PEI Scale Ceramic and Porcelain

Sometimes it becomes very difficult to choose among the different types of tiles one can use at home, offices and other places. PEI Scale was established with the view to resolve these kinds of confusions and help people make a wise decision. The ratings, undoubtedly, prove beneficial for the consumers to decide as to which type of tile goes well with which kind of floor or wall surface.
Porcelain Enamel Institute, an organization concerned with the betterment of the porcelain industry since 1930, set up the PEI Scale to provide certain common and universally accepted yardsticks. These give appraisal of different types of tiles and their use, thereby, acting as a valuable guide for the consumers. The PEI Ratings are popularly resorted to while deciding upon which variety of tile is best suitable to meet their requirements. It gives a clear picture of the hardness of specific varieties of tiles and help in zeroing down to a particular type. Although ratings are given for both ceramics and porcelain tiles, people tend to focus more on the former at the expense of ignoring the latter which are equally important. However, it is advisable to pay attention to both while determining the right type of tile if one wants to get value for money.
The PEI Scale works by bringing to fore the resistance and endurance level of an enameled surface which gives a fairly clear idea about the kind of foot traffic it can survive as well as how durable it is. Once assigned, these are extremely helpful in taking decisions regarding their suitability in a given context of use. PEI Scale divides the various types of tiles under five different categories which are decided keeping numerous factors in mind.

If on one hand tiles falling under class 0 are deemed unfit for flooring purposes; then on the other hand, there is class 1 that implies that the tiles categorized under them are suitable to be used for commercial and residential walls. Additionally, the tiles under class 1 are shown to be tolerant towards bare foot traffic. Similarly, class 2 can bear the burden of what has been called soft soled traffic and can comfortably be used for bath and wall floor, making them ideal for use in homes.
Class 3 tiles stands out from those mentioned so far as these find favor with both light commercial floors and all types of residential floors. Class 4 tiles are in a different league altogether as these are considered competent for catering to light industrial, institutional, and medium commercial areas. Tiles falling under the class 5 have been declared to be highly durable and resistant to extra heavy traffic. Furthermore, these are also hailed as chemically more resistant and tolerant towards dirt that is inimical to its quality.
Although PEI Scale can prove to be a useful aid in taking the crucial decision regarding the right type of tiles a person should purchase one must not bank on them exclusively. One must take into consideration other important factors like bond strength, glaze, hardness, shape, and dimension and water absorption, while taking a final decision.
Group I: Suitable only for residential bathrooms.
Group II: Suitable for general residential areas, except for kitchens, hallways or other heavy traffic areas.
Group III: Suitable for all residential and light commercial applications like offices and reception areas
Group IV: Suitable for any residential and moderate commercial applications.
Group V: Suitable for all residential and all commercial applications.
CLASS 0: Tiles technically unsuitable for floors.
CLASS 1: Residential and commercial wall and bare foot traffic.
CLASS 2: Wall and residential bath floor, and soft soled traffic.
CLASS 3: All residential floors and light commercial floors.
CLASS 4: Medium commercial, light industrial and institutional, moderate soiling.
CLASS 5: Extra heavy traffic, abrasive dirt, chemically more resistant.
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Ceramic Tiles are Different from Porcelain Tiles

Amongst the numerous flooring options available, tiles are probably the most preferred choice of homeowners. Tiles are versatile flooring options that suit preferences and budget of almost every homeowner. The availability of a myriad of choices such as ceramic, cork, laminate, and slate tile flooring sometimes make it difficult for homeowners to make the right pick. Homeowners often get confuse between ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are somewhat similar to each other but not same.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles differ from one another right from their manufacturing process as well as the material used for fabricating them. Ceramic tiles are made using mixture of both red and white clay, which lend them a typical terracotta color. The ceramic tiles can however be layered with colors; as a result of which these are available in an array of attractive colors. However, in case the tiles chip or wear down, then the upper colored layer gets damaged and the original terracotta color gets exposed.
In contrast, the porcelain tiles are made using porcelain clays that are fired at a very high temperature, much higher than ceramic tiles. As a result, the porcelain tiles are much harder and denser in comparison to ceramic tiles. Additionally, the porcelain tiles are smoother in texture and are also not as porous as ceramic tiles. Since the entire depth of the porcelain tile is colored; hence, even if the tiles chip or wear down, the color will never wear off. In terms of durability and permeability, porcelain tiles score over ceramic tiles as the former are more resistant to moisture than the latter.

On the basis of wear and tear resistance, porcelain tiles are more resistant to scratches and cracks as these are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. Since ceramic tiles are more vulnerable and chip & wear down easily; hence these are generally preferred indoors. These can however be used outdoors, but only the frost-proof and unglazed tiles, which also have a low absorption rating. The ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, resistant to chemicals, fire and stains, and are also less expensive than the porcelain tiles.
Better resistance to moisture, wear and tear, along with low absorption rating make porcelain tiles suitable for outdoors as well as indoors. Porcelain tiles are highly durable & strong, and can easily withstand high foot traffic. These tiles are almost impervious as these are less porous tiles with water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Owing to this, these are generally used outdoors, especially for pool decks and sidewalks. Moreover, porcelain tiles are frost-resistant, making them ideal for cold weather.

Although both, ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, are popular among homeowners as these add to the beauty and elegance of any place; these differ in terms of durability, hardness, and wear & tear resistance. Hence, depending upon your requirements, you need to choose wisely between the two. Furthermore, you can even take help of the PEI ratings to adjudge the suitability of tiles for particular uses.
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Choose the right flooring option to enhance the value of your house

Flooring is one of the most prominent aspects of a house that a potential buyer considers before making a purchase decision. It is for this reason that upgrading or renovating the flooring is essential before putting up the house in the real estate market. Aesthetically appealing and high utility flooring would not only enable you to sell your house quickly but would also increase the value of your house.
Utility of a floor refers to its ease of maintenance and high durability. Certain floors are resistant to spills and stains while there are some that can be refinished a number of times. Although such high utility floors might be expensive, they would enhance the value of your house, thereby allowing you to sell it at a much higher price.
Color of the flooring is can play a major role in persuading a buyer to select your house. Light colored floors are considered to be the best option, since they make the room look larger. Furthermore, a light colored floor would also enable the buyer to visualize their furniture over the floor, thereby assisting their final decision.
Different rooms in a house require different flooring options for visual appeal. It is for this reason that you should select the right flooring option for each room in your house. Areas such as the bathrooms and the kitchens, which are extensively used, should be fitted with low maintenance flooring. Vinyl and tiles are considered to be the two best flooring options for a bathroom.

Houses with wall to wall carpeting would definitely attract potential buyers; however, stains of dirt on the carpets can be a big turn-off for them. It is for this reason that properly cleaning the carpets is essential before showing it to the potential buyers. Replacing old carpets with new ones would be an ideal option for enhancing the value of your house.
While selecting the flooring for your house you should always weigh the ‘Cost VS Benefit’ ratio to make the right decision. For example, using marble in the kitchen would enhance the visual appeal of the area but the initial price and the subsequent maintenance costs could be too high for this option.
Along with the traditional tiles and stone flooring you should also consider contemporary flooring options like bamboo and cork. Flooring material such as these would offer an environment friendly as well as cost effective option. You should also keep in mind the lifestyle habits and the income level of the prospective buyers while making the final choice.

If the perceived value of a house is higher than its price, there is a good possibility of it, getting sold off quickly. It is therefore important to make such changes to your house that increases its value for the buyers. Flooring is one of the most essential aspects of a house; it not only provides a visual appeal, but is also the factor that determines the strength of the house. Therefore, it is essential to wisely select the flooring option that is right for your house.
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Marble Floors Good or Bad

Of the numerous flooring options available, a lot of people are opting for Marble flooring for their homes. Marble flooring is not only durable but also adds to the visual appeal of the house. Hence, while considering to build or to renovate your house, you can consider Marble as the flooring option, that will give a whole new look to the place. Marble flooring is probably the best long term investment in home surfaces, which increases the overall value of your asset.
Marble flooring is also popular due to its availability in various styles, colors, designs and patterns; which can easily be coordinated to match any kind of home decor. Moreover, the smooth, shiny, glossy Marble is naturally available, which makes it a green flooring option. It is easy to install and if done properly, it has minimal chances of breaking. Marble is a poor conductor of heat which helps in keeping the house cool and comfortable, especially in areas with warm climate.
Attractive and exclusive, the beautiful natural stone is available in different varieties. The veining, which is also referred to as ‘Marbleized’, are small lines of color that give the stone its unique look. These stones are available in ‘gloss surface’ which makes it shiny and reflective. In contrast, if you want a dull surface, you can use Marbles which have undergone the tumbled process. ‘Tumbling’ is a process that distresses and ages the stone to make it look dull and buffed. One can even choose the honed Marble which has a flat, matte or satin finish. The honed Marble has a lower risk of etching, where due to everyday foot traffic the initial polish of the surface is removed.
In contrast to the giant slabs available earlier, Marble nowadays is available in tiles which are easy to handle and install. One can also use Marble to make mosaics and interesting patterns that increase the visual outlook of the place. The biggest advantage of Marble flooring is that it provides a durable and long lasting surface which never needs replacing.
However, Marble though, is not the most preferred choice for flooring amongst homeowners as it can be quite expensive. However, with its numerous benefits, the demand for Marble flooring is increasing every day.
It may also require occasional re-sealing, depending upon the foot traffic, and also polishing and buffing, in case it gets dull. Marble requires proper maintenance and cleaning. One must be careful not to use the cleaning agents which contain chlorine or are acidic as it can harm its sheen.
Marble is available in unique shades with sophisticated sheen. It is durable and easy to install that blends beautifully with every kind of decor. Moreover, this smooth and polished surface provides an elegant feel to the place. Hence, if you are looking for a great flooring option for your home, which not only is durable but beautiful as well, choose Marble flooring; since it offers a timeless visual appeal and a grand look.
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Why should you choose brand name flooring

One of major decisions that every homeowner needs to make is to choose the right flooring material for their home. The wide variety of flooring options, make the decision all the more daunting. However, choosing brand name flooring material, over generic flooring options, proves beneficial for homeowners in several ways. Although, homeowners may have to pay little more for these branded products but it is worth spending the extra money as brand name flooring products are durable and cost effective. Once installed, homeowners can enjoy the benefit of good durable flooring, for years to come.
Branded products are beneficial in every way, as it offers better quality, guarantee and material which is durable. The leading brand names offer customers a wide range of options, including different materials such as marble, hardwood, tiles and laminate flooring. These are available in wide choices of colors, patterns and styles, which make it easier for the buyer to choose from. Moreover, the brand names ensure quality. Whatever branded flooring material you buy, would come with assured quality, which is worth all the investment. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of branded products is that all these flooring options are durable. With proper maintenance and care, the branded flooring options are long lasting which increase the overall value of the house. A company becomes a brand only when it offers quality and durable products, which eventually earns them a broad clientele. Hence, if you choose a brand name, you can be rest assured that the product is of high quality which will be long lasting.

The leading brands in the field constantly carry out research & development, in order to produce new and innovative products. The options available to the customers increase manifold with the introduction of new & useful products. Companies also offer customized solutions to incorporate the specific requirements of their customers. Moreover, with the increasing competition, companies strive to offer better quality products at lower rates, which eventually saves customers significant amount of money.

In addition, branded products last longer, and the flooring does not demand frequent repairs. Good quality branded products makes the flooring strong & durable to withstand greater foot traffic without fading and staining. With the use of branded products the maintenance cost for flooring decreases, which add on to the savings for the customers. An important reason why customers should opt for branded products is because these products come with a warranty. For the sake of their reputation, big brands of the industry ensure to provide quality products that prove beneficial to the customer.
Owing to all this certain companies have become household names and leading brands, whose products can be bought by customers with surety of quality and durability. Hence, in case you are contemplating with the idea of purchasing flooring for your home, consider buying brand name products. Though you may have to pay a little more for these branded products; it will save you time, effort and money as these lasts longer and offer value for your money.
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The fact about Glass Tile

For centuries, glass has been a featured material in mosaic media to decorate and articulate a building. Glass tiles are essentially pieces of glass formed into consistent shapes. Glass mosaic tiles are suitable for both internal and external applications as they are impervious to frost, sunlight, and water. This quality makes it best suited for wet or constantly submerged areas. They are easy to clean, maintain, and they never discolor. Glass tiles have a varied application in black slashes of drawing-room, dining, kitchen, bath-room etc…, They are also used to highlight certain features. The spot lighting has further increased their use. Although glass tiles are complex to install the benefits and beauty makes us over see.
Production methods determine look and feel of a glass tile. There are four major types of glass tile based on their manufacturing method.
They are Smalti tile, Fused glass, Sintered and Glass casting
In addition, there are two other eminent glass surface treatments for these tiles: slumping and etching.
Smalti tile is type of glass tile which is Frosted glass, or opaque glass. It has been in use from ancient times. “Smalti” is an Italian word, and refers to a glass paste. Smalti is made by mixing molten glass with metal oxides for color. Translucent Smalti is a popular variant of smalti glass tile. It looks like stained glass with uniform colors.
Byzantine Glass is another smalti variant made from thinner slabs of glass. Metallic Smalti is a swirl of a copper-bearing mineral added into the molten glass before it is pressed. Gold Smalti are made by applying a gold leaf and a thin layer of blown glass.
Fused Tile is manufactured using the fusion method. In this type a flat glass is cut into tiles shapes and then fired in a furnace. The clear glass will show the tile until treated with a color. In this method colors are added to the top or bottom of the glass. Fused glass tiles are characterized with a translucent area and a layer of opaque color visible through the tile. These tiles are further treated with an etching or other coating, for aesthetics or abrasion.
Sintered glass tile is a variety made by pressing glass powder into dies and then heated until the particles fuse. The color is either added into the powder or added topically after cooling. Unlike smalti tiles, sintered tiles tend to have a uniform look. This milky and scratch-resistant finish makes it versatile.
Cast tile is made by inserting chunks of glass into a mold which gives it a layered look. Most recycled glass tile products are made using this method making it environment friendly.

All these variants can be treated to slumping and etching. Slumped glasses are curved into convex/concave shape during firing. Etched glass is a process of applying a thin-translucent layer on the surface of a tile. All these features give glass tile a unique appearance which is unachievable with the conventional tiles. The reverberant and depth of color makes them unique.
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Creating custom bathroom designs using standard tiles

Tiles are one of the most widely used home décor materials. Tiles are renowned for their high durability, and the aesthetic appeal provided by them to a room. It is due to these reasons that tiles are ideal for different areas of the house, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. Tiles can ideally be used as tabletops, flooring or a simple wall design. Although tiles can be used on different area, they are generally used to enhance the décor and the effectiveness of the bathroom.
You can easily find tiles made up of different materials; however, ceramic and porcelain are ideal for bathrooms. This is so, since ceramic and porcelain generally do not absorb water, thereby minimizing the chances of dirt settlement and mold. Furthermore, these tiles are easy to maintain and do not require regular cleaning.
Apart from the durability and maintenance aspect, the other major reason for the popularity of tiles is the wide range of colors and designs available. While selecting tiles for your bathroom you should decide on the size of the tiles, as well as the décor that you want. However, if you want a solid colored bathroom then size would not play such a major role.

In case you plan to tile a small bathroom area then it is important to select light colored tiles. Light colors will reflect the available light in the bathroom, thereby making it look larger than it actually is. Furthermore, light colors will also give your bathroom an airy look, thereby making it a lot more comfortable. Along with the colors you should keep in mind that the designs on the tiles should not be too large. Tiles with extensive designs generally do not suit small bathroom areas.
In case you are looking for appealing shades in your bathroom then a mosaic tile design would be an ideal option. For example, you can use a mix of blue and white tiles, with blue tiles forming the lower portion of the walls and the white ones covering the rest. There are various complex mosaic designs available in the market for you to select from, as per your preference.
As far as the floor of the bathroom is considered you can either use the same designs as that on the walls, or you can opt for a completely new pattern. Generally, different designs on the wall and the floor help in balancing the colors of fixtures, in case they are different in color. If you are planning to install radiant heating system beneath the flooring you can go in for warm colored tiles. This will create a comfortable environment inside the bathroom, especially during the winters.
Tiles can be selected on the basis of their color, size, designs as well as material that they are made up of. In order to custom design your bathroom you can either use your imagination, or can take the help of a professional decorator. Whichever option you opt for, you can be sure that tiles are going to last for a long duration and will enhance the visuals of your bathroom.
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Get your facts right before tiling the floor

Tiles offer durability and are a cost effective option for flooring; with minimal maintenance requirements, tiles can enhance the entire outlook of the room. In case you are planning to install floor tiles to upgrade your home, you must be aware of certain facts before you start working on it.
These are available in different shapes, sizes, colors and varieties, such as glass, terracotta, brick, cement, porcelain, terrazzo and quarry tiles. Among the various types, stone and ceramic tiles are generally preferred more for the floors. Ceramic tiles are available in glazed as well as unglazed options in different varieties of color. Further, the tiles are classified in four groups from I to IV depending upon durability. Group IV tiles are most durable, strong and sturdy withstanding more pressure and hence preferred for heavy traffic floors, such as patios and drive ways. Therefore, selecting the right kind of tile for flooring would depend upon the area such as kitchen, hallway, bathroom, basement or patio.

The most important thing you must have, before installing tiles for making the floor, is a proper layout, in order to execute the installation properly. For a correct assessment, measure the dimensions of the flooring area and divide it by coverage area of the tile; this will provide an estimate on how many tiles you would require for tiling your floor. It is advisable to re-evaluate your calculations, in order to avoid any inconvenience while doing the job.
Always get a few extra tiles to make for the loss, if any, during installation. Moreover, this also helps you in having matching tiles in case you need to replace it in future, because finding matching tile pattern can be difficult. Planning, patience and labor are the key ingredients that will help you cruise through this task effectively.
You should also be aware of the fact that installing a tile floor is a tedious process which may take days or weeks to complete the job. For a small bathroom floor, it may take two or three days, however installing tiles on the floor of your living room may stretch beyond a week. The time frame also depends upon your skill. Moreover, choosing the material, estimating the cost and finally purchasing the supplies consumes few days initially.

Before starting off with the tiling process, it is essential to lay out the sub floor. Sub flooring forms an integral part of the whole tiling process; hence make sure that you have strong sub flooring to prevent the grout from cracking. In addition, you must select the right type of grout depending upon the type of the tile. There are primarily three types of grout, namely epoxy, furan resin and Portland-cement based grouts. Among these, though epoxy is more expensive, it is highly water resistant and spreads out easily. In case of moist areas, you can use cement fiber-board for under flooring.
Once the sub floor stabilizes, it is time to lay out tiles. To hold the tiles in place make use of thinset and leave the tiles overnight. All this information will help you make all the necessary arrangements beforehand and have the perfectly tiled floor for your house.
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State of the art bathroom within your budget

As with the other parts of your home, you would surely like your bathroom to be unique. Nowadays, most of the houses have state-of-the-art bathrooms which are a perfect blend of functionality and creativity. With just a little research & effort you could make your bathroom distinctive & attractive
A bathroom is the most personal space in your house and you would like it to be a reflection of your personal taste. In case you are constructing your home or renovating your bathroom, you should first consider the various options you have and work accordingly. You must research the market and see what all is available within your budget; thereafter you need to make a proper layout and plan your work accordingly. Before you actually start on planning the decor of your bathroom, you need to finalize the layout of pipes, sewer etc.

To begin with, you must decide the color that will primarily dominate your bathroom space. In case the size of the bathroom is small, consider light color as it will make your bathroom look bigger than it actually is. You can also mix & match contrasting colors to add an artistic touch and make the bathroom look more appealing.
Once you have decided the color, the next thing you need to choose is the flooring and walls. There are many options that are available, such as tiles, marble and granite. Amongst the various options, tiles are generally preferred as these are affordable, durable and easy to install and maintain. Moreover, these are available in various colors, patterns and types, such as glass, metal and ceramic tiles. Furthermore, decide about the various other essential components of your bathroom, such as sink, shower, bathtub and more. All these are available in various shapes patterns and sizes; hence give some due deliberation before you purchase these. With little experimentation and patience, it is possible to have a beautiful bathroom.

After all the basics have been taken care of, you can spruce up the bathroom interiors by using some dynamic bathroom accessories. Even if your bathroom is simple, you can make it lavish by adding style and grace with the help of light fixtures, vanities and accent. You can use contemporary light fixtures, such as ones with the steel body. Then according to the bathroom decor and color, select bathroom vanities such as shelves, shower seats and mirrors. To add the final touch to your bathroom, use accents to make your bathroom attractive. Use some beautiful paintings, houseplants, vases, potpourri, mats and other decorative items of your choice. All this will make your bathroom look grand and luxurious.
There are various companies offering such items, however, we provide durable and quality range of products, which is well within your budget so that you can have a splendid bathroom, without burning a hole in your pocket. Hence, a little planning and effort on your part, along with quality and affordable range offered by us; you will be proud owner of a state of the art bathroom.
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Tiling ideas for your bathroom

Although you have the option of using a number of different types of materials in your bathroom; most people prefer to use ceramic tiles due to the various benefits these offer. Tiles can be conveniently placed and come in a variety of designs, colors shapes and sizes. Most people prefer ceramic tiles since they are highly durable, resistant to dampness and easy to clean. However, there are a number of other tiling options that you can avail in order to make your bathroom more attractive and aesthetically appealing.
In case you have used ceramic tiles of the same color in your bathroom you can create a contrasting border by using tiles of different colors. Such an integration of colors will significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
The grout is an important aspect of your bathroom, and selecting a contrasting grout color can enable you to create an attractive color combination in your bathroom. For example, if you have white tiles in your bathroom, you can select grout colors such as red, blue or green.
You can mix and match the size of tiles that you use in your bathroom. It is not necessary to use the traditional sized tiles; you can easily pick from a number of different options that are available in the market these days. Use your creativity in order to achieve a look that is as per your requirements.

Another great tiling idea for your bathroom is to use metal tiles instead of ceramic. Metal tiles, although a bit costly, are in vogue when it comes to designing the bathrooms, and are being used widely. Metal tiles are generally used to integrate mosaic with stone tiles.
The color combination of the tiles is not meant only to enhance the looks of the bathroom but also to give a soothing sensation. Therefore, you should carefully select the colors of the tiles for the floor or the walls of your bathroom in order to have a comforting experience while taking a shower or lying in the tub.
The colors selected can also make your bathroom look large or small. Dark colored tiles generally reduce the perceived size of your bathroom, while on the other hand light colored tiles reflect light and make your bathroom area look more spacious.
Another idea to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom is to use multi-colored tiles in the shower area and in other parts of the bathroom. Or in case you want to use the same colored tiles in the entire bathroom you can arrange them differently in the shower area and the rest of the bathroom.

These are just a few of the many innovative ideas that you can make use of, while tiling your bathroom. In order to make the right choice of tiles to select for your bathroom you should visit the website of reputed tile suppliers such as FlooringSupplyShop; here you will be able to shortlist and select tiles of colors and designs that best suit your specific taste.
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Carpeting VS tiling

Homeowners who are either building, or remolding their house, face a dilemma of whether or not to use carpet flooring. The countless flooring options available in the market these days have increased the options and complicated the task of selecting one for your house. Although carpeting still remains one of the most preferred flooring options, there are a number of problems associated with this type of flooring.

One of the major concerns that homeowners have regarding carpet flooring is keeping it clean. It is very easy for dust, food particles and other items to get trapped within the fabric of the carpet. A dirty carpet not only affects the aesthetics of the house but also becomes the source of allergies. Further, cleaning these impurities is a difficult task and requires specialized resources.

Generally, contemporary wall to wall carpets consist of synthetic fibers as well as dyes and glue that release harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs not only cause allergies but can also act as carcinogens, thereby affecting the health of the family members.

On the other hand are the tiled floors, which offer a number of advantages over a carpet floor. One of the biggest advantages of having a tiled floor is the availability of different shapes, sizes and colors. From a wide pool of vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tiles, you can select the one that best suits the decor of your house.

Another significant benefit of using a tiled floor is the ease of maintenance offered by it. Vinyl and ceramic tiles are generally stain resistant and spills can be easily wiped using a piece of cloth. Further, routine cleaning requires a mild cleansing agent and a mop, thereby significantly reducing the efforts associated with a tiled floor.

Installing a tiled floor is generally much simpler and less time consuming as compared to other types of flooring. You can use a low toxicity thin set mortar to set your tiled floor in an effective and convenient manner. Further, grouting is also easy and any DIY enthusiast can use resources such as the Grout Remover and the Grout Caulk Thinset to complete the grouting job. In case a tile gets damaged, all that is required to fix the problem is, to remove the damaged tile and set-in a new one. This ease in repairs and minimal requirement of maintenance makes tiles the ideal flooring option.

Finally tiles are highly versatile and can be used in any room of the house. Not just the living rooms and the bed rooms, but tiles can also be used in wet areas such as the bathroom and the kitchen. You can select anti slip tiles for your shower area for maximum effectiveness.

Therefore, it can be clearly seen that although carpeting is the preferred flooring choice of a number of individuals, tiles can become an ideal replacement. Not only do tiles enhance the aesthetics of a room, but are cost effective as well. Further, tiles are a much better option if you want a clean and healthy environment inside the house.

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History of American tiles

Tiles have been used by man for aesthetic purposes since a long time. Excavations have revealed that a number of civilizations in Babylon, Egypt, America and China used a variety of hardened clay to decorate walls, floors, pitchers and pots. Further, the discovery of natural pigments to color these tiles led to the development of colored and decorative tiles.

Apart from being used as a decorative item, the renaissance period saw the development of tiles into a canvas. During this period, a number of renowned artists painted their masterpiece on tiles. One of the main reasons for the popularity of tiles as a canvas was its high durability and the appealing background that it provided.

Fired clay tiles gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century due to the widespread availability of the raw materials used to create them. Continuous development in tile manufacturing technology led to tiles being created through a systematic process by using roller kilns, higher firing temperatures and shorter firing cycles. Although this process has become outdated, the tiles created through this process are still in use around the United States.

Apart from the process of manufacturing tiles, the size of tiles have also undergone a tremendous change over the years. Earlier, standard sizes of either 4” x 4” or 8” x 8” were manufactured; with advancement in manufacturing technology, there is no limit to the size of tiles that can be manufactured. If the rate of technological advancement is anything to go by, we are sure to see a lot more changes in the size, shape, color and thickness of tiles.

Even the process of decorating tiles has undergone a significant change over the years. Earlier, glaze was applied on the surface of the tile using bell applicators; however, change in technology has facilitated tile decoration using flat silk screens, rotor or roller screens, laser screens and digital ink.

It was during the late 20th century that the trend of using porcelain tiles gained popularity. The main reason for the popularity of porcelain tiles was that they were ‘freeze thaw stable’ and had water absorption of less than 0.5%. These characteristics ensured that porcelain tiles could be used in any temperature and in any condition. Even NASA realized these characteristics and started using porcelain tiles on space shuttles to protect it during the re-entry procedure. Now, technological advancements have enabled tile manufacturers to create tiles that have the same surface color as the body color. This makes wear and tear marks almost non-existent on these tiles.

Tiles have been popular over the years due to their three main characteristics: they are hygienic, economical and green. Tiles are highly hygienic and are widely used in hospitals and educational communities due to this reason. Since tiles are highly durable and require little maintenance these prove to be highly cost effective in the long run. Finally, tiles can easily be recycled and are manufactured using natural materials, thereby reducing wastage and encouraging a ‘green’ change.

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Tiles are a great investment

Since tiles offer a number of advantages over other materials they are widely used for home renovation purposes. Tiles are widely preferred since they are highly durable and require very little maintenance. Let us take a look at some of the reasons that make tiles the right investment option:

One of the major reasons for the popularity of tiles is that there is a wide range for you to select from. You will find various tiles such as granite, marble, vinyl, stone and ceramic that offer specific benefits. Stone tiles offer a timeless aesthetic appeal, and are highly durable as well. On the other hand, ceramic tiles offer a more contemporary look along with being a lot more affordable to replace. With such a wide range to choose from, you cab ensures that you are able to select one that best suits the specific theme of your house. Tiles are available in different colors and you can either, mix & match to create a mosaic effect, or you can create borders or dividing lines using different tiles. Moreover, you can also find tiles with patterns and designs that continue into the next tile piece.

The best thing about tiles is that they are easy to clean and are resilient to dirt and water. Tiles have a smooth and shiny surface and any liquid that spills on it can be easily wiped off using a piece of cloth. This is in contrast to paint or wallpaper that absorbs moisture and results in staining. This further makes tiles more effective at high moisture areas such as the shower area.

Tiles are more resilient to chipping and other damages, thereby making them more durable than other flooring options. Since wood generally expands during the summers and contracts during the winters, it can pose a problem as a flooring option. Tiles are generally considered to be the strongest flooring material and are not prone to seasonal contraction and expansion, thereby making them an ideal flooring option for your house.

You can also use certain types of tiles to create a non slip area in you shower. Mosaic tiles, natural stone tiles porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are ideal for creating a non slip area, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of your shower area.

Designing the various aspects of a house takes a lot of time and consideration. It is essential to select the right construction material and lights, among other things; however, one aspect of home designing that should be given the maximum consideration is the flooring. When it comes to flooring, tiles have become the preferred choice of many, due to the above-mentioned benefits as well as their cost effectiveness. These tiles enable to create the look of your house as you desire. It is for this reason that tiles are considered to be a great investment option over other materials, and are widely used by people for designing and renovating their homes.

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Tiling ideas for your bathroom

Although you have the option of using a number of different types of materials in your bathroom; most people prefer to use ceramic tiles due to the various benefits these offer. Tiles can be conveniently placed and come in a variety of designs, colors shapes and sizes. Most people prefer ceramic tiles since they are highly durable, resistant to dampness and easy to clean. However, there are a number of other tiling options that you can avail in order to make your bathroom more attractive and aesthetically appealing.

In case you have used ceramic tiles of the same color in your bathroom you can create a contrasting border by using tiles of different colors. Such an integration of colors will significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.

The grout is an important aspect of your bathroom, and selecting a contrasting grout color can enable you to create an attractive color combination in your bathroom. For example, if you have white tiles in your bathroom, you can select grout colors such as red, blue or green.

You can mix and match the size of tiles that you use in your bathroom. It is not necessary to use the traditional sized tiles; you can easily pick from a number of different options that are available in the market these days. Use your creativity in order to achieve a look that is as per your requirements.

Another great tiling idea for your bathroom is to use metal tiles instead of ceramic. Metal tiles, although a bit costly, are in vogue when it comes to designing the bathrooms, and are being used widely. Metal tiles are generally used to integrate mosaic with stone tiles.

The color combination of the tiles is not meant only to enhance the looks of the bathroom but also to give a soothing sensation. Therefore, you should carefully select the colors of the tiles for the floor or the walls of your bathroom in order to have a comforting experience while taking a shower or lying in the tub.

The colors selected can also make your bathroom look large or small. Dark colored tiles generally reduce the perceived size of your bathroom, while on the other hand light colored tiles reflect light and make your bathroom area look more spacious.

Another idea to improve the aesthetics of your bathroom is to use multi-colored tiles in the shower area and in other parts of the bathroom. Or in case you want to use the same colored tiles in the entire bathroom you can arrange them differently in the shower area and the rest of the bathroom.

These are just a few of the many innovative ideas that you can make use of, while tiling your bathroom. In order to make the right choice of tiles to select for your bathroom you should visit the website of reputed tile suppliers such as FlooringSupplyShop; here you will be able to shortlist and select tiles of colors and designs that best suit your specific taste.

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