Kitchen Tiles and Bathroom Tiles

Give your bathroom a make-over
Create high style drama or spa-like tranquillity, a whimsical retreat or traditional dressing room décor, with ceramic bathroom tiles. Give your bathroom a budget conscious makeover in less than two weekends. Bathroom tiles for the floor create interest, colour, design and style all wrapped up in a practical and extremely utilitarian surface. Take it one step further with the use of subdued or colourful bathroom wall tiles.

The Floor
Bathrooms are wet environments. Ceramic tiles are the perfect choice for showers, flooring, and walls, with the trend in open concept wet rooms. When choosing ceramic bathroom tiles for the floor, choose non-slip finishes; they are glazed in a manner, which when wet, will not be extremely slippery, ensuring safety in the damp environment. Smaller ones with more grout lines will enhance the anti-slip properties of wet room floors.

Flooring is one of the smaller surface areas in most bathrooms; therefore you can go for bold and high style flooring without breaking the budget. Ceramic tiles come in as many colours as are available in your imagination. Hand painted or faux stone, ceramics invite creativity. Design a "rug" in front of the vanity or shower entrance using field and border tiles. Create drama using contrasting tiles set on the diagonal; a lot of tile cutting, but well worth the effort.

The Walls
Take your flooring right up the walls to the ceiling, or stop at chair rail height. Tiling a bathroom wall is a great choice for open concept bathrooms where the shower is only partially enclosed. Additionally, bathroom wall tiles make for smart design choices and easy clean-up. Floor pieces will work on any wall, however those designed for the wall will never work on a floor. Wall tiles are lighter and thinner than those for the floor and will not withstand the weight of foot traffic. Choose the floor first, and then choose bathroom wall tiles to compliment the flooring.

Use complimentary or contrasting wall tiles in varying styles, colours and sizes to create a faux chair rail or border line. Standard chair rail height is 36 inches; adjust this height to accommodate full tiles to eliminate cutting. Choose borders to express your personal style. If you choose a 6" x 6" neutral cream or beige wall tile, you might consider a border of cobalt blue glazed 3" tiles for your border; adjusting placement slightly to keep grout lines symmetrical.

Choose smaller tiles with subtle colour to create a serene spa like atmosphere. Large bathrooms can easily accept more aggressive colour and pattern choices without becoming overwhelmed. Ceramic tiles are a great choice when colour or budget do not allow for natural stone; ceramic is easier to install and requires less specialized cutting tools. Ceramic bathroom tiles can enhance the décor of any bathroom.

Marble has been around since the dawn of time and have been used in architecture and design in the courtyards of classic Europe to the luxurious buildings of Manhattan to create gorgeous and world class interiors. These tiles exude affluence, taste and sophistication. Tiles made of marble have a characteristic streaking and veining that gives them the beautiful design. Marbles are stones that have their origin in limestone. It is dug from a quarry in large chunks and then sliced into tiles which reveals their gorgeous colours and designs.

They are available in different colours and designs such as the cappuccino marble tiles and dark emporador marble tiles. The designs can be plain or elaborate with gorgeous mosaic or geometric shapes. The durability and longevity of marble tiles varies according to the type. They can be used indoors on kitchen counter tops, walls, fireplaces and on floors.

Marbles should be cleaned with a broom and mop using warm water. They can also be used outdoors but the homeowner should ensure the type of tile used is specific to outdoor conditions. They can be used outside churches, castles, mansions, office buildings for that timeless look that gives prestige and elegance.

These tiles may be machined where rough edges are smoothed to create an antique look. The process makes it less slippery and can be used in most locations outside such as the lawn and pathways. Glazed marble tiles easily resist water stains, look very elegant and do not need waxing to maintain their shiny look. Other types are unglazed which give tiles the rugged look and are therefore scratch resistant.

For home owners who are looking to remodel and are not sure which flooring to choose for their homes , marble flooring is the best option due to its elegant finish. It requires minimal maintenance and is very easy to clean. The fact that it comes in thousands of designs and colours gives the homeowner different options to choose from for the rooms in the house. A beautiful home gives its occupants a sense of serenity, peace and a longing to be inside it. Tiles can improve the look of a home and make it welcoming.

These tiles are sought after because they can be used on floors and walls in the living rooms and bathrooms. Cappuccino marble tiles and dark emporador marble tiles are currently trendy because they are elegant and classic. They give floors a unique finish that combines with the décor to create an exquisite finish. This design would be ideal for a front way of the house where its beauty can be seen by all who come in.

There are three main kinds of porcelain used in today's homes, they are: Hard Paste Porcelain, Soft Paste Porcelain and Bone China. There are numerous differences in these three styles, depending solely on the type of materials from which they are made. For instance, bone china is made with fragments of animal bones to give it a more sturdy consistency. It is said that the first porcelain was actually made in China during the period of the Tang dynasty. To this day porcelain is still made in the City of Jingdezhen and has been since the 1300's.

By the early 1100's Europe, Japan and Korea became heavily involved in the porcelain making process. Although readily used today, back then it was an expensive product which many people could not afford. It was in the 1600's that porcelain became popular with the common public. The art of tea drinking in fancy cups and saucers, made from hard paste porcelain became common and drove the demand for the product.

When porcelain tiles were first introduced in the 1700's, they were considered to be very expensive and mostly used in churches or stately homes. It was countries like Portugal, Spain, France, Germany and Great Britain, which were main manufactures in ceramic tiles. As things progressed prices made them more available to the general public. People began using ceramic kitchen tiles to decorate a once bland kitchen. They would use them around fireplaces, in bathrooms and to help decorate their homes. Because of their durability, they were soon becoming a popular way to add charm and sophistication to their homes.

In the 19th century, the entire process for making porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles changed. With advances in machinery and technology the process became simplified and therefore, prices became more affordable to the common man. The introduction of wallpaper, changed the way people felt about tiles and soon they became an item that was not of interest. But like true history, things rotated and tiles once again gained in popularity. Today when an old home is destroyed, it is often the tiles that are saved and reused. The process by which ancient tiles were made cannot compare to the simplistic process which we have today. The colours and the work that went into each and every tile was amazing.

There is no greater look than having ceramic kitchen tiles. One can use them as a nice back-splash or on the kitchen floor. They are easy to clean and come in a wide variety of colours to match every home's décor. No wonder so many people love to decorate with ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Porcelian is still widely used in the manufacture wall and floor tiles. For a wide range of discount porcelian tiles, visit BuyTiles.com to see our full range of bathroom wall and floor tiles including marble, granite,slate and ceramic tiles.

The kitchen is that part of the home where the average family spend most of their time. Often a guest wanders into the kitchen as you prepare a cup of coffee, fix a drink or check on the pot roast while conversation is ongoing. This should be received with nonchalant acceptance if your kitchen is in order, rather than a shrinking in dismay because your worktop is showing its age thanks to a few nicks, scratches and dents from daily use over the years. It may be sending you a message; it is time for a new kitchen worktop.

In this age of innovative technology and with the variety of materials available for home improvement, redoing a kitchen worktop can be accomplished quickly and easily without burning a hole in your pocket. This is the era in which stone is the material of choice and granite worktops along with quartz have made it to the forefront as the most popular choices for home owners.

Granite worktops are most often chosen by designers for a modern contemporary look in the kitchen. It is durable and functional and composed of a natural sheen, mostly due to the amount of quartz inherent in its natural make-up. With technology and tools available for stone cutting, granite can be used for any size kitchen worktop surface desired.

Quartz worktops are also a great choice for the kitchen in this century. Durable and diverse with exquisite beauty, it has stain, scratch and heat resistant properties which provide beauty along with practicality and functionality.

Whatever your kitchen décor, quartz worktops of every colour or combination are available to match. From the deepest black, to bright ruby reds or translucent white, with a myriad of colour blends between, quartz is the ideal product for your worktop make over.

In planning the new working area for your kitchen, along with the granite or quartz worktops an attractive back splash of kitchen wall tiles should be considered. A back-splash is designed to protect the walls behind sink and cooking areas and should be serviceable as well as decorative. In today's market a wide array of products to create the right look for your kitchen exists, these include metal, ceramic, stone or glass.

Glass tiles come in frosted or matte shades, and some are eco friendly. They are sold by the sheets and prices vary according to manufacturer and style. They can be measured and cut to fit any size area to be covered and will create an alluring effect to enhance the beauty of your kitchen. However any kitchen wall tiles style chosen, along with your quartz or granite worktop will add a fresh new look of elegance and increase the value to your kitchen and home.

For a huge range of quartz and granite worktops at great prices visit BuyTiles.com. Also suppliers of bathroom and kitchen wall tiles

Want to add a splash of colour to your out dated bathroom? The bathroom is one of the places in our homes that are often neglected. After all, usually the kitchen and living room are what most people see of our homes. However, when it is time to re-do the loo, one should choose a bright colour pallet that will be relaxing.

Taking a hot shower after a long and stressful day is just what one needs. Redo that old bathroom tile and replace it with Galaxy Granite Tiles. These strong and long enduring tiles, come in many colours and can match any décor at your home. Gone are the days of plain bathrooms with no pizazz, simply choose the style of granite tiles that fits your décor.

Not only can you clad the walls around the tub with granite tiles, the floor is a perfect spot for these wonderful tiles too, however bear in mind that granite floor tiles are thicker than wall tiles, which should not be laid on the floor. Easy to clean and can take a beating, these floors will last a lifetime. Get a nice neutral colour, in case you change your mind and redecorate. They are versatile and can make your bathroom look like you spend a small fortune.

If you want to get really creative you can use a two tone look. Choose two coordinating colours of tile and alternate for a spectacular look. Create one of a kind custom looks, just for your home. Don't settle for just vinyl flooring, when granite is durable and you will not have to worry about it looking dingy and dirty, after a year of use.

Often bathroom counters become scuffed or have chips after years of use. Why not replace those counters with Galaxy Granite tiles. You can easily create new and exciting counter tops that not only have great colour but will not chip and look beat up after years of use. These durable tiles will be a fraction of the cost of a granite slab, but with all the great features that granite offers.

Have you ever wished to have granite counters in your kitchen or bathroom but thought you could not afford it? Galaxy Granite Tiles are an economical way to have the very best in your home. Using stunning materials like granite tiles, in your bathroom from the floor to ceiling, can be incredibly stylish and wow your guests.

Shimmering and full of light, with a multitude of natural variations quartz tiles are quickly becoming more common place in decorating. Once only found in estates and high-end commercial establishments, quartz brings life to any surface. Suitable for all rooms of the home as well as commercial applications natural quartz is a durable and low maintenance solution for high style decorating.

Quartz grows in crystalline clusters; therefore solid slabs do not actually exist. Manufacturers of quartz tiles and counter-tops grind the crystals in to smaller bits. The crystals are then packed along with pigments and resins into moulds configured for tiles or counter-top slabs. Quartz tiles and counter-tops are made up of 93% crystal bonded with the resins used to create a cohesive unit, or slab of the smaller crystal chips.

Quartz in the Kitchen
Kitchens are germ factories; quartz has natural anti-microbial properties making it a natural choice for kitchen counter-tops. This non-porous natural stone when combined with resins can be buffed to a high gloss finish to reflect ambient light back into the room; creating a subtle glow.

Black quartz tiles can take the place of granite on counter-tops, or be combined with white quartz tiles for a dramatic and stunning chequerboard kitchen floor. During to the manufacturing process pigments can be added to the natural crystals creating a colourful array of dazzling and sparkling surfaces.

Quartz in the Bathroom
Beautiful and water resistant when sealed; quartz is a natural choice for bathroom walls and floors. Strength and durability lends to multiple surface applications. Create a feature wall using neutral toned mosaic tiles, with a light complimentary grout; take those same tiles and produce a dramatic focal point using high contract grout in an accent colour. Quartz chips are the go to choice for light reflective mosaics and creative tile picture features.

The ultimate in white, white quartz tiles shine; light dances off the many reflective surfaces of the polished stones. Black quartz tiles can be used in areas traditionally off limits to darker floor or wall tiles with their glittering light reflective capabilities. Combine white and black quartz tiles for a classic estate foyer and entry hall; or tone them down with pigments for more subtle and natural illuminated flooring.

Natural durability, combined with the tile manufacturing process, makes quartz an ideal choice for exterior applications. Bring the outdoors in or the indoors out with a continuous flow of flooring materials from the breakfast room to the patio. Impress yourself, and your guests with the creative use of beautiful and versatile natural quartz.

Looking for a way to create a whole new look for a kitchen or bathroom? You can use Laura Ashley tiles in a variety of ways to make your own custom creation.

Tub Surrounds

Tile is ideal for walls around tubs and showers since this area is exposed to a lot of moisture. You can cover over plasterboard with ceramic wall tiles to protect the surface, while giving the room a whole new look. You can use all one colour, or purchase two colours and create a custom border around regular coloured tile.

Other options include making your own mosaic on the wall. For this project, you'll need at least two different colours of tile. They can be arranged in a random pattern on the wall, or you can have a more rigid mosaic - the choice is up to you!

Kitchen Back-splashes

Ceramic tiles make a great surface for a kitchen back-splash, either behind the sink, or behind the stove area. Laura Ashley tiles are very easy to keep clean. All they require is a quick pass-over with a damp sponge. One great technique for interesting kitchen back-splashes is to alternate the colour of tile used to create a chequerboard effect. You can also use more decorative tiles in the centre of the back-splash, surrounded by solid colour tiles.

Accent Walls in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Instead of painting an accent wall in a kitchen or a bathroom, you can use Laura Ashley wall tiles to create a unique accent wall. Tiling an entire wall isn't much different than doing a back-splash or a small area, just a few more tiles and mortar are all that are required. As well as a bit more time and effort.

For an interesting effect, use this ceramic tile behind the sink area and create a small accent wall. This technique works particularly well if you have a decorative pedestal sink and will draw the eye to this feature in the bathroom, making it stand out.

Ceramic Tile Counter-tops

Tile counter-tops in kitchens and bathrooms are easy to keep clean and give you more decorative options in this space. Rather than using laminate or costly marble, you can create a unique counter. Lay out an interesting design using several different tile designs, or keep to just one colour for an elegant and refined look.

The options are endless when it comes to using ceramic tiles in the kitchen or bath. Let your own creativity guide you or find your inspiration in today's design magazines or shows and apply your own unique twist to their ideas. Installing tiles is easier than you think and the after effect is more than worth the initial installation effort.

Laying ceramic kitchen floor tiles can be a big job. But with the right tools and the right information it is a doable project for the average Do It Yourself-er. The first two steps are to make sure you have the right kitchen tiles, tools and grout. Of course you will need gloves, a dust mask, safety glasses and knee-pads. You will also need a pry bar for removing the old tiles. Other tools include pencil, tape measure, scrapers, slip-joint pliers, spacers, mortar adhesive, a bucket and a sponge. You will also need a trowel for applying and smoothing the grout and a wet saw for cutting the tiles.

Now it's time to get into the actual work. Remove all the appliances and furniture from the kitchen and take the moulding off around the edge. Remove the flooring and scrape off any old adhesive. Next find the middle of the room. It is important that you lay tiles from the centre so that any adjustments can be made at the outer edges of the floor. Use the wet saw to cut tiles to the size you need, then lay the tiles onto the floor in the pattern you want.

The next step is to mix up some of the mortar adhesive. Remove a few tiles from the centre and spread a thin layer of mortar on each one. Work quickly because the mortar will start to set up in about 30 minutes. Be sure and use rubber spacers to keep the tiles evenly spaced. Press each tile down firmly to get a good fit. It's very important to keep the tiles clean with a damp sponge as you go.

Let the tiles settle for a couple days before putting on the grout. Remove the rubber spacers, put a pile of grout near the middle of the floor, work the grout into the spaces, then use the trowel to scrape off the excess grout. Wipe off the any more grout from the tiles with a wet sponge. Use lots of clean water and make sure that all this excess is washed off the tiles.

When the floor is clean, run a bead of sealant around the edge of the floor and replace the mouldings. Be sure you use a sealant that matches the colour of the grout. After the floor has been down for a week or two, you can apply a tile sealer that will keep the floor tiles looking new.
If you're planning on laying new kitchen floor tiles, visit BuyTiles.com for a huge range of kitchen tiles at great prices

How would you like a super easy way to make your home distinctive? Make your home your own, and make a personal statement. All you really need to do is to get creative with wall and floor tiles. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and will add an extremely personal touch to your home.

Tiles do not have to be put into boring symmetrical patterns. You can do chequerboard designs, random designs, op-art designs, or whatever you like. You can spell out words or you can create pictures of people, places, or things. The possibilities are limitless; be creative and you never know what you might be able to come up with.

There are many different types of tiles that you might want to work with. The first to consider is mosaic tiles. These can be purchased in either large squares, usually about twelve inches square, or individual tiles, less than one inch square. You can use either kind, or you can mix and match.

I once did an entire bathroom wall with mosaic tile. I spelled out the name of everyone in the family, and below the name, I installed a hook. That way everyone had a spot for his or her own towel.

Sparkly tiles are another type to consider. I absolutely love these in the kitchen. These are manufactured to resemble stone, but they have a sparkle built in that reflects light with a glittery appearance. Black is a favourite of mine. They create an elegance that will truly impress anyone who visits your home.

Not only can sparkly tiles be used on the floor, but they also make a great wall covering. Forget about ever having to paint again. Once installed, these will virtually last a lifetime. And if you want a truly seductive bedroom for those special trysts, there is no better way to do it than with sparkly tiles.

Another type to consider is travertine tiles. These are natural stone tiles that are cut and finished to give your home an elegance that will be the envy of all your friends. Perfect for an entryway or a living room, you can use these virtually anywhere. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, and are amazingly easy to install. Even if you choose to not do the work yourself, most professional installers can do it in less than a day. My favourite place for these is in the living room, in front of a fireplace. Add a bear skin rug, and you have the ideal location for pleasant evenings at home with that someone special.

Make your home your own. Get creative with wall and floor tiles and have a home that you will cherish and will be the envy of your friends and family

Sometimes the hardest part about laying bathroom floor tiles is removing the old tile. This process will vary to a certain degree depending on the type of tile that is already there. It may be just regular plain tile, perhaps slate tiles, you never know. Perhaps the most difficult type to remove will a thin linoleum bathroom floor tile.

The easiest bathroom floor tile to remove would most likely be a thick stone or slate tile. These will have a small amount of grout between the tiles and each will be separate from the other. A chisel can be placed at a 45 degree angle to a tile and given a small tap with a hammer. After a few taps, the tile should start to come up. If it is coming up slowly, try decreasing the angel to around 30 degrees.

Try to damage the wood under the floor tile as little as possible. Linoleum may be difficult because it is so thin as compared to an actual "tile." You can use an utility knife to slightly score the linoleum somewhere in the middle of the floor and give your self a starting place. The linoleum will most likely come up in pieces, depending on the age of the flooring.

Once the old flooring is up, you will most likely be left with a non-smooth surface covered in bits of the old adhesive. There may be a few gouges in the wood where you or a previous person have damaged the wood a bit while removing tile. Paint thinner or an adhesive remover can be used to clean the wood. Most bathrooms are going to be fairly enclosed, so be aware of ventilation, using fans to keep fumes from building up. Do not be afraid to take frequent breaks to catch your breath, these fumes can be very dangerous.

Before beginning the application of new bathroom floor tiles, make sure that you have two work areas. The bathroom itself will be one work area, and there should be another where tiles can be measured and cut. Slate tile or ceramic tile will need to be cut with a table saw and with the appropriate saw blade. It is important to keep the tile from getting too hot when cutting them and to keep the dust from the tiles under control. This can be done by applying a small amount of water to the cutting surface while using the saw.
From the doorway, workout the centreline an make sure this is square. Start laying the tiles from the centre of this centreline and work out towards the walls. You will find you'll have to cut probably all the tiles as you near the walls and although time consuming, this is the best method. Don't be tempted to start laying the tiles at one wall and work towards the other as one they are all laid, they won't look 'centred'. Remember, if a job is worth doing it's worth doing well.

If you're planning on laying bathroom floor tiles, visit BuyTiles.com to see our full range of bathroom wall and floor tiles including marble, granite, ceramic and slate tiles.