Imported Tile Showrooms in Montreal

Ceramic tile has a specific make-up different than that of porcelain or glass. Whereas porcelain tiles are primarily comprised of finely ground sand that has been exposed to extreme heat and pressure, the process of making ceramic tiles involves mixing clay, water, and various minerals which are then heat processed. The top of each tile is coated with a special glaze that prevents it from being porous.

Ceramic tiles have many benefits if you are planning on placing them in highly trafficked areas of your home or business. These strong-points include:

• More durable than wood or carpet


• Will not absorb odors, non-porous


• Easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria or allergens


• No toxic fume emission


• Moisture and wear resistant

Imported ceramic tile comes in many beautiful styles from all over the world. These tiles have existed for over 4000 years and can be found in historic wonders such as the ruins of Babylon, Greek's ancient cities and the Egyptian pyramids.

Islamic tile mosaics date back to the 10th century in Persia. Small pieces of different colored tiles were arranged into beautiful work of art, held together by pouring plaster between them. This style is characterized by brightly colored patterns, detailed calligraphy, floral themes and geometric patterns. It spread across South Asia and then to North Africa, followed later by Spain and parts of Europe.

Europe traditionally used painted ceramic tiles. In the medieval times light colored tiles were plastered together and painted over with religious themes. The panels were then placed in churches and abbeys.

In Spain and Portugal the baroque period gave rise to huge murals painted on tiles, typically in blue and white. This style spread to Holland and was widely adopted throughout Europe.

Many of these beautiful techniques are manufactured today and can imported from their country of origin. The beautiful mosaic tiles are popularly imported from Morocco and Italy is known for its metal-oxide glaze. No matter your taste, you can find a durable ceramic tile solution to fit your space.

The following are different decorative techniques used on tiles important from all over the World:

• Plain Glaze - Tile coated with a clear glaze that brings out the natural tones of the clay. It can also be layered over colored tile.


• Mosaic - Colored tiles cut into small pieces that make up a detailed pattern. The pattern is then filled in with liquid plaster.


• Hand-painted - uses a colored glaze to free-hand designs and then coated with a clear glaze.


• Inlaid - A tile is stamped before being glazed and fired.


• Carved - pattern or design is engraved on the service of the tile or pressed into the tile (modeled). Sometimes these carvings are then painted.


• Sgraffito - tile is covered with a coat that is then scratched off in a particular design.


• Tube Lining - a material called slip is painted on the service creating dividers into which different colored glazes are poured.


• Lustre Painting - Metallic copper and silver colloids are suspended in the glaze to create a mirror effect that reflects light and appears to ripple.


• Transfer Printing - Engraved copper plates are covered with colored paper and pressed onto the tile, transferring the color. The design is then glazed over.

With this many styles, the artistic possibilities are endless. There are a number of tile styles available, like these ceramic and granite tiles. Look into a tile manufacturer in your area to learn more about transforming you space. Ceramic is beautiful, functional art for your home.

There are a number of Montreal-based ceramic tile companies to help you find the right tile for your home, such as Ceramic Tile Montreal. These professional showrooms can help you transform your home with a vast selection of tiles. Ceramic tiles are a beautiful, durable option for any home and come in an unimaginable combination of colors and patterns. They can dramatically change the look of a kitchen or create a retreat out of your master bath. From earth tones to vibrant mosaics, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Though based in Montreal, these showrooms receive ceramic tile imports from around the world. The most popular imports come from Italy, Spain and other areas of Europe. The different ways in which these tiles are created and arranged can vary greatly based on their place of origin. There are three main methods of setting tiles which you may want to keep in mind when shopping for a particular style.

The traditional method is by-hand placement and more time-consuming than other tile projects. These tiles have been produced individually and are modular, so when creating flooring or wall panels, they line up and have the same joint size for grouting.

Mounted tiles come in sheets and are connected by a bonding material, such as mesh resin attached to the back of the each "unit" of tiles. This way, many tiles can be applied to a surface at a time and can be grouted all at once. This is an easy project for first-time DIYers.

Shapes are irregular tiles that can be round, diamond, hexagonal etc. These are ideal for personalized mosaics or patterns that can be designed to be completely unique to your home.

No matter which style you choose, a showroom can help you find a style that reflects your personal tastes. They have experienced consultants to suggest only the finest quality imports to fit your taste and budget. Whether you are redoing a personal space or commercial construction they have quality materials to suit your needs.

Porcelain is a durable material, typically used today as tiling in homes. It dates all the way back to China in the 600s when it was used to make dishes, delicate vases and other art. This is where the term "fine china" comes from. Unlike ceramic tiles which are usually composed of red or brown clays and coated with colored glazes, porcelain is characterized by its pure white look- the result of white clays or silicates. These materials are very fine in texture and result in a very smooth end product. The quality of the clay allows craftsmen to design pieces that are delicate and translucent, yet still strong enough to withstand wear.

Hard- Paste vs. Soft-Paste Porcelain
Soft-Paste porcelain (such as bone china) is more granular in texture, as it possesses less clay and contains more mix-ins such as glass or soapstone. It was developed in attempt to replicate the beautiful Chinese porcelain without knowing the exact make-up of the Chinese counterpart. Soft-paste porcelain is harder to shape and has to be fired at moderate (as opposed to high) temperatures. For this reason it is more porous and has a softer, less brilliantly white surface. Artisans prefer soft-paste for the sculpting of figurines and delicate art, as it gives the pieces a more life-like appearance.

Hard-Paste porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures and contains substantially more white clay. It has a translucent appearance and is much smoother and whiter. It is also much easier to shape than soft-paste porcelain and therefore can yield more detail when constructing works of art. Hard-paste is stronger and thus used for pottery and building materials like flooring. Any porcelain tiles you may look at when using them for home renovation are likely to be hard-paste.

Porcelain as Building Material
Because of the manner in which porcelain is pressed and fired, it can withstand great amounts of wear, and will not absorb moisture. It can also hold up to scratches, cooking materials, cleaning chemicals and temperature fluctuations. Unlike the porcelain used to make dishes and art, porcelain tiles are fired at such high-temperatures that it becomes vitrified- giving it a smooth, glass-like appearance. The unique manufacture makes it much stronger than stone tiles and even more durable than granite.

Like granite, it requires diamond cutters to create tiles or slabs and is equally easy to install. Before beginning a renovation project, you will have to choose between different types of porcelain tile.

• Glazed Porcelain Tile: porcelain that has been fired and glazed with a layer of liquid glass. The glass gives the porcelain a special tint of color or a specific texture. The colored layer is then sealed over to make it stain resistant, and can appear matte or glossy. These are typically used for walls, floors or countertops.



• Through-bodied Porcelain Tile: contains no glaze and therefore will show virtually no signs of wear in heavily-trafficked areas. The color is completely consistent throughout and is extremely strong and temperature resistant. It is popular for use in bathrooms and kitchens because if a counter or floor is chipped, there will be no variation in color.

There are a number of reputable porcelain tile showrooms in Montreal that have porcelain tile available for both residential and commercial uses. These showrooms provide you with the opportunity to compare durability and maintenance of many materials such as granite, ceramic, stone and porcelain all under one roof. If you are on the fence about porcelain (it tends to be more expensive than other materials), here are some advantages:

• Porcelain is temperature resistant and can withstand extremely cold conditions


• It is very hard and dense making it difficult to break


• It is fire resistant, scratch and moisture resistant


• It withstands heavy foot traffic and harsh chemicals


• A consistent make-up throughout ensures that it will not fade with wear


• The smooth, non-porous surface creates a barrier against stains and makes cleaning easier


• No sealants, polishes or waxes required for upkeep


• Because of the various glazes available, porcelain can easily take on the look of granite, marble, travertine, terracotta, limestone and even wood without compromising durability

If you still have questions, it may be time to stop by a porcelain tile showroom and talk with the experts. They can walk you through the pros and cons of porcelain, educate you on a vast selection of imports and compare it with other tile options to find the ideal material for your needs. Porcelain is only one of many tile options, but you may find that price difference is offset by its' outstanding qualities.

Granite is a beautiful building material and has steadily increased in popularity over the years as a material for counter tops and flooring. It is extremely durable, almost as hard as diamond which makes it great for high-use areas. It has a unique look that simply cannot be imitated by synthetic materials.

Granite Formation
Granite is formed by magma, the result of volcanic activity miles below the surface of the Earth. Subjected to extreme heat and pressure, the magma cools very slowly forming its unique, coarse-grained texture. This igneous rock is very dense making it ideal for construction.

Various minerals give granite it's unique and varying colors and patterns. The primary elements are quartz, mica and feldspar. Quartz creates the crystalized, light-colored veins visible within the granite. To be considered granite the rock must contain at least 20% quartz by volume. Black flakes in the material are mica and feldspar, the most common mineral is typically white.

Origin of Granite Tile
Granite can be found all over the world from North America to Europe to Africa. Popular countries of import include the United States, Canada, Italy, India and China. Because these areas are so different geographically, each location mines granite that looks very different based on its unique mineral components.

Mining and Production
Mining consists of both blasting and drilling large pieces from surrounding rock in quarries. The larger blocks are then cut into slabs and slabs are polished by machine. Diamond saw blades and drill bits must be used to create and install countertops and flooring.

Pre-fabricated granite tiles, counters and flooring are a cost-effective alternative to custom-designed countertops and the like. They have been pre-cut to standardized sizes out of the same piece of granite to ensure a more unified color and pattern. Matching a custom cut piece of granite to prefabricated slabs can be difficult, so this should be considered during the design process. In turn, granite tiles are usually cheaper than granite slabs, yet still provide a functional surface as flooring or countertop. Look at various styles of granite here.

Granite Tile Installation
Tile installation is relatively easy. Plywood is cut to the exact size of the countertop and secured to cabinet frames. Then, cement backer board is cut to fit on top of the plywood and attached with a layer of thinset. Tiles are then dry-fitted to make sure they line up properly. A thinner grout space can achieve the look of a solid slab of granite. Once spacing has been decided, mortar is applied to the backer board and tiles are placed on top. Once this has dried, tiles can be grouted with a color that closely matches the natural color of the stone.

Whether you choose to install it on your own or have commercial installation, granite is a timeless addition of natural beauty to any home.

Granite tiles are extremely versatile and transition seamlessly from home design to commercial buildings, even industrial projects. Whether purchased in tile or slab form they will weather heavy traffic as flooring and withstand everyday wear as countertops and backsplashes. Reputable showrooms like Éco-Dépôt Céramique offer extensive showrooms in Montreal, Laval and the South Shore where you can view a large selection of imported granite from around the world.

Experts are on hand to help you design your space and choose the right building materials to suit your needs. Because of the varying make-up of granite from different locations you will be sure to find one that compliments any color scheme. This beautiful stone comes in hues ranging from slate browns and grays to purple, gold, green and red.

Many tile showrooms feature wall upon wall of stone tiles to choose from. If you are leaning towards granite for your remodeling project it is a great place to compare several types from around the world. This igneous stone is both strong and aesthetically pleasing- an ideal way to bring classic, durable beauty into any space.

Is granite different from marble?
Granite is more dense and therefore a stronger stone than marble. It also resists scratches and impact better over time. Marble is calcium carbonate that has been compressed and is therefore more susceptible to acids- making it a poor choice for highly-trafficked floors or kitchen counters. For around the same price marble is less durable and takes more effort to maintain. If you want to achieve the luxurious look of marble, but need it to withstand every day wear-and-tear, granite is a wonderful choice.

Redoing a bathroom can seem like a daunting task. You have to decide on tile, paint colors, fixtures and counters. The right vanity can give you a starting point for design inspiration. It should fit your taste and lifestyle needs as it is something you will use every day, multiple times a day. While shopping for one may seem overwhelming, you can make some decisions ahead of time to make the selection process easier.

Who is using the space?
You must first consider who will be using this bathroom. Is it a rarely-used guest bath, multi-functional kid space or a retreat in the master suite? The wear that it will sustain should determine the durability of the counter-top. Harder materials such as granite or porcelain may fair better in heavy traffic areas. Sturdier cabinetry may be required to hold various towels, bath toys and cleaning products. If it is for a master bath you may want to consider a double vanity so each person has their own sink and storage space.

Consider the layout of the space as well. If you are replacing an existing vanity it is necessary to take into account the tile or carpeting around it. You may be able to get away with a smaller, more delicate vanity if you already have easily accessible storage elsewhere. Once you have taken these factors into account it is simply a matter of personal preference and style.

Styles of Vanities
When it comes to sinks there are a variety of options. Integral sinks are more conventional and are recessed into the vanity so they are level with the counter. This may be a more viable option for children's bathrooms as they are easier to reach. Faucets that accompany integral sinks are typically conventional as well. If you desire a more dramatic look then vessel sinks, or sinks that rest above the counter top, may be the option for you. They can be delicate, curving bowls or modern, minimalistic troughs- there are shapes to suit any taste. Vessel sinks also give you more versatility in sink design, especially if you want a spigot-style sink. It is important to note however that these can require a different type of installation. Stay current with the modern vanity styles available for your home.

Furniture style vanities have detail and sophistication that can take your bathroom to another level. They can be fashioned to look like buffets or chests and come in an array of woods and finishes. If you prefer your vanity to be raised above the floor for more delicate looking storage, these are a good alternative to traditional cabinetry. Existing furniture can be modified to accommodate countertops, sinks and plumbing, but pre-fabricated vanities that are furniture-style will already have these features.

Traditional cabinetry provides maximum storage but still gives you choices in terms of color and material. Identical to the construction of kitchen cabinetry, vanity cabinets go all the way to the floor and can be topped with counters made of stone, granite, porcelain or other materials. It is typically the most utilitarian and practical for bathrooms that get a lot of wear.

Whether your style is modern, traditional or ornate, there is a vanity that can reflect your taste and create a beautiful focal point for your bathroom. Find a unique combination of cabinetry, countertop and sink for a look that is one-of-a-kind, your own personal oasis.

Many homeowners, whether with a newer home or old, are deciding to renovate their bathrooms and give it an updated or more stylish look. The problem presented with any renovation is the fear of completely tearing about the entire bathroom.

However, more and more companies like Éco Dépot Céramique from Montreal, are offing a much simpler way to give your bathroom an upgrade without destroying the entire bathroom to do so.

It is much easier and less invasive to simply purchase an imported vanity from a dealer. These companies import a wide variety of styles and looks in different shapes and sized to give your bathroom the modern look you desire.

Before beginning to look for your new vanity it is important to be sure you have the exact size requirements to avoid purchasing an imported vanity that isn't going to fit.

You will also need to be familiar with the way your current plumbing is set up in relation to how the new vanity will allow you to configure the plumbing. Some older homes may have different plumbing that a new vanity won't allow for.

It is, however, possible to make changes to the plumbing to accommodate the new imported vanity, if necessary. Otherwise, you will still be able to find a new vanity that will match your current set up.

There are many places on the internet where you can find imported vanities showrooms to give you an idea of what is available to modernize your bathroom.

Simply upgrading your bathroom vanity can add a whole new element to your bathroom's look and style. You will be amazed at how much of a difference just changing one part of your bathroom will make on the overall appearance, and who doesn't want an easy way to add a better look to any room of their house?

Aside from giving your bathroom a new look, a beautiful new imported vanity can also add overall value to your home. So when you're ready to sell your home, you've added great value to your home for a small cost to you.

An old vanity can take away from your bathroom's overall appeal and at a reasonable cost, its not difficult to bring new life into your bathroom.
Now, you may be saying: "it's only the bathroom, why should I care about how my bathroom looks"? But, upgrading your bathroom will tremendously modernize your home as a whole, and who wouldn't want to have a beautiful bathroom to walk into everyday?

While it is possible to refinish the vanity you currently have, this can only be done successfully if the style of the vanity is versatile enough to accommodate modern fixtures and often times the design of an old vanity can look awkward if an attempt to modernize it is made.

A new imported vanity is a cost effective way to modernize and upgrade the look of your bathroom without having to tear apart your entire bathroom to do so.

If your bathroom needs an upgrade, consider adding a new imported vanity to breathe new life into your bathroom.

Retiling kitchen floors and backsplashes or replacing kitchen countertops can take your home from dated to stunning. If you have aged flooring and stained grout or are just ready for a change, it may be time to stop by your nearest kitchen tile showroom.

There are showrooms with over 500 models to help you select the perfect look for you. Not only do they offer a wide range of ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles, they have a large array of kitchen countertops and glass tile backsplashes. Just a few of the materials available to choose from include:

• Travertine
  
• Slate
  
• Marble
  
• Granite
  
• Natural Stone
  
• Mosaic
  

Kitchen design specialists are on hand to offer advice on which tile will best fit your lifestyle and design preferences. They are available for inspiration but many clients also come in with custom design requests. With so many quality tiles imported from around the globe, your showroom expert should be confident in their ability to provide you with the materials necessary to make your vision a reality. Whether taking on a commercial installation or an at-home renovation, they are a great place to see, touch and learn about all of the different tile and countertop materials under one roof.

If you are contemplating a remodel for your bathrooms stop by an experienced showroom expert in Montreal. Remodeling bathrooms can add resale value to your home so using materials that will undergo daily wear is crucial. The huge showroom in Montreal offers a great environment for comparing over 500 stiles of ceramic and porcelain tiles, countertops and vanities.

These products are imported from all over the world to ensure the best quality while at the same time giving you the best possible price. Design professionals are in-store to help you realize your vision and offer great advice on materials that are the most cost effective for your needs.

The diversity of stock at your local bathroom tile showroom means they most likely carry exclusive models and can customize tiling, cabinetry and countertops to fit virtually any style. Granite countertops will withstand years of moisture and hot styling products, porcelain holds up to heavy kid-wear and withstands chipping, and well-made cabinetry will provide functional, beautiful storage.

Whether you choose to research these materials on your own ahead of time, or come get straight answer advice on the pros and cons of each from the design professionals, the Montreal showroom provides an ideal location to compare them all in one building. There are tile showrooms available online from a number of providers.

If you're looking to install new vanities in order to update the look of your bathroom, Montreal has the finest vanities showroom, and it is a great place to start. They have both modern and classic designs available that can tailor to any space. Replacing an existing vanity is a simple home-project that can dramatically change the feel of a bathroom.

Steps For Replacing an Existing Vanity

1. Measure the existing vanity and take into account the tile or carpeting. It is easy to replace the old vanity with a larger one, however baseboards may have to be adjusted to accommodate a change in size.


2. Make sure the water valve is turned off, turn both sink handles on to release pressure.


3. Loosen the slip nut at the top of the trap (have a pot under the trap to catch excess water), disconnect the water lines and remove the trap.


4. Cut away any sealants on the backsplash and around the sink, then remove the sink from the top of the vanity.


5. The old vanity may be connected to the wall with mounting screws so ensure these are removed before attempting to move the vanity.


6. Move the new vanity into place and attach it to the wall with new mounting screws.


7. Reassemble existing sink or assemble a new sink before setting the top in place. This may require an experience plumber to ensure the sink is properly sealed.


8. Caulk the top all the way around and make sure the backsplash is sealed where it meets the wall.


9. Attach the vanity doors to hide the sink.


10. Reconnect the water supply and test for any leaks around the sink area.