Tile

Ask The Tile Experts

• What is tile?

  Tile is a piece of hard material used to cover floors, walls and other surfaces.

• What materials are used to make tiles?

  The Tile Shop has a large variety of tile material options, each with different properties and styles available.

  • Marble: a high-end, natural stone tile that comes in almost every color and many finishes
  • Encaustic Cement: usually boldly decorated, these tiles replicate old-world styles and geometric patterns with modern colors
  • Wood Look: made of ceramic or porcelain, wood-look tiles are very popular for their appearance and durability
  • Porcelain: this dense and most durable tile is made from heating refined clay
  • Glass: very durable and easy to clean, glass is available in a variety of stylish patterns and colors
  • Travertine/Limestone: a type of limestone, travertine has unique patterns depending on the minerals present when it was formed
  • Ceramic: a man-made, clay-and-mineral tile, ceramic comes in a large selection of shapes and styles
  • Pebbles & Stone: channel the outdoors with the natural beauty and individuality of pebbles
  • Slate: this richly colored rock tile can be used both indoors and outdoors
  • Quartzite: suited to both commercial and business uses, quartzite is a rock that comes in different colors and textures
  • Other: mosaics made up of combinations of materials are also available

• Which tile is best?

  The best tile is a personal preference based on how much maintenance you want to do, where it’s being used and which style you prefer. To learn more about each type of tile material, explore our website or stop into a store near you to learn more.

• Which tile is the most durable?

  Given the right care, all tiles are durable. Porcelain tile is the most durable material because it contains more refined clay heated to a higher temperature, creating a very dense tile. We offer a variety of porcelain tiles that will work for your walls and floors.

• What styles of tile are available?

  • Modern
  • Contemporary
  • Traditional
  • Farmhouse
  • Classic
  • Rustic
  • Vintage
  • Spanish
  • Italian
  • Many more

• What colors of tile are available?

  • White
  • Grey
  • Black
  • Brown
  • Green
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Cream
  • Beige
  • Many more

• Why do I need to use grout?

  Applying grout fills the voids and makes your floors and walls stronger by bonding the tiles together, preventing them from chips, cracks and water damage and allowing for the expansion and contraction of your floor, wall or ceiling without damaging the tile. Premium quality grout also helps prevent stains, giving your tiling project a long-lasting, professional finish.

• What tile spacing should I use?

  Take the guesswork out of your tile installation by purchasing some spacers from The Tile Shop. Typically, grout spaces will vary from 1/16” to 1/8” to 1/4”. If you’re not sure what spacing to use, 1/8” is a safe bet. Ask your expert store associates at The Tile Shop which size will work best for your installation.

• Can tile get wet? Is it waterproof?

  While some tile material is waterproof, most will need to be treated with a protective tile sealer. Glass tile is waterproof, but most other types have an amount of porousness that makes them vulnerable to water. Check with a sales associate to confirm if your specific tile can get wet. The Tile Shop offers sealers for ceramic and porcelain and natural stone tile.

• Can you use tile if you have pets?

  Yes, tile is a great flooring option for households with pets because it’s easy to clean and water and stain resistant when sealed. More durable materials, like porcelain and ceramic, are usually a better choice over natural stone, but it depends where you plan on using the tile.

• Can I put new tile over my existing tile?

  We always recommend starting with a blank slate. However, if your existing tile is in pretty good condition, it is possible to tile over it. Make sure there are no cracks, the tiles are evenly placed and there are no moisture issues before starting the installation process. If the existing tile has issues, it’s better to start from scratch.

• How do I clean tile and grout?

  Make sure you choose a non-acidic, antibacterial cleaner for both man-made and stone tiles. The Tile Shop offers ceramic and porcelain and natural stone cleaners. The first step to keeping your grout clean is sealing it after it is installed. This will help ease the maintenance and keep the new look of the grout. Regularly maintain your grout’s appearance by using Grout and Tile Neutral Cleaner and Antibacterial Cleaner from Superior Adhesives & Chemicals—available at The Tile Shop.

• What are standard tile sizes?

  There really is no standard size for wall and floor tiles. They range from small tiles and mosaics, made up of even smaller tiles, to large-format tiles, which means at least one side of the tile is over 16” long. The size is up to you and what looks best in your space. If you don’t know where to start, make a design consultation appointment, and stop into The Tile Shop to get some expert advice.

• How much does tile cost?

  The selection of materials, difference in room sizes and other options available for tile mean that costs vary widely from project to project. While it will sometimes be a larger initial cost, a tile floor lasts longer and wears better than many other flooring types, like carpet or wood, which means it’s a better long-term investment. Tile floors also have a high resale value which is important to consider if there’s a chance you’ll be moving in the future. The best way to estimate the cost of your project is to schedule a design consultation with an in-store associate who will guide you along the process. Whatever your project goals are, The Tile Shop has a way to achieve them.

• How much does it cost to install tile per square foot?

  It varies. The quality of the tile you choose is the most important factor in determining how much your project will cost. You never know what you might encounter when you are preparing your floor to tile. If you need a recommendation, The Tile Shop has contractor lists in our stores that we are happy to share with you. We do recommend you get at least three estimates and always go with the person you feel most comfortable with.