All American Restoration and Painting, LLC

There are many options for tile. Depending on your application, some may be better than others. If you are looking to tile areas where there will be moisture, make sure you are using a tile that is non-absorbent, or ensure you seal the tile with a good sealant. Here are some of your options:

Ceramic tile is made from clay that is baked at very high temperatures, resulting in an attractive and very hard surface. Ceramic tile can be made to look a couple different ways. You can glaze the top which will give it a glass like look and feel or the tile can be left untreated for a more natural, rustic appeal. Overall, ceramic tile is very low maintenance, particularly in terms of keeping the surface clean. Ceramic tile can be kept clean with water and a damp cloth or mop. Ceramic tile is also naturally fire resistant and can actually help to maintain a structure in the event of a fire, making it popular choice of flooring material.

Over the years, porcelain tile has become increasingly popular. The production and manufacturing process has rendered a stronger, more durable tile versus other tiles. Water absorbency rates are less, which enables porcelain to better withstand the elements. Porcelain also is extremely durable and less prone to scratches and wear and tear.

Most times, when you think of a quarry or unglazed tile, you may think of an Italian pizza oven, or baking stone. Well, they are not just used for baking pizzas anymore! Quarry tiles are not produced in a quarry as you might be led to believe. They are manufactured. High quality quarry tiles are made from a mixture of natural ingredients including clays, shales and feldspar. Because high quality quarry tiles are extruded and unglazed, they are both naturally appealing and very practical. These tiles are slip resistant and are an excellent choice for areas subject to heavy spills and moisture, simply by applying a penetrating sealer. They also perform well in outdoor applications, even in extreme climates. (For areas susceptible to heavy spills and moisture you may choose to seal the tile with a penetrating sealer.)

Talavera tile is 100% handcrafted, hand glazed, and hand painted. It has its origins in 17th century Mexico with the arrival of the Spaniards, who introduced new methods of tile and pottery making; given birth to the name: Talavera tile or pottery. Talavera tile has been used extensively in the central colonial cities of Mexico since its origins in 1656, embellishing cathedrals, public spaces, and private luxurious haciendas. Handcrafted Mexican talavera ceramic tile achieves a level of old world craftsmanship that is elegant, and timeless; it can be used to cover an entire surface and influence the mood of a space.

Saltillo tile is a handmade clay tile. Saltillo is very soft and extremely porous. It ranges in color from yellows through (the) reds and even browns. Originally Saltillo tile was sealed with linseed oil which darkens it.  When Saltillo tile started to become a common floor covering, shiny topcoat sealers were applied to give the tiles a shiny appearance as well as being sealed. Generally a clear coating will not darken the tiles. Saltillo tile is a very delicate floor covering. Unlike most other floor tiles, Saltillo tiles are not baked in a high-temperature kiln. They are, rather, air dried in the sun and semi-cooked in the pits left by the quarrying of clay, or they are cooked in makeshift “beehive” kilns. The tiles are, therefore, extremely soft and crumble easily. Saltillo tiles impart a rustic look that no other material can match. If you live in cold weather climates, you should not use Saltillo tiles outdoors, as they are not naturally frost-proof.

Terrazzo tiles are one of the most popular (and used) tiling products used in the market these days. (The t) Terrazzo tile is constructed by mixing quartz, granite, marble and glass chips together in a cement binder. The mixture is poured into templates and frames, allowed to dry out and are then cured and polished to form beautiful, durable and strong tiles. Since terrazzo tiles can be tailor-made to order, it is possible for customers to achieve exact patterns and styles to meet their design needs and preferences. Terrazzo tiles are one of the most resilient tiles available in the market and are far stronger than stone and ceramic styles.

Quartz is one of earth's strongest natural materials. Quartz tile is so strong, it stands up to the most demanding wear conditions. The natural sheen adds beauty while creating one of the lowest maintenance flooring options available. The high composition of quartz crystals in quartz tile creates a high traction surface, so there will be no worry of slipping on wet surfaces. Quartz has natural pigments that give many color, pattern, and textures (options). Quartz is naturally heat, scratch, mold, mildew, and stain resistant.

Mosaics can be made out of any type of tile. (such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or glass.) Mosiacs make beautiful focal points, as well as adding an artistic and sophisticated look to any room.  They can be made as flooring, wall coverings, backsplashes, or countertops. They can be put in any room in your house, and not look out of place. Mosiacs can come pre-fabricated on paper, so all the installer would have to do is cut to fit, and grout. They can also be created piece by piece. Mosiacs can easily become very labor intensive, especially if the mosaic is being created piece by piece, so be aware. The look of a mosaic tile design is simply breathtaking, and will usually outweigh the cost.

Marble is a "relative" of limestone. Heat and pressure over the course of a million or so years, changes the rock from limestone to marble. Marble is a naturally decorative material with vein-like patterns that may vary depending on the minerals that were present during the process. These patterns offer the unique appearance known to many, as well as the rich range of colors that are some of the most vibrant available in any natural stone.
Granite is formed from liquid magma, which is the molten rock still found at the core of the planet. When the core pushes the magma toward the surface of the earth, it forms the substance we know as granite. Granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over millions of years, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface all over the world. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Granite is the hardest of all natural stones with a very dense grain, allowing for interior use anywhere. If polished, its high-gloss finish will endure even in harsh environments. These characteristics are ideal for countertops and flooring, making granite a very useful and reliable stone.

Limestone tiles are a truly natural flooring option and are formed as a sedimentary rock that constitutes about 10% of the sedimentary rock exposed on the earth's surface. Limestone tiles are formed by crystallization of water, or by the accumulation of shell and shell fragments. Limestone tiles are usually light colored, however with impurities such as iron oxides and organic materials, they can take on a variety of colors and surface markings. Limestone tiles have been used as a building material for many generations, and is gaining popularity as a sophisticated flooring material offering the timeless qualities only possible with natural materials.

Travertine is a relatively hard stone. It is a relative of limestone that is deposited by hot springs. The stone is characterized by tiny crevices, pitted holes and veins of contrasting color. Once it has been quarried it is cut for use in construction. Much like limestone, travertine can be ordered in various thicknesses. Travertine tile will vary in quality, density, porosity and hardness. These qualities should be considered in conjunction with their intended use. (High traffic and outdoor applications, for example, should use a harder stone.)