General Questions
Instalation
Care and Maintanance
There are several factors when considering tile, however the most important is it's durability. The tile must be tough enough to withstand the abuse it's going to be subjected to. Cost will take a part in deciding the end result.
Granite is a harder and more durable marble; therefore, it is advisable that it be used in the kitchen. Granite is a worry-free surface, requiring few special precautions. It is extremely durable, stain resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won't damage it. It won't chip, crack or scratch under normal use. Marble is relatively soft and is far easier to scratch, it is also affected by acidic substances. These acidic substances will cause a chemical reaction which removes the polish. However, with proper precautions, such as sealing, marble may be used in the kitchen.
Almost all natural stone can be used in outdoor situations. Natural stones like slate are better suited for outdoor use, mainly because slate offers a non slip surface. Also Ceramic and terra cotta are excellent choices as well. Just remeber if you put stone tiles outdoors proper sealers must be used to prevent damage.
Using a grout that is the same color as the tile will create a blended effect, making the floor more uniform in appearance. For some, this may be the desired effect. However, using a contrasting color grout will emphasize the grout joint. You don’t want to go to extreme or your floor will end up looking too busy and you will tire of it quickly. The best bet for grout selection is to choose one the blends well with the tile. Let the professionals at Creative Tile assist you in choosing the proper grout to use.
Tile grout is not waterproof. Even with a grout sealer, most sealers used these days are breatheable, meaning the moisture can transmit through it, both in and out, so even sealer won't make it waterproof.
Porcelain tiles are usually unglazed tiles consisting of a fine mixture of clays. Porcelain tiles are very dense, impervious tiles that are extremely moisture-resistant. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are waterproof are very durable.
Natural Stone such as marble and granite requires some care and attention in order to maintain its original luster and appearance. Many stone tiles are porous in nature, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation, staining, deterioration, etc. Special impregnating or penatrating sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. After installation, marble and granite surfaces are sealed in order to clog the pores and prevent everyday spills from staining them. However, time may remove the seal, making it necessary to reapply. Granite is far more stain-resistant than marble.
As long as it is not a wet area such as a tub or shower you will not have a problem installing tile on sheetrock (drywall). Proper installation is required for use around areas that have a tendency to get wet. Make sure that those areas are installed by a proffessional.
Whenever there are cracks in the slab other than a hair crack, spider webbing surface cracks, it has to be addressed before installing the tile or you will more than likely have cracks in the tile. There are several ways of doing this, but the best is a crack isolation membrane. The joint should be thoroughly cleaned and filled with a resilient filling agent before Installation.
Cleaning tiles is simple. Wipe tile with a damp sponge or mop, using a small amount of soap-less detergent in warm water. Heavy duty cleaning can be accomplished with a bleach and water solution. Avoid abrasive household cleaners, which will scratch your tile. See also tile and stone care
Harsh abrasive sponges and steel wool are not recommended for the same reason abrasive cleansers are not recommended. They may scratch the tile. Further, loose bits of steel left on the grout can cause rust stains. See also tile and stone care
Don’t use anything you wouldn’t consider safe to clean your hands with. We reccommend approved stone cleaners, however if needed, stone surfaces can be cleaned using warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth. Avoid the use of cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub cleaners also avoid vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners. See also tile and stone care