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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS [Tile] [Natural Stone] [Health & Environment] [Design] [Installation][Trends][Buy Local — Buy Smart][Price Match Guarantee]
Tile
Q: What are the functional advantages of ceramic tile over other floor covering materials?
A: Tile is the most durable flooring and facing material available. It is water resistant, abrasion resistant and color permanent. It will not cut, tear, gouge, puncture, warp, rot, burn or require refinishing. Therefore, it is the surface of choice for bathrooms, mudrooms, foyers and kitchens.
Q: Will my tile floor be too slippery?
A: Many tiles have a textured surface or are available in different finishes. We have tiles appropriate for every kind of application requiring increased slip-resistance.
Q: What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?
A: Porcelain tiles are clay-based, just like ceramic tiles, but they also incorporate the harder minerals found in granite, making them more durable and the most popular choice for high-traffic floors. Ceramic tiles come in many more varieties and provide homeowners the widest selection in terms of design, color and price.
Q: Will my tile floor be too cold?
A: In-floor heating products are available for new and remodel applications, and tile is a great thermal conductor. For barefoot rooms such as the master bath, products like Warm Touch™ are a simple solution. Experience Warm Touch™ in our showrooms.
Q: How do I maintain my ceramic tile?
A: There is no need to wax, polish or buff your tile installation. A damp sponge or mop is all that is necessary for daily maintenance. Special problems? Each of our locations carries a full line of maintenance products developed specifically for ceramic and stone.
Natural Stone
Q: Why should I select natural stone?
A: Natural stone has been preferred by architects and builders throughout the ages because it offers strength, beauty and something unique: no wall, floor or counter will ever be the same as another. Color, texture and markings vary from shipment to shipment, so you should make every effort to view multiple pieces of stone before selection as well as to view your order before it is installed.
Q: What is the difference between limestone, marble and granite?
A: Limestone and marble show subtle veining and movement. They are sedimentary rocks composed primarily of calcium carbonate and are sensitive to acids. "Marble" derives from the Latin “marmor,” which means “to shine,” so marbles are hard limestones that accept a polish well. Limestone and marble are often selected for the master bath but many also perform well on high-traffic floors when a honed finish is specified. Granites are harder rocks of volcanic origin and are not acid-sensitive. Frequently they display artistic veining and movement. Granites are generally selected for kitchen counters and high-traffic floors where performance is the priority and a polished finish is desired.
Q: Is natural stone hard to care for?
A: When the correct stone type, finish and sealer are selected for your application, natural stone is simple to care for and maintain. Sweeping and wet mopping are all that is normally required. Consult us for recommendations unique to your stone and application type.
Health & Environment
Q: What are the health and environmental benefits of ceramic and stone?
A: Ceramic and stone are:
pure, hygienic and hypoallergenic – neither a primary nor secondary source of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs – toxic chemicals that can damage your health and contribute to the growth of mold, fungus and viruses
durable – not needing to be replaced within the life of the structure, thus reducing resource extraction, manufacturing, transportation, demolition and installation energy requirements
low maintenance – not contributing to the level of toxic cleaning products being flushed into our ecosystem by alternative materials requiring chemicals, waxes, strippers, solvents, shampoos, etc.
energy efficient – excellent thermal conductors, especially when combined with radiant heat systems
plentiful – made of 100 percent natural and plentiful raw materials
constantly improved – Italian manufacturers, for example, have increased production 10 times while energy consumption remains stable and gaseous emissions have been reduced
salvageable, recyclable and easily disposable – having a favorable health and environmental impact throughout their life cycle. Ask for Eco-tech tiles manufactured from recycled raw materials.
Choose sustainable surfaces. "Live Green" with ceramic and stone.
Design
Q: What should I bring to the showroom with me?
A: Feel free to bring blueprints and samples of paint colors, carpet, wallpaper, fabrics and cabinet finishes with you.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Make an appointment, if possible, to ensure that you get the attention you deserve. If this is your first tile project, RELAX and let our showroom design consultants assist you. If you're experienced and knowledgeable, we invite you to take a more hands-on role in the design. We hope you share our passion for tile, have more fun with the process and even greater satisfaction with the results!
Q: Should I select neutral colors of ceramic and stone?
A: This is a good idea if you are considering resale or remodeling in a few years. If this is your “dream home,” then let us help you make your project one-of-a-kind.
Q: Are samples available?
A: Samples are available for checkout and most are no charge. Others require a refundable deposit. Please help us RECYCLE by returning samples you don't need.
Q: Why do you recommend that I complete a Tile Selection Sheet?
Your Tile Selection Sheet itemizes and verifies all your choices: price, availability, trim, decorative accents, layout, accessories, grout color, etc. Completed Tile Selection Sheets are copied to your builder or designer and tile contractor to coordinate your purchase with us.
Installation
Q: Is tile installation expensive?
A: When compared to other coverings, tile installation is expensive. However, tile installation can be permanent and less expensive in the long run after replacement and maintenance costs for other materials are factored in. For this reason, select the best tile you can afford, and make sure it’s what you want BEFORE you have it installed. We are sorry, but claims concerning color, shade, texture and markings will not be allowed after products are installed.
Q: Should I have my tile professionally installed, or can I do it myself?
A: Some products (e.g. marble, limestone, granite and glass) and some applications (e.g. stall showers with water-proof pans and “warm floors”) are projects for professional installers. Remember, your professional installer provides many value-added services (e.g. take-offs, deliveries and warranties). If you are considering do-it-yourself, pick up one of the many books or videos available. Some products and projects lend themselves well to do-it-yourself.
Q: Do you recommend contractors?
We will give you at least three names. You should get references, discuss what you want in detail, ask for suggestions and consider that you may not be as happy with the low bidder's workmanship.
Q: What is the best way to calculate the quantity of tile I will need?
A: Multiply length times width of the area to be covered to give you square footage. For most installations, add 5-7 percent for cutting loss and attic stock. When installation is diagonal or you are using a multi-size pattern, you should add 10-15 percent. Trends Q: What are the latest tile design trends?
A: Current design trends include:
- Larger formats, especially rectangles;
- Textile looks;
- Digital printing technology, which provides unprecedented pattern variation and realism;
- Green features, such as recycled content; and
- Glass, glass, glass – more varieties, sizes and styles.
Q: What are the latest trends in stone selection?
A: Current stone selection trends include: - Larger formats, especially rectangles;
- Vein cuts for a linear look;
- Subtle and practical honed finishes;
- White- and earth-tone colors; and
- Accessorizing with mosaics, artistic accents and trims.
Buy Local — Buy Smart Q: You are not the closest tile shop to me. Are you worth the travel time?
A: Tile By Design is not a box or a chain or an ordinary destination. We are a locally owned business that offers an inspiring showroom, a large menu of personalized services and a unique experience. Our work partners are committed to a variety of environmental, social and community causes. See About Us. Price Match Guarantee Q: How does your Price Match Guarantee (PMG) work?
A: Guaranteeing a competitive price is an extension of our mission: to provide the best possible ceramic and stone shopping experience. If you find any of our products advertised elsewhere for less, simply bring in a copy of the advertisement or price quotation, and we will match it. A quotation should include relevant criteria such as product description, unit of measurement and freight cost (if applicable). Q: What are the limitations to your PMG?
A: Eligible items must be the same brand and include the same features (i.e. size, finish and edge detail). In the case where one feature is different and immediate delivery is desired, we will try to make a mutually agreeable accommodation. The PMG is also not extended retroactively. Prices are finalized at the time of your purchase.
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