1. What types of tile can be installed in my home?
Porcelain, limestone, marble, slate and glass to name a few. There are even tiles made up of steel now. Each material has its own benefits. Such as porcelain, it is quite durable, more so than ceramic meaning it is pretty hard to scratch. Some styles have the quality of being what is known as, “full body porcelain” meaning that the tile has the same color and style throughout making small chips and scratches virtually invisible. Whereas ceramic, if chipped or scratched, will lose the glaze finish in that location and thus, its color.
2. What are the benefits of having tile installed on my floors?
Well, there are many reasons we can think of to have tile installed on your floors. First off, tile is easier to clean. Ceramic and porcelain tiles resist water, stains and grime meaning fewer stains.
Then there is the fact that bugs don't find shelter easily on a tiled floor. I doubt you will see many carpet beetles or dust mites hiding on your tile floor.
Then there is the fact that tile is much more aesthetic than most other floorings. Intricate designs involving mosaics and other delicately cut stones such as marble or stone, even glass and steel mosaics are commonplace within homes.
3. How easy is it for tile to be installed in my home?
Well, that question depends on many factors such as past experience, conditions of the floor and/or walls to be set. But, let's say you currently have some old tile throughout your home. Well what luck! Because, we recently removed three bathrooms full of tile and their fixtures, a laundry room's counter-top and floor, an entry way and a hallway in two days. Of course, before all of that removal we ensure you have decided exactly on the tile and grouting you want installed in your home.
After the removal, the contractor goes around your home replacing all of the Sheetrock we tore off of the walls. (Tile cannot be removed from your walls without tearing the Sheetrock down as well.) We then do what is called floating where our professional tile setters, mix and lay a concrete-like mixture on your floors and walls to level-out the surface and to create a moisture-resistant barrier. One tile setter can float an average-sized bathroom floor and walls in one day. Then comes the installation. This can take up to two days for a standard floor, tub and vanity-counter. Grouting is done in the next day and takes only a few hours. The grout cures for one day and, voila! Your bathroom has been fully tiled!
4. What does it take for the maintenance and cleaning of my tiled floors?
Every floor is different, but generally porcelain is the easiest to maintain because of its low absorbency rate and since it is a tough material: scratches, cuts and cracks will be minimized thus keeping pockets of dirt to a minimum. Natural stone varies from being brittle to soft both of which take a little extra care.
For stone flooring we recommend simple warm water and a soft sponge or mop. Never use abrasives because those will scratch the finish and be very careful with chemicals even those for natural stones because they may take the sealer off.
Ceramic and porcelain are easy to clean, warm water and some mild detergent will get the job done with a good mop. Mild abrasives are also alright for porcelain and ceramic tiles although you probably won't have to use them on a regular basis.
5. How much does it cost and where can I get it done?
Well, we are very glad you asked but you know what? That question can't be fully answered in a FAQ. The best way for us to help you figure this out is for you to give us a call. We are very happy to work with perspective clients and will do our best to answer any and all of your questions. You can reach us from 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday at (408) 938-3494.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.
If you know of any other FAQs we should add, also please contact us. You can do so via our contact section of the website or by phoning us.