Schluter Kerdi Niches are innovative and versatile components that can significantly elevate your shower installation. These prefabricated waterproof niches are designed to be seamlessly integrated into your shower walls, providing several key benefits that enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom.
Schluter Kerdi Niches offer superior waterproofing capabilities. These niches are constructed using the Kerdi waterproofing membrane, which is renowned for its reliability in preventing water intrusion. By incorporating these niches into your shower design, you can ensure that the surrounding walls remain completely protected from moisture, preventing issues like mold and mildew growth. This not only enhances the longevity of your shower installation but also contributess to a healthier and more hygienic bathroom environment.
Schluter Kerdi Niches contribute to a sleek and modern appearance in your shower space. These niches are available in various sizes and configurations, allowing you to customize your design according to your preferences. The flush-mount installation of the niches creates a seamless, clean look that eliminates unsightly protrusions, such as shower caddies or soap dishes. This aesthetic improvement can transform your shower into a more sophisticated and organized space, enhancing the overall ambiance of your bathroom.
Lastly, Schluter Kerdi Niches are designed for ease of installation. These prefabricated niches come with detailed instructions and are straightforward to incorporate into your shower project, whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast. Their compatibility with other Schluter products, such as shower trays and waterproofing accessories, streamlines the construction process, ensuring a cohesive and reliable installation. By using Schluter Kerdi Niches, you can save time and effort while achieving a high-quality shower that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well in terms of waterproofing.
Fall Trends
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, fall tile trends for this year are taking an exciting turn, blending timeless elements with contemporary twists. Natural and organic aesthetics are gaining prominence, as homeowners seek to bring the warmth of the outdoors into their living spaces. Earthy tones like deep browns, forest greens, and warm terracotta’s are being incorporated into tile designs, reminiscent of the changing foliage during autumn. These colors not only evoke a sense of comfort but also align with sustainable and eco-friendly design practices that are becoming increasingly important.
Texture is another focal point in this year’s fall tile trends. From three-dimensional patterns to tactile finishes, designers are exploring ways to engage the senses through touch. Tiles that mimic natural materials such as wood, stone, and even fabric are in high demand, offering a sensory experience that adds depth and character to interiors. Whether it’s a cozy fireplace hearth adorned with textured tiles or a bathroom wall reminiscent of weathered stone, this trend adds an element of authenticity and intrigue to various living spaces.
In terms of shapes and formats, fall tile trends are departing from conventional norms. Geometric tiles, including hexagons, arabesques, and scalloped edges, are gaining popularity as statement pieces. These shapes provide a modern twist to traditional designs and are often used to create captivating feature walls or backsplashes. Additionally, large-format tiles continue to be a staple, offering seamless surfaces that make rooms appear more spacious and open. This trend extends to outdoor spaces as well, with oversized tiles transforming patios and pool areas into luxurious retreats.
In conclusion, this year’s fall tile trends reflect a desire for harmonious connections between the natural world and interior spaces. Through warm, earthy colors, textured surfaces, unconventional shapes, and metallic accents, designers are creating environments that celebrate both tradition and innovation. These trends not only evoke the essence of fall but also invite homeowners to embark on a journey of sensory exploration and artistic expression within their own living spaces.
Unleashing the Power of Porcelain Pavers
As the outdoor living trend continues to gain momentum, homeowners and businesses alike are seeking innovative solutions to elevate their outdoor spaces. Porcelain pavers have emerged as a game-changer in this realm, offering remarkable versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Let’s delve into the world of porcelain pavers, specifically focusing on 2CM porcelain outdoor tiles.
- Installation: the Pavers 2CM thickness makes installation a breeze! This dimension makes them ideal for outdoor applications, eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming installation methods. Porcelain pavers can be laid directly on a range of surfaces, including concrete, gravel, and sand. This simplicity not only saves installation time but also reduces labor costs, making them a cost-effective choice for your outdoor projects.
- Versatility: Porcelain pavers open up a world of possibilities when it comes to enhancing various outdoor areas:
a. Outdoor steps: provides a safe and visually appealing solution for outdoor steps. Their slip-resistant surface ensures secure footing, while their robust composition withstands heavy foot traffic and weather fluctuations.
b. Pool Areas: Transform your poolside oasis! These tiles are resistant to water absorption, fading, and chemicals commonly found in pool environments. With a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures available, you can create a stunning pool deck that complements your landscape design.
c. Outdoor Balconies and Terraces: Their durability, resistance to frost, and low maintenance requirements make them an ideal choice for balconies and terraces, adding beauty and functionality to these areas. - Advantages of Porcelain Pavers over Regular Porcelain Tiles: While regular porcelain tiles have their place indoors, porcelain pavers bring additional benefits when it comes to outdoor projects.
a. Strength and Durability: designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments. Their robust construction and resistance to cracks, scratches, and fading make them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
b. Slip Resistance: Safety is paramount in outdoor spaces. Porcelain pavers feature slip-resistant surfaces, providing a secure footing even when wet. This is particularly important for pool decks, outdoor stairs, and other areas exposed to moisture.
c. Weather Resistance: From scorching heat to freezing temperatures, porcelain pavers can handle it all. They are highly resistant to weather fluctuations, ensuring their longevity and maintaining their visual appeal over time.
d. Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone pavers, porcelain pavers require minimal upkeep. They are stain-resistant and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for busy outdoor areas.
Porcelain pavers have revolutionized outdoor design, offering unmatched durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. With their simplified installation process, wide range of applications, and numerous advantages over regular porcelain tiles, they are an excellent investment for enhancing your outdoor spaces. Explore Tile Town’s collection of 2CM porcelain pavers and unlock the true potential of your outdoor projects. Transform your patios, pool areas, outdoor steps, and more into stunning, long-lasting spaces that will be enjoyed for years to come.
DIY Days at Tile Town | 20% Off in Stock Tile & 15% Off Installation Materials Until May 31st
Fraser Valley’s top tile and flooring company, Tile Town, has recently launched a new promotion called DIY Days. This initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible resources to local homeowners for easy and confident renovation projects. Here are the key benefits of DIY Days:
- Expert Advice and Guidance: Tile Town’s DIY Days offers homeowners expert guidance and advice for their renovation projects. The program provides access to Tile Town’s knowledgeable and experienced professionals who can assist customers in selecting the appropriate tiles and flooring options for their homes. This can help prevent expensive errors and guarantee the success of the renovation project.
- Affordable Pricing: Tile Town’s DIY Days promotion provides affordable pricing as one of its major advantages. The company offers special discounts on tiles and flooring during the promotional period, resulting in a considerable reduction in the overall cost of a renovation project. This can be especially advantageous for homeowners with limited budgets.
- Easy Installation: Tile Town’s DIY Days simplifies installation by providing customers with all the essential tools and resources required to complete their renovation projects themselves. This includes detailed instructions on tile and flooring installation, as well as access to a range of installation tools and equipment. By enabling homeowners to complete the project on their own, this program can help them save on installation costs and achieve the satisfaction of successfully renovating their space.
- Wide Range of Options: Tile Town provides an extensive selection of tiles and flooring options to choose from, simplifying the process of finding the ideal fit for any living space. Regardless of whether homeowners prefer a classic, timeless appearance or a modern, sleek design, Tile Town has a range of options to suit their preferences. This assures that homeowners can discover the right tiles and flooring options to complement their existing decor and achieve the desired look for their space.
In summary, Tile Town’s DIY Days promotion is an excellent solution for homeowners seeking to renovate
their living spaces with confidence and ease. By utilizing Tile Town’s expert guidance, affordable pricing, easy
installation, and wide range of options, homeowners can transform their living spaces into the homes they
have always envisioned.
Types of Trowels To Use When Installing Tile
When it comes to setting tile, choosing the right trowel for the job is crucial. Trowels come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of trowels you can use to set tile and the various jobs they are used for.
- V-Notched Trowel: The V-notched trowel is commonly used for setting tile. It has a V-shaped notch on one side and a flat surface on the other. The size of the notch varies for different tile sizes. It’s ideal for spreading adhesive evenly and used for smaller tiles like mosaics or subway tiles.
- Square-Notched Trowel: The square-notched trowel is similar to the V-notched trowel, but it has square-shaped notches instead of V-shaped ones. This type of trowel is often used for larger tiles, such as 12×12 or 16×16 tiles. The square-notched trowel provides more adhesive coverage, making it easier to ensure that the tile is firmly attached to the surface.
- U-Notched Trowel: The U-notched trowel has a U-shaped notch on one side and a flat surface on the other. This type of trowel is often used for applying thicker adhesives, such as mortar. The U-notch helps to create a more substantial layer of adhesive, which is necessary for heavier tiles or tiles with uneven surfaces.
- Round-Notched Trowel: This type of trowel is often used for applying thick, viscous adhesives such as epoxy or urethane. The rounded notches help to spread the adhesive evenly, and the round shape helps prevent air pockets from forming between the tile and the surface.
- Notched Margin Trowel: The notched margin trowel is a smaller version of the square-notched trowel. It has a square-shaped notch and is used for spreading adhesive in tight spaces, such as corners or around fixtures. It’s also useful for making small adjustments to the placement of tiles.
- Pointed Margin Trowel: The pointed margin trowel has a pointed end instead of a square one. It’s often used for spreading adhesive in tight spaces and for cleaning excess adhesive from corners or grout lines. The pointed end also makes it easier to apply adhesive to small areas, such as individual tiles or pieces of trim.
Whether you are laying large tiles or applying thick adhesives, Tile Town has the right trowel for you to ensure a smooth, professional finish.
How to Use Tile Shade Variation to Your Advantage
When preparing for a tiling project, you’ll want to anticipate every hurdle that may arise amidst a renovation. These could range from running out of your tile supply or grout, finding broken tiles in your collection, having excess tiles, and so on.
And naturally, there are simple solutions to each: purchasing extra tiles and grout supplies so that you have extra in case of damages and/or shortages, and upcycling those extra tiles or keeping them on hand in case of accidents.
Something that you may have yet to anticipate, and frankly, might not have ever heard of, is tile shade variation, which may or may not occur depending on the type of tiles you get, the finish on the tiles, etc.
But you might be thinking…
What is tile shade variation?
Typically, when you purchase a collection of tiles, there are very few deviations between them — which is to be expected, given that they’re manufactured and shipped from the same place. But sometimes, when receiving a pack of tiles, you may notice that some of the tiles may be slightly off in colour and/or texture, whether to an extreme degree or slightly noticeable.
This is referred to as tile shade variation, where tiles can differ in shades from varying intensities and quantities. Although the tiles may be the same product, certain materials can undergo variances during production, resulting in the shade range.
As they increase on the shade variation scale, the tones and colours may be slightly off between individual tiles, sometimes a collection can have many distinctions throughout the individual tiles.
The shade variation scale
Tile shade variation is measured on a scale from V0 to V4.
V0 [Very Uniform Appearance]: Little to no variations in the tiles. When placed next to one another, the tiles create a smooth, streamlined surface with minimal texture variances — perfect for a monochromatic look.
V1 [Uniform Appearance]: The lowest number of differences from tile to tile without being perfect. While still having deviations, the similarities between each tile heavily outweighs any insignificant difference.
V2 [Slight Variation]: When looking at each tile, there’s a slight difference between them. This isn’t to suggest that the tiles look like they’re from different sets and packaged together — rather, the tiles are all relatively the same, but there are distinguishable contrasts.
V3 [Moderate Variation]: There are clear and intentional differences between the tiles, but not so much that they seem wildly dissimilar or part of varying collections. An example of this could be marble tiles with different marble patterns on each of the tiles and different colours — they appear as one collective but aren’t the same from tile to tile.
V4 [Substantial Variation]: The tiles differ in pattern, colours, tones, and so on. The differences can easily be seen when lying the tiles next to each other, so much so that in some cases the tiles can look like they were thrown together from different collections. While the degree of variety can vary, those in V4 show undeniably distinct qualities.
Solutions for tile shade variations
There are many ways you can use shade variations to your advantage, should you get tiles on each of the levels of the shade variation scale.
A simple solution that coincides with the solution for other potential project mishaps is to simply purchase extra packages of your desired tile. This way, you have more flexibility in terms of switching out unwanted tiles. This would be the case if you receive a collection that ranges anywhere between the V1 to V3 shade variation.
Another idea could be leaning into the variation and creating mosaic type of design with your tiles. Who’s to say that the shade variation has to be an accident? Utilize the different shades you have and give your kitchen backsplash a unique design.
If you’re adamant about your tile collection being on any part of extreme parts of the scale (entirely the same or wildly different), our experts at any of our Tile Town locations can provide you with a mock-up or answer any questions regarding worries you may have about tile shade variation.
Benefits of Choosing Concrete Look Tiles
Concrete look tiles are durable, low maintenance and unlike a real concrete surface, they don’t require any special treatment. They come in various tones from dark and moody to light and fresh.
The industrial minimalist look has taken over the interior design space in recent years. Concrete or cement flooring isn’t reserved for only the garage anymore. Innovations in ceramic production have made it possible to create tiles that mimic various styles such as raw concrete, aggregate formwork and polished concrete, making them a sought-after tile choice in many modern homes.
Where should you use concrete look tiles?
It’s hard to beat the look of a concrete porcelain tile. Its popularity has given rise to endless tile choices that virtually work in any room of the house. While they do look great on main floors and walls, concrete tiles are increasingly being used in wet areas such as bathrooms or to enhance the kitchen and outdoor areas. They are highly popular in renovations where the existing floor does not lend itself to being a polished finish but is the desired look.
Concrete look tile size options
Concrete look tiles are available in a range of sizes, shades and finishes such as matt (natural), semi-polished and lappato. Our main tile sizes include 300x300mm, 300x600mm and 600x600mm with more sizes available from certain manufacturers like 900x900mm or even 1200x1200mm as a special order. These multiple size ranges make it suitable for multi-use applications and allow for a seamless transition from wet areas to main floors.
Why are concrete tiles so popular?
With a concrete look tile in your home, you’ll get the modern industrial design look of raw concrete with all the advantages of a porcelain tile:
- Minimal maintenance – unlike the real thing, concrete look tiles once laid, don’t require any regular sealing, grinding or polishing. Repairing cracked cement is also a difficult and expensive process.
- Easy to clean – all you need to do to keep your tiles looking new is wipe or mop them down when they start to collect dust and dirt.
- Versatile – concrete tiles are scratch resistant and perfect in all weather conditions due to the various finishes available.
- Inexpensive – concrete look tiles are a much more affordable option compared with real cement or concrete flooring and it’s also quicker to install.
Designer tips for the industrial concrete look
Can’t decide on how to combine the concrete look with other textures in your space? Our in-store designers can help! Be inspired by our high-quality selection of concrete tiles. Visit us at any of our locations or online.
Your Guide to Tile Materials and Finishes
Successful tiling projects rely on the shared understanding between professionals and customers regarding their vision for their interior design. It’s useful for aspiring renovators to go into an in-person consultation or begin planning their project by knowing what kind of tiles they plan to work with.
And between many variables that come with tile selection, such as choosing a tile size, knowing what colour of tile you need, or mapping out an intricate tile pattern design, an often forgotten, yet incredibly significant, aspect is deciding on a tile finish.
But what are the different types of finishes tiles can have? Here’s a comprehensive list of some tile finishes you may choose when starting your tile project.
Get to Know Tile Materials
Before getting into the specific tile finishes, it is first necessary to differentiate the three most common materials. This will help you narrow down to the particular finishes based on the type of material the tile is made of.
Stone: Perhaps the most durable material, stone tiles are heftier and are often rougher than most other tiles. As their name suggests, they are a completely natural material and are able to withstand wear and tear while offering an industrial aesthetic.
Ceramic: Ceramic tiles combine versatility with cost-efficiency, are made of clay and are detailed with bevelled edges. They are easily adaptable, being able to provide thermal protection, and can even protect from slipping.
Porcelain: While often seen as interchangeable with ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are made at a higher temperature and made of a ratio of silica and quartz. As such, they are a tad more durable, which is made up for in the increased cost of ceramic. However, they offer the same amount of diversity in tile design.
Types of Tile Finishes
Matte Finish: A smooth finish with very little shine or highlights. Often called dull, a matte finish has a low gloss sheen that reflects less light than other materials but makes up for it by hiding blemishes and minor flaws.
Polished Finish: The glossy finish is highly reflective and goes hand-in-hand with a gloss finish. This material’s surface is ground down to create the finish, resulting in a natural shine that can withstand moisture and stains.
Glossy Finish: Having a mirror-like appearance, a glossy finish coats tiles with a durable glazed coating that can come in a variety of appearances. This type of finish helps to make a room appear larger, given that they naturally reflect light and elongate a surface.
Lapatto (Semi-Gloss) Finish: Partially polished, it gives tiles the appearance of a shiny texture without being as reflective as a full glossy finish.
Satin Finish: This finish is produced in a similar method to polished but uses fewer polishing wheels. This makes it softer than a polished finish, similar to a hybrid between matte and polished finishes.
Brushed Finish: Reminiscent of a matte finish without the shine, a brushed finish gives the appearance of a rough surface while maintaining smoothness. This leaves a textured feeling to them, making them excellent for slip-resistance.
Tumbled Finish: Achieving a tumbled finish sees materials buffed instead of polished, leaving them with a worn look while maintaining elegance. It has a rustic appearance but still stays smooth.
Honed Finish: A stone tile surface that has been ground down, leaving behind a sleek surface with rough edges. Very little light is reflected off of a honed finish and is often seen as the mid-point between a polished and natural finish.
Natural Finish: As the name suggest, this finish sees stone tiles completely untouched (except for the cutting of the tile).
Want to learn more about tile finishes? Visit any of our Tile Town locations, and check out our Instagram for some tile-finish inspiration!
How to Heat Tile Floors Using Schluter DITRA-HEAT
Nothing compares to stepping on a warm floor when waking up on a cold winter morning. The feeling of heat travelling up from your toes is the perfect start to the day.
Installing a floor-heating system doesn’t have to be an expensive addition or tedious process to your renovations. It can even be a DIY project using the Schluter DITRA-HEAT Uncoupling Membrane, or Schluter DITRA-HEAT DUO Uncoupling Membrane.
Both membranes are specifically designed for DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables to be easily installed. The heating cables are responsible for transferring heat from the membrane up through the tiles. The membranes are made out of the same waterproof material as other Schluter products, making them ideal for bathrooms and other floors around the house that will see high traffic activity.
The differences? The DUO membrane is better suited to be placed over concrete floorings, such as basements, whereas the Schluter DITRA-HEAT Uncoupling Membrane is suited well to be placed over wood.
Picking the right tile
Like other Schluter products, tiles can be installed directly on the DITRA-HEAT membranes. However, not all tiles are the same and there are some specifications to be aware of when finding the right type of tile. Be sure to refer to the Product Specifications Guide to learn more.
You can also visit any Tile Town location to speak to an expert about tiles that are best suited for the DITRA-HEAT membranes. Our experts will also provide a helping hand in choosing the latest designs and trends that will give your home an elegant, modern look.
These videos guide you step-by-step on how to use install DITRA-Heat.
How to Mix Pantone’s 2023 Colour of the Year Into Your Home’s Interior Design Aesthetic
The start of a new year means it’s time to give your home a fresh start. And with the new year comes the announcement that has interior designers on the edge of their midcentury modern seats: Pantone’s Colour of the Year.
This year, Pantone has chosen Viva Magenta (18-1750) as the colour that will dominate everyone’s palettes throughout 2023. Viva Magenta is a mixture of a rich red with hints of purple and pink, and Pantone describes it as encouraging power, strength, and joy. The colour is purposefully animated, riding the balance between warm and cool in a way that represents the versatility of design in the future — all while being ahead of the yearly trends.
If you want to add versatility and vigour to your home this year, here’s how to mix Viva Magenta into your home’s aesthetic.
Throw some Viva Magenta on an Accent Wall
An accent wall is a simple way of adding complexity to your dining room or living room walls without overcrowding them with hanging excessive artwork. Whether you’re using a splash of paint to isolate the wall, laying an intricately patterned wallpaper, or using tiles to add texture on top of the featured wall colour, an accent wall will help attract attention while still being subtle enough not to overpower the whole room.
An ideal option for homes tying in contemporary aesthetics with flavourful pops of colour.
Suppose you’re having some hang-ups about an entire accent wall. In that case, you could first try adding an accent backsplash or archway to still simulate the additional colour without compromising your walls in their entirety.
For experimental interior designers, you could also try painting your ceiling Viva Magenta to help this often-forgotten part of your room feel bolder.
Use Decorative Details for a Touch of Colour
For people, a little hesitant to jump straight into Viva Magenta walls but still want to add the crimson red colour into their home, subtle pieces like pillows or throw blankets may serve as a welcoming entry point to the colour.
Throwing Viva Magenta cushions onto a grey upholstered couch or black leather armchair will ensure that there aren’t competing colours. And a blanket on the back of a sofa could help liven up a primarily monochromatic aesthetic.
Other ways you can add detailing with Viva Magenta:
-Use curtains to simulate an accent wall without completely redoing an entire wall in your living room
-Add a Viva Magenta rug to add a bold colour on top of your tile flooring
-Place some Viva Magenta flowers in a vase and display them around your house
-Give your dining table some glam by putting a Viva Magenta tablecloth on top of it
-Liven up the bedroom with striking Viva Magenta bedding
Breathe New Life into Old Furniture with Fresh Viva Magenta Paint
Whether you have pantry doors that need a touch-up or a dresser that’s grown drab and dated over the years, why not give these staple pieces a makeover by throwing an effervescent colour onto them? Upcycling these pieces of furniture with a new coat of paint will give your home new signature furnishings without breaking the bank.
What’s thrilling about this route for adding in the Colour of the Year is that it can play to your creative strengths, as you can paint as wildly or subtly as you, please.
Maybe you could make a striped pattern on a dresser in your children’s bedroom or paint frames to hang up in your bathroom to give it more personality.
Want expert advice on incorporating this colour into your home? Or have other interior-design-related inquiries? Visit any of our Tile Town locations. We have certified experts ready to help with your interior design needs!