News

RSS
Large Format Tile Installation

Large Format Tile Installation

Here's a quick Installation for Large format tiles. 

Large format tile is considered to be any tile with one side longer than 20". Since their inception into the tile world, large format tile has not only grown in popularity, but also in size. From 24x24 all the way up to 60" x 120", larger tiles are all the rage (including popular wood-look plank tiles). large format tile also comes with benefits you won't get from smaller sizes.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

By it's very nature, large format tile covers a bigger surface area per tile. In return, you get fewer grout joints on the floor and walls compared to smaller sized porcelain and ceramic tile. Fewer grout joints means less time scrubbing cracks, and less room for mold and mildew to build up. 

VERSATILITY  

Large format tiles come in a variety of styles, patterns and colors. From concrete, to marble, to polished porcelain to stone, you can find just about any look in large format. Larger tile and fewer grout joints adds an elegance to any project and even helps expand your space. Large format tile has always been popular when it comes to floors (wood-look plank tiles continue to gain popularity), but recently they have gained more traction when it comes to wall tile options as well. 

INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT TILE

Large format tile, while beautiful, can present it's own set of installation challenges. Like any installation, you should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions. That being said, below we will provide some tips and tricks to help your installation go a bit smoother.

PROPER SUBSTRATE

Obviously a larger tile is heavier than smaller subway or mosaic tiles. What people may not realize is that a heavier tile requires a stronger substrate. Just as important as having a strong substrate, it is also crucial to have a flat floor when installing large format tile (with smaller tiles, this can be masked easier).

It is required that the variation for 10 feet of installation not exceed 1/8 of an inch. For floors that are not level, consider using a skim coat, patching or  self-leveling system from TEC or Laticrete. You also may want to consider a crack isolation membrane, which are also offered by both TEC and Laticrete. Crack isolation membranes come in 3 types: sheeting, liquids and trowel-applied. 

It is a great idea to purchase a complete installation system from one of our vendors. Both TEC and Laticrete offer systems that include crack isolation membrane, thinset and grout. Purchasing your tile installation system from the same vendor ensure the products work well together, and they can improve the warranty offered by the chosen vendor.

Not ensuring a flat substrate may create a condition where on edge of the tile is higher than the adjacent tile. This created an uneven and unsightly appearance, as well as a tripping hazard. This is call lippage. ANSI and TCNA handbooks list allowable lippage at 1.75mm or 1/32". 

PROPER ADHESIVE

Ardex Setting Materials offer an extensive range of cements, mortars and epoxy's designed for specific uses. Choosing the right product when installing large format tile is essential. TCNA recommends medium med mortars with full coverage on the back of the tile. It is strongly recommended that you float the adhesive onto the substrate with the notched side of the trowel, as well as "butter" the back of the tile to achieve maximum coverage. 

 

PROPER OFFSET

Laying our your large format tile prior to installation is important. It can help determine the patter that best suites your project. For large format tile, it is important to use a 1/3 (33%) offset opposed to the more traditional 1/2 "brick" pattern. The 1/3 offset helps to prevent lippage and cracking, while still creating a beautiful end result. 

  • G Dav
Can I use Ceramic tile for Floor?

Can I use Ceramic tile for Floor?

The answer is Yes! 

It has been used for centuries all over the world and is still used by many European countries.Many European manufacturers still produce Red Clay ceramics following all necessary standards and providing specifications for acceptable applications of materials. If manufacturer suggests that material is acceptable for Floor use, it means that material has been tested and proven to be durable for the listed applications.  Red Clay-base ceramic tiles are an ideal choice for any residential application: kitchens, baths, basements, porches, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas. Floor tiles are  durable; water-, stain-, and wear-resistant; and easy to care for. An array of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes is available. Tiles larger than 12" inches square are currently the most popular choice.

 

Difference Between Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles

Difference Between Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles

Ceramic tiles are not made specifically for floors or walls. Instead, they are classified according to their strength and durability. While any tile can be used as a wall tile, only certain grades of ceramic tile should be used for flooring, and the grade you choose will depend on the type and amount of use the floor receives.

Tiles are graded on a scale of 1 through 5. The tile grade should be listed on the box, but if it is not, you can contact the manufacturer and ask. Grade 1 is the lowest grade and is suitable only for walls. Grade 2 is for walls or residential floors that don’t see heavy traffic, such as bathrooms. Tiles suitable for heavy residential foot traffic or light commercial floor use are found in Grade 3. Grade 4 tiles work well in commercial areas that receive heavy foot traffic, such as grocery stores and banks. Grade 5 tiles are for industrial use and can handle heavy foot traffic as well as exposure to chemicals. Heavy industrial tiles are rarely used in homes as they usually look very commercialized rather than decorative

Why Porcelain Tile ?

Why Porcelain Tile ?

Porcelain Tile is a newer type of ceramic tile, though it is made from finer, denser clay and is fired at higher temperatures. In addition, porcelain tile is tougher, more resistant to scratch and stains than other types and more durable too. It can easily endure in heavy foot traffic at both residential and commercial locations. Porcelain tiles can withstand as a best option for their sturdiness, durability and scratch resistance, among other features. Today it’s becoming an increasingly a popular option for flooring and become an ideal choice for tile flooring applications.
You should consider the following benefits of investing in porcelain tile flooring for your home.

  • Resistance to Wear and Tear- Porcelain tile can be used anywhere because of its good looking surface, however over time of wear and tear any kind of flooring can be foreseeable. On other hand, porcelain has a high breaking strength than other flooring and maintains the appearance much longer than other floors, as it is extremely harder and non- porous too. Porcelain tile flooring is hard wearing material where it can resist to stains, scratches, fading and chipping.
  • Low Maintenance- Porcelain tile is much easier to maintain as it repels stains and doesn’t require any sealing for water resistance. Spills can be cleaned up easily usually with water and a bit of detergent (if needed) from impervious surface, where it can also resistant to harsher cleaning agents. Porcelain floor tile looks great for years to come with very little maintenance.
  • Holds up in High- Traffic Areas- Porcelain floor tile is an ideal choice for the areas of home of high traffic and will outperform other tiles in both long- term appearance and durability. Some other flooring material may quickly wear and can become scuffed and shabby- looking. But, even in high traffic it maintains the appearance as new.
  • Available in many styles- You have limitless styles in porcelain tile flooring as these tiles are made to look like granite, slate, marble, wood or limestone depending on the style you look for.
  • Durability- One of the main advantages of porcelain tile is its durability. It is much denser than standard ceramic tile as it is fired at higher temperatures and made from more refined clay. If these porcelain tiles are get installed properly, it lasts for life time with best durability.
  • Moisture- Porcelain tile is less prone to moisture absorbing as it is so dense and especially good in colder climates that can direct to freezing, where your tiles will not crack easily.
  • Cleaning- Another best advantage with porcelain tile floor is that, very easy to clean and maintenance. It is non- porous in material and it gets protected from bacteria. These porcelain tiles are essentially stain- proof and highly resistant to slipping. It can be used in either indoor or outdoor applications.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles -

Density- One of the disadvantages of porcelain tile floor is density. Density is that porcelain tile is too hard and more difficult to cut the tiles.
Weight- Weight is another disadvantage of porcelain tile as it is heavy in weight; if one of the tiles is accidentally dropped it would certainly break. You have to ensure that the sub-floor is strong enough to support the weight of the porcelain tiles.

These are some of the benefits and the drawbacks of the porcelain tile flooring. However, you can say that porcelain tiles are ideal choice for high or less traffic areas. It is denser than standard Ceramic Tile and it’s highly durable. These tiles are highly moisture resistant where you don’t have to worry about the cracks in colder climates. These porcelain tiles are long lasting flooring material today which has a broad range of colors, textures and patterns including decent imitation of marble, travertine, etc. 

Bathroom

Bathroom

A Dream Bathroom by Eco

Experts will commonly point out that there are two rooms that make the most positive of impacts upon either a buyer or seller. Time and again research has shown that the rooms buyers most closely judge are the kitchen and bathrooms, especially the master bath. These interior spaces are where the greatest added value can be assured for a sale, so they must impress!

Here at Eco our focus is on one particular buyer “hot spot”, one that can awe and inspire a potential buyer and contribute greatly to the overall value and enjoyment of your home. A stunning bath can charm, impress and inspire and a beautiful upgrade like a Eco vanity is a marvelous case in point.

Certainly the added value of a high quality Eco vanity can be considered a wise investment for any home, but beyond that is the simple enjoyment you can have while luxuriating in your own bath sanctuary. Imagine feasting your eyes daily on a beautiful spa-like escape that is your own bath oasis! With Eco you can and for a price that might surprise you.

There are no touches that will enhance more than a new bathroom vanity. It will often be the first thing you or your guests will see in an impressive bathroom and an outstanding vanity can beautifully redefine a run-of-the-mill bathroom into a showplace for your home.

Should budget considerations be a concern, you are in luck with Eco! The key to any bathroom redo is the clever utilization of the existing space. One can save significant money by utilizing as much of the existing bathroom as possible. A quick update of the vanity can work wonders and instantly upgrade the space with an impressive and refreshed ambience. The good news is that by taking advantage of the quality, style and unparalleled workmanship of Eco you can have your dream bath for a surprisingly reasonable price.

Eco was established in 2010 and is located at 1055 Centennial Ave, Piscataway,NJ 08854 Our commitment is to provide the very best in service and the highest quality bathroom vanity product for the lowest prices possible. We aspire to this goal fully knowing that the East Cost  American market demands the very best. High quality and beautiful vanities are our main focus and we strive to build both trust and a friendly rapport with our valued customers.

We know that word-of-mouth is the best way to encourage business, so we work hard to ensure customer satisfaction with such benefits as free replacement should vanities be broken during shipping or installation. And the bathroom products we create and sell are eco-friendly certified by Cupc & WaterSense. We also offer free design advice for all our clients’ customized vanities.

See for yourself how Eco can help you to create your very own dream bath by visiting us at https://www.modernbathnj.com/

Don’t put off turning your dreams into reality. Get in touch with us today for an amazing bathroom tomorrow!

  • Bathroom Furniture