Test Your Tile And Stone Installation Knowledge

True. I recommend using a lighter color on walls and darker tiles on floors, because darker colors hide dirt, and lighter colors on the walls make a room seem larger. Using different sizes of tile on floors and walls can also create different effects.

True. On floors, I recommend using 12x12 or larger tiles. Today, most tiles come in 13x13, which uses less grout and requires less maintenance. Even 20x20-size tiles look very nice on floors, because you see more the tile, and less of the grout. In fact, larger tiles can look fantastic on walls, too. Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes use smaller tile because of the tighter spaces.

Porcelain. Porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature and is a much harder product. It's an ideal product for high traffic or commercial areas. It's also the least porous product, so it's great for showers and other wet areas. Porcelain tends to cost a little more than ceramic.

False. Sealer can help prolong the life of the grout and grout color. Natural stone, such as marble or slate, should be sealed in wet areas, and where food is present (food can stain and a sealer acts as a grout guard).

There are many factors involved in planning and scheduling a project, but generally, it averages about two weeks for demolition, electrical, plumbing and tile installation. Do you need an electrician for floor heat or lighting? Do you need a plumber? Are you upgrading your fixtures? Is demolition required for your shower or tub or vanity? (If demolition is required, you should consider valve changes). We can help you answer these questions, and we can make your life easier by recommending and managing electricians and plumbers.

False - especially if you install radiant heat! Floor heat is a wonderful upgrade anywhere you have a stone or tile floor. It's great for basements, bathrooms and kitchens, or anywhere you walk barefoot and don't want to feel cold. It's a very good investment for your home, especially for homes experiencing Rocky Mountain winters!

These are all ways to jazz up your shower using tile, and there are more ideas where these came from. Try accent patterns for shelves and soap boxes. You can also insert artistic tiles or feature tiles, as points of interest or accents. Clipping corners and inserting small deco tiles, either randomly or in a pattern, adds some spark. We're happy to work with you to design a shower you won't want to leave!