Tile flooring comes in a full range of colors, finishes and sizes. Ceramic tiles are used to create custom floor designs or a mosaic, and are generally glazed in bright, shiny colors. The quarry tile is made from a mixture of clay, shale and grit that is baked at high temperatures, this type of tile features earthly tones that are not glazed or shiny, dull surfaces give it a natural authentic look.

Tile is often used in hard service areas, such as an entrance, foyer and patios, bathrooms kitchens and sunrooms.  Although tile is a very durable material it has many seams and joints which are more prone to cracks and stains. These grout joints should be re-coated with surface filler every few years.

Tile flooring has been around for many years and lots of types and grades exist. Some of the tile qualities are water absorption, slip resistance, stain resistance and even frost resistance.

Stone

When selecting a natural stone floor in a room, kitchen, bath or foyer there is no doubt that such a floor will be one of a kind. There is a huge selection of colors and sizes of natural stones. Marble is one of the most luxurious stones that is widely available, it is a soft stone which absorbs stains and scratches easily. A few coats of a good stone sealer will protect the stone and still show its natural beauty.

Because of the heavy weight of the natural stone, the installer needs to make sure that the floor is reinforced adequately.

Tile  & stone installation

Surface preparation

Before you start the tile floor installation project you should clear away items like base boards, toilets and old floor covering.  After the floor is completely clean the underlayment will be installed, most common one being black waterproofing paper attached to a metal mesh and floated with concrete.

Establishing the tile layout lines is a critical stage, after marking the lines, the tiles are laid on the floor with spacers keeping an even space between one tile to another. Tile installation will start with spreading the adhesive, it is recommended to spread it a 45 degree angle to create wide grooves.

Then laying the tiles is done row by row with careful attention to each one.

The grout will be generally a mixture of 50/50 water and grout fortifier, all the spaces between tiles will be filled with the grout and any excessive grout will be wiped out with a sponge. After letting the tiles dry out the application of a sealer will be performed.

Tile & stone designs

Tiles can be installed in straight or diagonal lines, border line, medallions, mosaic and different colors of tiles can be incorporated into the design to create the look you want. to add unique and beautiful design.

Over the past 5 years, the tile industry went through a lot of changes, through technological improvements tiles are looking more beautiful and realistic than ever.