Find the answers to your home improvement questions.
A fireplace can make for a stunning focal point in an attractive, well-designed room. A dingy or dated fireplace surround, however, can be an eyesore. Fortunately, creating a stylish new fireplace surround is a DIY project for anyone with a little patience, a little planning, and the right tools. Want . . . Read more
Subway Tiles have come a long way since their first appearance at the turn of the 20th century in the New York City underground. No longer confined to the iconic metropolitan transit tunnels, 21st century Subway Tiles offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and arrangements. In fact, there or . . . Read more
A popular choice for many homeowners, porcelain and ceramic flooring tile offers a reliable and durable surface for almost every location inside the home. Here are a few of the main features that make these tiles a practical yet stylish flooring option: 1. Dirt Resistance Ceramic and porcelain tiles do . . . Read more
The variation of color, texture, and tone between individual ceramic and porcelain tiles is known as color shade variation. An inherent characteristic of any fired product, variation in color and shade can actually enhance the character and beauty of the finished project. Within each style, and even within each production . . . Read more
If you’re interested in renovating with tile, porcelain tile is definitely worth considering. Able to endure heavy foot traffic in both residential and commercial locations, all while keeping their appearance, they are regarded as an ideal choice for flooring applications. Here are 9 reasons why porcelain tiles are a smart . . . Read more
Ceramic tile frost resistance is defined as the ability of ceramic tile to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect. The frost resistance of ceramic tile is dependent on the tile’s porosity and water absorption levels. Frost damage can occur when ceramic tiles absorb moisture through their pores, causing the water . . . Read more
Grout for ceramic til𝚎 is a cement-based bonding material used for filling joints between tiles. The space left between tiles is called a grout joint. Grout joints need to be sealed and properly maintained to prevent stains and discoloration. They are very porous. If properly protected, the tile and grout . . . Read more
Along with hardness and slip resistance, water absorption is an important quality to consider when shopping for porcelain tile. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a rating system for the moisture absorption of tiles. These rating are assigned based on a procedure that tests the tile’s permeability to . . . Read more
Porcelain tiles are fired at a very high temperature to enable a hard-wearing and stain-resistant finish. But, accidents do happen. While lighter fluid can be used to remove many types of stubborn stains from porcelain til𝚎, here are some of the most common types of stains and how to clean . . . Read more