Floor Talk!

One simple floor design technique that can really add life and punch to your room, while remaining a classic layout is adding “dots”;. This can be simple or very detailed. Another name for this installation technique is called “clipped corners”;. This installation technique can be particularly effective when the style and design in the rest of the room is quiet, simple or without a lot of other patterns.

There are many different ways you can add these dots.

• Tiles laid on the diagonal with dots in the intersection of each tile.

• Tiles laid on the diagonal with dots in the intersection of every other alternating tile.

• Tiles laid out with dots with the addition of a border around the perimeter of the room.

• Field tile that is laid straight. In a clearly defined area, most likely the center of a room, laid out with a border that created an area rug. The center of this area rug can be laid on the diagonal with dots in each intersection or every other intersection.

There are many different tile sizes that can be used for dots as well as ways to achieve “dots”

• 1×1 tiles (works best with tiles at least4×4)

• 2×2 tiles (works best with tiles at least 6×6)

• 3×3 tiles (works best with tiles at least 6×6)

• 4×4 tiles (works best with tiles at least 12×12)

• 6×6 tiles (works best with tiles at least 12×12)

• Mosaics that can create custom sizes or standard sizes like 3×3, 4×4 or 6×6

• 12×12 natural stone pieces cut down into custom sizes or standard sizes like 3×3, 4×4 or 6×6

Areas in your home that “dots” can be used:

• Complete floors

• Accents in floors

• Showers

• Tub Surrounds

• Backsplashes

• Accent areas in backsplashes such as behind the stove or sink

• Wainscoting

Color combinations that are attractive uses for dots or clipped corners:

• Solid color field tile and same solid color accent dot

• Solid color field tile and different color accent dot

• Solid color field tile and patterned accent dot

• Field tile with natural stone accent dot

• Light colored field tile with contrasting dark accent dot such as black dot and a white floor or cream floor and dark brown dot

• Darker colored field tile with contrasting light accent dot such as a black floor with a white dot or a dark brown floor like emperador marble with a crema marfil or travertine dot. (shown below)

• Solid floor tiles with decorative accent tiles.

• Accents can be created from natural stone, glass mosaics, glass tiles, metal tiles, ceramic tile, decorative ceramic tile or porcelain tile.

Keep in mind that the installation cost is usually higher due to the amount of work it takes to cut each tile that receives dots. If the dots are created by cutting other tiles, this can increase the labor costs even more. The uniqueness that this pattern provides is well worth the additional labor costs.

For other installation patterns, Happy Floors has a great source on their website. You can enter the size tiles you are working with to ensure the size tile lays out properly with the dot you’ve selected.

A great visual resource for trying these designs out is on the WFCA website’s Virtual Room Designer. Here you can choose different tiles in different room applications.

Happy Designing! Get Creative!

Because of the success of What Feeding the Bears and Ruining Your Hardwood Floors has in Common, today will begin a series of maintenance guides for all types of floor covering. Stay tuned for more!

Tile Maintenance

Sooner or later, time and traffic, life and living, will take its toll on any floor covering. Ceramic tile is no exception. But take heart, keeping your tile as clean and beautiful as its first days in your home just takes know-how. In fact, understanding the best methods to care for your ceramic flooring will help maintain its beauty and keep it close to its original condition. Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding upkeep can be a determining factor in which type of ceramic tile to purchase. Knowing how to care for and maintain your ceramic floor will help keep your investment beautiful, durable and a source of pride for years to come.

§ It’s important to sweep a tile floor regularly. Dirt can adhere to the surface of tile, particularly styles with a textured surface. Regular sweeping loosens and removes most of this dirt. Vacuum attachments are useful to collect dirt along edges or in between tiles.

§ Use walk-off mats at all exterior entrances. This helps to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways.

§ Remember to shake the mats often to remove the dirt. If the dirt is not removed, it will be tracked back in and may scratch the floors. This reduces the amount of dirt being tracked across the tile floor, and reduces the wear to the finished surface. Also, be aware that black rubber mats can stain floors.

§ Ceramic tile floors should be damp-mopped regularly using the manufacturer’s recommended grout and tile cleaners. For heavier soil, you can spot clean the floor with a sponge or clean cloth using the recommended cleaners. Rinse well and wipe dry for more shine.

§ Textured tiles may require mild scrubbing with a soft brush or electric polisher/scrubber. After cleaning with a mild detergent rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to help remove any leftover residue. If needed, wipe dry with a clean towel to remove any film.

§ For soft water situations you may need to use an all-purpose cleaner. Apply to the floor, let stand for 3 - 5 minutes, lightly scrub with a sponge, rinse well and you’re home free – dirt free too.

§ Use cleaning products available from your local grocery store or flooring retailer for heavier cleaning tasks. Products are available that can be used to remove soap scum, hard water deposits, and mildew stains.

§ Consult the cleaning product’s instructions to make sure the cleaning product is compatible with your type of tile. The wrong type cleaning product can do more damage than good.

§ After cleaning, rinse well and wipe dry. This is important for optimum shine and maximum pride.

§ Avoid using steel wool, scouring powders, or other abrasives. These can scratch the finish of the tile. Also, do not use vinegar as it is an acid.

§ Don’t use bleach or ammonia based cleaners. These products can permanently discolor your grout if used too often.

§ Do not clean glazed tile with oil-based cleaners. This can leave a hazy film on the tile.

§ Try to clean up spills as quickly as possible. This is important so that the grout or tile doesn’t become stained.

§ Tile can crack under extreme force or pressure. While ceramic tile is considered very durable, it’s not indestructible and may crack or chip under extreme force.

§ Take the proper precautions when moving heavy objects across your tile floor. Get a small army to help you move that grand piano. Once the damage is done, it cannot be repaired.

§ Cover furniture and table legs with protectors. This will guard your floor against damage.

§ Keep extra tiles after the installation. Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation. However, the good news is that, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with the original product.

§ Areas exposed to water need to be caulked on a regular basis. Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it’s your responsibility to maintain areas exposed to water by caulking. Caulking will prevent expensive subsurface damage, as well as keep the tiled areas looking their best. Depending on your lifestyle, sealing new tile and grout may be an option.

§ Seal your grout for added protection. After the installation process is complete and the grout has had ample time to cure, sealing the grout and tile can provide protection from dirt and spills by slowing down the staining process. Please note that sealing is not required on glazed tiles.

§ Grout colorants are available for stained, damaged or undesired colored grout. Today there are also innovative grout colorants you should be aware of. These products can transform the original color of grout and in some cases can act as a form of sealant. Please be aware that non-epoxy grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer.

§ Consult the manufacturers’ recommendations. For more maintenance information specific to your ceramic tile flooring, remember to ask a professional or the manufacturer.

For more information on how to clean ceramic tile, click here.