Blog : Ceramic tile | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 3Flooring Supplies

Paint Your Tile Floor for a New Look

Many homeowners choose tile flooring for their home as these are durable, attractive and available in an assortment of colors. However, over the years, tiles look dull and dated; hence, you need to change them. Instead of tearing them apart, an inexpensive and fast way of changing the look is to paint the tiles.

There are different types of tile paints available in the market, though the most commonly used ones are enamel and latex paints. Latex is a water soluble paint which is comparatively less dangerous than enamel. Enamel paint is soluble in thinner or alcohol which air dries to a hard and glossy finish. Though this paint lasts longer, one needs to be careful while using it because of its fume content.

An important factor to keep into perspective while choosing the paint is the area where the tile is installed. The wear and tear as well as the exposure to moisture the area is subjected to, plays a significant role is assessing whether a certain type of paint is right for a particular room or not. You cannot use latex-based paint in rooms which have high foot traffic because it tends to chip with the slightest impact. The tiles in such areas should be refinished, which not only make it long lasting but also enhances the look.

You also need to choose the right color which complements the decor of the room. The right color contrast can drastically change the look of the place, making it more appealing. You can even use two or more different colors to make beautiful patterns and designs. Only caution while doing this to have a proper layout and work accordingly. This requires certain amount of skill, hence do not do it on your own if you lack the artistic bent of mind. Instead take help of professionals to get beautiful floor designs and add uniqueness to your home.

Painting is not a daunting task and you can easily do it on your own. Before you start painting you need to thoroughly clean the tiles and grout, to remove the dirt and other buildup. You can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide for removing the molds and mildews on the grout. Once done, thoroughly rinse it with water. After cleansing, the next step involves sanding the tiles so that, the paint sticks to it. You can either use fine grit sandpaper or an electric sander. After sanding, remove all the dust.

Next apply primer on the tiles, use the one that is recommended for glossy surface. It is advisable to apply two coats and after it has dried sand it again. After this, clean the whole surface and once done, you can paint the tiles. Painting can be done by brush or spray paint. The spray paint offers better and faster results, in comparison to painting done by brush. Moreover, spray paint tends to dry quickly. Give enough time for the paint to dry before you step on the floor. Once painting and drying is over, your home will have a whole new look.

Flooring advice for your kitchen

It is generally believed by homeowners that kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important areas for a renovation project. This is so, since these areas are exposed to high moisture content, and the flooring in these areas gets affected by moisture very easily. Some of the factors that can affect your decision to select a flooring option for your kitchen include; your budget, design consideration and your usage of the kitchen.

Most people select different flooring for each room in their house. However, selecting common flooring in all the rooms of the house is a popular trend that is becoming popular day by day. So if you are looking to change the flooring of your kitchen, you can select the same flooring as that in the surrounding areas. This continuity will give your house a more comfortable and attractive look. Some flooring options such as stone can be laid in the kitchen as well as other surrounding rooms effectively.

Going green is the latest trend in kitchen flooring. Flooring material such as stone, tile and porcelain would be ideal in your kitchen. Furthermore, wood and wood laminate would also enhance the aesthetic look in your kitchen. However, in case you are opting for wood or laminate, you should select a dark shade and thick grained flooring for maximum utility.

While selecting flooring for your kitchen you should give more emphasis to practicality rather than aesthetics. For example, if you have kids and pets in your house you should opt for a strong and durable option, such as stone. This is so since other material such as hardwood and laminate can scratch easily. Even certain varieties of porcelain, which is considered to be a tough material, can crack and chip easily in the kitchen.

In case you are looking for a low budget option that offers aesthetics, as well as durability, then laminate would be the ideal choice. Laminate would imitate the looks of hardwood flooring, but would offer better durability. Furthermore, the cost of installing laminate flooring is quite reasonable as compared to other flooring options. The low cost and high aesthetics of laminate make it a preferred choice, not just for the kitchen floor, but for floors in other rooms as well.

Talking to a professional flooring contractor is generally a good idea since they would be able to determine the right flooring option for your kitchen. A professional will not only help you determine your flooring requirements but will help you with the purchase process as well. A flooring contractor will ensure that your kitchen flooring offers maximum value for your investment in it.

Kitchen is one of the most actively used locations in a house; therefore, it becomes essential to select the right flooring option. Not only should the flooring match with the decor of your house but should also be easy to maintain and clean. Vinyl, stone and laminate are considered to be ideal options for the kitchen floor. The right floor will go a long way, in the way your kitchen looks

How to Install Glass Tiles

Among the numerous tiles available, homeowners are increasingly choosing glass tiles that add a unique look to their homes. Glass tiles are available in an assortment of colors, sizes, designs, shapes and styles that can easily blend with the decor of any room. In case you are thinking about installing glass tiles, you can choose amongst the various options, such as clear glass, frosted and bubble glass tile. Any of these glass tile options can easily spruce up any room in your home.

Choosing amongst these unique and beautiful tiling options is a daunting task, but once you have made the selection, it is time for installation. Installing glass tiles is not that difficult for experienced DIY enthusiasts; however, amateur DIY enthusiasts may need to be little careful while performing the task. If you are planning to install glass tiles, foremost, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment needed to complete the task.

For installation, first, you need to prepare the substrate; ensure that the surface on which the tiles need to be installed is smooth, flat and without any cracks. The substrate should also be dry as well as perfectly clean so as to effectively apply the adhesive. Next, you need to apply is the thin-set; generally white, acrylic modified thin-set mortar is recommended by experts. It is usually available in pre-mix form, and is thus easy to use. Make sure not to use mastic adhesives, as these tend to become yellow with passing time.

For applying the thin-set, you can use the notched side of a 3/16″ V-notch trowel, which is easily available in the market. Hold the tool at an angle of 45° to the substrate for applying the adhesive. Make sure that the thin-set is thick enough to provide a strong grip, but not too thick as it may result in uneven surface, along with irregular spots and shrinkage. In case there are any ridges, you can smoother them with the long flat edge of the trowel, while taking precaution not to remove any thin-set.

Once the thin-set is appropriately applied, its time to install the glass tiles. You can cut the tiles into small pieces as these are easy to install. You can either use a mosaic glass cutter with blades shaped like small wheels or use a wet saw. After getting the desired size, ensure that the tile’s mesh side is clean, dry and free of any dust or debris. Be careful to install the tiles with its mesh side facing the contact surface. To ensure a tight, even bonding with the thin-set, use a wooden block held against the tile sheets and tap on it lightly. Make sure to remove any excess adhesive from the edges. Leave the tiles undisturbed during the curing time, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After this, you can grout the joints with the help of rubber grout float, for increased performance and longevity of the glass tiles. It is advised to choose white colored un-sanded grout with a latex additive for fine finish; however, you may also choose other colors for added effect. Last but not the least, add an anti-microbial and mildew inhibitors that will protect the tiles against mold and mildew menace.

Following these simple steps, you can efficiently install the beautiful glass tiles in your home, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

budget friendly flooring options

Flooring is an integral part of any house; be it construction or renovation, it is essential to select the appropriate flooring material that not only provides durability but enhances the interiors as well. Amongst the numerous options available in the market, choosing the right flooring option can be overwhelming. Natural hardwood flooring and carpets, though makes a place look great, but are quite expensive and beyond the budget of most of the homeowners. Nevertheless, there are many budget-friendly and beautiful flooring options which can render a great look to your home.

A cheap but nice flooring idea which can make your floor look attractive is the bamboo flooring. Bamboo, a grass, effectively imitates the look of a wooden floor and is generally harder than most of the hardwood flooring. These are available in two shades, the natural light-color and the darker look which is accomplished after the grass is carbonized. Moreover, apart from being budget friendly, bamboo is also an environment friendly flooring option.

Another great budget flooring option is the laminate flooring, which is durable as well as attractive and easily simulates wood or in some cases, stone. These are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and designs which can easily complement the decor of any house. Moreover, the versatile flooring is easy to install and can be done by ‘DIY’ enthusiasts without any professional guidance.

Ceramic tile flooring is a cost effective flooring option, which is increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings. It is one of the most durable flooring options which is available in scores of color; light, dark and blended colors. Furthermore, the tiles are available in different styles and sizes which can be customized as per your requirement. You can mix & match different tiles to render an attractive look or use mosaic tiles to enhance the look of the interiors. The ceramic tiles resist staining and are easy to maintain, without any special cleaning requirement. However, these tiles can sometimes be slippery, so it is advisable that you apply an anti-slip coating, which is readily available in the market.

Inexpensive than other types of natural flooring, the cork tiles provide natural and rich look to the house. This flooring option is especially perfect for those for those with an ecological bent of mind. Along with lending a striking elegance and finish to the room, one of the most endearing qualities of cork is that it is a great insulator. As a result, it keeps the floor warm during winters and cool during summers. Moreover, its soft texture gives a comfortable feel when you walk on it, similar to that of carpet. Available in both tiles and planks, you can choose amongst a variety of colors and finishes.

Concrete flooring is also a popular budget flooring option which gives the place an unfinished and earthy look. The option is nearly endless as these can be stained, colored, painted and even customized. Furthermore, these are easy to install, inexpensive, highly resistant to various elements, easy to clean and maintain.

Amongst all these flooring option, you can choose the one which best complements the house interiors. The right budget flooring can render a great look to your home, without burning a hole in your pocket.

The impact of moisture on different flooring types

Tile Flooring

The decision to install a particular flooring type depends on various factors such as its aesthetics, durability, price and effect of moisture. It is the impact of moisture on different flooring types that restricts the use of certain flooring options in high moisture areas such as the kitchen and the shower.

Hardwood flooring is highly sensitive to the surrounding moisture content since it is fibrous and absorbs and releases moisture. All wooden floors expand and contract according to temperature and humidity changes. Hardwood contracts when the relative humidity is less than the moisture content of the wood. On the other hand, hardwood expands when its moisture content is less than the relative humidity. Fluctuating moisture levels can significantly affect the shape of your hardwood flooring.

Another flooring material that is affected by the moisture levels is bamboo. Since bamboo is actually a type of grass, and is fibrous as well, it also absorbs and releases moisture. Excess moisture in the air will cause your bamboo flooring to swell and bend. In contrast, less moisture in the air will dry the bamboo flooring and cause cracks in it.

Although laminate flooring is considered to be the most durable out of all the flooring options it is still susceptible to moisture. During the manufacturing process, a durable coating is applied on laminate flooring to make it resistant to moisture. Even after this coating excess exposure to moisture can cause laminate flooring to expand significantly.

Cork is another flooring material that is impervious to water seepage. Cork contains a natural material that makes it highly durable and ideal for use in areas such as the kitchen as well. However, since cork is a natural material it is affected by humidity changes. Although cork is not affected by moisture in the same way as hardwood is, yet it should be properly cared for to prevent damage.

Even though different flooring materials respond differently to fluctuations in moisture levels, it is important to limit the exposure of moisture to your flooring. One of the most effective ways of ensuring the relative air humidity does not affect your flooring is known as acclimation.

Acclimation is a pre installation process to ensure that the flooring adjusts to the humidity level in a particular room. Generally, this process consists of placing the flooring material in the room where it is to be installed, for a period of 2-3 days. During this time, the temperature as well as the humidity levels in the room should be controlled for maximum effectiveness.

Controlling the moisture levels around your flooring is important for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that excess moisture, or lack of moisture can cause the flooring to shrink or expand. This in turn would affect the integrity of the flooring. Another reason is that unless proper maintenance of the flooring is done the warranty on it would not be valid. It is for these reasons that you should ensure that your flooring is not exposed to moisture, or excess fluctuations in humidity levels.

Tag: Ceramic tile

Paint Your Tile Floor for a New Look

Flooring advice for your kitchen

How to Install Glass Tiles

budget friendly flooring options

The impact of moisture on different flooring types

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