Edmonton Tile – Important Information
- June 6, 2021
- Know Your Tile
What makes shopping for Edmonton tile different than shopping for tile anywhere else? We’d be lying to you if we told you that indoor considerations are different (well, unless you consider the good taste and high standards that us Edmonton natives have….). However, there are few places that have such intense winters offset by such gorgeous summers. That makes outdoor tile installations a whole different beast.
Today we’ll take a look at shopping for tile, and bring up some of the details specific to shopping for Edmonton tile.
Choosing your tile
Whether your job is inside or outside, the first step is to chose between natural stone or man-made tiles.
Edmonton Porcelain or Ceramic Tile:
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are tough, man-made tiles. They don’t absorb very much, so are therefore easy to clean and difficult to stain. However, the pattern of these tiles are repetitive. Natural stone imitations are getting better and better, but the repetition of pattern throughout the floor is a tell-tale sign for man-made tiles. Another consideration is chipping. The tile print is on the surface only. A bad chip will show the underlying grey or red clay. Repair requires replacing the tile (so buy extra in case you find yourself in this situation down the road).
As long porcelain tile has some texture to prevent slipping, it should be suitable for outdoors; however, check with your sales representative to make sure that is the case
Edmonton Natural Stone Tile:
Natural stone is mother nature’s artwork. There is no repetition of pattern, as each tile is unique. Considerably more perceived value is added to a home when natural stone is used. Natural stone tiles are considered to be a green product, as there is no high-temperature baking required, and no off-gassing from the ink used to create the print. If a natural stone tile is chipped, it is often unnoticeable as the material is consistent throughout the tile. As with every choice, there are some drawbacks to natural stone as well. As a general rule, natural stone is more expensive. Our Edmonton store does provide some natural stone tiles at the same price point as porcelain, so don’t lose hope; however, the majority of stone tiles are more expensive than their porcelain companion. Installation of natural stone requires a bit more skill, and there is the additional step of sealing required; however, once natural stone is properly sealed, cleaning and maintaining your beautiful floor is a breeze.
With the intense freeze-thaw cycles Edmonton sees throughout the year, water damage is a real concern when choosing the correct outdoor material. Who wants to install some beautiful natural stone only to have the ice crack it up? Ensure the natural stone you are selecting can stand up to the weather, and then ensure you seal it up so water damage doesn’t occur when the snow melts.
Edmonton Tile Installation
If you’re worried about installation, stop by our store where we can connect you with experienced Edmonton Tile installers. The installers we recommend to you are experienced independent contractors in Edmonton or surrounding areas.
If you’re planning on installing the floor yourself, then put your heart in to good preparation. Both man-made tile and natural stone tile require a level subfloor and good quality anti-fracture membrane below the tile. We carry Mapei’s Novoplan self-leveller and Mapeguard substrate. Ask your sales representative about these products, and add them to your order where appropriate.
Here’s a video that discusses preparation details:
Following proper preparation comes installing the tiles with thinset, and then grouting.
Edmonton Tile Sealer (for both porcelain and stone)
You’ve gone through all those steps, and yet there is still more? Well, the best way to keep that new floor pristine is to properly seal it. With natural stone tiles (more porous than porcelain tiles), sealing is a must. Using one of Dry-Treat’s penetrating sealers will protect your tiles from both staining and water damage. For porcelain, we recommend sealing your grout, thus making it stain-proof and easy to clean.
Edmonton Tile Store for Installers, Contractors, Wall-tiles & Floor-finishing:
Tile and Stone Source is Edmonton’s best wall & floor tile store, serving all Edmonton, Northwest, Beaumont, Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert & Spruce Grove
We’d love to hear from you about your project! Contact us today.