Is that old tile in your bathroom a reminder of what it was like in the fifties? Are you about to redo your kitchen counters? What about the dirty carpeting in the basement that always smells moldy and always needs to be cleaned? It's time to start thinking about tiles.

Why tiles? The reasons are endless. Tile can add value to your home, does not require sanding every few years, does not trap mites or odors like carpeting does. Tiles are easy to clean and do not require constant maintenance. Tiles are a much healthier finish to your home that will add more value to your investment, while being almost maintenance free.

Tile flooring is available in virtually any colorand style, but there's only one choice for highly skilled, professional installation. We will ensure your selection of ceramic, stone, porcelain or glass tile is installed and inspected to your satisfaction.

Imagine your kitchen or bathroom with modern new floor tiles. The look will be bright and beautiful, especially when our team does the work.

Call us today to have your tiles installed. We'll take care of everything from the removal of your original floor and rebuilding it if need be, to the installation of the tile of your choice. We can help guide you with your tile choices and material, by providing you with the best tile suppliers in your area. We'll take the measurements, provide a detailed materials list, and help turn your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or entryway - into the envy of all your friends and neighbors.

Our goal is to make your next home improvement project a success by providing excellent customer service with reliable, workmanship, one job at a time. Please email or contact us at 514-779-2522 so we can discuss your project further. Our estimates are always free of charge .

Q. What is the difference between standard “ceramic” tiles and porcelain tiles?

Tile terminology can be confusing. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, separate from porcelain tiles.

“Ceramic” or non-porcelain tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.

Q. Can ceramic tile be used outdoors?

To be used outdoors, we recommend the tile must be frost proofand unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less.

Q. What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?

Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Full-body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.

Q. Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?

A glazed tile is already stain proof, so there is no purpose to putting on a sealer. You may put a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints. The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface.

Q. Where can your tiles be used and what is a PEI rating?

PEI classes range from 0 to 5. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that clearly indicates the areas of use each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tile to fit. A PEI 2 tile has been designed for areas where very low traffic and soiling is anticipated. In most cases the aesthetic detailing of these tiles is of prime consideration. You will often find high gloss levels, vibrant colorations and metallic elements in this group of tile. Conversely, a PEI 5 tile has been designed for abusive extra heavy foot traffic. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic effects are incorporated.

Class 0 - No Foot Traffic :

Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.

Class 1 - Very Light Traffic :

Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, spa bathroom).

Class 2 - Light Traffic :

Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.

Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic :

Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.

Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic :

High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.

Class 5 - Heavy Traffic:

Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.

First, will the ceramic tile be glazed or unglazed? Will the stone tile be polished or unpolished? These questions can be answered by the design requirements, personal taste, and the desired function of the finished surface. Generally, glazed or polished surfaces are easier to clean than unglazed, unpolished surfaces.

INTERIOR FLOORS - RESIDENTIAL
Slip resistance and abrasion resistance is always a factor in floor tile. These factors are somewhat flexible in residential applications. However, the use of a " wall tile " on a floor is not recommended. A tile with good breaking - flexural strength should be used.

It is very interesting that some polished stone tile have incredibly high slip resistance when dry. When wet, polished stone can be very slick.

Also with stone or ceramic, deep fissures, crevices, or voids in the tiles surface can mean more time spent in keeping the floor clean.

If the floor will be exposed to food acids or other acidic chemicals, then stone or ceramic tile vulnerable to such attack should be avoided. An example would be polished marble on a kitchen floor.

INTERIOR FLOORS - COMMERCIAL
Slip resistance and abrasion resistance is critical in these installations. Many other recommendations can be made such as high impact resistance, breaking - flexural strength, and generally a tile with the durable requirements for the intended installation.

Generally, commercial floors are beefed up residential floors. This is true of the tiles chosen as well as the substrate below the tile. Other considerations are the type of ceramic or stone tile quality chosen. For example, only stone tiles in the group A or B classification might be considered for a commercial floor project.

Certainly the same basic requirements exist for the commercial floor as compared to the residential variety related to chemical resistance and the like.

EXTERIOR FLOORS / DECKS
These areas are considered wet areas and should be tiled with tile in the vitreous or impervious class for best results. Slip resistance is important since uncovered exterior floors most likely will become wet. The wet condition will change the slip resistance. Also, the same tile used on ramps will have a different slip resistance. Abrasion resistance is important especially in higher traffic areas such as exterior commercial installations. Additionally, tile susceptible to water damage or freeze / thaw damage must be considered.

Most stone tile is suitable for this application with the exception of polished stone due to its poor slip resistance when wet.

INTERIOR WALLS - RESIDENTIAL
A great deal of latitude can be allowed here with many different options especially in a dry area. Special or decorative tile can be used here.

Stone or ceramic tiles with fissures, crevices, or voids can easily be used here depending on the project requirements and design.

INTERIOR WALLS - COMMERCIAL
Many tiles are suitable and the latitude enjoyed in the residential application is similar. However, the tile selected should be somewhat tougher and be able to resist more frequent cleaning and possibly harsher chemicals used to remove graffiti and the like.

EXTERIOR WALLS
These areas are considered " wet " areas and should be treated with the type of tile recommended. Classic wall tile should not be used on exteriors due to its high water absorption rate. In addition, tile that is freeze / thaw resistant should be considered in many areas.

COUNTER TOPS
Since kitchen counter tops are the most common factor, these installations should be treated as wet due to the normal way they are used. The exception is that a tile should have good abrasion resistance and impact resistance. In addition, chemical resistance is important due to the many acids common to cooking. Certain consideration should be given to stain resistance both to food materials and metal utensils.

Remember that polished stone in the marble variety will etch when exposed to even mild household acids.

SHOWERS / TUBS
Since these are generally considered wet areas, a tile in the vitreous or impervious class should be used. Remember that the glaze on wall tiles typically renders that surface impervious to water. Therefore they too can be used in wet areas. However, slip resistance should certainly be considered on shower floors.

Most stone tiles are suitable for this application with a caution for shower floors when tiling with polished stone relating again to slip resistance.

POOLS / FOUNTAINS
Again tiles should be in the vitreous or impervious class. Depending on the installation, care must be given to slip resistance.

Again stone tiles can effectively be used in these areas.