Stone tiles have long been admired for their natural beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike. Whether you’re considering them for flooring, countertops, or wall cladding, stone tiles offer a range of benefits that can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any space. These are the key advantages of using stone tiles in your home or business.
Durability & Longevity – One of the most significant benefits of stone tiles is their incredible durability. Natural stone can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and commercial spaces. Unlike some other flooring options, stone tiles are resistant to scratches and dents, ensuring that your investment will last for many years.
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal – Stone tiles add a timeless and elegant look to any space. Each tile is unique, with its own natural variations in color, pattern, and texture, which adds character and charm to your interiors. Whether you prefer the classic look of marble, the rustic appeal of slate, or the warm tones of travertine, there’s a stone tile to suit every style and taste.
Easy Maintenance – Stone tiles are relatively easy to maintain, especially when properly sealed. Sealing helps protect the stone from stains, moisture, and damage, making cleaning a breeze. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent are usually sufficient to keep stone tiles looking pristine. For those who prefer low-maintenance flooring options, stone tiles are an excellent choice as they require less frequent compared to other materials.
Increased Property Value – Investing in stone tiles can increase the value of your property. Their aesthetic appeal, durability, and association with luxury make them a sought-after feature in real estate. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to enhance its overall value, installing stone tiles can be a wise investment that pays off in the long run.
Versatility – Stone tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in various applications throughout your home or business. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, patios, and even pool areas. Additionally, stone tiles are available in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, and textured, allowing you to create different looks and feels in your spaces.
Transform Your Space with Stone Tiles
Stone tiles offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for homeowners and designers. Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a new space, consider incorporating stone tiles to enjoy these benefits and more. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of high-quality stone tiles and find the perfect fit for your project. Our professional team is here to help you every step of the way, from selection to installation.
Things to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Tiles
Choosing the right tiles for your kitchen can be both an exciting and daunting task. Tiles play a significant role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen, making it essential to select the perfect ones. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing kitchen tiles to ensure you make the best decision for your space.
Durability – Durability is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting kitchen tiles. The kitchen is a high-traffic area prone to spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic. Opt for titles that are known for their durability and can withstand daily wear and tear. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are excellent choices due to their hardness and resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture.
Maintenance – Kitchens require frequent cleaning, so it’s essential to choose tiles that are easy to maintain. Smooth, glazed tiles are typically easier to clean than textured ones, as they do not trap dirt and grime as easily. Porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles are all low-maintenance options that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Slip Resistance – Safety is paramount in a kitchen, where spills are common. Opt for tiles with a slip-resistant surface to prevent accidents. Textured tiles or those with a matte finish typically offer better traction than glossy tiles.
Budget – Budget is always a key consideration when planning any home improvement project. Kitchen tiles come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that while some tiles may have higher upfront costs, their durability, and low maintenance can save you money in the long run.
Contact Us Today for Your Next Project
Choosing the right kitchen tiles can be a difficult task, by considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and practicality of your kitchen. If you’re ready to find the perfect tiles for your kitchen, contact us today to explore our extensive selection of high-quality tiles and get professional advice on making the best choice for your home.
The Benefits of Using Stone Tiles
Stone tiles have long been admired for their natural beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike. Whether you’re considering them for flooring, countertops, or wall cladding, stone tiles offer a range of benefits that can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of any space. These are the key advantages of using stone tiles in your home or business.
Durability & Longevity – One of the most significant benefits of stone tiles is their incredible durability. Natural stone can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and commercial spaces. Unlike some other flooring options, stone tiles are resistant to scratches and dents, ensuring that your investment will last for many years.
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal – Stone tiles add a timeless and elegant look to any space. Each tile is unique, with its own natural variations in color, pattern, and texture, which adds character and charm to your interiors. Whether you prefer the classic look of marble, the rustic appeal of slate, or the warm tones of travertine, there’s a stone tile to suit every style and taste.
Easy Maintenance – Stone tiles are relatively easy to maintain, especially when properly sealed. Sealing helps protect the stone from stains, moisture, and damage, making cleaning a breeze. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent are usually sufficient to keep stone tiles looking pristine. For those who prefer low-maintenance flooring options, stone tiles are an excellent choice as they require less frequent compared to other materials.
Increased Property Value – Investing in stone tiles can increase the value of your property. Their aesthetic appeal, durability, and association with luxury make them a sought-after feature in real estate. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to enhance its overall value, installing stone tiles can be a wise investment that pays off in the long run.
Versatility – Stone tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in various applications throughout your home or business. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making them a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, patios, and even pool areas. Additionally, stone tiles are available in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, and textured, allowing you to create different looks and feels in your spaces.
Transform Your Space with Stone Tiles
Stone tiles offer a range of benefits that make them a top choice for homeowners and designers. Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a new space, consider incorporating stone tiles to enjoy these benefits and more. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of high-quality stone tiles and find the perfect fit for your project. Our professional team is here to help you every step of the way, from selection to installation.
Tips for Cleaning Porcelain Tiles
How to Clean Your Porcelain Tiles
Your tiles regularly deal with things that can damage them or diminish their beauty. Things like scratches and scuffs from walking on them, dirt, dust, debris, and moisture are all common causes of issues with tiles. The best thing that anyone can do to protect their kitchen porcelain tiles is to routinely clean them. Cleaning them helps them look their best and prevent any damage to the tiles. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean your tiles properly.
Visit Our Porcelain Tile Store Today!
At Italics, we provide high-quality porcelain tiles to the Berkeley, CA area. Porcelain tiles can be used throughout your home including in the kitchen and bathroom. They are popular choices for homes all over the country because of their aesthetic appeal, moisture resistance, and durability. Our tile store carries an extensive inventory of porcelain tiles. If you are looking to invest in new flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, we have flooring products that can help. Visit us today to view our porcelain tile products!
Preventing Tiles from Cracking
Why Tiles Crack & How to Prevent It
No one likes the appearance of cracked tiles. It looks bad, traps dirt, and can cause someone to get hurt. Kitchen tiles are very popular choices for flooring though because they are durable, low maintenance, and come in many styles and patterns. So, why do tiles crack? There are many reasons tiles crack which include poor installation. This is more common than one may think. Tiles need to be installed on a well-laid substrate foundation. Improper use of expansion joints is another reason tiles crack. They must be secured to the subflooring using an adhesive that covers the entire back of the tile. If it is not, there may be weak spots and cracks can form. Cheap, low-quality tiles are a quick way to experience issues as well. Not all tiles are created equal. The saying goes, “You get what you pay for”. This is a good thing to keep in mind when buying your kitchen tiles. Heavy loads are another common culprit for why cracks form. So, be careful with putting heavy appliances on your tiles.
Now, how do you prevent these things from happening? The first thing that you can do is have your subfloor evened out and undamaged. Next, you can clean your floor with a vacuum, mop, and scrub brush. A clean surface helps to reduce the chance of cracks forming. You should avoid adhering tiles directly to plywood or cement. Lay down an anti-fracture membrane between the subfloor and your tiles to reduce potential cracking. After installation, the best thing you can do is keep the tiles clean with regular cleanings.
Visit Our Tile Showroom Today!
Italics is a kitchen tiles supplier serving the Oakland, CA area. We carry all kinds of tiles that are perfect for any kitchen including stone and porcelain tiles. Do not know what kitchen tiles are best for you? Our friendly staff would be happy to discuss what qualities you are looking for and your budget to help you determine which tile product is best for you. Visit our showroom today to view our expansive selection of stone and porcelain kitchen tiles!
Top Kitchen Tile Trends for 2021
The latest kitchen tile trends to keep an eye on this year
People all over the country spent more time in their homes than ever before in 2020. With so much time in between the same walls, many people began to take notice of things they wanted to change inside their homes. In particular, many people sought to redesign the centerpiece of their homes – their kitchens.
Your kitchen’s tile is an essential part of what creates the ambiance and feeling you want in your home. That’s why most kitchen remodels include the installation of new kitchen tile. If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen in 2021, you’re probably wondering what other homeowners are choosing for their new kitchen tile upgrade. Here are some of the top kitchen tile trends to keep an eye on in 2021:
Natural Stone
Many homeowners are opting for a more organic feel to their kitchen if they’re going to be trapped inside for much of 2021. For that reason, natural stone tile has become a popular choice for kitchen remodeling projects. Natural stone can add an authentic look and feel to your kitchen floor or backsplash. They provide a clean, fresh look that can be the perfect complement to the rest of your kitchen remodel. Popular stone tile choices include granite, slate, marble, and limestone. See why the natural look of stone tile is all the rage in 2021!
Darker Colors
White kitchen tile is starting to become a thing of the past. More and more homeowners are opting for darker tones when it comes to their kitchen tile. While white tile can provide a classic look, modern homeowners are looking to shake things up with darker colors that create a cozier, more subdued tone. Grey and black are fast becoming the most popular color options for those interested in darker kitchen tile. They actually contrast well with the look of white cabinets, tables, and countertops.
Faux is In
These days, we’re all trying to figure out how to save a buck or two. For many, that means cutting corners on expenses that could cost an arm and a leg. As you may have guessed, kitchen tile products can be an expensive addition for many homeowners. For that reason, many are looking for alternatives to an authentic tile that are more affordable than the real thing. Many homeowners are remodeling their kitchen tile with lookalike wood and marble tiles. These tiles aren’t quite the real thing, but they still produce the same look of real wood or marble tile.
A popular choice for many homeowners is porcelain tile that can mimic the look of natural hardwood. White oak plank floors also produce the look of natural hardwood without actually being real hardwood. Finally, there are even more affordable peel-and-stick flooring options to mimic the look of marble without the expensive cost or difficult installation process.
No matter what you have in mind for your kitchen remodel, you can count on Italics Tile & Stone for quality kitchen tiles you can rely on. We provide the finest selection of kitchen tiles, including stone tiles and porcelain tiles, to our customers in Oakland, CA; Berkely, CA; and Marin, CA. Call us today to find out what we have in stock.