Fireplace Makeover..

Give your living room a fresh new look by tiling the fireplace. With endless tile options from glass, porcelain, ceramic, natural stone & mosaics make sure to take samples home. By having the samples at home you can ensure the choice will complement the current style of the space. 

If this is a project you want to try yourselves we can supply you with all of the supplies needed as well as helpful advice. We also offer professional installation.

If you want the pattern of the tile emphasized then choose a darker grout. If you want the tile emphasized use a lighter color.

{photos courtesy of pinterest}

Bring in some photos and samples from your space and let us help you choose the perfect tile or stone option for your fireplace.

Brick Tiles...

If your dreaming of a brick wall, Julian has a tile for that. We are anxiously awaiting for samples of Julian Tile's newest arrival, the Brick Series.

Available in 10 colors and a 2.5"x10" size format, your sure to find the one that best suits your home. The Brick Series is a glazed color-body porcelain tile made from 40% recylced content. It can be used for both walls and floors and is frost resistant. A 1cm grout joint is recommended for installation.

Here's a look at some of the colors:

photos courtesy of pinterest

Tile Companies...

With our tile companies we offer a large selection of tile, mosaics, glass, slate and natural stone. 

Be inspired by tile.

Dal Tile: 

Porada & Stone a la Mod Series

Julian Tile:

Mosaic Onix Hex & King Wood Series

Euro Tile:

Vetrostone & Marmi Imperiali Series

Olympia Tile:

Graffiti & Unique Mosaic Series

Centura Tile:

Queen Stone & Penny Round Series

Ames Tile & Stone:

Farmhouse & Buckingham Series

Visit us to see samples and for free in store consultations.

Professional installation available.

Tile Tip...

Can I use a ceramic tile outside?

* If you live in an area where frost occurs it is not recommended to install ceramic tiles outside. The reason is because the body of ceramic tile can absorb small amounts of water during the day, then at night when temperatures drop the water from inside the tile will expand, crack the tile and pop it off of the mortar bed. A porcelain tile is recommended for all exterior applications, it will not absorb water.

Visit us in store for all your tiling advice.

Non-Rectified vs Rectified Tile...

If you are wanting a more clean and modern look for your floor consider purchasing a rectified tile. A rectified tile goes through a manufacturing process which ensures each tile is exactly the same size and shape. This makes it possible to install your floor tiles close together which allows for a smaller grout joint. This gives you a cleaner more modern look. Remember when you have a grout joint that is smaller than 1/8" thick it is recommended to use a non-sanded grout. Rectified tiles can be installed on both walls and floors.  See below for just a few samples of a rectified tile by Ames Tile & Stone.

A non-rectified tile is produced with slight variations in the tile size. This results in more of a natural and oftentimes rustic look. Because the tiles are not the same size this usually results in a larger grout joint in order to correctly fit the tiles together to hide the slight size differences.

Visit us in store for a free consultation.

Choosing an Eco-friendly Floor...

When purchasing ceramic or porcelain tile you are buying the most eco-friendly type of flooring & here is why:

* Durability - the expected lifespan of tile is approximately 50 years when it is installed & maintained properly.

* Ceramic tiles do not absorb or emit pollutants. Tile inhibits the growth of mold, mildew & fungus making it a fantastic flooring choice for people who suffer with asthma or allergies.

* Tile can be maintained & cleaned by simply using warm water and pH neutral cleaners. Thus no chemicals or solvents are needed to maintain your tiled floor.

* Ceramics are made from 100% natural & plentiful raw materials.

Now that we know tile is an environmentally friendly flooring choice, take a look at a new series from Julian tile: King Wood.

Available in 4 colors any many style formats including a hexagon & hexagon decor tile. The color variation makes the planking size format look like a genuine hardwood floor without the maintenance.

Visit us in store for tile samples and free in store consultations.

Subway Tile Patterns...

Creative ways to install a classic 3"x6" white subway tile.

Change up your installation pattern and add visual interest to your backsplash. Subway tiles can be very economical and are available in various size formats. 

photos courtesy of pinterest

Free in store consultation available as well as professional installation.

New Arrival...

Euro tile's Mood Series is a classic ceramic wall tile with coordinating porcelain floor tiles.

* available in 3 patterned wall tiles in both black & white.

* classic color combinations.

* coordinating 13"x13" porcelain floor tiles.

* trendy large format wall tiles, 8"x20".

Visit us in store for a sample.

Does your front porch or step need a facelift?

Does your front porch or step need a facelift, tile it.

With the nicer weather it's time to consider some exterior projects like your front porch or step. Most often your front step is a concrete slab with very little character. The current tile selection is very wide spread and contains many products that can be installed outside. We tiled our front step a few years ago and it looks great and is easy to maintain.

Make sure to purchase a porcelain tile with a PEI rating of 5. Stop in for a free in store consultation. We offer professional installation as well. Check out the steps below before starting your exterior project.

Step One: Repair any existing steps or concrete prior to tile installation. If you have any areas where the cracks go completely through the concrete you will need to repair them.

Step Two: To help you with your tile layout or pattern it is recommended to dry lay your tile.

Step Three: Mix the thinset mortar according to the directions specified. Trowel out your mortar and use spacers for a consistent grout joint. Always allow your thinset to cure prior to grouting.

Step Four: Prior to grouting remove all spacers and any excess mortar that may have come through the grout joint. Mix grout to the specified directions and make sure to grout in manageable sections. Let grout set up for approximately 20 minutes (unless otherwise specified) prior to washing. Make sure to rinse your grout sponge repeatedly.

Step Five: Seal all grout joints. If you have chosen to install a natural stone make sure you seal the stone as well. There are various stone sealers available.

For more professional advice visit us in store or send us an email: to-nest@live.com.

New mosaics...

Olympia Tile's new arrival is the Unique Mosaic Series. These are various hand-painted decorative wall mosaics perfect for residential and commercial wall applications.

Available on 12"x12" sheets in 2 size formats. The 3"x3" mosaics have four color formats and the 4"x4" mosaics have three available colors.

These mosaics have a V3 color variation (moderate). For example, the little bit of color you see in one tile piece may be the primary color on the next piece. Samples are available in store.

photos courtesy of Olympia Tile

See What's New...

Brand new Julian mosaics shown below. 

The Onix Hex Mosaic are glass mosaics in a timeless hexagon shape, 98% recycled content. These mosaics are available in 9 great color formats.

The Glamour Mosaics are the perfect mix of textural glass and sleek metal. Available in 2 size formats, strips and links and 3 stylish color formats.

See in store for free consultations and tile samples.

Tiled Backsplashes...

It's time to be inspired by some creatively tiled backsplashes.

A simple & classy white subway tile installed in the herringbone pattern.

We are seeing more & more patterned tiles for both the wall & floor. This stunning white 3-D wall tile (shown above) in a wave design is stunning.

Metallics are always in style. Whether you use them to tile an entire backsplash or just as an accent tile you can't go wrong.

The newest trend, the hexagon. We just received new tileboards in various colors & sizes in the hexagon shape.

Who says you have to install the random glass strips horizontally? Change it up and install them vertically.

The tiled picture frame above the stove is always a good way to get creative with your tile. There are so many mosaics to choose from to fill the picture frame.

photos courtesy of pinterest

Load up your paint colors & cabinet choices and stop by the store for a free in store consultation. It's what we love to do, helping our clients put their homes together.

We carry a wide range of tile, laminate, vinyl & cultured stone.

Professional installation is also available.

Are you a first time tile setter?

Tips for anyone who is tiling for the first time.

1. The key to the first step is preparation & can often be the longest step. You need to decide on the area or areas you are wanting to tile & visit us here for your free in store consultation. Our design consultants will help with your tile choices along with all of the supplies you will need for your project, everything from start to finish.

Measure your area & calculate your square footage (length x width). You can bring in your measurements & we will be happy to calculate your square footage for you. Purchase & order all of your tile & supplies such as adhesive, thinset, grout, trowels, sponges & floats.

It is important to do a dry run with your tile to ensure your tile placement is the best it can be. For example it is not ideal to start at one end of the room & tile out. Oftentimes this can lead to having a bunch of smaller cuts right when you enter the space. We recommend chalking out your space & keep in mind balance is key. It is recommended to centre your tiles in the room so you have equal cuts around the perimeter of the room. 

2. Renting or purchasing a manual tile cutter or wet saw is the next step. Make sure you order a few extra pieces of tile which will allow you to make a few practice cuts with your tile cutter.

3. One of the advantages of purchasing your tile & supplies here at the Nest is the ability to gain professional advice. We are here to provide tiling advice & answer any questions you may have.

4. Floors are almost never perfectly level & walls are never perfectly square. This is why a chalk line is very important for keeping all of your tile & grout joints lined up.

5. Having the proper tools will save you time. When grouting you will need a grout float, sponges & clean water. Follow the mixing instructions that are available on the grout box. Spread grout evenly, filling all grout joints completely. Wait for the grout to haze up & then clean off excess grout with clean water & sponges.

Hexagon tiles...

With hexagon tiles there is an infinite amount of possibilities for both pattern & color. They can bring a trendy & bold aspect to your space by mixing colors or by choosing a colorful grout.

As shown in the installation above, hexagon tiles come with a mesh backing. Each sheet will interlock with the next thus there are a couple options for finishing an open end. In the picture above they have kept the hexagon tiles full which will leave you with an uneven edge that is finished. It looks stunning & timeless. Your other option would be to have an installer cut every other tile in half and finish it with a metal schluter trim. There is no right or wrong way to finish the hexagon tiles, just a matter of personal preference.

photos courtesy of pinterest

By choosing a light grey grout with the white hexagon tiles it allows your eye to see the hexagon pattern.

Centura has one of our newest hexagon tile lines, the bee box series. It is available in 5 colors & is priced great at $6.60 per square foot. It is perfect for every wall & floor tile application. You can mix colors to create your own pattern. 

Check out the hexagon pattern options below:

Come in & let us help you with choosing the perfect tile for every application. We offer free in-store consultations & professional installation.