Tile & Stone

Manufacturers

American Olean | Chesapeake Tile & Marble | Daltile | Marazzi

Benefits of Tile & Stone

Both classic and chic, floors of tile or stone are a statement. They are elegant and sophisticated. Some even have recycled content. Tile is no longer just for the kitchen or bathroom. New styles are captivating in any room of the house. You can even put tile in the bedroom, evoking the dreamy feeling of a Roman villa. In any space, you will love the timeless look of tile.

For floor décor that’s creative, practical, and romantic, tile is an unbeatable choice. Amazing colors, shapes, textures, and sizes give you endless options. You can even add extra dazzle with glass trim, hand-painted accents, or colored grout. In this way, you take style to new levels.

One of the best things about tile is the ability to install it in special patterns that add interest to your floor. These patterns are easy to create and offer endless variety! Try alternating colors for a dramatic, two-toned effect. Mix sizes and shapes; choose between repeated or random patterns. No matter how you lay tile, it is garuanteed to make a statement.

With a long history as one of the most durable flooring materials available, tile is also a great choice for rooms that see a lot of heavy traffic or moisture. It resists stains and scratches and is easy to clean. The result is a floor that is not only beautiful, but also practical.

Care & Maintenance of Tile & Stone

Tile, whether it’s ceramic, porcelain, or stone, is one of the longest-lasting flooring options in existence. Despite its durability, it still needs a bit of care. Basic, consistent maintenance of your tile or stone floor will ensure that it remains beautiful and like-new for years to come! Please be sure to reference your tile floor warranty for specific care requirements. Below are some general suggestions for caring for your tile floor:

  • As needed, sweep your floor to remove dirt and grit.
  • Wipe spills promptly.
  • Damp mop once a week (or more often for heavy traffic areas) using a special cleaner we can recommend – call us for guidance.
  • Make sure the cleanser you use is a neutral pH compatible with grout cleaning. Never use detergent or soap. These can dull the surface and promote mildew growth. Cleaners should never contain acids, vinegar, chlorines, or ammonia, as these chemicals can damage and discolor both the grout and the stone or tile.
  • Use protective mats in entryways and pads under furniture legs.
  • Make sure you wait the proper time for grout to cure before you apply a sealer.

Installation of Tile & Stone

BEFORE INSTALLATION
To help insure a trouble-free installation day, follow this checklist of things to do before the installer arrives:

Make sure you know who’s removing your existing flooring. If you wish, the installer will do it. If not, you should make arrangements to have it removed. Minimize dust by vacuuming your old carpet before it’s removed and, after it’s up, vacuum the floor thoroughly.

Who’s moving the furniture? Decide in advance if you want to take on the responsibility or if you want the installer to handle it. Either way, be sure to remove all fragile items from the room, and don’t leave anything—such as drapery or plants—hanging over the installation area.

In general, your linear or rectangular tile should run parallel to windows or, in narrow rooms, to the longest wall.

Measure door clearances before you have your carpet installed. If the new floor is thicker than your existing floor, door bottoms may rub. Plan in advance to have someone shave or saw the correct amount off the bottom of each door so it does not drag.

Paint first. If you’re planning to paint, wallpaper, or do any other remodeling in the room, it’s best to do it before your carpet is installed. Keep extra paint to touch up any post-installation nicks.

DURING INSTALLATION
To ensure that your tile floor looks good now and for a long time to come, proper installation is crucial. Here is the typical procedure that an experienced installation professional will follow:

Subfloor: Tile must be installed over a subfloor that is structurally sound, rigid, level, smooth, and clean. In certain cases, cement backer board must be laid first. Preparing the subfloor is the most critical step in achieving a good installation, and your professional installer will know how to do it.

Installation: First, the installer will determine tile layout. Then, using chalk-lines as a guide, your installer will spread thinset mortar in small areas and will place the tiles in it. Spacers are used between tiles so that they are evenly placed. After the mortar sets, grout is applied, sometimes the next day.

Cleaning and curing: The installer will carefully clean the tiles, ridding them of all grout. After the installation is complete, it is necessary to stay off of the floor for at least 24 – 48 hours, depending on the room’s expected traffic.

It is a great idea to check with us directly to find out if there are other actions we recommend before installation. Call us today for more information or for a free quote!