Ceramic materials are unparalleled in the floor covering industry for their longevity.

The glazed surface of ceramic tiles prevents stains from almost any spill and the danger of sparks from cigarettes or fireplace is minimised.

Ceramic tiles resist scratches and indentations better than any other floor covering and will neither fade due to sunlight nor electrical light.

Ceramic materials are environmentally friendly and 100% natural.

SELECTING CERAMIC TILES

Selecting the right tile for a given location is the key to a successful tile installation. Once the appropriate type of tile is chosen, the design possibilities can be freely explored.

First, these general questions must be considered:

Will the tile be used on the floor or wall?
Will the tile be used indoors or out?
Will the tile be used in a wet area?

After determining the tile's general application, the area's particular features should be examined. Below are some possible considerations.

FLOORS

The major consideration in selecting floor tiles is the amount of traffic the area will receive. This is especially important in the selection of glazed floor tiles. Some tiles are only suitable for residential use. Others can withstand the continuous heavy wear of airport terminals or shopping malls.

Tiles are tested for abrasion resistance and classified for their recommended use. Abrasion resistance is usually not a consideration for selecting unglazed tile . However, it is an important factor when selecting a glazed floor tile.

High traffic areas such as shopping malls, public lobbies, restaurants or other commercial sites, require tiles with a very high resistance to abrasion. If these areas are outdoors, as in plazas, parks or courtyards, tiles should be specified as frost resistant (even in warm climates) and have some degree of slip resistance.

Tile around pools or at entrances or stairs must also have good slip resistance. Today, many outdoor tiles feature an abrasive "grit" added to the surface to increase slip resistance.

Areas of the home must be considered individually:

Floors in frequent use, such as kitchens, family rooms, and areas where chairs or equipment are often pulled across the floor will need good abrasion resistance.

Floors with direct access to the outdoors, as in entrances and some kitchens, will be subject to tracked in sand, dirt or water. These areas will require good abrasion resistance as well as a moderate degree of slip resistance.

For areas in less frequent use-living rooms, dens, sunrooms-most tiles are suitable. In bedrooms and baths, traffic is generally light and footwear is seldom worn; any tile may be selected.

Outdoors, tiles should have low water absorption. Unglazed tiles or frostproof monocottura are usually selected. Areas around the home such as patios, walkways, or swimming pooldecks, must also have high slip resistance.

Areas that are used while wet include shower floors, saunas, and hot tubs, which require low water absorption and good slip resistance. Tile for swimming pool basins must be specified as such.

WALLS

For indoor walls, there are virtually no restrictions when choosing ceramic tile. In addition to the wide selection of colours, patterns and sizes, special tile trims exist to complete or enhance many wall installations.

"Bull-nose" trim tiles feature a rounded edge to finish wall installations that do not carry up to the ceiling. Half-rounds, as the name suggests, are usually thin, semi-cylindrical pieces. They are often used as decorative accents to frame or define separate areas.

For exterior walls, low water absorption or frost resistance is the essential consideration. Slip resistance and abrasion resistance are not factors.

As a cladding material, ceramic tile provides building exteriors with a fire resistant surface that is virtually maintenance free. Other exterior wall installations may include fountains or garden walls. Tile can also be used decoratively to frame windows, doorways, and other architectural features.

OTHER AREAS

When selecting tile for other flat surfaces such as counters or table tops, usage must also be considered. Bathroom vanities or occasional tables which are not intended for heavy duty service may use any tile. Kitchen counters, reception areas, or other work surfaces require good abrasion resistance if the tiles are glazed.

For corners and edges, ceramic tiles are usually mitred (the edges are cut at 45º which allows for a smooth, flush finish. Special rounded trimpieces are also made, some with the added feature of a curved edge to prevent spillage.

For stairs, special step tread tiles are designed to either meet a step kick or overlap it. They feature a strip of non-slip ribbing for added safety.

DESIGNING WITH TILE

An abundance of design alternatives exist. Colour, size and shape are the main components of tile design. Texture and finish add another dimension. Grouting affects the overall result. The combination of these elements makes each tile installation a unique design statement.

For floors, tile colour can be selected with the same freedom as carpet. Moreover, different colour tiles can be combined to create overall patterns or define separate areas of a room. Decorated tiles can be effective in the same way. Surrounded by solids-of either the same or contrasting background colour-decorated tiles can be used as scattered accents or to give the illusion of area rugs.

For walls, many of the above solutions also apply. However, decorating with wall tile opens up an exciting world of colour and design. There are fanciful patterns and elegant paisleys, bold geometrics and classic motifs and ranges created by top fashion designers and architects.

There are also artistic, handpainted tiles, tiles that look like marble, granite or leather and scenic compositions that may span four tiles or create a full mural. The possibilities are endless.

Ceramic tiles offer the same design potential as fabrics or wallpapers without the associated problems of cleaning, fading or peeling. Tiles are an obvious choice for bathroom walls for practical reasons of water resistance, easy maintenance and hygiene. Kitchen walls and backsplashes are also common locations for ceramic tiles. But tiles can be decorative and effective in other areas as well.

Grout can be an important element in tile design. The choice of both colour and width will affect the overall look. Generally, a dark colour grout is recommended for floors. Grout that matches the field colour of the tile will create a unified or blanket look. A contrasting colour grout will emphasise the grid or pattern formed by the tiles.

Selecting the right tile for a given location is the key to a successful tile installation. Once the appropriate type of tile is chosen, the design possibilities can be freely explored.

DETERMINING QUANTITIES

Tiles are purchased by the square metre. If the tiles are to be installed on the diagonal or in any pattern that will require cutting, more tiles will be needed. For combination shapes such as octagons with insets, consult us for the appropriate formulae to determine the necessary square metre amounts.

For areas like kitchen and laundry rooms, where heavy appliances or cabinetry may already be in place, the decision must be made whether or not to tile under existing pieces. While it may seem unwieldy at first to move these pieces in order to tile beneath them, such a decision may prevent later difficulties should the pieces ever have to be moved for service or replacement.

Trim pieces, such as bullnose tiles, are ordered by the linear metre.

It is good practice to add up to 10% to the original measurements when placing any tile order. This will cover the loss of any tiles that may have to be cut, and it will insure that replacements for the same shade lot are available for remodelling or fixture moving in the future.