse, from dropped pots and pans, knives and dishes to lots of foot traffic. It should be easy to clean and it should resist stains. Let's face it; you probably drop at least some food on your floor, too. The kitchen is really "the heart of the home" for many people and makes a statement about the family itself. Kitchen flooring ideas abound, and you can find something that's just right for you. To help with your research, here are some common categories you can look at to choose your kitchen flooring.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles come in a number of materials, including brick paviours, quarry tiles, and ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are made usually of clay and other materials that are natural, like mineral materials. These tiles are made stronger when they undergo extreme heat. Ceramic tile flooring can come in a number of textures, colors, and designs. What tile is going to fit your kitchen best?

Ceramic tiles are porous, so they'll need to be sealed or glazed. This makes the surface hard. Ceramic tile that has been highly glazed is great for any kitchen floor. These tiles are strong enough to outlast most of the flooring types on the market, and they're also very durable, as long as they are installed properly and maintained right. They resist scratching, and are also resistant to waterlogging or fire. Cleaning just requires light mopping and sweeping. Dust mites don't like them, so they are great if you have allergies as long as you also utilize adhesive, grout and seal it.

Wood floors

Wood floors are among the oldest of the flooring types and are great because they enhance any space, adding more than beauty, as well as style. There are more than 50 types of wood kitchen flooring available today, and each differs in grain, strength and color. This will allow you to personalize your kitchen with the design and color of your flooring, such that you can make your kitchen look completely new.

Kitchen floors made of wood can last for a very long time if they are taken care of and maintained. Today's wood floors are usually treated with fire retardant materials so that fire is prevented. Today, they're also somewhat protected against water damage, as well as from traffic dirt and stains. However, don't let water stand for long periods of time on the floor, because the wood itself may cup or crack.

Wood floors come in many varieties, and also come in varying levels of strength. For maintenance, wood floors should just need to be swept or vacuumed, with dry mopping another way you can keep it in good condition.

Natural stone

Natural stone kitchen flooring, for lack of a better word, "rocks." It can give your kitchen a luxurious look and feel and is also a way to make your kitchen timeless and beautiful. Common kitchen flooring materials of stone include marble, limestone, slate, granite, travertine and many other types.

Natural stone kitchen floor is great for your kitchen if it doesn't get a lot of high-traffic. These types of specialized stone are not inexpensive and may require a little bit more maintenance than typical ceramic tiles, for example. Generally, these types of stone flooring materials are called "luxury" materials. They have several different characteristics that make them stand out.

Limestone may be a dubious material to choose, because it can stain easily and is relatively soft. However, done right, it can make your kitchen look fantastic. The marble from limestone is created because the limestone is exposed to great heat, and these tiles are then usually sealed. Even though they are sealed, though, they can usually stain pretty easily. They're smooth and can be slippery when wet, so ask about slip resistant additions, too. Granite is porous because it is a volcanic rock that has been taken from deep beneath the earth. These tiles are durable, but don't resist staining very readily. Limestone is relatively soft and may stain very easily. If these materials do become stained, only professionals can remove the stains.

Of these choices, slate is probably the best. Slate is nonporous and it's quite resistant to stain. It also minimizes slipping even when wet, and can make a durable kitchen floor material. Travertine, too, is durable, resists both acids and bases, and comes in a variety of beautiful natural stone colors.

Mike Boysen is the primary chef in his home and has developed a keen interest in anything related to cooking. Read more about kitchen-flooring-ideas at http://www.best-kitchen-ideas.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Boysen

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