| When the subject of tile is brought up many of us look down toward the floor or imagine a bathroom. This is only natural because for the interior of a home tiles have traditionally shown up in these places. In fact most new homes rarely take advantage of the design advantages that tile possesses. This means that one of the most beautiful and durable materials has been overlooked in favor of paint and wallpaper. |
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| There are five (5) types of commonly-used tiles: |
1) Ceramic tiles: These are made from pressed clay that has been glazed. However, if the surface area is dented or chipped the underlying clay will show through and it is often a different color than the glaze.
2) Mosaic: This can be a conglomerate of many styles and types. Tile is fired in small pieces and then glued to a mesh in a variety of patterns. The whole strip can then be glued on the wall and, after setting, grouted. This is popular in bathrooms and backsplashes.
 
© 2007 Joe Moorman |
| Pictures courtesy of http://www.mosaicartsupply.com | |
3) Porcelain tiles: Besides being thicker and stronger the color is constant through the tile. Therefore if there is some chipping the mars will not be that noticeable.
4) Quarry tile: This is common for commercial use. It usually comes unglazed and is a clay base. The floors of restaurants are usually made of this to prevent slipping.
5) TerraCota: Also called “Mexican” this tile is hand-made and comes in all shapes and sizes. There are two types of terracota, pre-finished or tile which has to be sealed after it is placed.
6) Terrazzo: This is a mixture of rock chips, usually marble or granite, sealed with an epoxy.
7) Stone: Popular but more difficult to clean. Slate is very popular.
8) Glass: This is used mainly or wall or backsplash and comes in a myriad of colors and shades |
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| So let’s get off the floor and explore the possibilities of tile in other applications: |
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| Backsplash |
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| This is one of the quickest ways to change the design of your kitchen without moving a cabinet, The backsplash is that area between the countertop and the cabinets. It also extends down behind the stove and, if you want, behind the refrigerator. This gives continuity, especially if you are following a design. For example, a “country kitchen” may have “folksy” tile inlays of colorful flowers or red brick-face whereas a more modern kitchen may have a stone look. |
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Picture courtesy of http://www.thetilemuralstore.com
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| Walls |
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| A feature wall in a home adds another dimension to any room just like a brick fireplace or mantle. A tile art mural on one wall projects s similar but more striking parallel and some companies can recreate any art style: Renaissance, Impressionist or even logos of popular icons. Other designs for tile on the walls mimic fossils or Roman-Greco architecture. |
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| Fireplace |
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| Tiles can instantly change the look of a fireplace, as well. With proper treatment a brick fireplace can be covered with tile or stonework transforming your once-drab eyesore into Rocky Mountain chalet stone or an old English setting with squared-off gray tile lined with dark oak. |
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| Tiling Vertical Surfaces |
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| Tiling a wall, like tiling a floor, can be easily learned by watching instruction videos. However gravity, makes up another dimension with walls. With backsplashes and many bathroom applications the tile can be set onto “greenboard,” drywall specially made for bathrooms and kitchens where water may be a concern. Usually the tile is in smaller pieces and may even be thinner. Using heavier tile on walls requires reinforcing the surface before the tile is applied. |
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| If you are tiling or using stone on a standard wall of drywall backed by studs a metal webbing or “lath” is the best way to go. It takes all the guesswork out of whether the drywall will support the tile as the lath is screwed directly to the studs. Once the lath is in place a “scratch coat” using a Portland cement mixture is applied to provide a base for the tile. After this cures the tile glue, or “thinset,” is put on with a special tile trowel and the tiles are fixed to the wall. Nylon spacers keep the tiles equidistant from each other. Grout is applied much like it is on floor tile. |
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| Tile Specialists |
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| To take the guesswork out of doing a wall or re-facing a fireplace it is a good idea to visit some home improvement stores. As well as having people that can explain the process there are one-day courses you can take. For those who would rather pick out the tile and let someone else handle the setting you can always hire a qualified tradesperson. |
