St Marie Stone

Are you working on a remodel and your budget’s a little tighter than expected? Maybe you’re finishing up a basement or mudroom, and you want a high quality item but not a high price? Or maybe you have a client who just needs a few decorative pieces to complement a field tile?

Statements has a collection of promotion items that are budget conscious but still the highest quality ceramics and stones you can find. In fact there are even a few metal and glass accents as well.  Take a look at the promotions page and see if there might just be the right thing for your next project.

Ceramic Tile and Stone Promotions

Although dozens of types of stone can be used in residential and commercial projects, listed below are the  most common categories of stone. Click on the image to see galleries and descriptions.

Limestone

Granite

Sandstone

Quartzite

Marble (polished)

Marble (tumbled)

Travertine

Slate

Onyx

Oh installers how we love thee. Without them this industry would be even more challenging. They bring so much tile expertise to the table. It is with this knowledge and expertise which prompted this post. Jamen, co-owner and installer from Icon Stoneworks (360-990-3660), was in yesterday with a little David Letterman style Top Ten List of things to remember when doing a remodel.

 1. Something to consider when doing a kitchen backsplash is outlet placement. Jamen suggested placing outlets under the cabinets. This makes your design smoother and is easier to use in the long run.

2. If you have two different floors that bump up to each other, plan the thickness of the under-lamenant. Most installers can do this for you but it is still something to consider and discuss prior to picking your tile.

3. Like I mentioned last week Schluter is a great and often less expensive alternative to sometimes more costly bullnose or trim pieces

4. Very important: Make sure you or your installer remove all preexisting materials before the install. Also check for damages and see if any repairs are necessary. It is always better to start with a clean slate when remodeling. .The 20% your saving now by not doing having a clean slate now could cost you a 120% in 6 to 8 months.

5. When looking for shower pan tiles you should use 4″x4″ or smaller for proper sloping.

6. Time!! Research your tile choice ahead of time. Some tile is special order so make sure you have the time if necessary so you get something you truly want and not something you are ok with, but will hate in two years.

7. Remember your color choices. Try not to get something that will date itself in a few years.  

8. Remember it is NOT cheaper or faster to do it twice. On that note make sure your installer is a reputable one who preferably is licensed and bonded and will not take costly shortcuts.

9. When using grout and thinset, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and always read directions about application and sealing procedures.

10. Counting the cost.  Don’t be scared of the highest estimate. The highest estimate is not always the worst. It often will cover all your bases, because remember, there are always unexpected surprises. ALWAYS!

Glass: you love it you hate it, doesn’t matter. What does matter is proper installation, and questions like, ‘How do I cut my glass tiles?’, ‘What do I use to install glass?’, and ‘Where can it be used?’, are everyday occurrences for us. Well, per usual, I am here to answer some of those questions mainly pertaining to one of Statements’ favorite lines of glass, Skylights.

 When installing Skylights, the company recommends using a latex-modified white thinset which meets the standards for glass installation. This can normally be found where tile products are sold.

 When cutting Skylights, an Alpha blade or a standard glass cutter (which is commonly used in glass installation) should be used. Or, if using a standard wet saw, the company recommends a special glass blade which is usually available from several blade manufactures. (THIS IS THE ALPHA BLADE) When using the correct blade while cutting at a moderate speed, the glass should not chip, however if you do not use the correct blade, it could lead to a great deal of chipping. When finished cutting, the edges of the glass will be sharp, but don’t worry–they can be softened. Lightly sanding the edges with the use of a high quality rubbing stone will make those edges as smooth as can be. Finally, after installation, sanded grout should be used according to grout manufacturers recommendations. And voila–look at your glass install, amazing!

 A final note to leave you with about Skylights which might be useful for some applications:  The glass is made from 8mm high quality, heavy duty construction-grade glass, which is used in custom windows in high rise buildings and hotels. Due to its heavy-dutiness (I know it’s not a word but you get the idea) and its frost-proof character, the glass can be installed in any swimming pool and commercial or residential application. The 1×1’s are also great for floors, although keep in mind the gloss is susceptible to scratching and can also be slippery in wet areas.

 Just a bit of glass knowledge, I hope this helps on your next project.

 Peace out

Tile Chic