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 choice 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.
