Tile And Stone
Tile and stone are hot building materials, especially in the kitchen and bath, in laundry rooms, outdoors, and in basements. Both can provide a unique and personalized look, and depending on your choice, both can be extremely durable.
Tile is generally made of ceramic, stone, metal, or glass and can be used on walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and a building's exterior. New manufacturing techniques have allowed tiles to grow in size and also become thinner and lighter than ever. Color choices are broader, and more vivid hues can be achieved that were impossible in the past. Installation has also become easier as most tile patterns and mosaics arrive on a sheet, and individual pieces don't have to be secured one by one. Finally grout is now optional due to the fact many tiles can be installed directly adjacent to one another with no space in between.
If you want a memorable look, many unconventional tile material choices exist including cowhide, leather, and even coconut. Tile is also very versatile design wise and looks great in all kinds of styles from contemporary to art deco to transitional.
Before you can lay the tile, you'll have to decide what to affix it to. Hardibacker, made of cement and cellulose fiber, is ideal for wet locations and is very sturdy and mold resistant. Wonderboard is also made of cement but has a glass-mesh laminate and can be used on both interior and exterior projects. If you use the technique known as cement floating, you can level crooked floors and walls prior to installation.
Stone is one of the hottest choices for kitchen countertops, whether it be the well-known marble or granite or lesser known choices such as soapstone or natural quartz or even more exotic options such as Verde Fantastico Granite.
Stone will arrive in a slab, which you should always see before it arrives as natural inconsistencies exist, and you want to be sure you will be happy with the product you are purchasing. You can choose between several finishes, including polished (high gloss), honed (matte), flamed (textured), and tumbled (rounded edges and an Old World look).
Granite is one of the most durable, but it is also porous and requires special sealants to be applied periodically, as does marble. Limestone is prone to stains, while slate is durable, hard, and fire proof.
Only a few years ago, almost all tile was neutral and meant to serve as a background in a room. Today that trend has reversed. Colorful backsplashes can be found in every high-end kitchen, and patterned tiles are finding their way into bathrooms. In fact, animal prints and large-scale murals are some of the hottest looks. So don't be afraid to make a bold design statement!
Tile is generally made of ceramic, stone, metal, or glass and can be used on walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and a building's exterior. New manufacturing techniques have allowed tiles to grow in size and also become thinner and lighter than ever. Color choices are broader, and more vivid hues can be achieved that were impossible in the past. Installation has also become easier as most tile patterns and mosaics arrive on a sheet, and individual pieces don't have to be secured one by one. Finally grout is now optional due to the fact many tiles can be installed directly adjacent to one another with no space in between.
If you want a memorable look, many unconventional tile material choices exist including cowhide, leather, and even coconut. Tile is also very versatile design wise and looks great in all kinds of styles from contemporary to art deco to transitional.
Before you can lay the tile, you'll have to decide what to affix it to. Hardibacker, made of cement and cellulose fiber, is ideal for wet locations and is very sturdy and mold resistant. Wonderboard is also made of cement but has a glass-mesh laminate and can be used on both interior and exterior projects. If you use the technique known as cement floating, you can level crooked floors and walls prior to installation.
Stone is one of the hottest choices for kitchen countertops, whether it be the well-known marble or granite or lesser known choices such as soapstone or natural quartz or even more exotic options such as Verde Fantastico Granite.
Stone will arrive in a slab, which you should always see before it arrives as natural inconsistencies exist, and you want to be sure you will be happy with the product you are purchasing. You can choose between several finishes, including polished (high gloss), honed (matte), flamed (textured), and tumbled (rounded edges and an Old World look).
Granite is one of the most durable, but it is also porous and requires special sealants to be applied periodically, as does marble. Limestone is prone to stains, while slate is durable, hard, and fire proof.
Only a few years ago, almost all tile was neutral and meant to serve as a background in a room. Today that trend has reversed. Colorful backsplashes can be found in every high-end kitchen, and patterned tiles are finding their way into bathrooms. In fact, animal prints and large-scale murals are some of the hottest looks. So don't be afraid to make a bold design statement!