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TYPES OF TILE

When it comes to tile, you have a wide variety of styles to choose from. You may love the feel of natural stone, the look of glass tile, or the durability of porcelain.

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Stone

Stone tile such as marble, slate, and limestone come from quarries. They are not man-made like many other tiles. Each comes with its own distinct beauty/individuality. Depending on the design, stone can be used to give an elegant look or any earthy tone to a room. It can be used in conjunction with other types of tile like glass or metal accent pieces to complement other features of a room.

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Glass

Glass tile can be used by itself or as an accent tile. By itself it gives an area of a room a very individual look. It can be contemporary or classic, depending on the design. Glass is available in many colors, sizes, shapes and textures, making the design possibilities endless. Glass doesn’t stain and has no need to be sealed, so it is easy to maintain. Cooking stains or soap residue can be cleaned off easily. Installation must be done correctly to ensure that the tile is able to show its beauty.

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Porcelain

Fired at an extremely high temperature, porcelain has a rich palette that makes it difficult at times to distinguish from natural stone. And because it’s been forged in flames, porcelain is remarkably durable, lasting a lifetime while standing up to anything. Our porcelain tiles are perfect for entryways or bigger spaces and can also be used outside, as they are not susceptible to clefting caused by frost damage.

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Ceramic

Forged from rich, hearty clay gathered from deep within the earth and fired to perfection, evidence of ceramic tiles embellishing personal abodes dates back beyond the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and has persisted as a home interior art form ever since. Exhibiting natural elegance, vibrant tones and charismatic textures, ceramic tile provide an affordable tile flooring option with striking visual appeal.

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Terra Cotta

Also, known as “saltillo” tiles, these low-density natural clay tiles are fired at a low temperature and are typically made in Mexico or Europe. They have a handcrafted look, with rustic character. They require more maintenance than higher density, less porous tiles and should be sealed often. A wax can be applied to alter the tone of the tile. Sometimes you’ll even see animal paw prints in the tile, which makes for a great conversation piece.

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Wall vs. Floor Tile

Wall tiles aren’t meant to bear weight, and should never be installed on a floor. They come in many sizes, but are typically 4x4 or smaller. Used for backsplashes and shower walls, they are durable, waterproof and come in many colors and styles.

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Floor tiles are made to bear weight. They can also be used on a wall. There are different degrees of strength. The tile should always be verified for its strength in the area it is to be used. For example, on a 3-season porch you would need a porcelain tile rather than ceramic.

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Relief and Border Tile

Relief and border tiles are used to accentuate an area of a wall or floor. They can tie together different colors in a room such as cabinet and wall colors. Avoid a “busy” look by minimizing the use of these.

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Call us at 978.501.2054
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