Selecting the Right Tile |
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| Deciding On Durability: |
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| A nice thing about the ceramic tile industry is that there is a widely-accepted rating system for durability. Our system rates the surface of a tile from Class 1 to Class 5 ("1" being the least resistant to abrasion and "5" the most resistant). This allows you to choose the right tile for the application. |
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| Choosing a Size: |
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| • Tiles are available in many sizes. The recent trend has been toward larger tiles for floor and wall applications. 18x18 has been our most popular size for floors and 6x6 the most popular for walls. The up and coming sizes are 24x36 and bigger Versailles Pattern (California VP) for floors and mosaics in glass and stainless for walls. The reason? Larger tiles make a space appear…larger. Some floor tiles come in multiple sizes, which allow the creation of interesting patterns. Talk to us about the look you’re trying to achieve and we can steer you in the right direction. |
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| The Rules of Color: |
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| Of course, only you can decide what color is right for you, but here are a few basic rules to remember: Lighter colors make a space appear larger. Darker colors add warmth and hide dirt well. Neutral colors allow you to change your accessories but if you love a trendy color, go for it! Just keep in mind it will be with you a long time. The color shade or shades of all tile varies some degree from piece to piece, from each production run to run. At least several pieces from the same production run should be reviewed whenever possible to determine acceptable color shade variations. Any questions or concerns about your tile selection should be clarified prior to installation. |
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| Texture Tips: |
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| Generally speaking, textured or matte finish tiles are less slippery than smooth or shiny tiles - something to keep in mind when choosing floor tiles. A tile's "slip resistance" is measured by its "coefficient of friction," which is provided by some manufacturers. |
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| Selecting a Style: |
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| Rustic or stone-looking tiles are extremely popular because they fit in with any decor and are excellent at hiding dirt. Marbleized tiles lend a more formal look. Tumbled marble is a popular look for all types of decor. Glass tiles and metallic looks are now frequently used in conjunction with ceramic tile and natural stone to create a unique and striking installation. Visit one of our showrooms to see how different materials can be combined to make your project special. |
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| Choosing a Grout: |
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| Grout is available in a wide variety of colors. Using a grout which matches the tile tends to make the grout lines disappear. Using a contrasting color makes the individual tiles stand out. Our sales consultants will explain the different types of grout and how you can achieve the look you want. |
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