Glass mosaic tiles are popular for their unmatched variety and visual appeal. Their non-porous attributes justifies their use in wet areas as in kitchen tiles, bathroom flooring and pool tiles. They make an excellent choice for artistic mosaic floors and wall murals in living spaces. If you are undecided on whether you should go for glass mosaic tiles, read further to appreciate the benefits they offer.
Visual appeal The visual properties of glass are responsible for giving glass mosaic tiles a charming luminous quality which draws the eye. Tiles are available in a broad palette of colours and easily acquired from tile stores. They may also have effects like the integration of a metallic shimmer which makes them very appealing. Mirrored tiles are also available. The light reflective properties of glass and the possibility to regulate its transparency allow these tiles to be integrated with lighting for dramatic effect. Even by day, the tiles have a glow and add zest and cheer to the interior environment. Design flexibility Glass mosaic tiles easily impart a decorative look to any setting. They may be used in large expanses or even smaller stretches like frames and borders to create ornamental accents. One can be very creative and adventurous when using glass mosaic tiles. An interesting effect can be created by combining glass mosaic tiles with other materials like stone to contrast the textures and luminosity of the different materials. The small size of tiles allows greater flexibility and control in creating designs Durability and maintenance Glass is a stable non-porous material. This makes it resistant to staining and damage by chemicals or mould. They are therefore well-suited for places which can be damp and moist. Glass mosaic tiles have superior colour retention qualities. Unlike other materials of decorative value, glass tiles do not need much time to be invested in their maintenance. They only require a regular wiping down to remove any dust build up or superficial staining. One must ensure that a soft cloth is used for wiping and mild detergents may be used to remove any oil build-up. Eco-friendly Another advantage of glass mosaic tiles which is relevant to the environment at large is the reduced energy required for production. The energy consumption may be about half of that required for manufacturing ceramic tiles. A more eco-friendly version is the availability of recycled glass mosaic tiles. This is a great alternative for those with an environmentally conscious outlook. Credit: A M Nikos
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A new collection now available at Nerang Tiles is a collection inspired by nature at its purest and most unspoilt; by the harmonies it conceals within and the silences it preserves intact. This is the nature the collection has studied and tamed, in the true sense of the word, without diminishing its power or that tangible, vibrant spirit that lives within our natural surroundings. Timber tiles are an incredible alternative to the natural timber floor coverings traditionally used. Porcelain Tiles in itself are hard wearing, durable, stain and scratch resistant and a natural insulator to cold and hot temperatures.
A timber tile is the result of modern inkjet technology that allows porcelain stoneware and tiles to adopt any image imaginable. You need to see timber tiles in real life to believe it, they look and feel just like timber but are not flammable, don't stain and require very little maintenance. See the timber tile range in store at the Nerang Tiles Gold Coast Tile Showroom. Nerang Tiles has one of the largest timber tile ranges in Queensland on display. How to tile a floor
This text guide is designed for the DIY tiling enthusiast and covers the essential things you need to tile a floor. What tools do you need? When your tiling a floor you will need to make sure the floor / substrate has a damp course. If the floor does not have a damp course then you will need to use a waterproofing or priming product. These products are designed to prevent any water getting trapped underneath the floor overtime or from water rising from underneath the floor. Another important aspect to consider is the height of your doors, cupboards and other fixtures in the home. Tiles can be quite thick and you may need to consider trimming any existing fixtures. Tools for tiling a floor
Most tile preparation and adhesive products such as primers, grouts, cleaners and adhesives contain harsh chemicals. Protective gear and caution should always be used when dealing with these products. How to apply tile adhesive The first step to applying your tiles to the floor is to mix your adhesive using your power drill and bucket. All adhesive products should have detailed instructions for the method and quantities to be mixed. This usually includes how much water you need to add to your adhesive. Take note of the pot life of the adhesive as well, this is important so you do not mix too much adhesive at once and have it set over time in your bucket. The type of adhesive you choose to use will depend on the area you are tiling as well as the type of tile you have selected. Please consult a tiler or your tile sales representative for further information and tips. Adhesive bags will commonly have a phone number you can also call to ask specific questions regarding the product. Before you apply your adhesive to the floor you must ensure that you have marked out your tile lines using a tile marker pen. There are many different techniques to applying adhesive to either your tile or floor to lay your floor tiles. However we recommend applying two tiles worth of adhesive at a time using a notched trowel. Place a suitable amount of adhesive on the floor using your notched trowel and spread it out thickly to cover the surface area of your tile. Your notched trowel should be placed at a 45 degree angle when applying it to the floor. Use slow movement towards you to spread the adhesive. The notched trowel you have selected will also determine the thickness of your adhesive. How to apply the tiles Once the adhesive is applied and has been spread on the floor using your notched trowel then you are ready to applying your tiles. When laying your tile onto the adhesive, grab hold of the middle of the tile on both sides if possible and lay it gently against the adhesive within the boundaries you have marked. Place a little bit of pressure on the tile and wiggle it so that it pushes further into place and to release any trapped air. To ensure the tile is level, you can use a spirit level and place it on top of the tile or tile levelling clips and wedges after applying a few tiles. Repeat the process with all tiles. Once two or more tiles are laid, you can start placing the tile spacer or levelling clips between tiles at the top and bottom to create an even space. The tile levelling clips will do both create the space for grout and level the tiles. Make sure you have a bucket of water and sponge nearby, sometimes it can be common for adhesive to get on the top of tiles and you will need to wash it off before it dries. How to apply grout Once all the tiles are laid the next part of your DIY tiling project is to apply the grout. The type of adhesive you have used will determine how long you have to wait before grouting or before any foot traffic can go over the laid tiles. The type and colour of the grout will also depend on the tile and size of the grout gap. Grouting is very simple. Just follow the mixing instructions on the grout bag to make sure you use an appropriate ration and amount of water and grout in a mixing bucket. A good consistency of grout when mixing is similar to that of cream or cream cheese, not too runny and not too thick. Once your grout has been mixed you can then apply it into the grout joints using a grout float at a 45 degree angle. Remember to clean any excess grout as you go along. When applying the grout ensure you're pushing the grout float against the grout gaps to ensure all gaps are filled. Be cautious not to make these gaps too thick. Remember that the above information is general advice only and your specific situation may be different depending on a number of different factors. Nerang Tiles recommends seeking professional advice for your specific situation. Ceramic tile is not only beautiful, it is also healthy for your home. It contains none of the chemicals that have been in the news associated with other flooring products, and it is long lasting, easy to clean, fire safe, and offers many slip resistant choices.
Made of clay and other naturally occurring minerals: free of formaldheyde, VOCs, and PVC. Ceramic tile does not contain the chemicals in other floor coverings that are receiving increased attention for their possible adverse health effects, such as formaldehyde, VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Zero VOCs. Some VOCs emitted by non ceramic building products can contribute to a wide variety of health problems and sick building syndrome, according to various health experts. Because ceramic tile is fired at extremely high temperatures, producing an inorganic material, it has zero VOCs. Formaldehyde-Free. Ceramic tile contains non of the formaldehyde found in some other floor coverings. Formaldehyde is a chemical long associated with respiratory disorders, and exposure is a particular concern for children and the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In fact, formaldehyde emissions for several wood based building and flooring products have been federally restricted since 2011 under the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act. As a fired product, ceramic tile is formaldehyde free and not subject to this or any other such restriction. PVC Free. Ceramic tile is also free from PVC, a resin used in other types of floor coverings, and regularly a subject of concern and discussion among health experts. The easy solution for flooring? Use ceramic tile, which is free of VOCs, formaldehyde and PVC. Occupant Safety Of the many flooring choices available, ceramic tile stands out when slip/fall safety is a consideration because of the thousands of floor tile choices that are slip resistant when wet. This is in stark contrast to flooring that, according to their manufacturers must be kept dry in order to be slip resistant. Additionally, ceramic tile is non flammable and does not produce smoke in a fire, meeting the flame spread and smoke development requirements of various International Buildings Codes for interior wall and ceiling materials. Environment The certified Environmental Product Declaration for North American made ceramic tile shows that North American made ceramic tile has the lowest environmental impact across all impact categories, when compared to other flooring with generic EPDs evaluated under the same conditions. Nerang TIles is a multi awarding winning tile showroom with the largest and most awarded tile showroom based on the Gold Coast. Visit Nerang Tiles to gain a better insight into tile ranges, quality, health benefits and to see the incredible wall and floor tile range at the Nerang Tiles Gold Coast Tile Showroom. |
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