Entries by ad_Vmin

Natural Stone and the Reemergence of Porcelain Tile

December 2, 2013 /in /by

What are the differences between stone and tile, and which one should I choose? In my many years of working in the tile and stone industry, this is a question I have heard frequently. Most tile on the market today is glazed porcelain tile, which is a durable type of ceramic tile. Stone, on the […]

Tile History

November 26, 2013 /in /by

Part 1: From the beginning of recorded history The story of ceramics first began in Anatolia, a land which has been home to countless civilizations over the millennia; and where modern Turkey comes into being; in whose fertile soil different cultures have flourished; and which has witnessed the most important turning points in human history. […]

Types of Tile

November 16, 2013 /in /by

Characteristics  Glaze is “liquid glass” that has been sprayed or poured onto the surface of the tile. Extreme heat causes the tile to be fused together and harden. Glazed tile must meet the same criteria as unglazed tiles, with two additional tests: thermal shock and crazing. Common sizes 1″x 1″, 12″x 12″ and larger. Qualities […]

Shade Variations

November 1, 2013 /in /by

1. Environmental variation Color IS light. The color that you “perceive” consists of both the surface of the tile, and the reflection off the tile of its environment (lighting, furniture, large fixtures, cabinets, wall color or furniture). This is why it is so important for the customer to either see the tile in their environment […]

Porcelain Revealed

October 18, 2013 /in /by

There isn’t really any secret as to what a porcelain tile is: it’s a ceramic tile with an absorption rate of .5% or less. Incidentally, a .5% rating is also classified as “impervious”. This means impervious= porcelain, porcelain=impervious, impervious=< .5% absorption. However, all porcelains are not created equal. There are three general categories of porcelain […]