Frequently Asked Questions
| Are ceramic / porcelain tiles “green”? | TOP | |
100% Natural Materials
Improved Air Quality Over Other Flooring Choices
Very Durable “Building for Life”
|
||
| Can tile chip or crack? | TOP | |
| Yes, however, when tile is properly installed by a qualified installer the chances of the tile chipping or cracking are very few. Most tiles are very durable, but heavy objects falling on them can cause chipping on the surface of the tile. A chipped or broken piece of tile can always be replaced with another piece of the same tile. It is highly suggested to keep all leftovers from the original tile installation or have your installer order more right up front. Reason being, if ever you need to make a quick repair or decide to remove a cabinet or something else in the room, you will at least have extras handy so you will be able to fill that open spot. | ||
| How does the price of tile compare with other flooring products? | TOP | |
The initial cost of a tile floor and installation will generally be priced more than carpet or vinyl flooring, however, when the life expectancy is taken into account it is actually a much better investment. Tile is considered a permanent floor and will increase the value of your home or business. Vinyl adds no value whether it is new or old. Tile will not get matted down or hold dirt like carpet. It will not dent and yellow like a vinyl. It will not loose its luster like a hardwood or laminate. Tile is the only flooring that will look as good as the day it was installed with proper cleaning. Again, selecting the proper tile for each area of your home/business is the key. |
||
| I would like to use tile in my home/business project, but I’ve heard that the grout can discolor and crack over a short period of time. Is this true? Do I constantly have to seal my grout? | TOP | |
| There are certain types of grout that will discolor and crack; most of those types of grouts also need to be sealed periodically. There have been new breakthroughs in grout over the last 5 years though, which have proven to be very effective. There are highly stain-resistant grouts available now and epoxy grouts have evolved to the point that an installer can more easily apply them. Most of these grouts do not need to be sealed after install. Plus you will have no cracking or discoloring which means no headaches down the road. Initially these stain-resistant grouts are more of an investment, but over time will end up being less of an expense than buying sealers every couple of years to seal the “other” grout options. Ask the 21st Century Tile staff about these specific types of grout and what would work best for your project. | ||
| Why should I put ceramic or porcelain tile in my home/business vs. laminate, vinyl, carpet, & hardwood? | TOP | |
| Durability and longevity are the main two reasons to choose a ceramic/porcelain tile. The life expectancy of a tile is about 50 years. Laminate is 25 years, vinyl 10 years, carpet is usually only 8 years or less. Natural hardwood has a life expectancy of about 50 years, but with Ceramic/Porcelain tile is not discolored by ultraviolet light, does not swell, scratch, dull, or shrink and will not crack when installed properly.Cleaning is also very easy. | ||
| Will my tile wear over time? | TOP | |
| Tiles should be selected according to the area of installation and it’s foot traffic. Glazed tile & stone can be used in a kitchen, entryway, and mudroom and should be selected for their durability and appearance. Certain types of porcelain tiles will take more abuse than any other flooring product and can be used in heavy commercial settings. | ||
| Will the tile sample I looked at be the same exact thing I get for my project? | TOP | |
| Rarely does your shipment of tile look exactly like the sample you selected in the showroom. The sample you select from is to give you a good idea of what your tile can look like, but just like paint and yarn there are die-lots. Every batch can look slightly different from one to the next. There are no guarantees. We recommend looking at your tile before it is installed. | ||