All About Grout!

When the showroom consultants meet about blog topics we like to think about things that can educate our clients! One huge thing that has changed in the tile industry is Grout! Yes that dreaded thing that you sometimes have to scrub with a toothbrush or that you can never get clean! They make grout that helps prevent all that! In this post we are going to discuss the differences in grout, their applications and why it is important to choose the right grout for your project! Here we go!

First lets address what grout is suppose to do!

Grout is used to lock tiles tight, keeping out water and giving floor and walls and finished look. Nobody really pays much attention to the grout but with today's trends it is becoming a part of the overall design. People usually take notice when it starts to crack, become stained, or fall out altogether. These are the things that drive most people crazy!!!

Cement based grout has been used for years in the tile and stone industry. This is basically your basic grade grout that comes sanded and un-sanded and can be used for many applications. This is the grout that you see cracking, staining, and chipping. Even with improvements in the additives, the grout overtime will break down and need to be updated. That's where the new types of grout come in!

Epoxy grout is made up of two parts, resin and hardener, it comes in both sanded and un-sanded varieties and is impervious to most chemicals and stains. Most epoxy grouts have a two part system and need to be mixed together before use. We recommend this grout for most kitchen counters, backsplashes, high traffic areas, and floors for both residential and commercial applications. The stain resistance, hardness and durability make epoxy grout a strong contender for any project.

Urethane grout is another form that is water-based and is typically pre-mixed. This basically means that the grout is in a pail and ready to use. Urethane grout offers color accuracy, stain protection and crack resistance for both residential and commercial tile installations, making installation up to 50% faster. This grout never needs to be sealed and if flexible enough to resist cracking.

Both urethane and epoxy grout are great choices for your project, they are easy to use and have great anti-microbial properties that resist mold and mildew. Yup, finally a product that helps with cleaning! Weather you are a DIY customer or a contractor all of these products are easy to use and our installation specialist can assist you with any questions at all four of our locations!

New Year, New Designs, New Projects! Tips to make the remodeling process easier!

Looking to remodel in the new year? Well we want to make that process a little easier! In this blog we will address the key things that you need to think about when you are starting the remodeling process. Here we go!

1. What inspires you!?
It is always good to do a little research! This can include going to design websites or other places to get pictures of designs or styles that you like! Look for the way that the tile is laid, the grout color and even the overall aesthetic that the room gives. Its easy, just look for things that you like! For example, colors, textures, tile design, or even your favorite era. These small things can help our showroom consultants better understand your personality and style. 

3. Think about price!
How much are you willing to put into the renovation?! This aspect will determine the type of tile that we help you select. Having a budget will give us the ability to keep the selections within that budget but also keeping to the style that you like.

4. Pick your counter tops first!
This is something that really dictates the tile in  your space. The counter top is the hardest thing to find. If you come and pick your tile first, it is going to be harder to get that perfect counter top to match the tile! If you are going with a solid color counter-top then we can work with that element to get the design that you want!

5. Think about materials!
One thing that needs to be considered is if you are going to use a porcelain or natural stone for your design. This is something that a lot of people overlook. The trends in tile are going more toward the porcelain tiles but mixing them with natural stones to create a transitional look! Check out our blog on different types of tile to learn more!

6. Contractors!
One thing that needs to be addressed in the beginning stages of planning is what contractor will be doing the work. It will make your life so much easier if you can get some quotes on what it will cost to complete your project. Our locations work closely with some of the best contractors in the Upstate and are happy to recommend them based on the scope of your project.

With all of these things to consider it can be a little overwhelming to even being the process on remodeling your space, but these tips should help organize your thoughts and put the project into perspective!



The larger the better!!!

When designing for any space our little secret is the larger the tile the larger the space will look. Don't be afraid of large tile. It elongates small spaces and breaks up the grout lines, creating the idea that the space is larger.

We are seeing tiles coming into our showroom that are large, we are talking 18"x36". Large tiles that create more of a slab look, with less grout and can create the illusion of a larger space!

Here are some examples of large format tile installations!

 

Come by our Greenville Showroom to check out our new large format tiles!

 

 

Types of Tile- Travertine

Travertine is one of the most classic and beautiful natural stones we love to use it in any application!!! Before we show you all the pretty pictures with travertine lets get a little background on what it is and how we care for it!

Travertine is a natural stone material from the limestone family that is deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs. Basically it comes from the ground and can be used for facades, wall classing and flooring. We love to use travertine in the shower, kitchen backsplashes, and throughout your home! Travertine is a classic look that is timeless!

With all the different colors that travertine comes in it is a great addition to any project. The colors that we have are silver, light, noce, and scabos.



Scabos Travertine Backsplash
 



Picasso Travertine Split Face

Noce Travertine in Patio



Silver Travertine in Versailles Pattern

 

With all the different types of travertine available it also comes with a lot of mosaics and finish pieces that can create a uniqueness to your design!

Travertine is a natural stone so we recommend that it is sealed when installed. This will keep your stone looking great and protect it from staining, this process has to be done about every 1-2 years! For cleaning we recommend to use a natural stone cleaner, using a harsh cleaners will break down the sealer and damage the tile.

With all of the options in Travertine there are endless design possibilities!

  

 
 
 
 

 



Types of Tile - Slate

Slate is such a beautiful natural stone that can create such a great rustic feel to any design! Lets break down what slate actually is so we can better understand how to use it in design and how to care for it!

Slate is a fine grade metamorphic rock that is created of shale or mudstone, simple explanation it comes from the ground and is composed of clay minerals. It comes in a variety of colors such as Silver, Indian autumn,  African Gold and many other options. Slate can be used for interior flooring, exterior paving dimension stone and decorative aggregate. Here at Clayton we have a great selection of slate flooring, mosaics and ledger stone that can be used to create a very interesting and elegant design!

After slate is installed we always recommend sealing it! If you do not seal the slate it will stain and break down over time. This keeps your slate looking great and protects your investment!!  Its an easy process that contractors should do after any tile installation before grouting. Keep in mind once the tile is sealed it will have to be done about every year or two, keeping the slate looking beautiful!

Sealed Slate           VS          Unsealed Slate

Cleaning slate is easy. We do not recommend using any harsh chemicals or cleaners on the slate but you can clean it with mild soap and water. We do have stone and tile cleaner that works great for these applications here at Clayton. Just ask anyone of our installation specialist what you might need and we can point you in the right direction!

Don't be afraid of natural stone in any application! It can create a elegant and natural look that is timeless!

Types of Tile- Ceramic VS. Procelain

Here at Clayton we want our customers to be informed of all the different types of tile that is available to them. So lets break it all down for you on this beautiful Monday!

Ceramic and Porcelain
These are essentially the same, with one slight difference. Both are part of a larger category of tiles that we call ceramic. Lets look at the differences!

Difference #1: Water Absorption Rate
Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5% and fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. After it is fired the tile is weighed. If the tile weighs less than half of one-percent more as a result of water absorbing into its surface, it is considered porcelain. Porcelain tiles has less impurities than ceramic and is often rectified.

Interior or Exterior: No Ceramic Outside
Laying porcelain or ceramic tile outside is typically not recommended. Ceramic is usually not durable enough for exterior use because it absorbs too much water. If you live in areas which freeze, your tile would likely crack on the first freezing night. We always recommend a porcelain tile that is specified for exterior use and has a texture that will prevent slipping!

Density: Porcelain Tile is Denser Than Ceramic
This basically means that porcelain tile is harder and more impervious to moisture than ceramic.

Durability: Porcelain Wins!
Porcelain tile is more dense than ceramic but it can have a through-body composition which allows it to be considered for heavy usage than ceramic tile. Chip the ceramic tile and you will find a difference color underneath the top glaze. Chip the thorough-body porcelain and the color keeps going- the chip is nearly invisible. While both porcelain and ceramic are fired, porcelain is fired at higher temps for a longer time than ceramic, making it more durable than ceramic!


We stock both porcelain and ceramic tiles here at Clayton. The decision is yours! Most people like to go with a porcelain tile for its amazing durability! Both types can be used in bathroom and flooring applications and work well in a residential environment!!  

Color Trends for 2015

It is no secret that Interior Design often follow in the footsteps of Runway fashion. That is why color trends start on the runway and move into your homes! The colors that are currently being projected for 2015 are quickly starting to define our year ahead! Here are some of our favorite color and tile trends that you will start seeing over the next year!

We are loving all the fun colors in the above photos! The great color combinations are endless!

 

 These amazing colors can be used throughout the house as neutrals! Combining these colors with beautiful marble or travertine tiles can create the spa like retreat that you are looking for!

 

Remember color is fun! Don't be afraid to mix colors with tile and other aspects to create the retreat of your dreams!