Where Should I Put Tile?

Floors

  Both Porcelain and Ceramic Tile is a natural for floors. In entryways, halls, and other heavy-traffic corridors, porcelain and ceramic floor tile remain rigid and colorfast. Mud from the kids boots or from the family pet will not harm the floor. In the kitchen or bathroom, porcelain and ceramic tile provides excellent protection against drips and spills; cleaning requires only a damp sponge or cloth. Tiled flooring adds a strong decorative accent. Depending on the type of tile, you can create any atmosphere - from elegance to rustic informality. Brighten a dark room or make a room appear larger by extending the tile floor onto a patio or deck.

Walls

  Any wall that might be sprayed or splashed with water is an obvious candidate for ceramic or porcelain tile. But don't limit tile to areas that get wet. A wall of tile in a living room, dining room, or den adds a dramatic backdrop for furnishings, plants, or a freestanding fireplace. If the floor is also tiled, choose walls tiles that will complement it.

Tubs and Showers

  Around tubs and showers, tile provides a waterproof surface that is easy to keep clean of water spots and soap film.

Countertops

  Ideal as a working surface around the kitchen sink and stove top, ceramic or porcelain tile is unaffected by a sharp knife edge or hot pan. If you use a stain-resistant grout, grease, and food spots wipe off easily. Tile adds a functional, decorative surface to a bathroom vanity, an eating counter, or wet bar. Adding a new tile top will give new life to an old table; tile also adds flair to exposed storage shelves. For kitchen backsplashes you can use any combination of tumbled marble, glass or metal tiles to add a distinctive and elegant look to any kitchen.

Fireplaces

  Because they are baked at high temperatures, most marble, porcelain, ceramic and mexican tiles are not affected by heat. Consider using tiles to line the outside face of a fireplace. Even a single row will brighten a room.

Stairs and Steps

  Constant traffic wears down the treads of stairs and steps. Covering them with tiles will add years of life. For steps, use tiles with a slip-resistant textured finish. And for a simple brightening effect, tiling the risers will make the steps more distinctive and visible in dim light.

Decorative Borders 

  Whether they are set edge-to-edge or spaced apart, tiles will provide a beautiful accent border for a door or window.

What Types of Tile Should I Use?

Kitchen Floors - Marble, Tumbled Marble, Ceramic, Porcelain

Kitchen Counters - Porcelain Tile and Ceramic

Kitchen Walls/Backsplashes - Tumbled Marble, Aluminum, Glass

Bathroom Floors - Ceramic, Porcelain, and Marble

Bathroom Walls - Ceramic, Porcelain, and Marble accented with Borders and Inserts

Tub/Shower Walls - Ceramic, Porcelain, and Marble

Family/Living Room Floors - Ceramic, Porcelain, and Marble are the most poular choices

Walkways/Patios - Mexican Tile and Brick Pavers are the most popular choices for outdoor areas.

What Tile Patterns or Styles Will Look Good In My Home?

1) Design with color

  Color can change the mood of a room, highlight its good points and obscure its bad points

Counters and walls can use tiles that complement or contrast in color to those used on the floor

Tile can be cut into one-quarter size and alternate colors to create custom borders

2) Design with direction

  Tile can be set with a straight joint, brick joint, or patterns such as herringbone, basket weave, etc

Change direction from straight set, to a 45 degree angle in another room to define different areas of the home

Use modular sizes of tile, to create patterns

Change sizes to delineate specific areas

3) Design with size

  Use modular tiles in two or more sizes to create multiple piece patterns.

Change sizes within an installation to create unique effects or to delineate specific areas or rooms

4) Design with decorative factory pieces

  Tile can be installed in an "area rug" configuration

Medallions can be tied in with the home's architecture

Use accents, inserts and borders to personalize any room

5) Design with relief and texture

  Use various textures together for unique effects

Tile provides the ability to inset different tiles or stones

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