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!

 

Sir Mix A Lot!!!!

We went there!! A great trend that is happening in the design world today is mixing mosaics into your design! This could be done in floors, walls, back splashes, anything that can be tiled we can make it unique! What is a mosaic you ask? Let me explain!!!

A mosaic tile is a tile that is assembled into small pieces to create a sheet of tile that can be used in design elements. This can be a combination of stone, glass,or metal that is assembled on a mesh mount for easy assembly.

Many people are afraid of using mosaic tile in their homes. This makes us really sad because they can add texture and shine to any space, offering endless possibilities to your design! Using these elements correctly can add an immediate relaxing or vibrant feel to the space! Just have fun with it! Mosaic tiles are easy to install and can really transform a space so don't be afraid to play around a little bit if you want to make your design unique!

This image shows how linear mosaic tile can be used as a fireplace surround. Creating a unique and classic look that enhances the focal point in this room.

Get creative!!! This bubble mosaic is used in a ceiling to accent the beautiful chandelier. Tile just isn't for the floor and walls anymore! It can be applied to most any location in your home!!!

This shower was created to help break up the tile transitions. It's a great example of how mosaics can be used to break up the different sizes or design aspects that you might want in your home. A little mosaic goes a long way!

Yes pebbles are a part of the mosaic family! This is a great example of how you can make any space unique and interesting with just a little creativity! Running a vertical section of the mosaic up the wall can create a immediate focal point!
Keep in mind that mosaic tiles come in any different colors, combinations, shapes and sizes. We can help you find the perfect mosaic tile for your next project!!!