Porcelain Tile:
Porcelain is very durable, it is frost-proof and can be used anywhere from commercial use to walls, floors and exterior applications in your home. Porcelain has many looks from slate-like, simulated marble & travertine. Just requires sealing of the grout.
Great for high traffic areas.
Thin set mortar is used to set porcelain floor tile, however exterior applications require the usage of Mapei Ultraflex 3 or Kerabond /Kerlastic to aid in free-thaw. Mastic can be used for wall applications for a smaller tile, but some still prefer to use thinset or a non-sag mortar.
Ceramic Floor:
Ceramic Tile can be used for many applications like porcelain with exception to exterior. Ceramic is not frost proof, therefore freeze-thaw will crack the tile. Ceramic is not as durable as porcelain, but is still fairly maintenance free and only requires sealing of the grout.
Thinset mortar is used to set Ceramic tile.
Ceramic Wall tile:
Ceramic wall tile can only be used for wall applications, as it is not strong enough to withstand weight, also many wall tiles are not used on floor applications because of their glaze. Shinny darker glazes tend to scratch, which is also why they are not always recommended for countertop applications. Ask your tile dealer which tiles are suitable for countertop application before you decide to purchase a product.
Wall mastic is typically used to set wall tile.
Glass tile:
Glass tiles are excellent as wall features in bathrooms, kitchens etc. Not many glass tiles are approved for floor use, however as an accent in a low traffic area will be fine. The same rule applies as wall tile to glass as far as the colors go, shinny darker colors will scratch easier if in a high traffic area Glass has almost 0 water absorption making is ideal for exterior applications such as pool scum lines or wall applications. Glass tile is installed best by using a white thinset or kerabond/ kerlastic acrylic based product.
NATURAL STONES
Travertine:
Travertine has a few different looks such as-Honed & Filled n(Crevasses are filled and honed for smooth satin finish)
Honed & unfilled (Smooth flat satin finish with crevasses left natural)
Tumbled (rough edges with crevassed unfilled)
Chiseled edge (tumbled, unfilled travertine with chipped edges for a more “Tuscan look”)
Travertine is great for a classic luxurious feel, ideal for all interior applications. Regular maintenance of sealing every 3-5 years is recommended or more regularly depending on usage & traffic of the area.
Ask your tile dealer about appropriate cleaning products for your stone.
Thinset Mortar is used typically to set travertine on floors.
Marble:
Marble has a few different looks as well such as-
Tumbled marble (rough edges with unfilled crevasses)
Polished marble (smooth polished appearance with rectified edges)
Polished Marble is used mainly in bathroom applications; however other areas can be complimented with its sleek appearance. Marble does tend to scratch easier and hold stains easier than other stones. With proper maintenance and care it makes a beautiful room. Marble also requires regular sealing.Thinset Mortar should be used to set, if your marble is white or light in color use a White thinset mortar instead as it may change the color slightly of lighter stones. Interior use.
Ask Mattonella about appropriate cleaning products for your stone.
Granite Tile:
Granite is ideal for floors, walls & countertops. Granite is a durable stone with many colors to select from. Edges can be polished to make countertops appear to be one full slab, or wood nosing or Schluter counter edges can be used to cut the cost alternatively to slab countertop. Regular sealing is also required. Thinset mortar is used to set.
Ask Mattonella about appropriate cleaning products for your stone.
Slate Tile:
Slate is excellent for all interior & exterior applications. Not all slates are suitable for exterior because they are too soft and will shale with freeze-thaw. Ask your tile dealer which slates are suitable for exterior before you buy. Slate also requires regular sealing of every 3-5 years depending on frequency of traffic. Slate does not have a uniform look that is the beauty of the stone, you can never be sure of the colors that may be in your stone, so if you are particular about having it all the same slate is probably not the product for you. There are many slate-look porcelains that could better control variation.
Thin set mortar is used to set slate, or for exterior applications a Kerabond /Kerlastic or acrylic based product.
Q: What types of tile are suitable for outside?
A: An exterior slate works well for stairs, patio’s & decks. The fact that it’s a natural product is appealing as it has earth tones and un-uniform appearance.
The other option is unglazed porcelain. Unglazed porcelain is very durable, all porcelain is frostproof; however only unglazed porcelain vs. glazed porcelain is suitable for exterior use because of slip resistance. The benefit of porcelain to slate is porcelain will be consistent in the glaze, durability, maintenance and occasionally comes with coordinating stair treads & round edge tile.
Ask Mattonella Tile about setting products for exterior applications.
Q: Can I put under floor heating systems under stone?
A: Yes! You can put NuHeat under floor heating systems under porcelain, ceramic, wood and all stone tiles. The mats can be customized to fit your room perfectly or there are many standard sized mats that will work in your space. Programmable thermostats are ideal to set your thermostat to turn on before you wake up in the morning. There are other types of thermostats to choose from as well.
Ask your tile dealer or go online to www.nuheat.com
