kitchen tile Archives - Page 2 of 2

It doesn’t matter if you are thinking of updating one room or the whole house. Chances are you are thinking about tile. With so many types of tile on the market, picking the right tile is tough. Inspired Remodels takes the headache out of picking the right tile. Take our advice as general contractors, decide on the tile material first and then the design of the tile. It makes the job of selecting tile much easier. Here’s a general contractors guide to the different types of tile.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has been popular for hundreds of years. It is a clay-based product. You’ll find ceramic tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. They are on walls, floors, backsplashes and showers.

Ceramic tile is an easy care material. Like other hard surface materials, you can wipe up spills easily, vacuum and wet mop tile. Glazed tile doesn’t normally stain and it doesn’t absorb water. However, like with all tiles, you’ll want to seal the grout to protect staining, but ceramic tile itself does not need sealing. Because it is impervious to water, it’s perfect for bathrooms.

Ceramic tiles are made in squares, hexagons, circles and more. It is a relatively inexpensive tile. It is also not the hardest clay tile. So, it’s not the best choice for high traffic areas.

Porcelain Tile

There is a difference between ceramic and porcelain tile. Yes, both are clay-based products. But, there is a difference in the clay based used to make the tile. With porcelain, the clay is highly refined and much more purified than the clay used to make ceramic tile. In addition, porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature. The result is a tile that is more durable and stronger than ceramic tile.

Don’t use the terms ceramic tile and porcelain tile interchangeably. They aren’t the same. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic because it is more durable. Like ceramic tiles, it is glazed and will not absorb water. It’s equally at home in the bathroom as in the kitchen, hallways, mudrooms or other frequently trafficked areas.

If you pick ceramic or porcelain tile, when choosing the actual tile color or design, make sure it is a through-tile. This means the color is not only applied to the top of the tile but permeates through. This is a very important feature. Surface colored tile shows every chip and ding.

Satillo or Terracotta Tile

When you think satillo or terracotta tile, you usually think of patios and entryways. But it can be used indoors as well. This clay-based tile is not glazed and needs to be resealed every few years whether installed inside or outside.

It’s a warm looking and feeling tile. Satillo tile doesn’t get as cold underfoot at ceramic or porcelain. But, because it absorbs water, you don’t want to use it in the shower. But it’s perfect for sunrooms and transitional spaces.

Stone Tile

Limestone, marble and slate are all popular tiles for use throughout the house. Each type of stone has its challenges when it comes to installation. Installing stone tiles isn’t a DIY undertaking. This is one place where the work is best left in the hands of general contractors.

That being said, stone tiles are popular on bathroom floors, in showers, on walls and backsplashes. Depending on the stone you pick, it may need sealing periodically. Granite floors can be slippery and limestone is easily damaged by the wrong pH cleaner.

Talk to your general contractor about how you will use a space and who will use a space to determine if the stone you have in mind is a good match for your application.

Stone tiles can look warm (think limestone or slate) or cool (think granite or marble). When it comes to cost, stone will be more expensive than ceramic or porcelain. But with the proper care, it will last much longer.

Glass and Metal

These two materials get an honorable mention for their decorative applications. They are not suitable for floors, but make lovely accent tiles on walls, fireplaces, and backsplashes. Glass and metal may be mixed with other materials in a mosaic design. Both materials are easily scratched, so take care when cleaning.

General Contractors Make the Difference

When it comes to new tiles for the floors or walls, the general contractor you pick does make a difference. General contractors that have your best interest in mind will let you know if a material you pick isn’t the best material for the application. Respect their expertise and listen closely to their recommendations. When it comes to making dreams a reality, turn to Inspired Remodels. They will guide you through the design process and make sure the remodel is not only beautiful but functional.

Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online today to talk about your next remodel or renovation. And if you decide to move instead of remodel, we can help with that too. Inspired Realty is our complete real estate brokerage firm.

Time to say goodbye to 2018 and 2019 trends. While some designs are timeless, others come and go. Inspired Remodels, the Orange County kitchen remodeler that designs and builds looks forward to 2019 trends.

Warmer Neutrals

Grey has been the new black and white for several years now. But in 2019, neutrals are ready to get warmer. While gray will still be popular, look for its iciness to be replaced by warm neutral tones.

This kitchen is a perfect example of how gray neutrals are warmed with beige. The earthy tones of the floor and chairs warm up the grey of the island and backsplash tiles.

This remodel features warm, honey neutral floors and contrasting cabinets in an even warmer wood tone. Notice the tan in the backsplash tile. These neutrals allow the countertops and sink fixtures to provide just the right pop of color. In previous years, that same countertop would have been used with cool grey, but this kitchen remodeler is warming things up now.

Pattern Tiles

The reign of single tone subway tile is quickly coming to an end. The savvy kitchen remodeler is adding color with the use of tile and grout. Tiles are taking on shapes and colors usually reserved for bathrooms.

In the past, this accent tile would be reserved for a shower or fireplace. But 2019 asks why? The mix of colors and geometric shapes is the perfect foil to the grey subway. This is clearly a kitchen in transition. But the warm floors and patterned tile accent wall lead the way in kitchen design for 2019.

Here’s another example of pattern tile in the kitchen. Sure, you still see gray subway tile and Shaker cabinets, but holey moley look at that tile! Intricate mosaic pieces, surrounded with accents and held together with almost invisible grout create a work of art.

If you aren’t ready to give up the entire backsplash, let go of a little subway tile and add an accent wall to the kitchen. You’ll be so very 2019.

Curves

From lighting to exhaust hoods, things are getting curvy in the kitchen. Industrial style exhaust hoods still grace many a cook top, but the lines are changing. Boxes are loosing their sharp lines and stainless is getting sexy.

Gone are the rigid corners and boxlike hoods. These sensuous lines emulate the soft curves of nature and the natural human body. Curves bring serenity to an area (the cook top) that can be a literal hotbed of stress (pun intended.) That’s because curves are soothing to the eye.

Curves aren’t just for hoods. In this kitchen remodel, curves soften everything from the light fixtures to the faucet fixtures. Countertop corners are radius and even the back of the barstools are curved. No wonder this space feels so serene.

The Kitchen Remodeler that Designs and Builds

Inspired Remodels is the kitchen remodeler that designs and builds. That means you get spaces that function well and look beautiful. Have confidence that your finishes fit your lifestyle and budget. Talk to us about your kitchen remodel dreams. We’ll turn them into reality in 2019.

Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online today.

kitchen tile

General Contractors Guide to Tile