TILE; The solidilty of tile is so vercitile. Whether you're looking to redo your kitchen floor, redo your shower, or fix up that perfect kitchen back-splash; we can help.

Things to consider when choosing

One of the most durable of all floorings. Tile has a natural, handcrafted look that's durable and easy to care for. Tile works well in areas with high foot traffic, and it's especially suited to entry areas where water and dirt enter the house. Tile manufacturers furnish a numerical "wear-rating" that indicates how each type of tile will wear. Another thing to consider is the slip resistance. Entryways need a hard, abrasion-resistant, moisture-proof tile. Baths require a moisture-proof non-slip material. Slip-resistant tile is treated with an abrasive material to "rough up" the smooth surface for safety. Some tiles are rated for indoor or outdoor use only, others can be used in either application.

Suitable Applications:

Any place is suitable for tile depending on preference. Most Common Areas: Bathroom, Kitchen Floors, Kitchen Backsplash, Covered Patios

Types of Tile

CERAMIC - Ceramic tile is made from clay or other minerals. The extruded material is shaped and heat-treated (fired) in a kiln. Clay tiles are then further treated in one of two ways:

GLAZED - color is added to the tile after firing. The glasslike surface is bonded to the tile. Glazing allows brighter colors to be used and adds stain resistance. Because of their slick, glassy surface, glazed tiles are used mostly on walls or countertops. Glazed tile offers more color choices than unglazed.

UNGLAZED - (Also called quarry tiles). The pigment or natural color is present during firing and is part of the tile itself. Unglazed tile needs sealing for stain resistance.

MOSAIC - Porcelain or ceramic mosaic tiles are two inches square or smaller. They can be installed individually or can be found pre-mounted on mesh or paper sheets. Mosaics may be glazed or unglazed.

PAVERS - Pavers resemble brick, but are thinner. Shale based pavers are used for patios as well as interior floors. Like quarry tile, pavers needs sealing for moisture and stain proofing

PORCELAIN - The material is fired at a very high temperature, making a dense tile. The denser tile makes porcelain tile more resistant to moisture.

QUARRY - Quarry tile is unglazed and requires sealing in wet areas. Clay-based quarry tile is used extensively in commercial settings. Because it's a durable and relatively inexpensive material, it's becoming more acceptable in homes. The predominant colors are earth shades of red and orange.

SALTILLO - Saltillo or Mexican tile is air dried rather than kiln dried. Drying outdoors in the sun makes this tile a little softer and less durable. The exposure to the elements also gives the tile a look that is unique. When used indoors a sealer is required.

TERRA COTTA - Terra cotta is the same material in construction and appearance as clay garden pots. Tiles are absorbent and need to be treated for indoor use.

TERRAZZO - Stone or marble chips embedded in cement make up a terrazzo floor. The polished surface makes a durable floor material.

The Porcelian Enamel Institute hardness ratings

Tile is rated by a series of standardized tests. The tests evaluate a tile's relative hardness (the Moh scale), its ability to stand up to wear and the percentage of water absorbed.

Group I - Light Traffic: residential bathroom floors where bare or stocking feet are the norm.

Group II - Medium Traffic: home interiors where little abrasion occurs. Don't use in kitchens or entries.

Group III - Medium-Heavy Traffic: any home interior.

Group IV - Heavy Traffic: homes or light to medium commercial areas.

Group V- Extra Heavy Traffic: use it anywhere.