8 Questions to Ask about Outdoor Tiles for Patios
Choosing the appropriate kind of outdoor tiling is one of the most important considerations you'll make when planning your outdoor living area. Your outdoor tiling should look fantastic and blend in with the design of your patio in addition to being practical and strong enough to endure the elements. Finding a place to begin might be difficult with so many options available. Hence, the team at Talavera Tile and Surfacing would like you to know 8 questions to ask about outdoor tiles for patios. ## 1. What Is The Tile's Durability? Outdoor tiles must be able to endure exposure to the environment, foot traffic, and other potential sources of wear and tear, therefore durability is crucial. Due to their exceptional durability and resistance to chipping, cracking, and fading, [porcelain](http://www.madehow.com/Volume-1/Porcelain.html) tiles are a popular choice for outdoor patios. Natural stone tiles, like granite and slate, are also quite resilient and provide a timeless, traditional appearance. ## 2. How Slip-Resistant Is The Tile? Outdoor tiles must be slip-resistant since they can become extremely slippery when wet, increasing the chance of falls and injuries. The finest options for outdoor patios are textured or rough-surfaced tiles because they provide superior traction. To ensure slip resistance, look for tiles with a high coefficient of friction ([COF](https://nfsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Determining.pdf)) value. ## 3. Is The Tile Stain And Moisture-Resistant? Outdoor tiles must be resistant to stains from food, beverages, and other substances as well as dampness. For patios outside, porcelain and ceramic tiles make great alternatives because they are moisture- and stain-resistant. They are a low-maintenance solution because they are also simple to clean. ## 4. What Is The Colour Fastness Of The Tile? The capacity of a tile to withstand fading or discoloration due to UV exposure is known as colour fastness. Light-coloured tiles may be a preferable alternative for outdoor patios because darker tiles are typically more susceptible to fading. Compared to natural stone tiles, porcelain and ceramic tiles frequently retain their colour better. ## 5. Is It Simple To Maintain And Clean The Tile? Choosing tiles that are simple to clean and maintain is crucial because outdoor patios need frequent cleaning and upkeep to continue at their best. While natural stone tiles may need more specialized care, such as sealing or resealing, porcelain and ceramic tiles are typically easier to clean. ## 6. How Much Does The Tile Cost? When choosing a material for your outdoor tiles, it's important to take your budget into account. Natural stone tiles are more expensive than porcelain and ceramic tiles, though prices within each category can vary based on things like size, quality, and style. ## 7. How Does The Tile Complement Your Patio's Design? Your patio's general layout and appearance should be complemented by the tile you select. Take into account the tile’s colour, texture, and size to make sure it blends in perfectly with the design of your patio. Large format tiles, for instance, would be perfect for a contemporary, minimalist patio, while natural stone tiles might suit a more rustic or traditional setting better. ## 8. What Is The Tile's Installation Process? Depending on the tile's size and composition, different installation techniques might be used for outdoor tiles. Porcelain and [ceramic](https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1769-what-are-ceramics) tiles are frequently simpler to install because they are lighter and more uniform in size and shape than natural stone tiles. Some tiles can need a particular kind of grout or glue, while others might need more difficult installation methods. When calculating the entire cost of your tile project, be sure to include the cost of installation. ## Talavera Tile and Surfacing - Kelowna's Tile & Flooring Experts To create an attractive and useful outdoor living space, the appropriate outdoor tiling is essential. There is a suitable alternative for every outdoor space, whether you prefer the timeless appeal of natural stone or the low-maintenance practicality of porcelain or ceramic tiles. You can create a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor living space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come by keeping these crucial considerations in mind and working with a respected tiling expert. Please [contact us](https://talaveratile.net/contact) if you are looking for aesthetically pleasing and highly functional outdoor tiling of the highest calibre. Talavera Tile is the premier source of high-quality tiling in Kelowna. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in choosing the ideal outdoor tiling for your patio from options like beautiful natural stone to hardy porcelain and ceramic tiles. To arrange a consultation and learn how Talavera Tile can assist you in creating the outdoor living environment of your dreams, get in touch with us right now.
Read More
Concrete Flooring Options Concrete Floor Options for Commercial Spaces
Concrete floor options for commercial spaces are well known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. They have evolved over the years and now exist in a myriad of options. As such, the team at Talavera Tile would like you to know about the different options available for commercial properties. ## Polished Concrete This is one of the most popular concrete floor options with how little maintenance it requires and how durable it is. Its visual appeal allows it to enhance any aesthetic, modern or old-fashioned. The concrete is polished with a grind and hone process that involves multiple diamond abrasives. The procedure starts with a rough abrasive and each consecutive one is finer until the concrete has the desired sheen. The polishing eliminates any defects in the concrete’s surface and unveils the aggregate within. When done properly, the concrete has a finish that is gleaming and smooth. Polished concrete provides a template for customizable design as well. The polishing process can be adjusted to create differing glosses and aggregate exposure.  ## Stained Concrete The varied options of customization stained concrete provide makes it another popular concrete floor option. Similar to polished concrete, it is also durable and [low maintenance](https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/the-pros-and-cons-of-concrete-flooring#:~:text=Pros%20of%20Concrete%20Floors,keep%20them%20looking%20like%20new.). The concrete’s surface is coloured with a chemical stain in the process of staining. The various stains available allow for a variety of colours and colour combinations in the concrete. Furthermore, the staining can be done to create patterns in the concrete floor, creating options for more designs on its surface. ## Epoxy Coating [Epoxy ](https://mtcopeland.com/blog/what-is-epoxy-and-how-is-it-used-in-construction/) coatings on concrete floors are widely used for the ease at which they can be cleaned and their high durability. That makes these types of concrete floor options perfect for factories, warehouses, showrooms and other commercial flooring spaces. An epoxy resin, a composite of a resin and a hardening material, is the main material used in this process. When it is applied to the surface of a concrete floor, it creates a surface that is slip-resistant and chemical resistant. The epoxy resin can also come in different colours and finishes, adding aesthetic appeal to the coating. ## Decorative Overlays These options for commercial concrete floors are similar to epoxy coatings but they differ in their structure and application. Decorative overlays have very little thickness and are applied to mimic the appearance of a new surface. These concrete floor options can provide the finish of concrete and wood or they can create more elaborate designs. This provides a facelift to commercial concrete floors at a fraction of the cost of other flooring options. Decorative overlays can also be applied on a variety of concrete surfaces, making them useful in many situations.  ## Self-Levelling Concrete For damaged commercial flooring, this option works wonders. Also, known as self-screeding or self-smoothing concrete, self-levelling concrete is a fluid concrete that smoothens and levels out existing concrete flooring. It is great for repairing cracks and uneven spots in commercial concrete floors. Self-levelling concrete is a mixture of water and cement-based powder. The mixture is poured onto the concrete floor and even spread around with a screed or a trowel. When it is left to dry, the concrete will automatically even itself out over the floor, filling any gaps and cracks as well. ## Talavera Tile and Surfacing - Committed to Quality Flooring Projects There are various concrete floor options available for commercial spaces. Each of them provides valuable advantages and can enhance the experience of entering an industrial space. Please [contact](https://talaveratile.net/contact) Talavera Tile if you need any concrete flooring done on your commercial premises. Talavera Tile and Surfacing has been providing high-quality flooring since our establishment in 2015. Choose us to receive the best work performed with the highest quality materials available in the Okanagan Valley.
Read More
Hottest Tiles of Last Year Tile Trends in 2022
Tile trends have been followed year after year due to how tiles offer varied and numerous options for customizing floors, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas in the home. 2022 saw a number of innovative and creative trends emerge that allowed many to customize their home in their own unique way. As such, the team at Talavera Tile would like you to know about the top tile trends in 2022. ## Colours The colours of your tiles are an immediately noticeable part of their visual aesthetic. The types of tiles are enhanced by the colours chosen to illustrate their unique appeal. Some popular colour choices for tiles include Satin Rolling Surf by Krylon and Laurel Leaf by Better Homes & Gardens. Both colours evoke the sensation of nature and the outdoors and bring that feeling into your home. Their emphasis on nature and calmness allows you to create a space for relaxation. Clover Bayberry Fishcale Mosaic and Chanelle Peacock Subway Tile also ranked high on the list of top tile colours for 2022. Their glossy blue tones kindle the inclinations of oceans and other water bodies.  ## Texture Textured tile styles were a popular feature of 2022’s tile trends. The flat, smooth tile flooring and walls have been phased out for grooves and channels that invite touch. The increased proliferation of [3D printing](https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/) technology has also made it easier than ever to produce texture tiles en masse. With the right colours, textured tiles can enhance the feeling of nature in your home with an added tactile sensation. The look and feel of the various types of rock in your home can bolster its visual appeal even more. ## Geometry The various [shapes](https://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/expert-advice/geometric-patterns/) tiles can hold and make with each other created another of the tile trends of 2022. The classic squares and rectangles stepped aside for triangles, diamonds, parallelograms, and hexagons. These create a unique visual design of repetition that is simultaneously new and exciting.  ## Tile Extensions What began as a trend of wallpaper application from wall to ceiling is now one of 2022’s tile trends from floor to wall. This creates a seamless transition between floor and wall, connecting the two separate but cooperative entities into one visually stunning spectacle. The extended tile flooring to the wall enables you to create a unique theme in your house. With bold symbols or more subtle designs that evoke the feeling of nature, tile extensions capture that style in a way not many others can. ## Talavera Tile and Surfacing - Committed To Quality Flooring Projects 2022 brought a wide range of tile trends that gave homeowners the ability to create unique aesthetics with a durable and versatile medium. As we move onto 2023, these trends might fall out of favour or they could evolve and last even longer than anyone can anticipate. Please [contact us](https://talaveratile.net/contact) if you have any tile projects that need an expert’s touch. Talavera Tile is a locally owned and operated company that has provided great services since its founding in 2015. We are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional work and our team is experienced and committed to delivering high-quality [tiling](https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-tile-floor/9ba683603be9fa5395fab909b1ae90d) at affordable prices.
Read More
Kitchen Cleaning Tips 4 Kitchen Tile Maintenance Tips
Few things are as eye-catching in the cooking area as the kitchen tile. The unique designs and patterns they can create bring a visual aesthetic to the kitchen that other pieces can’t match. However, they are also the part of the kitchen most prone to getting dirty, given their placement on walls and floors. Hence, the professionals at Talavera Tile would like to provide you with a few tips to help you keep your kitchen tiles clean and looking great. ## Grout Maintenance Keeping the [grout](https://mtcopeland.com/blog/what-is-grout/) between your kitchen tiles clean is a key part of maintaining your tiles. Cleaning it periodically helps to solve that problem. A [homemade solution](https://www.ovenclean.com/blog/how-to-make-a-fantastic-homemade-oven-cleaner/) of vinegar and baking soda is great for your basic cleaning needs but, if your grout is in bad shape, bleach can provide a deeper clean. Also, be sure to seal the grout with an appropriate sealant. Proper grout sealing reduces the time you spend cleaning between your kitchen tiles and keeps your tiles looking great for longer. Done properly, grout will require sealing every one to three years. As such, this small effort will increase your kitchen tile longevity.  ## Regular Kitchen Tile Cleaning Cleaning your kitchen tiles regularly will help you maintain the pristine condition of your cooking area. It is especially important to clean up any spills as quickly as possible to prevent staining. If not, the stains just make your kitchen tile maintenance even harder. You should also take time to wipe down your surfaces with a clean cloth and disinfectant, especially the kitchen backsplash tiles. This will prevent any possible build-up of germs and grease that you can’t spot easily. ## Choose Appropriate Cleansers Take care when selecting [cleaning supplies](https://www.creativematerialscorp.com/tile-talk/tile-talk-april-2019-top-5-maintenance-tips/) for your kitchen tiles. Plain ceramic and porcelain tiles can be cleaned safely with a scouring pad but it is safer to use a softer material when cleaning marble, patterned, or textured tiles. Typical cleaners and vinegar solutions work for most tile surfaces. However, natural stone tiles will take significant damage when cleaned with vinegar or the usual cleaners with chemicals in them. Using warm water and specialized cleansers is a better choice for natural stone kitchen tiles. Surprisingly, the most effective tool for cleaning grout is a toothbrush, preferably one that isn’t in use anymore. It might prove tedious but the brush is able to get into even the tiniest crevices that other brushes cannot.  ## Talavera Tile - Kelowna’s Tile And Flooring Experts With the above tips, you should be able to keep up the maintenance of your kitchen backsplash and floor tiles with ease. This will help you sustain the visual fidelity of your cooking area and allow you to keep that aesthetic appeal for as long as you need. Please [contact](https://talaveratile.net/contact) us for your tiling and flooring needs in your kitchen or anywhere else. Talavera Tile has been providing quality tile installation services since its founding in 2015. We promise the highest quality work with the best possible materials and we always ensure that our clients receive excellent service.
Read More