Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is a natural product formed from earth materials, shaped and colored in a blend of science and art. Ceramic tiles can be elegant and refined, or rustic and charming. The variety of styles and colors available in ceramic tiles are literally endless, and ceramic tile complements nearly any room, decor, or even other flooring types.

When you're choosing tile, it's important to understand the difference between porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain is a type of ceramic. It is formed from finer clay and minerals, creating a denser tile that is fired at higher temperatures, helping make porcelain more water-resistant.

Mercer Carpet One offers both porcelain & standard ceramic; any of our flooring specialists would be able to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Both ceramic and porcelain have many inherent qualities that make them a great flooring hoice for busy, active families. It is also naturally hygienic, easy to clean, and always beautiful

 

 

Making Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made of minerals such as clay, shale, and flint. The tiles are formed of moistened material, which is soft and can be shaped. The soft, pre-fired tiles may be formed by presses, poured into molds, or be extruded through shaped openings.

The soft, shaped tiles are fired, or baked, in an oven called a kiln. The high temperatures in the kiln, between 900 and 2500 degrees Fahrenheit, dry out the clay and make it extremely hard.

The finished tiles are rated on their moisture-absorption properties. Non-vitreous tiles have a water absorption value of 7% or greater. Semi-vitreous tiles have a water absorption value of 3 - 7%. These tiles are only suitable for indoor use. Vitreous tiles have a water absorption value of less than 3%, while impervious tiles have a water absorption value of less than .5%. Vitreous and impervious tiles are frost-resistant, and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Tiles are also rated for their ability to withstand wear, their hardness, and their slip resistance. The combination of these ratings will make some tiles more appropriate for floors, while others are best reserved for walls or counters.

 

 

Grout

Grout is used between tiles to fill spaces. This gives the floor greater stability, and allows the irregular edges of the tiles to be joined without gaps and cracks.

Grout color & thickness are both important considerations, because it will affect the overall appearance of the room.

The amount of grout between each tile, known as the grout joint, can vary according to manufacturer instructions and personal taste. Smaller grout joints give a more seamless look, while wider joints frame each tile.

The color of the grout is also significant. Light-colored grout should be avoided in high-traffic areas. Neutral colors give the most flexibility in decorating, and the easiest maintenance. The photos below show 3 room scenes, each using a different grout technique.

 

 

Coordinating Grout	Contrasting Grout	Accent Grout

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone has been a classic flooring choice from antiquity to the present. Floors crafted of stone tiles give a timeless quality to a room with an enduring sense of excellence.

Mercers is proud to offer a wide selection of this great flooring option including Marble Tile Flooring, Granite Tiling, Travertine Tiles , Limestone Floors, and Slate Tile.

 

Marble

Marble is the "classic" stone, the stone that conjures images of lavish Roman baths and other antique luxuries. Marble is used throughout the home on countertops, floors, walls, and furniture.

Marble is formed when limestone is exposed to heat in excess of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. White marble is formed of calcium or dolomite, with areas of color created from other minerals. These colored areas give marble its characteristic veins and clouds.

Marble is porous, and should be sealed when used for flooring. Marble floors are a striking statement in your home, but may require re-honing and resealing over time to maintain their beauty.

Granite

Granite offers unparalleled stability in natural stone. An important structural material, it also offers a rich variety of colors and textures for decorative purposes.

Granite's density makes it a low maintenance surface, and a favorite choice for countertops and floors.

The variety of colors and textures in granite are created as various materials are melted down into one mass. Many minerals, including quartz, feldspars, and micas, contribute to the special richness of granite.

Travertine

Travertine is a truly multi-purpose stone, with uses as flooring, counters, and wall covering inside, and as paving and siding outside.

Travertine is created when water bubbles up through limestone, leaving a trail of dissolved minerals. The bands of color that result from these minerals give travertine its unique appearance.

Travertine is quite rough in its natural state, so its pores are typically filled and polished or honed before it is used as flooring. Like marble, it should be sealed, and will require maintenance over time to maintain its beauty.

Limestone

Limestone offers soft colors in beige and tan, with a comfortable, warm appearance.

Limestone is produced from the sediment of evaporated seas and lakes. The pressure from the weight of the water slowly turns the layers of sediment into solid stone.

The serenity of limestone is a perfect complement to bathrooms and fireplaces. Limestone is sensitive to acids, so it is not the first choice for kitchen floors and countertops.

Slate

Slate offers a distinctive, durable option for inside and outside your home. Slate is known for its rich variation in color, with hues ranging from brown, green, copper, red, and purple.

Slate is formed in layers from sediment at the bottom of oceans. The layers are split to reveal the colorful patterns.

Slate is a favorite for kitchens and outdoor areas, where its earthy tones give a warm appearance. Slate is also used in landscaping and house cladding.