Serving the Greater Portland-Vancouver Area
Tile and Stone FAQ's
What is LEED compliant?LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Can your tile be installed outside, is it frost resistant?
Many tiles can be installed indoors or outdoors and is rated as being frost resistant. In any application where people will be walking on the tile you should consider the slip resistance of the tile however we will advise you on this subject if it will be an issue.
How is Ceramic Tile Made?
Powdered clays and sand are pressed under 2,400psi (pounds per square inch) into the desired tile shape. Then the tile is glazed with different colors and silk screens, next it is fired up to 1,180° C or 2,500° F. The finished product is a durable, maintenance-free ceramic tile.
How do I clean porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is resistant to germs and bacteria and it is one of the easiest flooring material to clean. Procelain tile can be cleaned with a damp sponge or sponge mop. An old tried and true cleaning solution is 1/4 cup white vinegar to 2 gallons of water.
They say that porcelain tile will not scratch or discolor, however it is possible for a tiles surface to discolor.
The following instructions explain how to clean porcelain tile's.
Porcelain tile is resistant to germs and bacteria and it is one of the easiest flooring material to clean. Procelain tile can be cleaned with a damp sponge or sponge mop. An old tried and true cleaning solution is 1/4 cup white vinegar to 2 gallons of water.
They say that porcelain tile will not scratch or discolor, however it is possible for a tiles surface to discolor.
The following instructions explain how to clean porcelain tile's.
Glazed Tile Cleaning:
- Sweep or vacuum loose dirt and dust from the floor use an untreated dry dust mop instead of a broom.
- Mop the floor with a mild cleaning solution (do not use wax, oil-based, or abrasive cleaners).
- Rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water.
- Drying is also recommended - to increase the shine and to prevent water pots.
Textured Tile Cleaning:
Textured porcelain tile surface requires additional cleaning procedures. A standard wet-mopping will not effectively clean a textured surface. For cleaning textured surfaces, follow these instructions:- Sweep or vacuum dust and debris from the floor. When sweeping, use a soft-bristle broom and sweep in 2 directions. First follow the direction of the tile, and then sweep diagonally. This will ensure the removal of all foreign material that might be residing in the texture.
- Saturate the tile with a neutral cleaning solution, such as vinegar, with hot water and stir. Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the floor 5 - 10 minutes. Scrub the floor with a brush, again using a two-direction method.
- Rinse the floor with clean, clear water to remove the cleaning solution.
- For high traffic locations, it is recommended to clean the floor at least once per day and wet mop at regular intervals.
- Do not clean porcelain tile flooring with ammonia or with cleaners that contain bleach and/or acid, acid and ammonia based cleaners may change the grout color.
- Do not use wax, abrasive cleaners, oil-based, or sealants.
- Agents that contain any dyes or colors are not recommended.
- Use rugs at entrances to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto the tile flooring from outdoors.
- Steel wool pads will create loose steel particles that may create rust stains in the grout.
Tile terminology can be confusing. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain tiles.
“Ceramic” or non-porcelain tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. Full body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and are suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.
Apart from our saltillo (clay) tile Wood Floors by Design chooses to offer our customers only the highest quality glazed and full body porcelain tiles to ensure years of worry free use, at prices comparable to or less than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.
What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The only difference between unglazed tiles and glazed tile, unglazed is not coated. Full body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.
Where can your tiles be used and what is a PEI rating?
PEI classes range from 0 to 5. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that clearly indicates the areas of use each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tile to fit. A PEI 2 tile has been designed for areas where very low traffic and soiling is anticipated. In most cases the aesthetic detailing of these tiles is of prime consideration. You will often find high gloss levels, vibrant colorations and metallic elements in this group of tile. Conversely, a PEI 5 tile has been designed for abusive extra heavy foot traffic. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic effects are incorporated.
Class 0 - No Foot Traffic:
Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.
Class 1 - Very light traffic:
Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, spa bathroom).
Class 2 - Light Traffic:
Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.
Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic:
Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.
Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic:
High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.
Class 5 - Heavy Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.
Is tile appropriate for a kitchen?
Yes, tile is actually recommended for a kitchen. Its resistance to heat and moisture, durability, and ease of maintenance make it perfect for the kitchen.
Can tile raise the value of my home?
Yes, larger tiles give a cleaner look and can actually make a small area look larger. Depending on the room's size, a 12 inch or 13 inch tile will create the illusion of a larger room and just like hardwood it adds beauty and depth to a room. Today people prefer the look of stone and tile in many rooms of a home over wall to wall carpet or vinyl flooring.
Can tile make a small room look larger?
Yes, larger tiles give a cleaner look and can actually make a small area look larger. Depending on the room's size, a 12 inch or 13 inch tile will create the illusion of a larger room.
Can tile be used on counter tops?
Tile is guaranteed not to scorch, burn, or melt if a hot skillet or pan accidentally sits on its surface. This makes tile a great alternative for countertops.
Will tile fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight?
No. A tile's color and glaze are fired on at temperatures up to 2300 degree Farenheit. This allows tile to be installed in sunrooms, outdoors, or any other sunny places without concern about fading.
What determines the grout color?
You want to use a complementary grout color to create a more uniform, blended look. Contrasting grout colors tend to highlight each tile, creating a more dramatic grid effect. Ultimately, an individual's taste and style will determine the grout color selected.
Will grout stain or get dirty easily?
No. Grout will look as good as new for years if a penetrating type sealer is used after installation and spills are cleaned up quickly.
Can tile be installed in the bedroom?
Yes. Tile is becoming a more popular choice for bedrooms. Tile offers natural comfort and easy maintenance. In addition, tile provides a tasteful, stylish feel to any bedroom.
Is a tiled floor cold to the touch?
No. This is a common misconception. The temperature of the room determines the tile's temperature. If the room is cold the tile will be cold, if the room is warm the tile will be warm.
Is it necessary to use a sealant on the new tile?
Since ceramic tile is a natural, environmentally friendly product that resists water, it is not necessary to seal glazed or unglazed tiles. During grouting, we may use a temporary sealer to protect the tile from the grout but this is removed after that process is completed.
Natural stone products are porous, however, and will need to be protected. Talk to us to discuss the particular needs of the tile you have selected.
What are the different types of stones?
There are various types of stones that are used for flooring and decorative purposes. The most well known ones are marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and slate.
Where do stones come from?
Mountains are the largest source of natural stone. Rriverbeds and sea are also the sources of natural stone.
What are the shinny flakes inside the stone?
Each stone type has different minerals, which gives various properties to stone.
Is one stone better than other, is one the best stone?
Each type of natural stone has unique characteristics that make them harder, softer or shinier. Depending on your application, there are some design preferences of some type over another. For example, limestone tiles are not suitable for high traffic areas but will be perfect for wall applications.
StoneTileDepot.com only carries stone tiles and decorative natural stone products, which are suitable for interior or exterior floors and walls.
Are some countrie's stones better than others?
There is a general misconception that some countries produces better stones than other. Natural stones come from the nature itself; they are raw materials for tiles and slabs industry. The manufacturing processes will bring out the beauty of the natural stone.
StoneTileDepot.com manufacturers have state of the art manufacturing facilities capable of producing high quality natural stone products.
What are the different finishes?
What are the differences between?
Finishing stone is similar to sanding process: smaller grit and longer sanding gives stone more shinny polished look, whereas less will make it look more natural. Finish is a design preference. Usually polished surfaces are used where a modern look is sought. They require more delicate care and handling compared to antiqued or tumbled surfaces which have a natural patina and will take a better wear and tear over time.
Some stones like travertine have natural holes as a result of sedimentary minerals. These voids or holes can be left unfilled to give even more natural look to the floor. They are also available as filled travertine or you can grout the holes when you grout your joints.
What are the different types of edges? What are the differences between them?
As for the type of finishes, the edge finish is also a design preference. Below are the type of edge finishes generally preferred:
Straight cut or SC: Tiles are sawn and has a sharp edge. Preferred by customer in Southeast and Southwest for seamless floors without any grout joints.
Bevelled: Also called Chamfered, the bevel is used to make installation easier and to eliminate sharp leveling differences on the floor between tiles when grout is used.
What makes an exotic stone "exotic"?
Exotic stones come from very remote parts of the world; they require extra care in production and handling. Due to the weather conditions, seasonal limitations, transportation restrictions, those stones are available in small quantities, therefore they are exotic.
What are the advantages of natural stone over man-made stones?
Natural stone is natural and creates a unique atmosphere everywhere it is used. They will not let go of their beauty even after thousands years. Man-made stones are esthetically repetitive and have an artificial look. They can wear easily over time and will quickly loose their appeal. In addition natural stones might not need constant maintenance.
What are the standard sizes and thickness for a tile floor?
The most common used tiles are 4x4 to 24x24. Most of the interior stone tiles are 12X12 or 18X18, standard thickness is 3/8” on 12X12 and ½” on 18X18.
We do not recommend tiles thicker than ½ “ unless you have a concrete floor and have a cement mud installation. Please consult us for more information.
What are the decorative stones and what are they used for?
Decorative stones tiles are used for accentuate various surface covering forms. You can have mouldings to frame an art work on your wall. You can have borders to clarify the distinction between your living room and kitchen. The possibilities are many with mosaics, mouldings, and borders.
What is the temperature of the stone?
In general natural stone retains heat and cold. It is cooler than room temperature. If you prefer heated floors, please consult us about this.
