CERAMIC - GRANITE - MARBLE - STONE

While granite and marble are the most popular types of dimensioned stone on the market, others such as slate, travertine, or limestone can be attractive alternatives. Ceramic is a good substitute for stone in high-traffic areas and is typically a more cost-effective option.

WHAT TYPE OF TILE WILL WORK BEST FOR MY PROJECT?
With the dizzying array of stone and ceramic products available, it is difficult to know which tile is for you. The following are some questions to consider when choosing a tile product.

WHAT WILL THE TILE BE PLACED ON?
In the case of tile flooring, the material your tile is placed on is called the sub floor. Depending on the floor you will be placing the tile on, the sub floor preparation can be a major part of the project. A concrete slab sub floor is typically the most stable for ceramic and stone, while a wood frame sub floor might require reinforcement in order to support the weight of a tile or stone installation. Speak with the experts at Masterpiece to find out more.

ARE WE TALKING ABOUT FLOORS OR WALLS?
The main difference between wall and floor tile is that wall is thinner than floor. A wall - or decorative - tile also may not adhere to the ANSI standards that floor tiles manufactured in the United States adhere to. The bottom line is that wall tiles should never be used on floors.

WET OR DRY?
Ceramic and stone can be a great choice for damp areas such as entrance foyers or finished basements. A stone or ceramic tile can get very slippery when wet, which makes it important to consider finish as well as the texturing of the product in order to prevent a potentially hazardous situation. Remember that regardless of the product selected, you will still have to consider the effect of moisture on the sub-floor. A concrete slab will most likely not have moisture issues, but if laying your stone/ceramic on a wood frame sub floor, excessive amounts of water can cause irreparable damage.

ARE THERE CHEMICAL OR FOOD PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED?
Some tile products - in particular marble - can be very susceptible to staining and etching from household cleaners and food products. In an area that will be susceptible to these agents, a ceramic tile might be the way to go.

HOW MUCH TRAFFIC DOES THE AREA SEE?
Tiles come in wear ratings from 1 to 5 - the latter being the highest and most resistant to wear. While a lower wear rating tile might be appealing due to cost-effective pricing, it will show the adverse effects of heavy traffic more quickly than a higher rating tile.