Ceramic Tile Crafts For Kids

School vacations. Gotta love them, right? By the second day, you’ll start hearing the “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do”. And if you haven’t taken the time to plan for the reaction, you may be ready to send them back to school in short order.

Craft projects are the easiest way to keep every age busy for an extended period of time. And the more complex you make the project, the more time you give yourself to enjoy spending time with your family.

Ceramic tile is  a welcome feature in today’s homes. It looks great in a variety of places, from kitchen floors and backsplashes, to bathroom floors and more. But it also works well in the hands of your kids. Give these craft ideas a try and you’ll not only keep your kids busy, you’ll also have a fun new decoration to include in your family home.

Tile Plant or Candle Holder

With just a plain 6 inch by 6 inch tile, you can let your kids’ imaginations soar. Bring out the permanent markers or paints, depending on the ages of your children. Then let them decorate the tile in any way they choose. You can give them a theme, or just let them have fun. Have them put their names and dates on the bottom of the tile if it will be a gift. Then allow the paints or markers to dry. Turn the tile over and affix four marbles – one in each corner – with wood or super glue. Allow to dry. When the marbles are set, turn it over and put it into use. You can use it as a plant or candle holder, or turn it into a table protector for hot dishes. [Read more…]

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Why Grout Choice is Just as Important as Tile Choice

What makes the your flooring, backsplash, or tiled tub or shower stand out?

If you have a beautiful and unique tile, it may be the tile. But in many cases, it’s the grout between the tiles that gives it its unique contour and look.

If you are shopping for new tile for your kitchen or bathroom, you have a large number of decisions to make. The obvious decisions include looking for the tile that fits into the décor of your kitchen or bath, as well as one that will withstand the traffic that each room gets. You will have to choose color, style and material. Once you have chosen the tile, your decisions are not over. You still have the very important decision of choosing the right grout. [Read more…]

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What you Should Know About Floor Tile Adhesive

If you have decided to change the flooring in your home, you have a choice between self-adhesive tiles and tiles that require the use of a separate adhesive. Both methods have their own benefits, but the majority of home renovation experts recommend the separate floor tile adhesive for a variety of reasons. Even if you are relying on a professional, its important to understand the difference between the two types of adhesive to make an informed decision and ask the right questions before you buy.

Stickiness – the self-adhesive tiles are sticky, but it makes it difficult to move the tiles once they are placed. This could prove to be dangerous for the do-it-yourself homeowner that might not be well versed in laying tile. [Read more…]

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8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Glass Tiles

Glass tiles are becoming popular in a variety of areas inside the home and commercial locations. Homes and commercial businesses use them in places such as bathrooms, spas, showers or even as murals for decorative purposes.

If you are considering using glass tiles in your home or commercial business, there are a few things you should know before you buy.

1.    Each batch of glass tiles can contain a variation in color. This is important to remember when you are ordering your tiles based on a sample; the colors will probably not be the same.

2.    Glass tiles are heat and fire proof, as well as UV and moisture resistant. This makes them the perfect choice to use in places of high moisture or temperature change, such as outdoors or in a bathroom.

3.    The area that the glass tiles are going to adhere to should be smooth, free of residue and dry in order for the tiles to stick the best.

4.    Before you get your glass tiles wet, you should wait a minimum of 20 days. This includes when it is installed in areas such as pools, showers or bathtubs. [Read more…]

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8 Places You May Not Have Considered to Tile

Tile is most commonly installed in the bathroom here in Colorado. That does not mean that you should stop there. If you love the look, durability and potential for design that tile has to offer, then you could potentially put it anywhere in your home. Here are 8 places where tile could definitely add to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Backsplash – The backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom has a dual purpose. It not only serves as a gorgeous decoration in either room, it also offers a level of durable protection from splashes and other debris. Tile offers the ability to create a unique mural design above a sink or behind a stove.

Laundry Room and Foyers – Because tile is so durable and easy to clean, anywhere that dirty, wet or snow filled shoes are going to enter the house does the best with tile floors.

Bathroom Walls – Everyone knows about the benefits of tile on bathroom floors, but it is also a good option for bathroom walls or half walls. It is easy to keep clean and mold and mildew free.

Fireplace – If you have difficulty cleaning the ashes, dirt and debris that a fireplace causes, consider tiling it for easy cleanup. As an added benefit, it is a fireproof surface.

Tables – Tile lends a new look to any table or room. A variety of homeowners use tiles on outdoor tables for a contemporary look, but it can also be used inside the home on kitchen tables or side tables in living areas.
[Read more…]

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Wall Tile Can Add Character to Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is the one room in your home that you and your family probably spend the most time. This is what makes the kitchen the most remodeled room in homes around the country.

One of the latest trends in kitchen remodeling is the addition of kitchen wall tile. The installation of wall tile can be simply for decorative uses or it can be used for functional uses, such as a backsplash.

The most common material for a wall tile backsplash is ceramic tile. Because ceramic is waterproof, it makes perfect sense to install it behind your stove or sink to catch splashes and spills. The benefit of using ceramic tiles as your backsplash is the large number of colors and styles that it is available in. You can have your backsplash tailor-made to fit the décor and style of your kitchen. [Read more…]

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The Difference Between Floor Tiles and Wall Tiles

Love watching the home shows? Want to incorporate some of those fresh new looks into your own home? Why not start with tiles?

Tiling can be used virtually anywhere in your home. They can create a clean, warm look. And be functional as well.

When you are planning to install a new floor or new wall tiles, you will be faced with a wide selection of tiles. While you may be tempted to interchange the various tiles between floor and wall, it is important to remember that each tile is designed for a specific purpose. In other words, wall tiles are not made to be used on the floor and vice versa.

Even if you find a pattern in a wall tile that you absolutely adore, avoid trying to use it on the floor. Instead, search for a similar pattern in a floor tile. Understanding the differences between floor and wall tiles will help you choose the best tile for each location.

They have different durability ratings. Wall tiles usually have a rating from 0-2. Floor tiles usually have a rating from 3-5. Floor tiles are stronger and more durable; therefore, they are more suitable for foot traffic. [Read more…]

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Tile and Kitchens Go Together

Your kitchen is the room in your home in which everyone gathers in. It is a room that should be appealing, yet functional and durable.

One of the biggest decisions you have to make when designing your kitchen is the type of flooring to be used. While many like the looks of hardwood, still more are turning to tile because of its looks, its functionality, and its durability.

There are many different types of tiles that you can choose from, including ceramic and stone tile. Tile is available in a multitude of styles and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your kitchen to your exact specifications.

The floor in your kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the décor. Make sure to choose a color and design that flows with the rest of the room. You can choose a floor that adds a modern, contemporary or even whimsical look to your kitchen, depending on your preferences. You should take a look at your overall kitchen, including the color on your walls, the color of your cabinets and the designs in your backsplash, to help you determine which color and style of flooring will tie it all together. [Read more…]

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

The Advantages Of Ceramic Tile

In today’s economy, more people are deciding to stay in their current home rather than upgrade. Yet that doesn’t mean you have to live with your home the way its been for the past few years.

One of the easiest ways to make a big change is to look underneath your feet – your flooring. Hardwood, vinyl, carpet, corkboard, laminate, bamboo, stone, and ceramic are some of the options – and each one of those has even more options of its kind.

If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of determining which flooring is right for your home, consider one of the most popular floor coverings – the ceramic tile. Ceramic tile has a slew of advantages that might make it the best choice for your home.

Easy to maintain – ceramic tile is resistant to stains and you can clean it with ease. Just sweep, vacuum and mop on a regular basis to maintain your tiles to perfection.

Durable – ceramic tiles are more durable than other types of flooring – they will last longer, so you will not have to replace them as soon as you would other flooring.

Slip, abrasion, moisture resistant – ceramic tiles are slip resistant, making them a safer surface. They are also resistant to moisture, unlike hardwood. Ceramic tiles are often used in high-traffic areas because they resist abrasions and tread wear.

Fire resistant – ceramic tiles are fire resistant and will not burn, nor will they release any toxic fumes from burning – because they do not burn. [Read more…]

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How To Clean Tile and Grout

It’s a job you probably dread and put off as long as possible. Let’s face it; the tile and grout in your home can be tough to clean.

However, it must be done from time to time – so when the time comes, make the chore a little bit easier by choosing the right equipment for the job. Over the counter cleaners may be what you use for weekly cleaning. But for deep cleaning, a steam cleaning machine may be the right tool for the job. Here are some tips for choosing the right machine for your situation.

  • For tile and grout cleaning, the output temperature should be as high as possible. For today’s efficient steam cleaning machines, they can reach up to 386 degrees. The higher the heat, the easier it is to remove all the dirt and impurities present on the tile joints and grooves. The higher temperature also brings one other advantage: superheated water turns to vapor, meaning less mess to clean after the chore is complete. [Read more…]

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.