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Tips For Choosing The Right Tile For Your Kitchen Backsplash

October 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Thinking of moving soon? One of the top recommendations for adding value to your home is to update or remodel your kitchen. After all, the kitchen is the center gathering point of the home.

Yet kitchen remodels are also on the top of the budget scale, and not necessarily something you want to take on if you are thinking of moving anyway.tips for choosing the right tile for your kitchen backsplash Tips For Choosing The Right Tile For Your Kitchen Backsplash

An easier way to refresh your kitchen and give it a new look and new appeal is to add a modern backsplash instead. Tile backsplashes can be changed out quickly, can be redone without ripping out countertops or cabinetry, and can change an appearance instantly with just a little work. Need some ideas?

Focus

Always add focus and interest to the main cooking area in the kitchen. Usually the biggest area in your kitchen is above the stove, which means it’s the best place to add visual interest. Choose tile with contrast and pattern to develop your look and feel, followed by more subtle tiles to continue the color theme throughout the rest of your kitchen.

Colors and Hues

One of the most popular choices right now is a mosaic color glass tile backsplash. Those tiny tiles in an array of colors can add variety to an otherwise dull kitchen. Keep in mind that lots of color in the backsplash should play off a more monochrome countertop; too much color could leave your kitchen feeling busy.

Mix and Match

Its easy to walk into a tile store and fall in love with some of the most beautiful tile on display. Yet when you price it, you are in for the shock of your life. Fancy, elaborate tile is meant for accents, not to use throughout your kitchen. Talk with the tile consultant about how to build structure around your favorite tiles by limiting the amount of expensive tile to a central area, and surrounding it with a less expensive matching tile.

Rotate

Who says all tile has to be laid horizontally or vertically? In some cases, you can create a unique look and feel by rotating the tile and playing things up. Try laying subway tile in a diagonal pattern to change your focal point.

Plan Ahead

Before you begin adhering tile to the wall, make sure you walk the tile up the wall from bottom to top to get the full look. In many cases, people start at the bottom and lay the tile in place, only to find out that the top area needs only a sliver of tile to finish the look. In order to create more uniformity, make sure you see the look before you begin installing. It may mean cutting a little off both the top and the bottom tile in order to create the look you are trying to achieve.

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Choosing The Perfect Tile For Your Kitchen

October 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment

When it comes to creating an aesthetically pleasing kitchen, tile is at the top of the list. Yet you don’t have to stick with one type of tile, Instead, mixing and matching looks and styles can give you a look that’s unique and all your own.

When choosing tile, there are a few things to consider as you are making your final selections. After all, its important to choose the right tile for the right location. Glossy tile that looks great on the wall won’t work on the floor, where safety is your number one concern. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right tile throughout your kitchen. choosing the perfect tile for your kitchen Choosing The Perfect Tile For Your Kitchen

Determine where you will lay tile – Tile is a versatile material that can be installed just about anywhere. Tile can be placed as a backsplash behind a stove, or to add contrast between upper and lower cabinets. It is a popular countertop material, and is one of the best flooring choices around.

Determine your budget – Kitchen tile can be found in all kinds of styles, all kinds of colors … and all kinds of prices. Do your homework before you settle into a look that is beyond your budget. While there are always a variety of options available to you, be aware that sometimes its best to change your look in order to stick within your budget guidelines.

Consider your lifestyle – Although tile is one of the most resilient choices around, keep in mind that different people need different things from placement throughout the kitchen. Ceramic tiles are durable for a countertop and will hold up to heat from hot pans, and be easy to clean and maintain. However, ceramic tile surfaces can be uneven and chip or crack easily with excessive use. Only you can determine the best use for the people in your family.

Choosing floor tile should be your top concern – Its easy to get caught up in the look and feel you are creating, and not spend the necessary time thinking about the best flooring choice. Tile is durable and easy to maintain. It can withstand heavy traffic, kid and pet messes, and be easily cleaned when cooking sessions get a little crazy. However, tile is hard – a problem for people with health or back related issues. It can also be a more difficult surface for people designing with aging in place in mind. Falling on a hard, tile surface can do damage; which makes it possibly not the best choice for people with elderly family members around every day. If you have questions, its best to talk through all your needs before making a final selection.

Whatever your final choice, know that nothing looks as great or provides durability quite like tile. Stop by today and see the many choices we have on display that will be perfect for adding color and style to your kitchen remodel project.

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Using Exotic Stone Floors In Your Home

September 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Tired of the same old flooring you’ve had for years? Want something different from every home on your block?

Instead of going with the tried-but-true as you choose new flooring for your home, why not do something different, give it a little pizzazz, and look to exotic stone floors instead?

using exotic stone floors in your home Using Exotic Stone Floors In Your HomeExotic stone floors are used to up the “wow” factor of high end spaces. They are used to turn your home into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. If you are looking to increase the value of your home, plus make it both regal and sophisticated, look no further than exotic stone.

Travertine

Travertine is probably one of the most popular stones used today because it comes in many styles and colors, and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular form of limestone that is formed in hot springs caves, and has tiny holes in the surface due to the carbon dioxide that it was exposed to. It typically comes in earthy colors – browns and beiges – that make it a perfect choice when you are creating a neutral space in your home.

Soapstone

Soapstone can up the sophistication, while adding a touch of flair to any room in your home. It typically comes in dark gray or shades of black, and has a less polished look that brings more blemishes – and therefore more originality – to life. Soapstone tiles are a great addition when you are looking for a surface that is less slippery, and want a shorter turnaround time on installation. It typically will not stain, does not change color with cleaning products, and is non-absorbent, meaning its easier to maintain than a lot of exotic tiles on the market.

Slate

Slate is one of the few exotic tiles that comes in a wide variety of color, from white quartz to the darkest of blacks. With so many options, no two rooms will ever be the same. Slate is extremely durable, and in some cases can be used as exterior flooring as well, bringing your inside and outside living spaces together.

Limestone

Limestone is a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Once the flooring is sealed, its easy to maintain – simply wipe up spills to keep its overall look as good as new. Keep in mind that limestone can easily stain, so areas with a lot of traffic, or lots of standing dirt and debris, can and will alter the color over time.

Marble

For a touch of sophistication, marble is always an easy choice. Its extremely durable and will maintain its look and feel for decades. Its great for high traffic areas, especially kitchens and hallways.

Onyx

This natural stone offers a bold look that stands the test of time. Onyx can be used anywhere in the home, but you’ll often find it in bathrooms, showers, and even swimming pools. Onyx comes in many colors and styles, offering an easy way to change up the appearance of any room in your home.

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Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

September 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

So you’re ready for new floors throughout your home? How exciting!

New floors can be a welcome addition to any home; they can truly change up your room and give you an entirely new look and feel.

Yet deciding its time to change your flooring is only the first, small step.

When it comes to tiling, you may quickly be overwhelmed by all the options you have. With different colors, styles, and sizes, there are literally thousands of options presented to you, and making that final decision can be difficult at best.choosing the right size tile for your project Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

Yet before you get into colors and styles, one of the most important decisions you can make comes down to sizing. What is the perfect size tile for your room? Why are there so many varieties of tile sizes? And once you choose a tile, how do you know you’ll be happy with the final selection?

Tiles have been made and used in living spaces for thousands of years. If you go back to the earliest of civilizations, you’ll find tiny mosaic tiles were used in abundance throughout Ancient Rome and Greece. These small tiles were often created by hand, and took many years to complete intricate designs.

The industrialization of the 20th century and the housing boom after World War II brought in a new form of production. No longer were things made one at a time; instead production kicked in and we found mass produced homes for better efficiency. Because things were now produced quickly, a more standardized size was needed. Tiles were quickly standardized to give a warm look to a home, while bringing greater efficiency to the tile laying process.

As buildings grew higher and more space was added, larger tiles were needed to complete the job more efficiently. The mega shopping malls of today simply would have been hard to produce if they were still laying small, mosaic tile. Instead, tiles in 4 foot square and above were used to make the floor stronger and more durable, and allow production to be completed in a fraction of the time.

For you, the homeowner, selecting a size of tile, is all dependent on the look you are trying to create. And of course what designers are showcasing as their top of the line styles.

You can look to your favorite home decorating shows for guidance. Or flip through a home improvement magazine to find rooms you are attracted to. Let these be your guides as you enter a tile department for the first time and see all the options before you.

You’ll still find tiny mosaic tiles that may be perfect for an intricate bathroom design. And you’ll find large slab tiles made from a variety of materials, perfectly suited for large outdoor rooms and patios. And of course everything in between. There is no steadfast rule when it comes to selecting size; it depends on the room you’re decorating and the look you are trying to achieve. Yet overall know that nothing can add more appeal, more warmth, and more durability than today’s tile. It truly is designed to last for years to come.

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How To Clean Stone Flooring

August 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment

When properly sealed, stone flooring is one of the most beautiful and easy to maintain flooring surfaces around. Yet like any flooring choice, there are a few things you should do on a regular basis to maintain its good looks, and to ensure a long life as a part of your décor.

Prevention goes a long ways. In areas where you will automatically have higher moisture content, prepare by placing rugs to catch water, snow and rain before it settles into your stone floors. Place rugs by each outside door, and also consider a throw rug in bathrooms or in the kitchen by the sink if necessary.how to clean stone flooring How To Clean Stone Flooring

Protect your stone with a little TLC from the beginning. That new modern couch with the small legs looks great in your room, but applies concentrated pressure through four small points directly onto your floor. Use protectors to soften the contact between your furniture and the floor, to avoid scratching for the occasional bump or move.

Maintenance means making sure caulking is applied to water susceptible areas, and applying a regular coat of sealant according to manufacturers guidelines.

Never clean stone floors with an abrasive or ammonia based cleaning product, or use a scouring pad. All of these can quickly scratch and cause permanent damage. Although stone is durable, it still can be damaged by standing water. Make sure you mop up spills as quickly as possible, and use a cleaner suggested by the manufacturer. Never leave a soapy or waxy residue.

Never use acidic cleaning solutions. While some natural cleaning solutions may contain things such as lemon juice or vinegar, both can quickly scratch and begin damaging the stone surface of your floor.

You don’t have to use water every time. Instead, keep a broom handy and sweep up dirt and spills on a regular basis. Keeping dust at bay means it won’t grind into the stone surface.

Treat hard to remove stains with a neutral pH balanced detergent. Again, refer to manufacturers guidelines for suggestions. The quicker you clean a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your flooring, stone may be the perfect choice for just about every room in your home. Stop back our showroom today and find the perfect tiling choice for your décor.

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What Should You Do With Cracked Tile?

August 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

If you want durability, easy maintenance, all in a beautiful package, its hard not to look at tiling for your floors. However, like all flooring choices, it does have its breaking point. What do you do with cracked tile?

Your first step is to locate the cause of the crack. If you attempt to replace the tile or repair the crack without finding the what should you do with cracked tile What Should You Do With Cracked Tile?underlying problem, your repair may be temporary and easily crack again, only in some cases much worse.

Typically there are three reasons a tile will crack.

1. A heavy or blunt object was dropped on the floor, causing a crack on impact. If this is the case, replacing the tile will solve the situation.

2. A problem exists with the subflooring. The screw heads may have come up, bumping against the tile. Or the subfloor may have risen in spots, possibly from glue that didn’t set properly. In either case, the subflooring needs to be fixed and leveled before fixing the cracked tile.

3. Pressure or temperature changes could impact the tile. Depending on the type of tile installed, tile can be made of a very porous material. If water gets into the tile, then freezes, it can expand and contract again and again, eventually cracking. The key is to install the right tile for the circumstances.

When installing your tile, make sure you keep several extra tiles on hand. You may even consider keeping extra grout, or at least the manufacturer and the color for future use as well. By having both tile and grout that match your current floor, your repair won’t look conspicuous after the repair.

Preventing cracks is a job that should occur at the time of installation. If you are installing tile over concrete, add steel reinforcing bars to the concrete slab, which will prevent cracks in the slab from forming cracks in the tile. If you are tiling over wood subfloors, make sure the wood is level, and won’t sag or bend. Even the strongest of tile will crack when walked on if the floor underneath isn’t level.

If you have any further questions about cracked tile, give us a call. We can help you determine why your tile is cracking, and inform you of your best options.

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Is Travertine Tile Right For Me?

July 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

So you’ve decided on installing new tile in your home. Great choice. Tile is one of the most versatile flooring choices around. Yet now that you’ve decided on tile, what material is best for you?

How about travertine tile?

Travertine tile, made from travertine stone, has gained much respect in the decorating world. It is a softer stone, like limestone, yet because it is denser, it is considered to be a type of marble. If you have the desire to stick with a natural product that provides a wide array of earthy, natural tones, and will be durable for as long as you have it in your home, travertine may be the right choice for you.

Before you say “yes” and install travertine, learn a little more about the advantages and disadvantages to see if it’s the right choice for you.

Advantagesis travertine tile right for me Is Travertine Tile Right For Me?

Increasingly in today’s world, natural or earth-friendly choices give real estate more value. By installing travertine, you are adding value if and when the opportunity arises for you to sell your home. It’s a strong and durable material that often lasts longer than man-made materials, which gives it added benefits.

Travertine is one of the most versatile materials around. It can be used in any room in the house: kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms. It can be used on sink counters, tub areas, showers. It can also continue the flow to the outside, and cover decks, driveways, even pool areas.

Because of its strength and durability, you will even find travertine being used in tabletops and end tables. Its easy to clean, requiring no abrasive or acidic cleaners to keep it looking great all the year through.

Disadvantages

Travertine is a soft material. Which means it can be easily scratched and damaged in certain situations. If you have high traffic areas or areas with constant pet traffic, travertine can quickly begin showing wear and scratches. Travertine also absorbs moisture, which makes it a great selection for a bathroom, but not necessarily a great option when it comes to freezing weather. If you have an area that is constantly wet, followed by freezing cold, travertine can crack as it constantly expands and contracts.

Stay away from abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can damage your travertine stone. Talk with your installer about the best way to clean travertine.

Travertine can be more expensive than other options. Because it is a natural stone, it comes from stone quarries and isn’t mass produced. You pay for its originality, and also keep in mind that no two stones are the same, which adds to its uniqueness.

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What Do You Do When Your Tile Is Cracked

May 31, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Tile floors can be an elegant addition to any home. Yet one of the things that will ruin the look is a crack.

If you’ve noticed a crack in your tile flooring, the first step is to find out why its there.

In some cases, it may be caused by dropping something heavy. In other cases, it may be a mystery, having occurred without your knowledge of how it got there. Houses settle over time. If you’ve had the tile installed for a long period of time and a crack suddenly appeared, its probably due to a shift in the foundation that made your floor no longer level.what do you do when your tile is cracked What Do You Do When Your Tile Is Cracked

Other causes could be the wrong materials were used during the installation process, something we see occurring frequently in do-it-yourself projects gone wrong. If you don’t lay the tile with proper backing, the tiles can move and settle, leaving space for a crack to occur.

If the crack or chip isn’t too badly damaged, you can try and fill it in and paint over it. Buy a tile epoxy or adhesive, then apply it to the crack and let it dry. Using a paint color uniform to the tile color, touch up the crack to make it blend in as much as possible.

If the damage is too big to fill, you can remove the tile entirely and install a new one in its place. To get rid of the old tile, place a protective cloth over the tile and shatter it with a hammer. Then clean the tile away leaving a clean surface for the new tile to be installed. Match both the tile and the grout as close as possible for a smooth look.

Depending on the extent of the tile damage, you may wish to bring in a professional to repair your tile. One or two tiles may be easy to fix; repairing large areas of damage, or areas with intricate detailing can be difficult to repair and still have it look uniform throughout. They can help you match tile and grout effectively, bringing your flooring back up to the original look and feel.

There is a reason tiles have been used throughout homes since Roman times. They are durable and attractive, as well as easy to maintain. With a little TLC when damage occurs, you can continue enjoying your tiles for years to come.

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Choosing Bathroom Tiles

May 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Where are you most likely to find tiles? In a bathroom. This is largely because bathroom tiles make the room hygienic, water resistant, and easy to maintain.

In addition, choose the right tiling and you’ll add value to the bathroom. Who doesn’t like a well put together bathroom, especially when its one of the busiest rooms in your home?choosing bathroom tiles Choosing Bathroom Tiles

Bathrooms can accommodate all types of tiling: ceramic, porcelain, travertine, slate or stone. Ultimately it comes down to the look you are trying to achieve at a price you are willing to pay.

Hygiene

When most people think bathrooms, they think tile because they give a fresh appearance and at the same time are easy to clean. Although tiles are water resistant, they aren’t waterproof. Which means in areas they will withstand constant moisture, such as the tub and shower areas, its important to waterproof the area after tiling. This process will prevent potential water damage from occurring behind the tiling itself.

Size

Tiling is a personal choice. However there are a few basic tips to keep in mind. Avoid using large bathroom tiles in a small bathroom. It will dwarf the room and cause a closed in feel. If you choose too small of a tile, the continual grout lines can cause a somewhat sterile atmosphere. Which of course leads many people to choose medium sized tiles to create a visually pleasing look. You should also consider how much space you have between walls, windows and fixtures.The less you have to cut tiles, the more appealing the look will be.

Color

Light color tiles (whites, creams, tans) will give your bathroom a larger appearance as they reflect the light. Dark colors absorb the light, making your room smaller in appearance, yet at the same time giving it a dramatic look. If you combine floor tiling with wall tiling, keeping the grout similar hue, you can create a spacious look and feel that will please everyone.

Is tiling cold?

Many people worry about installing tile in a Colorado home because of our cold winters. Won’t the room be cold under these conditions? Tile naturally retains heat, so overall tile will not cool the room. However, it does matter what subflooring you have in place. Wood allows the space to breathe, keeping it warmer year round. If its placed on concrete, you may wish to consider undertile heating to provide instant heat whenever you choose.

Need ideas for your bathroom remodel? Stop by and see everything we have on display. Plus talk with our design experts to begin putting your concepts in place. You’ll quickly find things you gravitate to, and find the perfect choice to make your bathroom your favorite room in your home.

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How To Choose Tile And Grout

May 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Ready to add tile to a room in your home? The first place most people start is with the tile itself. What color do you prefer, light or dark? How big of tile do you prefer?

Its easy to focus in on the tile, but there is one more thing you should start planning for before you visit your tile flooring center to make your final selection: the grout.how to choose tile and grout How To Choose Tile And Grout

Grout color has a huge impact on the aesthetic value of the design. It can turn your tile selection from “ho-hum” to “wow” just with a simple change in color. Yet choosing grout color can be a bit confusing. How do you know which direction to go?

First, start with your tile selection. Do you prefer solid color or printed patterns? Will you be using porcelain or ceramic tiles, or are they natural stone? Will you be using large squares in uniform pattern, or different sized tiles in a mosaic pattern? All will help you determine how the grout will play in to the overall effect you are trying to create.

Then decide if you want the grout to blend in, putting more emphasis on the tile, or have it stand out, adding to the overall color scheme of your room. Each option offers different advantages. Its not always about the tile; consider all the color and fixtures you will use in the room to help you determine how subtle or dramatic you want your floors to be.

If you want the grout to blend in, choose a grout color that closely matches the edges of the tile. When grout and tile colors are similar, the installation has a more uniform look. The grout joints are less visible from a distance, making the overall flooring blend into one unvarying pattern. Keep in mind that a blended look will require more maintenance, especially if you select lighter colors, to ensure the colors continue to match and blend over time.

If you want the grout to stand out from the tile so the tile pattern is more visible, choose colors that contrast with your tile. Color differences between the tile and the grout can create striking patterns. Both the grout joints and the tile edges will be more visible, and the tile layout pattern more apparent. The greater the difference, the more noticeable the pattern will be.

When choosing contrasting colors, be sure to pick colors that complement each other to avoid an off balanced look. Also consider caulk colors to ensure they match your overall design as well.

When in doubt, spend some time with one of our tiling consultants to help you choose the right look for you. And as with any flooring choice, you may wish to bring small samples home to get a better idea of the finished look in your room, in different lighting situations.

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