| |
 |
|
• Tampa • Tampa Bay • St. Petersburg • Brandon • Clearwater • Bradenton • Largo • Hudson • Lakeland
|
| talented beyond tile | 866-766-0217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why should I choose Tile for my home?
- Tile has a beautiful, natural look that is durable and easy to care for.
- Tile works well in high-traffic areas, such as a home's entryway, where dirt and water enter the house, or the kitchen, where spills and stains may be hard to avoid.
- Used throughout the home, tile will reduce allergens and help keep the house cool.
- Tile offers endless design patterns, with countless combinations of size, shape, color and texture. By combining a variety of trim tiles with a varied geometric layout, design possibilities are virtually limitless.
- Hand-painted tiles, borders and colored grouts can offer a wide variety of creative options.
|
How do I know I'm choosing the right kind of tile?
Finding a tile you love is easy. The key is to make sure it's the right one for your surface, and that it has the right qualities for the area you plan to install it in. Also make sure the tile meets the right classifications for porosity, wear rating, and slip resistance. There are tests that measure specifically for these. Glazed tile, through body porcelain, brick pavers, or natural stone all offer distinct benefits that differ depending on your taste or needs. Entryways need a tile that is both moisture proof and abrasion resistant, while outside areas of the home can use tiles that may be slightly absorbent and more slip-resistant. In all cases, take into account the amount of foot traffic the tile will withstand, the porosity of the tile, and your own personal concern towards slip resistance. Check with your Gulf Tile professional concerning any questions about how to use tile ratings to select the most functional tile types for your space. |
Once I've chosen what tile I want, how do I know how much I will need?
Start by measuring the square footage of the floor and wall areas to be tiled. You should always order 10% more than you might need to allow for breakage or measurement miscalculations. Even if you don't use it, it may come in handy at a later date for replacement. Tiles come in many different colors, styles and sizes, so unless you plan to use tiles of the same color, you should plot your design on graph paper. Just count the squares to determine how many of each size or color tile you will need. Consult with your Gulf Tile professional for any questions about calculating square footage. |
What kinds of tile are there for me to choose from?
With so many types of tile, the design possibilities are virtually limitless. Here are just a few of the types that may be available to you:
- Ceramic - This kiln-fired tile can be glazed, allowing for a shiny, satin or matte surface, a variety of bright colors and extra stain resistance.
- Porcelain - Resistant to wear, deep abrasion and chemicals, this non-absorbent tile retains its beauty well over time and is available in natural, smooth, polished and structured finishes.
- Mosaic - Small units of porcelain or ceramic tiles that allow for a variety of color and design patterns. These are typically pre-mounted on mesh sheets.
- Natural Stone - Including marble, granite, limestone and slate, this type of tile offers amazing design potential, with durability suitable for floors or walls, with an earthy, natural look that is truly unique.
- Cement - These are poured into molds, then fired and dried naturally. They can come in a variety of stained colors.
- Brick Pavers - These resemble thin brick, and are sometimes used for patios and other types of exterior floors. They need sealing for moisture and stain proofing.
- Quarry - These are unglazed ceramic tiles, used predominantly in commercial settings. The variety of earth tones and durability are making quarry popular on the front steps of homes.
- Saltillo - This Mexican tile is air dried, making the tile softer and less durable, but giving this terracotta-type tile a unique, southwestern look.
- Terrazzo - Stone or marble chips embedded in cement, finished with a polished surface for durability.
Your Gulf Tile professional can tell you more about the different types of tile, as well as help you determine which type of tile is best for your needs and budget. |
How do I replace broken tiles or damaged grout in my home?
Replacing cracked or damaged tile or grout is simple. Make sure you have the proper tools for removing grout, including safety goggles, the correct shade and size tile, the proper adhesive and matching color grout for the surrounding area. If the grout you've chosen is too light, use less water when you mix it; if it's too dark, use a bit more water. Make sure you have the correct type of grout for the job. Types include sanded, unsnapped, latex modified or epoxy. Replacement grout for countertops and bathrooms should be mildew and stain resistant. Consult a Gulf Tile professional to see what type of grout and sealer is right for the job. |
Why does grout need to be sealed?
All grout is susceptible to staining, regardless of the material used. Tile grout is easily stained, and can become quickly discolored from dirt, grease, food and common household products, diminishing the appearance of the entire area. Sealing grout not only promotes tile's lasting beauty by providing a stain resistant shield, it also makes cleaning and maintenance easier. |
My grout is stained and looks dingy. How can I refresh the appearance?
Over time, grout can become stained, giving the entire floor a dull, old appearance. The experts at Gulf Tile suggest deep cleaning or re-coloring grout. Our state-of-the art cleaning system will remove deep down, stubborn stains, and bring grout back to life. Re-coloring grout is a great way to seal it and refresh the appearance. This process, which will protect grout and reduce maintenance, will give tile a virtually new look. |
What is the difference between Porcelain tile and Glazed Ceramic tile?
First you must ask the question, "Is the tile glazed porcelain or through body (unglazed) porcelain?" Glazed porcelain is much akin to a glazed ceramic, except that the body of the tile is more dense and less absorbent, however, the glaze is the same. On the other hand, an unglazed (through body) porcelain tile has a body that is so un-absorbent, it almost acts like a glaze because stains will not permeate beyond the surface. Yet if you dropped a hammer on it, the chip would be the same color as the surface. |
|
|
|
|
|
|