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 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.

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.

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.

Choosing Tile...

General Tips for Choosing Tiles for Your Home...

1. Light vs Dark Colors:

- choose lighter tile tones to help make a darker room seem bigger & brighter.

- if your space has adequate light, use your own personal preference for color tone.

2. Don't Compromise:

- see tiles as an investment, not a cost; never compromise on quality. We offer a great selection of tiles at everyone's price point.

3. Plan Ahead:

- always purchase an additional 5-10% more tiles than you actually need. This allows for any breakage or waste due to cuts. Also, this will ensure you have enough product in the same shade to finish your tile project.

4. Blended Grout:

- most often we recommend a tile grout color that compliments & blends in with your tiles.

5. Use Mosaics or Border Tiles:

- you can add visual interest by using a border or mosaic tile to break up a pattern. This can be found in various forms such as glass mosaics, stainless steel or a nice combination of both.

6. Suitability:

- make sure you are using the proper tile for your installation (ie. if your tiling outside a porcelain tile is what you are needing. It can be used on both interior & exterior surfaces).

7. Maintenance:

- if your purchasing natural stone, make sure you purchase the proper sealer for treating the stone.

8. Advice:

- ask us for any tiling advice. We are always willing to help clients who are wanting to do the installation themselves.

New Arrival...

Just in, the Krea & Metalli Series from Euro Tile.

  

The Krea Series is a glazed porcelain tile that has striking linear patterns. It is available in 5 colors, 2 finishes & has a 2x2 mosaic which is great for coordinating shower floors. This tile can be used on both walls & floors. 

The Metalli Series has the perfect combination of brushed metal mixed with both matte & gloss glass. It is available in 6 colors and 3 size formats. This mosaic will coordinate well with todays stainless steel appliances. You can tile your entire kitchen backsplash, shower walls & vanity splashes or use it in strips as an accent tile. 

We offer free in store consultations or if you would like we can also coordinate an in home appointment. 

Porcelain Tile that looks like Wood...

Many of our clients love the idea of having a real hardwood floor. For some of us practicality just doesn't lend itself to having a wood floor. With tile trends there is a great option for families, a porcelain tile with a wood look. Almost every tile company we carry has their own unique versions of a wood tile. 

Ames Tile & Stone Eternal Wood Series

With varied tile lengths, color & texture variations this makes a stunning option for flooring. Off setting tiles when installing & a minimal grout joint will create the floor you've always wanted. 

Ames Tile & Stone Farmhouse Series

A newer trend is using the wood tile planks on horizontal surfaces such as shower walls & kitchen back splashes. This is why we love tile, there are so many options for every surface both wall & floor. For a more modern & contemporary look consider installing them stacked straight.

Ames Tile & Stone Root Series

This new tile series shown above is depicting the look of a hand scraped wood floor.

We offer a great selection of tile, glass, stone, vinyl, laminate & hardwood in store. We offer free in store consultations & professional installation.

Subway Tiles...

If clean & classic is what your looking for when it comes to tiles then subway style is the way to go. They come in a variety of colors and size formats. If a client comes in the store asking for a classic look that never appears dated as the years go by then the first place we start is with subway tiles.

Ames Tile & Stone 

We have seen a trend in different size formats for the subway style. Now you can find them in the traditional 3x6 size as well as 2x8, 4x8, 4x12 & 4x16. You can choose either a bright gloss finish or matte. Most of our tile companies offer a variety of colors to choose from. You'll find many variations of white, cream, beige, grey, black & some colorful options as well. 

Subway tiles are also available in glass. Your most economic and budget friendly option will be your ceramic finish but it is very easy to add color with a band of glass mosaic running through. 

Ames Tile & Stone Soho Series

For a more modern look to your backsplash consider taking subway tile and running it vertically. The picture shown above and below feature a 3x12 glass tile installed on a brick pattern (30/70 split).

The possibilities are endless. Bring in your cabinet style, paint & countertop choices and we'll be happy to show you all your possible options. 

Recent Arrival...

Euro's Blast Series

This series is a recent arrival and is stocked in Calgary. It is an italian made unglazed porcelain tile with a stone appearance. It is frost resistant and available in 3 great colors: bianco, grigio and taupe. 

There are four size formats available: 6x24, 12x24, 18x36 and a 2x2 mosaic. The 18x36 is also available in a honed finish. Honed tiles are semi-polished, meaning they are not as shiny as a fully polished tile. The mosaic tile gives you the option of using it on a shower floor or as an accent on a wall or floor.

It can be used both residentially and commercially. It has a moderate shade variation which means the amount and intensity of color on each tile may vary significantly from tile to tile. This shade variation gives you the result of a natural stone but in a porcelain tile. Being a porcelain tile you only need to make sure you have properly sealed your grout lines and not the tile themselves.

We have tile samples here in store of each color if your wanting to stop in and take a look. We also recommend taking the tile samples home to check them in your own lighting prior to ordering.

Continuity...

The picture shown above 

gives a great example

 of how to get continuity 

throughout your kitchen.

Oftentimes the 4" backsplash 

that often accompanies the countertop

 is all people find necessary 

to complete their kitchen. 

A fully tiled backsplash

 not only provides more protection 

against staining

 but also adds interest

 &

a focal point to the space. 

Dal Tile, is just one 

of the great companies we carry 

that can provide you with coordinating floor

 & 

wall tile.

The products used in the picture are

 Dal's Continental Slate Series in Brazilian Green. 

On the floor they have used all three sizes (18x18, 12x18, & 12x12) 

to create a modified hopscotch pattern.

 There are various patterns

 that you can create with both multiple tile sizes

 &

 shapes. 

On the backsplash they have used 

Dal's Brazilian Green in the 6x6 field tile.

 It becomes a focal point with the picture frame 

that's created above the stove.

 The coordinating 4x12 border

 &

Fashion Accents Antique Pewter chair rail 

are used to frame the field tile in. 

This is just one example

 of how one tile series 

can be used to create 

a stunning space. 

We have a variety of Dal tile samples in store.