PROPERTY NEWS - You're not limited to run-of-the-mill factory-produced ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl floor tiles.
Concrete tiling, though long established, is lesser known in the world of interior design, but offers a wider range of applications than most.
Mimi Rupp, founder of Stone etc., uncovers all there is to know about using concrete tiles in your home. "Concrete tiles can be used just about anywhere, indoors or out, including floors, walls, fireplace surrounds, pools and patios, shower enclosures, countertops, backsplashes, and building façades," she explains. "In many cases, concrete tile sizes, finishes, and colours can be customised to suit your design."
You can find concrete tile patterns that fit any room size. You're not limited to standard-sized squares. Although you can certainly recreate the look of tiles with repeating squares, concrete allows more versatility, such as cut-outs and
embeds, imprinted patterns and three-dimensional sculptural designs.
You're not limited to a predetermined colour palette as is typical with factory-produced tile. With concrete, you can customise the colour of your tiles to work with your décor.
Stone etc. stocks SmartStone products, whose manufacturer offers a multitude of colour options, ranging from soft natural earth tones to vibrant cherry reds. "You can go with a uniform colour or add more character by dreaming up a custom colour blend," says Rupp.
One of the best attributes of concrete is its ability to be tailored to any budget. Certainly, there are types of ceramic or vinyl tiles that may cost less, but you'll generally have to make sacrifices in quality and design versatility. "We often work with clients to find a way to produce the look that fits their budget and design needs," says Rupp.
Concrete is one of the most durable and long-lasting surfaces around. It is an optimal flooring surface not just for homes, but also for offices and retail environments because it can resist wear and tear, heavy foot traffic, stains, and moisture. "Concrete tiles are also ideal to be used in conjunction with standard underfloor heating systems," explains Rupp. "Concrete is a very good conductor of heat."
Concrete tiles can, for the most part, be installed like other types of tile.
The maintenance requirements for concrete tiles will vary depending on the application and whether the tiles are used on an exterior or interior surface. For example, concrete tiles used as an interior wall cladding will require very little maintenance, while tiles used on a floor or countertop, or on an exterior surface exposed to the elements, will require regular cleaning and resealing to keep them looking their best.
- Concrete tiles are a bit heavier than its ceramic counterparts.
- To prevent staining, it is advisable to seal concrete tile surfaces with a penetrating sealer before grouting. This will also make it easier to spread the grout and assist easy clean-up.
- Always test a coloured grout on a spare piece of tile to be sure that the grout pigment does not stain the tile surface.
- After beginning tile installation, remove a piece of tile to inspect the coverage of adhesive you are getting on the back. Ideally, it should be covering 90% to 100% of the surface.
- Due to the weight of concrete, when installing it on walls you will need to support each tile to avoid slipping.
