This is used as a guide only, it does not determine
quality or price, only durability. This has been designed to help you
find the material best suited for your purpose.
For Care
and Maintenance see these site's by clicking on links
Brick
Existing
in several earth tone colors, brick tiles should be treated with
a stain resistant sealer. Floor brick is normally used in outdoor
setting and can be arranged in appealing geometric patterns. Brick
tiles are a fine floor choice for informal or rustic decor.
Cement
Cement
tiles are poured into molds, then fires or dried naturally. color
may be added. sealing is required after installation for moisture
and stain resistance.
Ceramic
Ceramic
tile is made from clay or other minerals. the extruded material
is shaped and fired in a kiln. Clay tiles are then further treated
in one of two ways:
Unglazed - (quarry tiles) the pigment
or natural color is there during firing and is part of the
tile itself. Unglazed tile needs to be sealed for stain resistance.
Glazed - color is added to the tile after
firing. the glasslike surface is bonded to the tile. Glazed tile
offers more color choices than unglazed. Glazing allows brighter
colors to be used and adds stain resistance. Because of their slick,
glassy surface, glazed tiles are used mostly on walls or countertops.
Granite
An excellent
choice for kitchen countertops, floors, and other heavily used surfaces.
Granite resist heat, and is also one of the most bacteria-resistant
kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee,
tea, alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch,
and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use.
Marble
Ideal
for foyers, floors, lavatory tops, counter tops, fireplaces, and
hearths. Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home, it adds
a wonderful appearance and has superior characteristics. Marble
should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters
on table tops and cleaning up spills immediately will preserve marble's
natural beauty. Honed Marble (matte finish) needs a penetrating
sealer applied. And should be re-applied every couple of years.
In food preparation areas, the sealer needs to be non-toxic and
safe for use on preparation surfaces. If using in showers or other
wet areas you need to seal the marble for protection against soap
scum and etching from hard minerals in the water.
Mosaic
Porcelain
or ceramic mosaic tile are 2 x 2 or smaller. They can be individually
installed or can be found pre-mounted on mesh or paper sheets. Mosaics
may be glazed or unglazed.
Pavers
Pavers
resemble brick, but are thinner. Like quarry tile, pavers need sealing
for moisture and stain proofing. Shale based pavers are used for
patios as well as interior floors.
Porcelain
The
material is fired at very high temperature, making a hard surface.
Their smooth surface can be slippery, especially when a glossy glaze
is used. That's why porcelain tile is found more often on walls
than floors. Porcelain tile is hard and dense, a latex portland
cement mortar is the minimum bonding material to be use. It is also
harder to cut when installing, installation will cost a little
more because of the type of blade needed to cut it.
Saltillo
Saltillo
or Mexican tile is air dried rather that kiln dried. Drying
outdoors in the sun makes this tile a little softer and less durable.
the exposure to the elements also gives the tile a look that is
unique. When used indoors a sealer is required, and should be sealed
every couple of years.
Slate
Slate
is a fine-grained, metamorphic stone derived from sedimentary rock
shale. Commonly used on; counter tops and back splash's, floors,
fireplace facings. A penetrating sealer needs to be
applied. And should be re-applied every couple of years. In food
preparation areas, the sealer needs to be non-toxic and safe for
use on preparation surfaces.
Travertine
Travertine
marble is a variety of limestone formed in pools by the slow precipitation
of hot, mineral-rich spring water. The "holes characteristic
of travertine were created when carbon dioxide bubbles trapped as
the stone was being formed. Commonly used on floors, fireplace facings,
counters. A penetrating sealer needs to be applied.
And should be re-applied every couple of years. In food preparation
areas, the sealer needs to be non-toxic and safe for use on preparation
surfaces
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