Tile Fantastic

A Look at How Ceramic Tiles Are Made

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 22:49:00 GMT

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Ceramic tiles have many uses, ranging from bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes to creative and durable flooring. Tile is resistant to fading, moisture, and wear, providing many years of performance in your home.

This video explains the process of creating tiles. Ingredients are combined with water in a mixer and milled to eliminate lumps. The mixture is deposited into molds and subjected to heat and pressure inside a mechanical press. Tiles are painted, then baked in a kiln and allowed to cool before they are ready for distribution.

Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. We invite you to visit Tile Fantastic of San Jose for personalized assistance with finding the right kind of tile for any use in your home. Call (888) 864-6319 or visit us on the web for tiling inspiration and advice.

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Looking Back at the Top Tile Trends of 2013

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:19:00 GMT

Tile flooring, accents, and backsplashes remain a popular choice for many American homes. From tiles that are printed to look exactly like wood to walls and floors that actively clean the air in your home, the time has never been better to consider the benefits of tile for many home applications. Keep reading to discover the top tile trends of 2013 and find inspiration for your own home in 2014.

Wood-Grain Tile

One of the most popular tile trends of 2013 is tile designed to look exactly like hardwood flooring. Wood-grain tile is created using high-resolution digital images of wood printed onto tiles using inkjet technology. Tile offers many advantages over actual hardwood, and can be used in areas where wood may not be appropriate. Printed tiles can be custom-tailored to look like any wood, ranging from high-end hardwoods to aged driftwood.

Patterned and Shaped Tile

In addition to wood-grain tile, newer printing techniques are being used to create colorful patterned tiles that break the traditional mold of plain white, beige, and black tiles. Patterns range from whimsical and colorful motifs to unique mosaics that add a touch of history and class. Recent trends have also seen a move toward tiles with unique shapes. Tiles are available in curved, circular, and even irregular shapes, allowing homeowners to create a unique work of art right in their own home.

Hydrotect Tile

A collaboration between the American company Crossville and Toto of Japan has created the unique Hydrotect coating now available for tiles. Hydrotect is baked onto the surface of tiles and activates in the presence of light. This advanced coating reduces the absorption of dust, dirt, and grease to maintain your tile’s beautiful look. Additionally, Hydrotect works to purify the air in your home by oxidizing and removing nitrogen oxides found in smoke and exhaust fumes.

Are you ready to embrace the latest tile trends for a beautiful home? Call Tile Fantastic today at (888) 864-6319 for free tiling help and advice. You can explore our full range of stone, porcelain, ceramic, glass, and metal tiles on our website.

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What Is Inlaid Stone?

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 20:54:00 GMT

One of the greatest benefits of tile is its design versatility. Since tile comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, they allow you to create virtually any design you can imagine. To achieve even more design flexibility, many homeowners choose to install inlaid stone.

Inlaid stone mosaics combine different colors of marble or limestone to create intricate patterns. Natural stone experts can create precise shapes using a high-pressure water jet that cuts straight through the stone. Once all the shapes are cut, they are assembled onto the surface, the seams are filled, and the whole surface is sealed. Inlaid stone is great for highlighting certain parts of the home with intricate design patterns. Kitchen backsplashes, fireplace borders, and bathroom accent stripes are particularly popular places for inlaid stone. Inlaid stone tends to become the focus of a room, and complements all other design elements.

Tile Fantastic is pleased to provide San Jose homeowners with intricate inlaid stonework. We also offer glass, stone, and ceramic tiles for use in the kitchen, bathroom, and on the patio. Call us at (888) 864-6319 if you have any questions.

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Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors: Comparing and Contrasting

Tue, 26 Nov 2013 22:14:00 GMT

Installing tile flooring is an excellent decision for bathrooms and kitchens. After you make the decision to install tile, you then have decide which kind of tile you want. Two of the most popular floor tiles are porcelain and ceramic, each of which comes with plenty of benefits. For help choosing between the two, consider this brief article:

Production Process

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay that is heated in a kiln. However, porcelain tiles are made from “porcelain clay dust,” which is compressed and heated to create a very hard material. Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is made from clay that is less refined and more porous.

Ideal Application

Since porcelain tiles are harder than ceramic tiles, porcelain tends to perform better in areas of high traffic. If you’re an avid cook who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, porcelain might be a better choice. If you’re looking for a tile option for a guest bathroom or other space that sees lwo foot traffic, ceramic tile should perform just fine.

Water Absorption

Again, porcelain’s density allows it to resist water and stains better than ceramic tiles. Though ceramic tiles can be given a tough protective seal, water can still seep into ceramic tiles if the seal fails. Both kinds of tile require strong grout to prevent damage to the flooring beneath the tiles.

Design Versatility

Both porcelain and clay tiles come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. However, homeowners looking to create intricate designs tend to have more luck with porcelain tiles, as all tile sizes are very strong and beautiful. That said, ceramic tile is a lot easier to cut, making it an ideal choice for do-it-yourself tile projects.

For more help choosing between the two kinds of tile, call Tile Fantastic at (888) 864-6319. We have numerous varieties of both porcelain and ceramic tiles from which to choose. Visit our website or our San Jose location to find out how our tiles can add beauty to your home.

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How to Seal Natural Stone

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:39:00 GMT

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Natural stone’s beauty and durability makes it a popular choice for kitchen counters. However, various kitchen spills can stain natural stone that isn’t sealed properly.

This video offers an explanation and demonstration of natural stone sealer. Contrary to popular belief, sealer does not actually rest on the surface of natural stone, but rather seeps into the microscopic pores. When applying natural stone sealer, it’s important to use a brush or palette knife, as rags and paper towels absorb the sealer before it gets a chance to set into the stone. It’s important to keep in mind that sealer makes natural stone stain resistant, not stain proof.

If you’d like to learn more about natural stone, call Tile Fantastic of San Jose at (888) 864-6319. We have many kinds of elegant natural stone tiles to choose from and a knowledgeable staff to help you make a decision.

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Outdoor Tile Ideas to Match Any Taste and Décor

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:44:00 GMT

Though many homeowners embrace tile for their kitchens and bathrooms, fewer realize that tiles can benefit their outdoor spaces, too. In fact, tile’s versatility makes it ideal for creating elegant designs that complement your landscape and home exterior. If you’re interested in installing tile in your yard, consider these popular tile options:

Slate

Slate is composed of layers of rock, and there is often great variation from one layer to the next. Slate makes an excellent choice for exterior use because it has a rough surface that does not get slippery when exposed to moisture. Slate’s color variation is also great for creating an eclectic, natural-looking outdoor space.

Granite

Granite is a special kind of crystalline volcanic rock. Its incredible strength allows it to endure virtually anything Mother Nature can throw at it. Like slate, there are numerous different kinds of granite tile currently available—you should have no trouble finding a color or pattern that complements the colors of your landscape and home exterior.

Limestone

Limestone is another excellent choice for outdoor flooring—just make sure you get a type of limestone tile that is durable and water-resistant enough to stand up to rain. You might even put a cover over your limestone tile to protect it from moisture. Limestone tile is popular among homeowners because it tends to have a lighter, warmer hue than other stones.

Terra Cotta

Terra cotta tiles are dense, unglazed, and well suited to the outdoors. Terra cotta tiles usually come in reds, browns, and greys, and can help your property achieve that desirable Southwestern aesthetic. You might cover your whole patio with terra cotta tiles, or use them to create a walkway through your garden.

To take a closer look at the above tile options, visit Tile Fantastic of San Jose. We’ve been providing the people of San Jose with top-quality interior and exterior tile since 1975. Call us at (888) 864-6319 to speak with a representative, or visit our website to view our selection of porcelain, glass, and natural stone tiles.

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What Is Tumbled Stone?

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 16:29:00 GMT

Tumbled stone is one of the most popular tile options for homeowners looking to add old-world charm to their home. Tumbled stone is marble, limestone, slate, or travertine that is cut and tumbled until it has a grainy texture and rustic appearance. Ranging in size from two inches to 16 inches, you can find tumbled stone tile that works well in many rooms. More homeowners are choosing four-inch tumbled marble for their kitchen backsplashes because it goes well with granite countertops. As flooring, tumbled stone is excellent because it is both durable and offers non-slip properties. When sealed with a high-quality sealer, tumbled stone tiles can last for decades.

Tile Fantastic has the tumbled stone tile you need to successfully redesign or remodel any room or outdoor space. Family owned since 1975, our tile company is happy to help you find the tile material and style you’re looking for. Call us at (888) 864-6319 if you have any questions, or visit our website to see our selection of floor and wall tile.

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Natural Tile Options That Will Look Great on Your Patio

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 16:51:00 GMT

If you want to install good-looking and long-lasting tile flooring on your patio, come to Tile Fantastic. Our family-owned company carries a vast array of high-quality patio tiles. In this article, we will introduce a few of the most popular tile materials for patios.

Travertine

Travertine is a form of limestone that is made from mineral springs. In terms of design potential, travertine tiles are very flexible. Travertine can convey old-world charm with accentuated directional veining and an antiqued finish, or a more subdued, modern look with cross-cut directional veining and a honed finish.

Limestone

A unique choice for patio tile, Limestone comes in a variety of colors. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that’s made of varying amounts of calcite and aragonite. Furthermore, limestone often contains fossils of marine organisms that are visible if you look closely.

Granite

This is probably one of the more durable tiles you can use for your patio. A crystalline volcanic rock that is stronger than marble, granite requires very little upkeep if it is sealed after installation. It’s also great for countertops and bathrooms.

Terra Cotta

Also known as quarry tile, terra cotta tile is unglazed and very dense, which makes it an ideal material for an outdoor patio. You can find terra cotta tiles in different shades of red, brown, and grey. A non-slip surface, terra cotta is excellent for ensuring that your kids don’t slip and fall after running out of the pool.

Tumbled Stone

Tumbled stone is marble, limestone, slate, or travertine that has been cut and tumbled. The tumbling process produces a beautiful, quaint tile with exceptional durability and a non-slip surface.

To discover the range of quality outdoor tiles you can use for your patio, come to Tile Fantastic in San Jose. We have over 35 years of experience, and we offer many different styles and materials of tile for your home. Visit our website to see our selection and call us at (888) 864-6319 to learn more.

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How to Decorate Your Bathroom with Textured Tile

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:48:00 GMT

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Textured tile can add personality, charm, and sophistication to just about any room in the house. If you are redesigning or remodeling your bathroom, watch this video for tips on how to use textured tile.

The great thing about textured tile is that it comes in a variety of colors. Choose a lighter textured tile if you want to bring more light into a darker bathroom, or opt for darker textured tile to create a contrast with bright appliances or countertops. Don’t be afraid to mix and match wall and floor tiles to make the bathroom more visually interesting.

At Tile Fantastic, we offer ceramic, mosaic, glass, stone, metal, and porcelain tiles. Call us at (888) 864-6319 to learn about our textured tiles, and visit our website to get a glimpse of our extensive selection.

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Unusual Kitchen Tile Trends that You May Want to Consider

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:34:00 GMT

The kitchen has the potential to be one of the most expressive rooms in your home. Whether you are seeking a cutting-edge or traditional look for your kitchen, tiles can help you achieve the design you are hoping for. Read this article to learn more about the different possibilities for kitchen tile in your home.

Size Variation

There is no rule in the metaphorical book of tile design that says your tiles must be the same size. In fact, straying from this norm often produces a beautiful, eye-catching look for kitchen backsplashes.

Mosaic Glass Tiles

With their clean-cut, clear appearance, glass tiles are definitely “in” at the moment. Thanks to their timeless design, mosaic glass tiles can pull off both classic and modern looks. Consider mosaic glass tiles for your floor to create an elegant, contemporary style.

Glass and Marble Tiles

Marble is rich and historic, while glass is sleek and crisp. With their different yet complementary looks, glass and marble make an excellent pair. Fortunately, this combination is also very easy to clean.

Deco Glass Tiles

For a more upscale look than plain glass tiles can offer, opt for deco glass tiles. Combine glass tile with a plain tile, such as ceramic, porcelain, or terra cotta, to accentuate the style of the deco glass tiles.

Minimalist Tiles

If you want to achieve a clean, modern look in your kitchen, shop for minimalist tiles that don’t distract from the simplicity of your kitchen. Depending on the color scheme in your kitchen, you may prefer a vivid ceramic tile that adds a splash of color to your kitchen or a basic travertine tile that accents your stainless steel appliances.

Learn more about the different tile options available to you by visiting Tile Fantastic in San Jose. We are a family-owned tile company that has provided high-quality tiles since 1975. Call us at (888) 864-6319 if you have any questions about how we can provide tiles for any space in your home.

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