BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS AND FLOORING

 Cultured marble products are the most common materials used for bathroom countertops offering solid, marble and granite patterns.  Most products are available with the same or contrasting bowl color, with an undermount bowl style or a straight countertop with a vessel sink.  Some of these products can also be used in the bath on the floor, walls and in shower areas.  All products used for kitchen countertops are also available and popular within the bathroom.

CULTURED MARBLE:
Cultured marble vanity tops are beautiful and the most cost effective.  Warranties range from 3 years to lifetime.  Cultured marble is available in many colors with a semi-gloss or matte finish and share the contraction and expansion characeristics of natural marble.  Attention to extreme water temperature changes is most important.
www.cartinclassicmarble.com
www.inprocorp.com
www.bertchcabinetry.com

SOLID SURFACE:
As with cultured marble, solid surface materials are available for not only sinks, but also for countertops, shower and tub walls, tub decks, window sills and sheet stock.  Solid surface is an acrylic modified polyester which provides the flexibility of acrylic.  The surface is non-porous and does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria.  Because the surface is solid throughout it is easy to renew and repair and best of all --- easy to clean!
www.inprocorp.com
www.avonitesurfaces.com
www.countertops.DuPont.com
www.lghimacs.com
www.nssurfaces.com

TILE PRODUCTS:
Before making any decisions as to your choice of tile it is very important that you read and thoroughly understand the installataion, care and maintenance so as to not void any possible future warranty issues.

Tile comes in all major product types including floor, wall, mosiacs, glass and decorative tiles.
These products are available in an unbelievably large selection of colors, patterns and textures.   Each type is made from a different composition, and that is what determines the tile's body color, texture and density.

There are three basic types of tile.  Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass.  Of the three, ceramic and porcelain confuse consumers the most.  The term "ceramic"  is often used as a generic name for all types of tile.  But the composition of true ceramic is very different from that of the other types.  This composition is then processed with heat to create the sodified product.  Since ceramic material is porous, the top surface is usually sealed with a glaze.  The glazed surface is referred to as the design layer since it determines the tile's finished color design and texture.  Color is on the surface only , NOT throughout.

Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, and when properly installed and cared for, it wil last longer than any non-tile material used for the same purpose.  It is also one of the easiest surfaces to clean, and because of its composition, it will not absorb odors, nor support allergens or bacteria.  Also, it will not burn, emit toxic fumes or scorch.

True porcelain tile is finely ground sand.  Unlike ceramic, processing of the porcelain composition involve pressure and extremely high temperature.  The end result is a very dense, glass-like material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.  Because of its density and composition of natural ingredients, porcelain tile has all the same excellent qualities of glazed ceramic.  Color is throughout.  Porcelain is the product of choice for outdoor use or in very  humid environments.

Glass tile is gaining in popularity over ceramic tile as the surface of choice as it brings depth, luminescence and a liquid character to your project.  It may be more expensive than other tile but it can be just as strong and long lasting as ceramic tile.  It comes with a mesh-mounted waterproof backing for easy installation.  Glass tile is not porous so it does not absorb moisture.  Moisture penetration is the enemy of any tile project since it can spell mold and mildew.  It is generally used for backsplash or wall installation.
www.decotile.com
www.mohawktile.com
www.sarktile.com
www.dttiles.com
www.alufenusa.com
www.vitromex.com
www.armisnaturalstone.com

BE SURE TO READ ALL LABELS BEFORE APPLYING ANYTING TO YOUR STONE SURFACES.
Preserving the natural beauty of your stone requires simple care and maintenance.  Use coasters  under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.  Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stone.  Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface.  Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch surfaces.  Most mineral surfaces are porous and soak up fluids like a sponge.  A penetrating seal must be applied annually to stone before use of products.  Even after the application of a sealer some stone surface are still susceptible to staining.  Stone is a common term that classifies marble, granite, slate, terra cotta, limesetone and pavers.

STONE CARE RECOMMENDATIONS:  Check to make sure stone has a sealer applied to it before using any cleaning products.  Always use clean mops, sponges, towels or rags and replace them as regularly.   Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining and etching.    

SOME ITEMS THAT CAN DAMAGE STONE SURFACES are soda, juices, alcoholic beverages, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, rock salt, sand, shaving cream, perfume/cologne, polish remover, dishwashing soap, hair perm chemicals, shampoos and body soap that contain EDTA, tooth-paste, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, household cleaning products and any fluid that contains an acid or alkali.

DURACERAMIC:
DuraCeramic offers endless design possibilities for your home by giving you the choice of creating a floor using 8 " tiles only or in combination with 16" tiles to create a unique look.  These tiles can be used with or without grout application.  If the grouted look is desired, it is recommended by the manufacturer to use acrylic grout which is available in 16 colorations.  This not only provides terrific adhesion to each tile but it is less likely to crack than traditional sanded grout.  It is also more resistant to staining than traditional grout.

DuraPlank combines strength and durability with warmth and beauty of real wood.  Designed
to resist moisture, DuraPlank is the perfect choice for any room in your home where water exists.  Including kitchens, baths, basements and laundry rooms because it has a slight abrasive texture which reduces slipping.  The natural look of wood, with easy maintenance makes DuraPlank the perfect product choice for your lifestyle.  The combination of DuraPlank wood look with the DuraCeramic tile look will create a look that is truly yours alone.
www.mohawk.com

Grout will impact the durability and look of tile installation.  Epoxy grouts are becoming popular for use with glass tile because of their longevity, strength, and relationship with glass.  Some specialized glass tile grout is non-porous and non-absorbent.  Although the epoxy grout may cost a little more initially it can pay off in the long run because of the need for little maintenance and because it does not fade.  it may be a little more difficult to install so you must think this decision through before committing to your selection of tile and grout.

Custom Builder Products makes ceramic tile and stone grout - polyblend standard and non-sanded, saltillo and 100% solids epoxy grout.
www.custombuildingproducs.com

Mapei Bio block antimicrobial protection is a sealant.
www.mapei.com

TEC Speciality manufactures variations of color in sanded, unsanded and spoxy grout.
www.tecspeciality.com

Aqua Mix manufacturers several sealing, cleaning, enhancing and restoring products to guarantee that your grout retains its original beauty.
www.aquamix.com

FLOOR HEATING PRODUCTS
The usage of "Nuheat" and "Warm tiles" makes for a pleasant electric floor warming system for tile, stone, laminates and engineered wood floors.  These systems are availabale in programmable and non-programmable kits.  They may be installed directly over plywood, concrete or cement backerboard substrate affording for the capability of spot warming the walkable areas accurately and simply.
www.nuheat.com


www.warmtiles.com