RVA Tile - Professional tile installation for your home
RVA Tile – Locally Owned Professional Tile Installers
For a free quote, contact us at 804-455-8219
RVa Tile – The best tile contractor in the Richmond area. No job too big or too small. Our Richmond Virginia based operation covers all facets of tile work. Call us at 804-455-8219 to get a free quote.
Additionally, we understand the importance of good communication, which sadly is lacking in the contractor industry. We will return your calls promptly, carefully coordinate scheduling, and follow up. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Types of Tile
Every tile design has unique defining features. The most common varieties include:
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is great for a long-term investment property, thanks to its extreme durability. Ceramic comes from clay that has been quarried and prepared into a mold. The mold is then slushed, extruded, or dry pressed to form the final flooring product. A slush mold is a mixture of wet clay molded and hardened in a kiln. Extruded ceramic tiles are made from slightly wet materials that are squeezed out into a mold. As for the dry press method, dry materials are compressed by exposing them to extreme pressure.
The traditional ceramic (non-porcelain) tile can be manufactured with red, brown, white clay, among other minerals. But when white dust, sand or feldspar is included, it is considered to be porcelain-ceramic tile. Feldspar is a kind of crystal that is derived from rock. It acts as the flux during dry-pressing and melts into a glass-like substance, hence connecting the rest of the components. The melted material is modified to produce a variety of designs. For instance, glazed ceramic has semi-gloss or matte achieved through double-firing and another procedure known as Monocuttura.
Porcelain Tiles
This is a more expensive tile than ceramic and is also harder to work on. Porcelain has a natural appeal like that of wood, brick, or stone. It has an elegant finish that doesn’t wear out easily and demands very little maintenance. Anyone looking for all-purpose tiling should opt for porcelain. Most porcelain tiles are made the same way as ceramic tiles. Encaustic, terra cotta, and Saltillo tiles are examples of porcelain flooring.
Glass Tiles
The greatest quality of glass tile is stain resistance, making it a great alternative to natural stone surfaces. Wiping solids and liquid spills from a glass tile surface is a breeze. Glass tiles are naturally clean and minimalistic. The only disadvantage is when the edges start to chip away. But installing glass tile in low-traffic areas can reduce this issue. Smaller applications like desks and tabletops, backsplashes, and fireplaces are the best targets for glass tiles.
Cement Tile
Since the early 19th Century, cement tiles have been used in all kinds of buildings. They are still popular in contemporary architecture, remodeling, and tile repair. Being an extremely versatile option, cement offers amazing colors, patterns, and styles. However, it is very absorbent, so it must be sealed to prevent discoloration by liquids. The installation of cement tiles is no easy feat; high-level expertise is recommended. Moreover, the surface needs constant sealing to keep it in pristine condition. It is best to use cement tiles in small quantities and only in low-traffic areas.
Mosaic Tiles
Homeowners looking to enhance their interior design have always incorporated mosaic tiles in their plans. There are numerous colors, shapes, sizes, and materials for mosaic tiles. They are not only applicable to the flooring but also accent walls. They look great if used sparingly, depending on the pattern or color, to avoid a monotonous look.
Natural Stone Tiles
Like the name suggests, natural stone tiles come from natural ingredients quarried and sliced into appropriate sizes. The source of a natural stone has everything to do with the characteristics and qualities of the tile. Common natural stones for tiles are as follows:
Granite Tiles: Granite is a very dense and hard material with a distinctive appearance resulting from the minerals embedded within. The tiles showcase unique veining with varied hues. Almost impenetrable, the polished surface of granite is highly resistant to minor scratches. It is, therefore, perfect for kitchen floors, bathrooms, and other busy areas.
Marble Tiles: Marble is a metamorphic rock with deep veining and comes in different colors. Unlike granite, marble is impervious; thus, it cannot make a great flooring option for more frequented areas.
Limestone Tiles: They are manufactured from sedimentary rock, coming with an earthy appeal in light and dark shades. Limestone tiles are lighter than both granite and marble and are more prone to scratching and staining.
Travertine Tiles: These are a unique kind of limestone tiles with crystalline silhouettes and earthy tones. But their surfaces, featuring divots, are very soft and porous. Special care is needed to protect travertine tiles from stains and scratches. It is possible to attain a polished look by filling the voids in travertine tiles.