This is the most important and enjoyable part of the whole process. With a large variety of tiles to choose from, you may want to order some samples to see how they fit in with the rest of your furnishings and decorations.
If you are not certain about the suitability of particular tiles for your specific requirements, please contact our customer support associates for recommendations and information.
Tiles differ in size and thickness and choosing the right size is just as important as choosing the type. Small tiles and mosaics are often better suited to covering small areas, while larger areas usually work better with larger tiles.
If you are trying to determine if what you're looking at is real marble, check for scratches or wear. If you scratch a knife across an area on the underside of the stone or in an area that will not be seen and you don't see much damage, then the stone is likely man-made marble or granite.
If you see scratches or signs of wear on the surface of your stone, you are looking at real marble. If you scratch a knife across an inconspicuous area or on the underside of the slab and it shows little or no damage, you are looking at the more durable granite or manufactured stone.
Not all cleaners are equally suitable for all types of tiles. Please specifically inquire about the cleaning and maintenance of each tile. However, pH neutral cleaners are suitable for most tiles.
There are some terms that you should know before starting your project.
Adhesive : The glue used to attach/ fix tiles to the substrate. A wide range of adhesive products are available, so always ask your installer/ contractor for advice on your particular project and type of tiles being used.
Grout : A hardening compound used to seal the joints between tiles. A wide range of grout products are available in the market, always consult with your installer/ contractor for advice on your particular project and type of tiles being used.
Movement / Transitional : Joint Where tiles meet another surface, such as a shower tray, the joint is filled with silicone sealant, not grout, to allow for minor expansion and contraction. Movement/ transitional joints eliminate stress transferring from the substrate.
Pointing : is the process where grout is mixed to a thicker consistency than usual and applied into the joints with a squeegee, pressed in firmly and finished off with a grouting tool to give a neat finish. Any excess is removed using a damp sponge and the surface wiped clean.
Render : A wall finish usually made up of sand/ cement in the ratio of 4: 1.
Silicone Sealant : A material with elastic and waterproofing properties used to fill movement joints instead of grout.
Slurry Grouting : Where the grout mix is runnier than normal and is spread across a large area using a spreader. Care is needed to ensure the grout goes right into the joint and no areas are missed out. This method is recommended where a pitted tile (e.g. travertine) has been fitted and the pits or holes need to be filled in for hygiene or cleaning reasons (e.g. on a kitchen floor or backsplash).
Stud Wall : Internal walls in a home, usually constructed of plasterboard over a wooden framework.
Substrate : Any surface onto which tiles are laid.
Thin Set : A layer of adhesive applied to a depth of less than 1/4".
These tools will help you complete your tiling project at professional standards. Tools can be purchased or rented and are all widely available at your local home improvement retail stores.
Adhesive Spreader : The notched edge of this tool ensures an even spread of adhesive.
Drawing (China-graph) Pencil : Use this for marking tiles that need cutting work. A "china-graph pencil" will not stain the tiles and will resist being washed away when using a water-fed cutting machine. Never use a felt tip pen as they may permanently mark your tiles.
Drill : Use a masonry or tile drill bit.
Electric Water-Fed Diamond Wheel Cutter : A diamond wheel cutter is the best way of cutting difficult/complicated tile shapes. These are available local home improvement stores, tile shops, or DIY stores. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding protective goggles, masks and gloves.
WARNING: Electric water-fed diamond wheel cutters should not be used to cut metal mosaics.
Epoxy Squeegee : A rigid squeegee specifically designed for the application of Epoxy grouts.
Eye Protection, Gloves and Dust : Mask It is vital that you use all possible protection when using any cutting tools/machinery. Always use personal protective equipment as advised.
Gauging Trowel : For removing the grout from its container, or the vessel used for mixing the grout. Use it to place adhesive onto a trowel.
Glasscutter : This is specifically for cutting glass. Simply mark the outline of your cut, score it with the glasscutter, lay a thin wire under the score and apply even but firm pressure on either side.
Grout Finishing Tool : This tool is run along the grout lines before they set completely to give a consistent, neat finish. This tool is a must to ensure professionally finished grout lines. WARNING: NOT to be used on Epoxy grout.
Light Mallet : Not an essential tool, but useful for tapping tiles into the adhesive, and leveling up.
Notched Trowel or Adhesive Spreader : The notched edge of these tools ensure an even spread of adhesive.
Spacers : These small pieces of plastic are inserted between the corners of the tiles or mosaic sheets to provide consistent spacing. Push them in side-on so they are at right angles to the surface, and place them at regular intervals to maintain the spaces, and remove them before the grout is applied. For mosaics, ensure that the spacers you use are the same width as the spaces between the individual tiles on the sheet.
Spirit Level / Laser Level / Plumb Line : One or more of these tools will be necessary to ensure that your tile installation is completed evenly with straight joints/ seams. A plumb line can be made with a small weight/ object, attached on a piece of string.
Sponge : This can be used to remove the grout residue and to smooth the joints. It is always best to use new sponges and grouting tools as old tools may have adhesive residue on them which could scratch / damage your tiles.
Squeegee (Rubber Trowel) : Used for spreading grouting compound into the spaces between the tiles.
Steel Ruler : A steel ruler is an essential toolbox item, as all successful installations depend on accurate measuring. WARNING: DO NOT use a steel ruler on stainless steel mosaics.
Tape Measure : For accurately measuring floors, walls and tiles.
Tile Cutter : A must-have machine for making straight cuts.
Tile Gauge : A device for accurately positioning your tiles.
Tile Nippers : A specialist tool for cutting away unwanted sections of tiles.
Wedges : These are wooden or plastic for perfect tile adjustments.
To help retain marble’s durability and beauty, you can follow these tips:
Marble is a rock derived from a material most commonly known as limestone. Marble forms when pre-existing limestone rock is heated to extreme temperatures that the minerals grow larger and fuse together. It sometimes consists of different colors, which is possible if other materials are present along with the limestone. Marble adds elegance and gives a soft look to the interiors.
It is important to remember that it has been used for centuries when thinking about marble. Architects of some of the most beautiful structures globally have used white marble. A few examples would be everything in Rome and Greece, Taj Mahal, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and many more.
Many people think marble is soft, high-maintenance, and unreliable. To prove that it is not the truth, we will discuss how marble is more durable, functional, and versatile than you think. So, even though marble isn’t for everybody, we believe it is the best choice for those who want flooring that will never go out of style or cease to impress their guests.
Marble flooring is very durable and is considered to be very stylish. Marble flooring is known for its superior and royal appearance. The marble with a matte finish can make the countertops in your kitchen exceptionally beautiful. During summers, marble, due to its cool surface, gives the most comfort underfoot. Marble is considered a very useful form of stone as it can be used in monuments or statues.
Marble tile is one of the most desirable and functional natural materials for most homes. Marble tile bathrooms are typically in polished or honed surfaces. Most people associate this with slippery marble floors. On the contrary, most polished marble bathrooms are less slippery compared to other surfaces.
Marble is suitable for most showers and other wet area applications. Because it's a soft stone, marble is very absorbent. There is some maintenance required if you want to keep your stone looking its best, but it is not a dealbreaker. Marble bathroom problems can easily be eliminated by choosing the right material with the right application.
Marble is a versatile stone that can be used anywhere in the bathroom. It can make up shower walls, countertops, sinks, and even the entire floor.
Marble is a natural stone which is made by limestone’s metamorphic crystallization that results in the conversion of calcium carbonate into calcite crystals. When limestone is long underground and under high heat and pressure, it is transformed into a marble. The main ingredient in marble is calcium carbonate. Some types of marble contain 99% calcium carbonate. The presence of aluminum and magnesium in marble results in a variety of colors.
Marble is a versatile stone that can be used anywhere in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway and the living room. It doesn’t require of any kind of chemical treatment.
Marble is a natural stone which is used as tiles or slabs for floors, backsplashes, walls and countertops. Marble tiles are truly magnificent, beautiful, unique and highly durable.
Marble tile is more popular flooring for kitchen floors and backsplashes, as they provide the smooth and shiny feel to your kitchen. This feel of this natural stone can make your kitchen’s presence more elegant.
Some imported marble tiles are: Bianco Carrara Marble Tile, Calacatta Gold Marble Tile, Statuario Marble Tile, Emperador Dark Marble Tile, Crema Marfil Marble Tile, Cappuccino Marble Tile, Thassos White Marble Tile.
You can be creative in the kitchen: not just by cooking but by choosing a unique backsplash that matches your kitchen’s color scheme and your personality. What is your favorite style? It can be contemporary, classic, flashy colors, and so much more. Backsplash can become the focal point of the kitchen which gives us endless options to be creative and put our style in focus.
Are you looking for a rustic look & earth tones? Then go for a travertine backsplash. Or do you have dark countertops and you want to complement them? Go for a dark marble. You might be considering a light color backsplash to brighten up your kitchen. Then, in that case, go for white marble. So many options!
Another thing to consider when choosing a backsplash tile is the texture. We talked about the rustic look earlier. The best options for a rustic look would be tumbled finish backsplash tiles. The tumbled finish will give the tile a rustic appearance due to its unfilled holes and unpolished surface. One caveat with the tumbled finish is that, since backsplash areas can be high traffic areas (hint: splash!), you might need to maintain the tiles by cleaning them often. If you prefer something that requires less maintenance, polished finish is your friend. Polished finish backsplash won’t have any crevices for any dirt to go in. So you can maintain them less often and they will be easier to clean.
You can always order samples before you commit to one option. It’s good to try different ones, be it in color, texture, or pattern. A color or a combination you may not consider might surprise you (such as white countertop & black backsplash).
Do you have a big kitchen? Or do you live in a relatively small space where color drives the whole aura of the space? In any case, color and pattern have a big influence on how your kitchen is going to be perceived. In small spaces, try to use light colors such as white and cream, and go for a bigger pattern. Use reflective materials, polished surfaces to make the light bounce. Remember, there is a reason black clothing makes people look skinnier. You might end up making your space look smaller than it is. If you are lucky and have a big kitchen, then you have more freedom as to what color and pattern you use. You can go for smaller patterns and dark colors. It might make your kitchen warmer and welcoming (if it’s a super-sized kitchen).
We have a whole collection dedicated to kitchen backsplashes where you can find all types of backsplash we mentioned in this article. Do you have questions? Reach out to us using our chat option. Click here for the kitchen backsplash collection.
