Do you want to add architectural details to your home while still keeping a contemporary look? Slate can capture attention while still serving as a backdrop to dramatic colors and other design choices.

Take a look at how this grey slate wall provides drama without any color at all. The textures of the tiles capture the light and create the impression of a variety of shades without any actual change in color. The random layout almost makes it look like wrinkled paper, but with much more personality.

Slate comes in so many different shades and colors and this makes it extremely versatile. For example, without moving away from the grey theme, the photo below shows how making a few changes in layout and tone can change the look of a wall.

Instead of random rectangles, the repeating design wraps rectangular tiles around smaller squares. This look gains emphasis with the darker grey elements added to the design. This wall also hints at a bit of brown with some warmer grey tiles added into the mix.

Slate is not limited to grey. Colors range from brown, black, rusty reds, blues and gold. Collections take advantage of the best mixes of stones to create appealing color palettes.

Slate’s versatile nature allows it to work as flooring also. Because it looks even more beautiful when wet, it’s often used as a backdrop for waterfalls and fountains.

Would you like to learn more about this lovely and varied stone option? Our showrooms in Colorado and Nevada have great selections of slate choices. You may find just the right slate to add personality and drama to your own home.

Do you want to add architectural details to your home while still keeping a contemporary look? Slate can capture attention while still serving as a backdrop to dramatic colors and other design choices.

Take a look at how this grey slate wall provides drama without any color at all. The textures of the tiles capture the light and create the impression of a variety of shades without any actual change in color. The random layout almost makes it look like wrinkled paper, but with much more personality.

Slate comes in so many different shades and colors and this makes it extremely versatile. For example, without moving away from the grey theme, the photo below shows how making a few changes in layout and tone can change the look of a wall.

Instead of random rectangles, the repeating design wraps rectangular tiles around smaller squares. This look gains emphasis with the darker grey elements added to the design. This wall also hints at a bit of brown with some warmer grey tiles added into the mix.

Slate is not limited to grey. Colors range from brown, black, rusty reds, blues and gold. Collections take advantage of the best mixes of stones to create appealing color palettes.

Slate’s versatile nature allows it to work as flooring also. Because it looks even more beautiful when wet, it’s often used as a backdrop for waterfalls and fountains.

Would you like to learn more about this lovely and varied stone option? Our showrooms in Colorado and Nevada have great selections of slate choices. You may find just the right slate to add personality and drama to your own home.

Porcelain tile is the hard working chameleon of the tile world. Known for its durability, porcelain tile is denser than ceramic tile, making it more resistant to stains, chipping and temperature changes. It is a great choice for flooring throughout the house and is a popular choice for kitchens and baths.   Porcelain tiles come in an almost infinite number of sizes, surface textures, and colors.

Size

Porcelain tiles range from 1in. x 1in. to 20in. x 20in. squares, the classic 2 x 3in subway tile to uniquely shaped modern tiles.  When considering what size tile to select, think about how the tile will function in the space. Do you want a strong pattern? Choose smaller tiles. Do you want a more uniformed look? Select larger tiles so there will be fewer grout lines.  You may want to do a mix of sizes, large squares with smaller accent tiles to give more interest to your floor or backsplash.

Texture

Porcelain tile is available in everything from high gloss to matte faux-travertine textures.  Rough textures faux-stone porcelain tiles are a great option for a shower or bathroom floor. Porcelain tiles are a popular option for a kitchen floor because of their durability and easy maintenance.

Color

Like ceramic tile, porcelain tile comes in a rainbow of hues.  Solids, speckled, and stone patterned tiles mean that you will easily find a porcelain tile to match your home’s style and décor. Many of today’s porcelain tiles are almost indistinguishable from stone.  You can find choices from travertine to marble to linen in a variety of colors.

Q:  How do I know if the tile grout in my kitchen is protected and how do I remove stains from it?

A: If you happen to have ceramic tiles, good news because ceramic tiles are relatively easy to clean given that it has a glossy or semi-glossy finish. Even latex paint that has dried can easily be removed with a fingernail. However, there is a major difference between the tile surface and the tile grout. Grout happens to be porous that is why it is more prone to stains. This is where grout sealants come in. Grout sealants are applied to your tiles after installing them. This can help reduce the porosity of your grout. It also helps prevent the settlement of moisture underneath the tile and protects the surface from stains.

To see if your grout is still protected, test it. Simply put a few drops of water on the grout joint. The water drop should not soak into the grout. If the grout absorbs the water, then it means it isn’t working. Usually, grout sealant lasts for one to two years at the most.

Two of the best mild cleaners you can find in your home for grout are simply baking soda and water. Apply the mixture with a soft toothbrush. This can be helpful in removing food, wine and coffee stains. But as for difficult stains, it is always best to apply grout colorant. Before attempting to do this yourself you’ll want to consult with one of our tile specialists.