Overview of the Project:
Every tile project starts with the selection of tile and grout. Equally important is choosing
tile patterns and tile designs. Then the surface area must prepped by removing old
materials. From there tile adhesives and sub-floors can be chosen which then leads us
to the installation.
tile patterns and tile designs. Then the surface area must prepped by removing old
materials. From there tile adhesives and sub-floors can be chosen which then leads us
to the installation.
- Durability/Consumer Usage -
This factor takes into
consideration what consumers
will be using the tiled area and
how often.
Selecting Tile:
Ceramic Tile - is generally the least expensive tile and can be used in a wide variety of
floors, walls and counter-tops. Since it is glazed at high temps it can be made in almost
every color and pattern. Ceramics are made to be very consistent in size and thickness.
floors, walls and counter-tops. Since it is glazed at high temps it can be made in almost
every color and pattern. Ceramics are made to be very consistent in size and thickness.
Tile Classifications
Porcelain Tile - is a type of ceramic tile fired at higher temps to increase strength and
water resistance, but also keeps the consistency in size and thickness. Due to these
qualities, porcelain tile is widely used in areas of wetness and high traffic, such as
entryways, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and more. Porcelain tiles are becoming
more and more popular because of the modern look, new styles and many applications.
water resistance, but also keeps the consistency in size and thickness. Due to these
qualities, porcelain tile is widely used in areas of wetness and high traffic, such as
entryways, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and more. Porcelain tiles are becoming
more and more popular because of the modern look, new styles and many applications.
Granite Tile - is the most common tile for kitchen countertops. Granite is easy to clean
and has a high resistance to heat. It also has unique color variations to provide that
elegant luxurious look. With all these qualities granite is commonly the most expensive
tile.
and has a high resistance to heat. It also has unique color variations to provide that
elegant luxurious look. With all these qualities granite is commonly the most expensive
tile.
Marble Tile - is a softer tile that has calcium rich grains streaking through each tile to
provide a very natural look. The smooth glaze adds to cleaning ease as long as the tiles
are properly sealed. Marble is largely used in bathrooms where traffic and usage won't
wear on the soft tile.
provide a very natural look. The smooth glaze adds to cleaning ease as long as the tiles
are properly sealed. Marble is largely used in bathrooms where traffic and usage won't
wear on the soft tile.
Travertine Tile - is a natural stone that comes in a variety of finishes to provide whatever
image or style is desired. Because of it's versatility and elegant look travertine tile has
become extremely popular in recent years. Travertine is a cross between marble and
granite providing a natural look and softness but also having durability. From kitchens to
bathrooms, travertine tile is an excellent modern choice for all applications.
image or style is desired. Because of it's versatility and elegant look travertine tile has
become extremely popular in recent years. Travertine is a cross between marble and
granite providing a natural look and softness but also having durability. From kitchens to
bathrooms, travertine tile is an excellent modern choice for all applications.
Slate Tile - is the most natural tile on the market. Slate is the least processed tile that
gives a rugid look and feel. The material of slate is soft and has a variety of color
variations. Slate tile is commonly used in bathrooms, entryways, and on kitchen
backsplashes.
gives a rugid look and feel. The material of slate is soft and has a variety of color
variations. Slate tile is commonly used in bathrooms, entryways, and on kitchen
backsplashes.
Grout
Grout is an integral part of your tile project and needs to be carefully considered. The color
of your grout can accent the tile in two ways. If your color of choice matches the tile it will
create a uniform look to your application that blends the tiles together. However, if you
choose a color or shade that contrasts the tile it will accent each individual tile. There all
also two types of grout, sanded and unsanded.
of your grout can accent the tile in two ways. If your color of choice matches the tile it will
create a uniform look to your application that blends the tiles together. However, if you
choose a color or shade that contrasts the tile it will accent each individual tile. There all
also two types of grout, sanded and unsanded.
- Sanded Grout - sanded grout is the most common type of grout chosen because
of its natural look and feel. This grout is designed for installation in grout joints
wider than 1/8''. Due to its texture sanded grout can absorb water and stains easily
and should be sealed after 72 hours of installation. - Unsanded Grout - unsanded grout is made to be installed in grout joints between
1/16'' and 1/8''. This grout is commonly used with ceramic wall tile between 4'' and
6'', and is also used with some polished stones such as marble and granite.
Limestone Tile - is a natural stone tile, similar to travertine tile, that comes in a variety of
finishes. Limestone is a soft, porous tile used mostly in showers, bathroom floors,
kitchen floors and kitchen backsplashes.
finishes. Limestone is a soft, porous tile used mostly in showers, bathroom floors,
kitchen floors and kitchen backsplashes.
Glass Tile - is a hard tile used primarily as accent pieces or in small applications. Glass
tile has a more modern look and style, and is typically used for a kitchen backsplash.
Glass tile has evolved to include recycled tile created from construction waste in order to
conserve the environment.
tile has a more modern look and style, and is typically used for a kitchen backsplash.
Glass tile has evolved to include recycled tile created from construction waste in order to
conserve the environment.
Selecting tile can be fun and easy based on your search process and
knowledge of your own project. In choosing a tile, you must involve all the
considerations of your project which include the following:
knowledge of your own project. In choosing a tile, you must involve all the
considerations of your project which include the following:
- Traction - Traction is very
important on tile floors in wet
areas such as showers and
entryways.
- Style/Color -The style and color
of each tile appeals to each
person in a different way and will
be unique to their situation.
- Area -This factor involves the
environment effecting the tiled
area. For example, outdoor tile
will need to be suited for extreme
temperature variation.
Metal Tile - is a manufactured tile usually consisting of a brass, gold, or silver color.
These tiles are generally used as accent pieces or to create designs in order to enhance
the tile project. Metal tile has low porosity and is very resistant to stain and discoloration.
These tiles are generally used as accent pieces or to create designs in order to enhance
the tile project. Metal tile has low porosity and is very resistant to stain and discoloration.
| Did you know? Recycled tile is becoming more popular for kitchen backsplashes due to the effort to save the environment. These tiles can be manufactured from construction waste as well as broken bottles. Touchdown Tile is emerging as one of the first installation companies in Minnesota to offer these services. |
Preparation,
research, and
planning is equal
to about 80
percent of a tile
project. Consult
a professional
before
attempting your
own tile
installation.
research, and
planning is equal
to about 80
percent of a tile
project. Consult
a professional
before
attempting your
own tile
installation.
In Floor Heat
Heated floors are an
option to consider
before started your
floor tile project.
Since heat rises
floors are the
coldest part of the
room. With in-floor
heat it now
becomes the
warmest. The
picture above
shows an electric
set of cables in
which a thin layer of
cement is poured
over them prior to
tile installation.
Heated floors are an
option to consider
before started your
floor tile project.
Since heat rises
floors are the
coldest part of the
room. With in-floor
heat it now
becomes the
warmest. The
picture above
shows an electric
set of cables in
which a thin layer of
cement is poured
over them prior to
tile installation.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is
becoming an
extremely popular
choice for many
people. As you can
see above,
porcelain can be
glazed to resemble
natural stone such
as travertine.
Porcelain tile is
becoming an
extremely popular
choice for many
people. As you can
see above,
porcelain can be
glazed to resemble
natural stone such
as travertine.
Slate Tile
The slate tile shown
above is a gray slate
12'' x 12'' with 1'' x 1''
indian autumn slate
as a border. This is
a common tile
pattern used
primarily in square
or rectangular
rooms.
The slate tile shown
above is a gray slate
12'' x 12'' with 1'' x 1''
indian autumn slate
as a border. This is
a common tile
pattern used
primarily in square
or rectangular
rooms.
Glass Tile
The kitchen
backsplash in the
picture above can
be enlarged by
clicking on it. The
glass tile is a
green mosaic with
stainless steel
pieces randomly
inserted. The
grout is a neutral
gray which is
generally the best
color for colorful
glass tile.
The kitchen
backsplash in the
picture above can
be enlarged by
clicking on it. The
glass tile is a
green mosaic with
stainless steel
pieces randomly
inserted. The
grout is a neutral
gray which is
generally the best
color for colorful
glass tile.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a
unique natural
stone that can
capture that warm,
earthy feel while
keeping a flat
surface. The piece
above has unfilled
cavities that capture
grout to match the
joints with the tile.
Travertine is a
unique natural
stone that can
capture that warm,
earthy feel while
keeping a flat
surface. The piece
above has unfilled
cavities that capture
grout to match the
joints with the tile.
Marble Tile
Quartzite Tile - is a relatively new choice in tile which provides the hardness of granite but
keeps the rugid look of slate. High in durability and traction, quartzite tile is good for wet
areas such as shower floors and also can be a good choice for a kitchen backsplash.
keeps the rugid look of slate. High in durability and traction, quartzite tile is good for wet
areas such as shower floors and also can be a good choice for a kitchen backsplash.
TM
touchdowntile.com
touchdowntile.com
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2011. Touchdown Tile is a Minnesota tile company. All rights reserved. All pictures of installed tile are Touchdown Tile installations.