FAQs We Get in Our Seattle Tile Showroom
Tile is one of the most popular and best-known flooring materials today, but that doesn’t mean people don’t have questions about it. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions at our store (and on the internet), and answered them for you.
What is tile?
That’s a surprisingly difficult question to answer! We’ll let Wikipedia do the honors:
“Tile is a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay, or even glass, generally used for covering roofs, floors, walls, or other objects such as tabletops”
Where to buy tile?
From any flooring store near you! If you want a wider selection so you can get a design you like, head over to Builders Interiors. We have a big warehouse and we’re proud of it!
How thick is tile?
Floor tile ranges from ½ to ¾ inches thick, but some varieties can be as thin as 1/8 of an inch. We recommend going with a normal-size variety for your floors, because you want them to be durable and impervious to damage.
How much tile do I need?
If you’re getting tile that is 12”x12” (or one square foot) and your home is 3000 square feet, you’ll need three thousand of those tiles. Basically, divide the total area of your home that needs to be tiled by the area of one tile. Account for some extras for odd corners, breakage, etc.
What is luxury vinyl tile?
This is actually vinyl flooring, rather than tile – it’s vinyl that mimics the look of stone. It’s a good option for bathrooms and other areas of the home where you need water-resistant floors, but don’t want something as permanent as tile.
What is the best homemade tile grout cleaner?
Assuming you’ve tried dish detergent and good old fashioned soap already, the next best option is vinegar (which is also eco-friendly). Use a spray bottle to spray some onto the grout, and work the dirt clean using an old toothbrush. For more stubborn dirt, soak some rags or tissues in vinegar and leave the grout covered overnight. First thing in the morning, remove the tissue and brush the grout clean. Voila!
Is it better to use ceramic or porcelain tile?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are both great options for flooring, but they have some key differences that can help you decide which one is better for your project. Ceramic tile is made from natural clay and is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tile. It is less dense and more porous, so it requires sealing to prevent staining.
Porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature and is denser than ceramic, making it more durable and resistant to water damage. It also doesn’t require sealing or grout lines to be filled in, so it’s easier to clean. Ultimately, the decision between ceramic or porcelain tile depends on your needs and preferences.
Which is cheaper ceramic or porcelain tile?
Ceramic tile tends to be the more economical option when it comes to flooring. Generally, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain tile and can be found in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes.
Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic tile, making it more durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. It also offers better water resistance than ceramic tile but is typically more expensive.
Should bathroom floor and wall tile be the same?
It is not necessary for bathroom floor and wall tile to be the same. However, it is generally recommended to use the same floor and wall tile in a bathroom for a cohesive look. The same tile will create a uniform, finished appearance that can be both stylish and timeless.
Additionally, using the same tile on both the walls and floors will make it easier to match grout colors and ensure that all of the tiles are from the same dye lot. If you choose different tiles for the floor and walls of your bathroom or
powder room, you should consider how the colors, textures, and sizes of the tiles will work together to create an attractive space.
Additionally, choosing one type of tile for both surfaces can simplify installation and maintenance. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your personal style preference.
What is subway tile?
Subway tile is a type of white glazed ceramic tile popularly used on walls in kitchens and other rooms. It gets its name from the fact that it was used in the NYC subway in the previous century. It’s a very striking, pretty option that works with just about any type of décor.
What is travertine tile?
Travertine is a type of limestone – so travertine tile is a natural product rather than something that’s manufactured. It’s called tile because it comes in tile form rather than in slabs. It’s a great flooring material.
What is bullnose tile?
It’s a specifically designed tile with rounded edges that’s used as an edge treatment. If you need to cover the perimeter of a tile design or have any unfinished or sharp tile edges, bullnose tile can be used to finish off the look and make the edges rounded and safe.
What is rectified tile?
It is tile that’s been finished perfectly on all sides, so the edges are 100% smooth. What this means is that there’s practically no grout showing – which is ideal if you’re getting marble or granite tile. It looks better, and makes cleaning easier – all for a little extra cost.
What does asbestos tile look like?
If your home has tiles that were installed between 1920 and 1980, there’s a good chance they contain asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos tiles look like ordinary tile, so there’s no way to tell them apart by sight alone. However, if the tiles have started to come loose and you see thick black adhesive underneath, that’s a good indicator that the tiles may contain asbestos. If that is the case, get in touch with a professional immediately – do not attempt to remove the tiles yourself!
What is VCT tile?
Vinyl composition tile (or VCT) is a lot like luxury vinyl tile (LVT), with the biggest difference being its composition. While LVT is made of 100% vinyl, VCT consists of around 8-12% vinyl, with the rest being made up of limestone and clay. It is porous, and so needs to be sealed every year or so.
Builders Interiors has a large variety of tile – different types, sizes, colors, textures, designs and more. Stop by for a look sometime, and we’ll help you find the perfect tile for your home.
