Abrasion Resistance
A rating from 0 to 5, with 5 being highly resistant to abrasion that determines how well a tile material withstands foot traffic or friction on its surface. Do not use tiles with 0 rating on a floor where they are subject to lots of wear and tear.Absorption
The absorption rate, expressed as a percentage, for different tile materials. Porcelain has a very low absorption rate of only .5 percent, making it ideal for humid areas like the bathroom and kitchen.Backsplash
It's the area behind your kitchen or bathroom countertops that is tiled over to protect the walls from moisture damage.
Blanch Sabba Herringbone Mosaic Pattern - View Details / Get Quote »
Border
A tile border can be laid an outline of the floor or as a decorative feature along the tops of walls or tubs or to frame a mosaic.
Tunisian Cassandra Scroll Border - View Details / Get Quote »
Carrara Marble Tile
A type of bluish-gray marble that is only quarried from one city in the world: Carrara, Italy. The veining is smaller and finer than Calacatta marble and it is less expensive.
Carrara Heringbone Mosaic - View Details / Get Quote »
Calacatta Marble Tile
This stone is also quarried from the same region of Carrara Italy, but has far more distinctive and dramatic veining. It also is has a much whiter background which makes the bold veins really stand out.
Cement Tile
Made from cement that is pressed and not fired. They can come in a tremendous variety of designs, many of them using traditional Moroccan tile themes.Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a fired clay that doesn't meet the low absorption rate of porcelain tile. It tends to absorb more water, making it softer and less durable than porcelain.Custom Tiling
Custom designs are unique, one-of-a-kind, creations requested by a specific client and installed to their design specifications.Dimensional Tile
Tile that often looks sculpted and has a high relief created with modern tools, creating a 3-D effect.
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Engraved Tile
Ceramic and stone can be engraved with lasers such that the design is cut into the material with precision. Here is a grid pattern that has been engraved into a ceramic tile.
Etched Tile
Etching works by removing only the top layer of the material in an abrasive action using sand, acid, or even a waterjet. It doesn't cut as much as it wears down the area and thus the finish can be slightly rougher than an engraving, if done with sand. Here's a stone tile done with a waterjet tool.
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Floor Tile
Tiles designated as "floor" tiles mean they can withstand a large amount of abrasive action, but are too thick or heavy to hang on a wall.Glass Tiles
Tiles made from glass that are either glazed or unglazed. They can come in strips, like Soho strips or they can also be vitreous glass tiles that are small mosaic pieces.Glazed Tile
Any tile that has an additional glazing put on top to protect the top layer from moisture. In the case of glazed glass tiles, the glaze is more to alter the decorative coloring.Grout
A mixture of silica, sand, and cement used to fill in the joints between tiles. It can come in many different colors, not just white.
Hand-Painted Stone Tile
Tile that is hand painted by artisans to create beautiful, unique, borders and murals.
Pietre Arte Hand Painted Scene - View Details / Get Quote »
Honed Stone
A finish that is semi-polished, but not matte. It softens the surface of the stone and makes it smoother.Medallion
A circular design inset that is a highly decorative feature in a room. Here is one on the floor.
Tapeti Catalina Mosaic Medallion - View Details / Get Quote »
Mural
A work of art that is detailed on a wall, it can be made with tiles or paint or any other media.
Cucina Procne Fruit Mosaic Mural - View Details / Get Quote »
Mosaic
A work of art created with tiny pieces of stone, glass, metal, or any other small item. Mosaic tile is typically 1" square or less and put together on a grid backing, for easier tile laying.
Ceres - View Details / Get Quote »
Pool Mosaics
Work of arts, created with mosaic pieces, that are going to decorate the bottom of a pool
Custom Reef Mosaic - View Details / Get Quote »
Porcelain Tile
A type of ceramic tile that is fired at very high temperatures to create a hard tile that has an absorption rate of less than .5 percent.Stone Tile
Tiles made from any natural stone, including marble, slate, and limestone.Tile Layout
The repetitive pattern used to lay out the tiles. Tiles can be laid out in a grid pattern, which is the traditional block layout. However, there are also a variety of other types of patterns, including diagonal, brick, herringbone, and chevron. Here is a basketweave pattern.
Cielo and Blue Bahia - View Details / Get Quote »