When it comes to home renovations, especially in bathrooms, one material consistently rises to the top: tile. But what makes tile such a popular choice for these high-traffic areas? In this blog, we’ll delve into why tile remains a design favourite for homeowners looking for both beauty and practicality. Plus, we’ll tell you about one of our favourite companies, Ames Tile & Stone, and why they’re a great choice for your next flooring or wall tile project.
Note: all images courtesy of amestile.com.
Working with Ames Tile and Stone
For over a century, Ames Tile & Stone has been a cornerstone of Western Canada’s design landscape. Established in 1912, they’ve evolved into a leading tile and stone distributor.
Their unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in everything they do – from sourcing only the highest quality tiles to offering an unparalleled variety of styles, textures, and materials to bring your design vision to life. But their expertise goes beyond just products.
Their knowledgeable staff is passionate about exceptional customer service, ensuring you have the information and guidance you need to find the perfect tile or stone for your project. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a homeowner embarking on a renovation, Ames Tile & Stone provides the perfect combination of quality, design, and support to transform your space.
Built to Last: The Enduring Strength of Tile
Bathrooms are one of the hearts of any home, constantly buzzing with activity. From brushing your teeth to daily showers, these spaces demand a material that can withstand whatever the day throws at it. Tile does just that. Its superior durability makes it impervious to everyday wear and tear. Splattered toothpaste? No problem! Dropped shampoo bottle? Your bathroom tiles can take it. Unlike wood or laminate flooring, tile won’t succumb to scratches, dents, or warping, ensuring your investment remains beautiful for years to come.
Waterproofing Your Oasis
Water is a constant presence in bathrooms. Whether it’s from overflowing sinks or steamy showers, moisture can wreak havoc on flooring. Tile, with its exceptional water resistance, provides a protective barrier against moisture damage. Its non-porous surface prevents water from seeping in, safeguarding your subflooring and preventing the growth of mould and mildew. This makes tile the ideal choice for creating a healthy and hygienic environment in your home.
Easy Care Advantage of Tile
Maintaining a sparkling bathroom shouldn’t be a chore. Tile’s smooth, non-porous surface makes it incredibly easy to clean. A quick sweep or mop keeps dirt and grime at bay. Plus tile promotes a healthier environment for allergy sufferers, unlike carpets that can trap allergens in. With minimal maintenance required, tile allows you to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your beautifully renovated space.
Nature’s Inspiration: The Beauty and Versatility of Tile
Modern tile technology takes aesthetics to a whole new level. Gone are the days when you have to choose between practicality and style. Today’s tiles can mimic the luxurious look of natural stone like granite or marble, offering the same timeless elegance without the hefty price tag or demanding upkeep. Love the warmth of hardwood floors? No problem! Tiles can be crafted to replicate the rich textures and patterns of wood, providing a stunning visual without the worry of scratches or water damage.
Bathroom Tile Options from Ames Tile and Stone
Ames Tile and Stone offer a great selection of tile and stone products, including some great options for your next bathroom renovation or build.
Large Format Porcelain Tiles
These tiles create a seamless and modern look, ideal for open-concept spaces. Available in various finishes and colours.
- Example: Anima | 12″X 24″ Calacatta Oro Glazed Polished. Great for shower walls, shower floors, steam walls and steam floors.
Glass Mosaic Tiles
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Available in various colours and patterns, these tiles are perfect for accent walls or backsplashes.
- Example: Vetro D’terra | Dolomite 1.4″X 2″ Elongated Hexagon Mosaics. Great for shower walls and shower floors.
Subway Tile
A timeless classic, subway tile offers a clean and versatile look. Available in various colours, sizes, and finishes.
- Example: Bliss Brick | 3″X 12″ Cloud Glass Tile. Great for bathroom walls, shower walls, steam walls.
Non-Slip Porcelain Tiles
Designed for safety and durability, these tiles are ideal for shower floors and wet areas.
- Example: Anima | 24″X 48″ Calacatta Oro Matte. Great for shower walls, shower floors, steam walls, and steam floors with a slip resistance/DCOF of 0.55.
Natural Stone Tiles
Bring a touch of luxury to your bathroom with natural stone tiles like marble or granite. However, consider sealing them regularly for maintenance.
Mosaic Tile
Create a visually stunning shower with intricate patterns and colours using mosaic tiles.
- Example: Bliss Strip | 12″X12″ Waterfall. Great for creating a beautiful shower wall of patterned colour.
And we’re just scratching the surface! If you’re looking for more options, Nufloors offers a variety of Ames Tile & Stone products. For more design inspiration, be sure to check out our Subway Tile Alternatives post or use our room visualizer to see Ames products in your space!
Roomvo Tips: in the left menu of the room visualizer, filter by brand “Ames Tile & Stone” and select your desired Colours and Shades. You can even select the grout colour and tile pattern in the bottom menu, and compare your favourites side-by-side – all from the comfort of your home.
Local Expertise & Professional Installation
At Nufloors, we not only provide high-quality tile options but also offer professional installation services to ensure your project is completed to the highest standards. Our experienced team can handle every aspect of your tile installation (including in-floor heating), providing you with peace of mind and a beautifully finished space. We also offer in-home measurements and free estimates, taking the guesswork out of your projects.
To get started, select your closest Nufloors location and click “Free Estimate” in the top right corner.
The Perfect Choice for Your Renovation Journey
With its durability, water resistance, ease of maintenance, and stunning design versatility, tile offers a winning combination for any bathroom renovation project. Explore the vast array of colours, patterns, and textures, and let your creativity flow.
Whether you want a classic marble look or a contemporary wood-inspired design, Nufloors and Ames Tile & Stone can help you transform your home into a space that reflects your unique style and satisfies all your functional needs. So, when embarking on your next renovation journey, consider the timeless appeal and enduring strength of tile. It might just be the perfect material to turn your dream bathroom into a reality.
FAQs
What is the highest grade tile?
While the term “highest grade tile” might imply a single, universal standard, the reality is a bit more complex. Different tile types use different grading systems.
PEI Rating: This system is primarily used for porcelain tiles, indicating their resistance to abrasion. A PEI rating of 5 is the highest, suitable for heavy-traffic areas. Lower numbers indicate tiles for lighter traffic areas.
Grade 1 and Grade 2: This system is often used for ceramic tiles. Grade 1 tiles are considered premium with minimal defects, while Grade 2 tiles might have slight imperfections but are still suitable for many applications.
How to tell if the tile is good quality?
Here are some pointers to assess tile quality:
Visual Inspection: Look for consistent colour throughout the tile, with no cracks, chips, or warping. The edges should be straight and even.
Water Absorption: Higher quality tiles, especially porcelain, will have a very low water absorption rate.
Surface Finish: A smooth, consistent finish is generally desirable, though some variations might be stylistic choices.
Breaking Strength: Gently tapping two tiles together should produce a clear, ringing sound, indicating good density and strength.
Which tiles last the longest?
Generally, porcelain tiles are considered the most durable and long-lasting, with a lifespan exceeding 50 years when properly installed and cared for. Here’s why:
Low Water Absorption: Porcelain’s low water absorption makes it resistant to cracking, warping, and damage from moisture.
High Break Strength: These tiles are denser and more resistant to chipping or breaking compared to other tile types.
Scratch and Stain Resistant: Porcelain’s hard surface makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, ensuring a beautiful appearance for years to come.
Remember, while porcelain is a great choice for durability, it’s important to choose the right tile for your specific needs and application. Consider factors like traffic level, desired aesthetics, and budget when making your selection.
