F.A.Q.

Is ceramic tile available in many sizes and colors?
Tiles are manufactured in sizes that range from less than 1" mosaics to 48" panels. Today's most poplar sizes for wall tiles are 8x10" and 12x12" to 16x16" for floor tiles. Floor tiles are sometimes available in multiple sizes that will allow the flexibility to design patterns and borders in your floors. Tiles are also manufactured in a rainbow of colors that will allow you to match or contrast other colors on your decor. There are also smaller colorful decorative tiles available that would allow introduction of an accent color to add pizzazz to your project.

Can I use my ceramic tile on an exterior project?
Most ceramic tiles are not frost proof and therefore will not tolerate freeze-thaw cycles that will occur in many parts of the country. However, porcelain and natural stone tiles will withstand the below freezing temperatures and are ideal for exterior applications with the textures and sizes available.

Is a ceramic floor cold?
Ceramic and stone floors are good conductors of heat and will on warm days feel cool and during cool days will retain heat from sunlight or radiant heating. A perfect flooring selection for sunrooms and other areas that receive a lot of natural sun light.

What are the different kinds of grout?
Most grouts are made from portland cement, aggregates and color pigments. In light colors. without sealers or latex additives, grouts may stain. There are now on the market 100% epoxy grouts that will be stain and chemical proof. Both types of grout are available in many colors that can be used to blend in with the color of the tile or contrasted to draw attention to the floor and the size of the tiles.

Do tiles have "shade" lots?
Yes, because ceramic tile is made from natural clays and fired in kilns, there is some shade variation. These variations are controlled and can be kept in minimal ranges for solid color tiles or can have a more varied range for a natural, fume look.

Should I order extra tile?
Because tile lots vary from one production run to the next, having extra tile to save for any future repairs would be recommended.

Is it possible to replace a single damaged tile?
Yes, by routing out the grout around a damaged tile and chipping out the damaged tile with a chisel, a single tile can be removed. After clearing away the old adhesive, a new tile can be installed with new adhesive and grouted.

How should I maintain my tile installation?
Most ceramic tiles should be cleaned with water and non-abrasive cleaners. Glazed tiles will not need to be sealed but it is recommended that grout and porous tiles and stones be sealed with appropriate sealers, as per manufactures recommendations.