Reflections on Tile

A short time ago, we did some renovations of our home and I learned a lot about tile. So much about renovations is subjective - lots of choices, it is all about a certain balance between what you reeeeally want and what is feasible, isn't it?

Here is some info on tile, which is a wonderful material to have in your home, regardless of what effect you wish to achieve.

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Porcelain Tile...

is created by using fine clay and baking it at a very high temperature. It is a hard material, and the pattern or color in it goes all the way through. When it gets chipped, which is rarely, the damage doesn't show because of this. Porcelain tile, like its cousin, ceramic tile, is durable and can mimic numerous materials such as marble, granite, stone, even moss or wood! Check out www.porcelana.com (a Spanish company but with showrooms in the US and www.morristile.com among many many others) to see some really gorgeous, unusual styles.

Rectified Tile...

is a type of porcelain tile used when very little grout is desired between the tiles. It gives a rather contemporary look, and is especially effective with larger sizes, such as 18x18" or 18x21 rectangles — or larger! Very low maintenance: it is created by baking a very large slab of porcelain and cutting it afterward with great precision into tile, rather than using forms for individual tiles. If you choose rectified tile, make sure your tile setter has experience, as lippage can occur. This is when the very straight edges don't line up so as to create a tilt, which contradicts the smooth effect and feel of the floor!

Ceramic Tile...

is a really beautiful, less costly alternative to porcelain. Depending on the space between the tiles and how straight or tumbled the edges are, you can achieve some beautiful effects, ranging from contemporary to traditional, but particularly gorgeous and effective towards the rustic.