Ceramic Tile INFO

Selecting the proper type of ceramic tile for your project is most important because there are various factors that need to be taken into consideration. Below are few tips to hopefully aid you in your decision.

• Ask for consistently sized tiles. Ceramic tile is fired in a kiln and then cooled at varying degrees of temperature and humidity. This expansion and contraction can cause the tiles to vary in size, sometimes by a 1/4″ or more. Most ceramic tiles on the market will have some variation in size but accept nothing more than an 1/8″ margin of difference.
• Make sure the ceramic tile you purchase are of the same “Lot#” and “Shade#”. This will ensure that your flooring was made in the same batch.
• Unless you plan to purchase a high quality wet saw we recommend you refrain from using fully vitrified porcelain tiles for interior installations. Fully vitrified porcelain tiles are difficult to cut with accuracy with a straight tile cutter and this means every cut you make may be on a ceramic tile saw.
• Select a ceramic tile that is relatively smooth and has straight, flush edges. This will make your grouting job a whole lot easier.
• Use 8″ x 8″ or smaller sized tiles on walls and countertops. For floors use 14″ x 14″ or smaller tiles.
• Ceramic tiles with bright reflective surfaces – bright glazed finish, are not recommended for floors as they can pose a slip hazard and have poor abrasive resistance. Read the rest of this entry »

There are several tools available for cutting tile. Most of these tools can be bought or

First try to remove the vinyl floor and the adhesive used for the vinyl installation. If its looking like its going to be too difficult, you might want to lay down a backerboard with thinset. A backerboard like Hardbacker may be installed over vinyl. In some cases, you will be able to remove the vinyl itself, but not the adhesive. Use the type of thinset that is recommended by the backerboard manufacturer.

Make sure all loose adhesive is removed from the surface and

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Your Wood framing needs to be structurally sound and must be able to support the installation. Tile floors are heavy and need a strurdy sound surface to be applied upon. Tile is hard and will break or dislodge if the surface bends under the load.

First off, make sure the surface has been cleaned.

All cracks and voids need to be repaired prior to the installation of a tiled surface when the tile is being directly bonded to the concrete. Cracks in the concrete

Materials List

• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Ceramic tiles
• Grout sealer
• Tile Spacers

Tools List

• Tile cutter
• Chalk line
• Grout float
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Tile nipper
• Notched trowel
• Level

Here is a comprehensive listing of ceramic and porcelain tile manufacturers from around the world.

American Florim

Grout is porous and it absorbs dirt, grease and spillages on your tile floors, walls or counter tops.

On walls especially in damp, dark areas like your bathroom or shower, the grout becomes very unsightly and dirty due to mold and mildew and also lime scale.

Following a few grout care procedures should allow you to get the maximum life out of your grout.

As you know grout is the material used to fill the spaces between the individual tiles. Grout comes in many colors. While color is important to the final finished look of the tile installation, it has little effect on the functionality of the grout. The purpose of grout is, simply, to fill the joint between the tiles and becomes a permanent, integral component of the finished installation. Read the rest of this entry »

Generally Ceramic tile is easy to clean and care for. Following a few simple cleaning procedures should ensure your ceramic tile last a life-time… and then some.

Contaminants and spills on a glazed ceramic tile are, generally, easier to clean then other, more impervious surfaces. Glazed tile products should be cleaned routinely with an all-purpose, non oil-based household or commercial cleaner.

Read the rest of this entry »