Tile
It is probably the most used and overlooked piece of interior design in the home and office. It is found in residential settings from apartments to private houses, schools and government buildings.
It is the ceramic floor tile. Whether you are interested in Porcelain, Ceramic, Travertine, Marble or Granite flooring, R.L. Peterson Construction has the suppliers and expertise to help you find the correct product for your taste, requirements and budget. More importantly we guarantee the craftsmanship that goes into the final product. The most popular floor tiles are ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. True porcelain is composed of finely ground sand treated under high temperature and pressure. The end product is similar to glazed ceramic in terms of density, water resistant property and smooth, glassy appearance. Its very low water absorption rate (normally 0.5% or less) will protect it even during the winter season. Porcelain is denser and stronger than ceramic. This inherent strength requires special tools to cut, shape, and install it.
Porcelain
Porcelain is priced slightly higher than glazed and is best suited for bathrooms. A “through-body” porcelain tile has the same color from the surface to its inner layers. The color will not change when chipped, cracked or scratched. On the other hand, a glazed or “design layer” tile has a colored coating on the surface. If a porcelain tile is cracked or chipped, the underlying layer will reveal a different color. The difference is important especially if the warranty covers tile replacement.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are still constructed they were thousands of years ago, using clay, minerals, water and heat. Ceramic tiles do not burn. They are durable, easy to clean and replace, and exude a quality of luxury. The great thing about clay is its abundance in different parts of the world. It is moldable when mixed with water and becomes dense and hard when baked. This transition from plasticity to permanent hardness, while remaining lightweight and decorative made it perfect flooring material. Glazed, as the name suggests, have a thin veneer of vitreous material fused on the tile’s surface to strengthen its structural integrity and add a decorative polish. This coating over the tile body, or bisque, is a liquid glass material that is brushed on and fired or baked. The baked patina is responsible for its tactile texture, color and protection from staining. It also seals the porous surface that is the result of the tile-baking process. Glazed ceramic flooring is fire and scratch resistant. Dirt, odors and stains can easily be removed with a mop or damp washcloth.
Marble
Marble can be a beautiful option to ceramic tile. Although marble slabs are rarely the same the distinct features and natural stone origin make it expressive and can immediately give your home or office a cool, rustic or even minimalist ambience. The mention of the world “marble tiles” conjures images of centuries-old grandeur and majesty.
Granite
Granite is also appreciated for its hardness and random colored specks that are scattered throughout its surface. Granite is a magmatic rock, formed when molten rock solidifies. Quartz and crystal granules are some of the components of granite rock. This makes no two granite pieces alike and adds to its distinct appeal. Marble and granite must be polished or honed so that natural light will bounce and provide a lustrous sheen to the tiles. Granite’s chemical and mechanical characteristics make it a strong flooring material, especially for areas of high traffic.
Turkish stone, travertine and cobblestones give kitchens and dining room space an earthy, rustic feel. Swirling beige tones mingle with creamy textures to create a soft contemporary ambience.
Office Floor Tiles
Floor tile development has taken a quantum leap since the 13th century. Technology has now created an entire industry on flooring solutions, treatments and coatings. Tiles for different purposes are now everywhere: retail stores, school gymnasiums, sports centers, badminton and tennis courts, swimming pools, warehouses, garages, factories, shops, libraries, hospitals, spas, patios, balconies, cellars, helipads and garages. Office flooring requires materials that are non-slip to prevent injuries. They must also be immune to normal wear and tear.