Tile & stone
Porcelain, ceramic and real stone
For the bathroom floor, the kitchen and the front entry: tile that ignores water, and stone that asks for a little care in return.
Or call (615) 277-5678 — Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
Porcelain or ceramic
The difference is how much water the body of the tile takes in. The Tile Council of North America’s porcelain certification defines porcelain as impervious, with water absorption of 0.5% or less. Daltile says ceramic absorbs more and is better suited to dry, indoor rooms. For a shower floor, a mudroom or a porch-side entry, that number is the one to ask about.
Natural stone, and sealing it
Marble, slate, travertine and limestone are cut from quarries, so no two pieces match. MSI says natural stone should be sealed after it’s installed and every one to two years after that, and as often as every six months for marble, slate, travertine and limestone in busy areas.
Glass and the rest
The old site sold glass tile and solid surface as well as floor tile, and those pages now point here. Ask at the showroom which of the glass pieces are made to be walked on.
Whose tile is on the boards
Daltile, American Olean and MSI Surfaces are the tile and stone names on the brand strip. Bring a cabinet door or a paint chip and lay the tile beside it under real light, or ask for the samples to come to the house.
Questions
Tile and stone, answered
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Water absorption. The Tile Council of North America defines porcelain as impervious, absorbing 0.5% or less, and Daltile says ceramic absorbs more and is better suited to dry indoor rooms. For a bathroom floor or a mudroom, porcelain is the safer pick.
How often should natural stone floors be sealed?
After installation and every one to two years after that, according to MSI. It says marble, slate, travertine and limestone in high-traffic areas can need it as often as every six months. Ask about the sealing schedule for the stone you choose before you buy it.
Is porcelain tile waterproof?
The tile itself nearly is. The tile industry’s definition calls porcelain impervious, with water absorption of 0.5% or less, and Daltile describes it as virtually impervious to water. The grout and what is under the tile still need to be right in a wet room.
Which tile brands do you carry?
Daltile, American Olean and MSI Surfaces are the tile and stone names on the brand strip. Between them they cover porcelain, ceramic and natural stone; glass tile is sold too. See them in Spring Hill or Nashville, or ask for samples at home.
How much does tile flooring cost installed?
It is priced at the in-home estimate. The tile itself, its size and the pattern it is laid in, what has to come up first and the prep the subfloor needs all move the number, and natural stone adds sealing. Call (615) 277-5678 to book the measure.