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Chapman's Tile Inc.
is a full-service bath and tile showroom featuring custom ceramic tile,
marble, granite counter tops, shower doors, heated floors, whirlpool baths, and complete design and
installation services.
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| Tips on Choosing the Right Tile |
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Deciding on Durability
A nice thing about the ceramic tile industry is that there is a widely-accepting rating system for durability.
Our system rates the surface of a tile from Class 1 to Class 5 ("1" being the least resistant to abrasion and "5" the most resistant).
This allows you to choose the right tile for the application.
Choosing a Size
Tiles are available in many sizes. The recent trend has been toward larger tiles for floor and wall applications. 12" x 12"
is the most popular size for floors and 8" x 10" is the most popular for walls. The reason? Larger tiles make a space appear...larger.
Some floor tiles come in multiple sizes, which allows the creation of interesting patterns. Talk to us about the look you are trying to
achieve and we can steer you in the right direction.
The Rules of Color
Of course, only you can decide what color is right for you, but here are two basic rules to remember: Lighter colors make a space appear larger.
Darker colors add warmth and hide dirt well.
Texture Tips
Generally speaking, textured or matte finish tiles are less slippery than smooth or shiny tiles--something to keep in mind when choosing floor tiles.
A tile's "slip resistance" is measured by its "coefficient of friction," which is provided by some manufacturers.
Selecting a Style
Again, there are so many styles to choose from that only you can know what's right. Here are a couple of hints: Rustic or stone-looking
tiles are extremely popular because they fit in with any decor and are excellent for hiding dirt. Marble-style tiles lend a more formal look.
Choosing a Grout
Grout is available in a wide variety of colors. Using a grout which matches the tile tends to make the grout lines disappear.
Using a contrasting color makes the individual tiles stand out. Our sales consultants will explain the different types of grout and how you
can achieve the look you want.
Maintaining Your Tile
One of the great things about ceramic tile is that it requires very little maintenance. Too keep your tile looking its best, year after year,
here are a few important DOs and DONTs:
Dos
You should clean your tile with a damp sponge mop, using a small amount of soapless detergent in warm water.
If you use a cleaner, make sure it's neutral-non-acidic and non-alkaline.
Where soil is more concentrated, use an all-purpose household cleaner (such as Top Job or Mr. Clean) or a cleaner made specifically for ceramic tile.
Don'ts
You should not use soap on tile. It leaves a film which dulls the surface and promotes mildew.
You should not use steel wool pads. Any loose particles of steel left on the grout will cause rust stains.
You should not use an acid or ammonia-based cleaner because it could affect the color of the grout.
Acid-based cleaners can also cause marble tiles to dull. You should not use vinegar and water--because vinegar is an acid.
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