http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com en-us http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com N/A allan@ebookresellerkit.com Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:56:50 CDT 20 http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1449/1/Installing-ceramic-tiles ceramic tiles are used in every modern home or buildings. Tiles are generally used for covering roofs, floors, and walls, or other objects such as tabletops for decoration. It is used by the builders for it's beauty and durability. It is very easy to install a ceramic tile; you don't need to employ a professional tile fixer. Ronald Clarke Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1442/1/Wholesale-Ceramic-Tiles As a homeowner, one knows what an awful amount of hardwork goes into making the kitchen and bathroom the best they can be. Thus, when searching for a flooring material for these areas, one looks for omething that will combine strength and durability with timeless good looks. This is exactly what a ceramic tile offers and it is hard to beat all the virtues of ceramic tiles. the choice with ceramic tile is also huge and choosing the tile could be the hardest part of a tile project. There are literally thousands and thousands of colors, sizes, styles, shapes and grades from which one must choose. Ronald Clarke Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1440/1/Can-tiles-be-installed-in-a-mobile-home Mobile homes embody the fastest-growing housing type in the United States, and air conditioning the fastest-growing residential energy load. This amalgamation of trends should capture the attention of utilities trying to contain peak loads, especially in the South, where the majority of mobile homes are located. It's cooling season, and if figures are any indication, utilities, energy technicians, and HVAC contractors will be spending more time than usual dealing with mobile homes this summer. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1439/1/Can-I-lay-tiles-on-wooden-floors Home owners love the appearance and feel of wood floors. Wood floors are not only attractive and durable, but they are cleaner and are a big help for those with allergies. Wood floors have also been known to add to the value of one's home. Since wood is a natural essence and can be finished to look like new, wood floors are extremely durable. Wood floors almost by no means need to be replaced and can usually be doctored in such a way that they can be restored. Warmer than stone or tiles, wood can be painted, sealed or stained in darker shades or scrubbed for a paler gaze. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1438/1/Can-I-lay-tiles-on-vinyl Vinyl opus tiles are inexpensive, virtually indestructible, and easier to install than most other flooring materials. Once you find out a few special techniques, you can create an infinite variety of special patterns. Vinyl flooring looks enormous and is one of the most hard-wearing coverings you can buy. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1437/1/Can-I-lay-new-tiles-over-old-ones Flooring is a most important part of any kitchen or bathroom, so it's important to carefully select the material that best suits your needs. The one that you are concerned now is the use of tiles. Permanence and continuance are also very important aspects. Kitchen and bath floors get heavier convention than any other floors in the house. They have to be up to the task of treatment heavy foot traffic, spills of all kinds, potential water damage from overflowing sinks and tubs, as well as heavy things being dropped on them. And just like any other floor, daily dirt buildup can scratch, etch, or make your floor look dull. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1436/1/Can-I-drill-a-hole-in-a-tile The symphony of ceramic tiles is as diverse as there are countries in the globe. For this cause, there is no one solitary answer on how to drill a hole in ceramic tile. There is, conversely, one drill tad that certainly will go in the course of each and every tile, but you may have great intricacy locating it. Several ceramic tiles have a moderately pliable inner core and a thin hard shiny finish on the outer surface that you look at. These are extremely easy to drill all the way through. The easiest tiles to drill into are incredibly soft tiles that are often bringing into being in homes built in the southwestern division of the USA. Regularly these contain no shiny surface or a very thin satin finish. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1435/1/Can-floor-tiles-be-used-on-the-wall Tiles are a combination of clays that are hard-pressed into form and ablaze at far above the ground temperatures which gives the tile its stiffness. The potage of ceramic tile may then be glassy, or left unglazed depending on its anticipated use. Tile expressions can be perplexing. A good number types of tiles that are prepared from clay or a blend of clay and other material, then kiln-fired, are painstaking to be a part of the larger categorization called "Ceramic Tiles". These tiles can be come apart into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are repeatedly referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, different from porcelain tiles. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1434/1/Backsplash-ceramic-kitchen-tile An idiosyncratic tile backsplash has the capability to generate a crucial apex in your kitchen or soggy bar and actually dress-up or jazz up your furnishings for an individual look. The vicinity that a backsplash covers is in fact not so huge, so your outlay is little compared to the visual brunt one can accomplish. Most kitchens look so very alike, and all kitchens that are actually used acquire their allocate splatters and drips, so a ceramic tile, mosaic glass tile, stainless steel or artistic metal backsplash makes fine sense too.  One can obtain some immense ideas for scheming a tile backsplash by looking at some of the ceramic tile artist's websites examples. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1433/1/Are-cheap-tiles-good To be very specific we get what we pay for. This means that there many lots of tiles cheap and costly. We just have to choose. It is nit that we do not get good things in cheap rate but generally we get what we pay for. Insipid tinted tiles with a murky biscuit may let the biscuit color smirk through. For floors a group of tiles aren\'t really tough enough for e.g. a kitchen. In that type of atmosphere one should use quarry tiles or the entirely vitrified form. For bathroom, a good number of tiles are appropriate but one should shun shiny smooth finishes on the floor to evade a bad fall. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1432/1/Making-tile-cuts-on-the-cutter-board Making tile on the cutter board is again very easy process to practice, if we have the tools, which are necessary to execute the process then thing become easier. For cutting tiles, one should mark the tile before the adhesive is applied to that section.  One should fail in the accuracy so it is suggestible to use a tape measure, a pencil and a tile or two, mark the area on the tile that must be cut. For going around pipes use a tile nipper and slowly snipped small pieces of tile. Tile cutter is mainly used to cut tile in straight pieces or in half I used a tile cutter. Tile cutters make cutting tiles much easier and keep the cut lines straight and square. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1431/1/Making-cuts-with-a-tile-saw Tile saw is one of the most important tool which is mainly used for cutting purpose. These tile comes in three basic styles, these includes small fixed tray saws, where the tile is pushed across the blade like a table saw another one is standard Sliding Tray saws, where the tile is placed on a tray with rollers and pushed across the blade. And the last one is overhead Rail Saws, where the tile remains stationary and the blade is drawn across the tile. There are advantages for each of the saw the smaller fixed tray saws are inexpensive, light, and perfect for smaller jobs. A larger, sliding-tray tile saw is preferable for a tile-setting professional. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1430/1/Installing-tile-backer-board Installing tile backer itself plays very important when its talks about the correct installation. There are many types of backerboard products, which are suitable for use with ceramic tile. Among them we will focus on two of the most popular products which are 1/2" thick, water resistant greenboard sheetrock and cementitious type ceramic tile backerboards which is recommended from the manufacturer. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1426/1/Ceramic-wall-tile Concept of ceramic wall tiles is of old days, the term wall tile is normally applied to finishing tiles Wall tiles are usually glazed to bring attractive look and are often patterned by painting or embossing. Modern ceramic wall tiles are fixed to a wall using a synthetic bonding agent tile adhesive for dry areas, or a cement-based mortar for areas prone to moisture, such as bath or shower walls. The spaces between the tiles are filled with a fine cement called unsanded grout. The excess of grout is scraped off with a hard rubber block called a float immediately after applying and further, the grout is wiped again with a moist sponge before it completely hardens. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1425/1/Ceramic-tile-kitchen If some one wants to make its kitchen beautiful and admirable then ceramic tile is a Glazed, porcelain, quarry, or mosaic. Ceramic tile kitchen counter tops are versatile, practical, and available in a myriad of different colors, shapes, patterns, and finishes. Whether you want to create a design-savvy look, an upscale appearance, a country flavor, or artistic ambience, ceramic tile kitchen countertops can be the right choice for a work surface that's high in style and low in maintenance. Ceramic tile counter tops are also a smart solution for completing your kitchen remodeling and cabinet refacing project, since many types of tile offer sensible durability plus the convenience of heat resistance. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1418/1/Painting-ceramic-bathroom-tile If you have grown tired of the look of your ceramic tile and want to have some change then you can paint your tile, painting can save the expense of tiling over the existing tile or replacing it. While you should certainly leave painting ceramic, tile shower and tub walls to the specialists. You can repaint ceramic wall tile yourself in a half bath, kitchen, or other room provided that the tile is not directly exposed to water and is still having good condition. The key to success in this process is very careful preparation and using the right primer and paint. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1417/1/Mexican-ceramic-Tile Mexican ceramic tile includes Mexican Antigua, Mexican Talavera and Mexican Mission or Renondo. These Mexican tile have variety of design to attract the customer, these tiles are very durable and very easy to install. The rustic charm of Mexico warms your home or business with hand painted with traditional and modern designs and natural clay tile, each tile is glazed, and then fired once more to increase the depth, richness and permanence of the color to look more attractive. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1416/1/Ceramic-tile-design One could discover their unique ceramic hand painted tiles, which provide charm, add interest and engage the viewer by taking them to a different time and place. Richly colored and unique hand painted tile designs of peacocks, birds, gazelles, fish and flowers can be installed in any wall of your home. so to make it more decorative and sustainable these  tiles  are  painted with vivid colors, glazed, and fired at 1850 degrees Fahrenheit, so that the colors are permanently sealed in, and don't wash away. Perfect for backsplashes and wall installations, tabletops, fireplace tiles and bathroom walls and many more. Ronald Clarke Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1356/1/Should-I-use-tile-spacers Yes, you should use tile spacers. While positioning tiles, it is best to bed them well into an adhesive and place a tile spacer at each corner in order to keep the spacing even. Ronald Clarke Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1355/1/Should-I-seal-my-tiles Yes, sealing the grout in ceramic tile floors is very important. Floor tiles are made by various processes, but most of the ceramic floor tiles are made by "dust pressing," wherein hardly any moisture is left in the clay prior to firing. Tiles made in this manner are so dense that they are nearly water-proof which means that they do not accept any sealer. The problem that we face has to seal the grout joints while keeping the sealer away from the tiles because if sealer is allowed to dry on the surface of tiles, it will leave a gummy mess. Ronald Clarke Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1354/1/Removing-Ceramic-Tiles Removing tiles is always a very risky job. The removal of the first tile is the most risky job. Once you have removed the first one, the rest will come out with fewer problems. If the tiles are set into a mortar (cement) bed on the wall, or are glued to a rigid cement-based board, you may have no choice but to break them off. Ronald Clarke Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1353/1/Painting-Ceramic-Tiles If you've grown tired with the look of your ceramic tile or you want to change your decor, painting can save the expense of tiling over the existing tile or replacing it. While you should certainly leave painting ceramic tile shower and tub walls to the specialists, you can repaint ceramic wall tile yourself in a half bath, kitchen, or other room provided that the tile is not directly exposed to water and is still in good condition. The key to success is very careful preparation and using the right primer and paint. Believe it or not, you can paint on any surface, provided that you have the correct primer applied to a prepared surface. Ronald Clarke Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1352/1/Laying-Ceramic-Tiles As an owner you know a lot of hard work goes into making the kitchen and bathroom. When you are searching for floor material for these areas that combines strength and durability, it\'s hard to beat all the qualities of ceramic tile. Sometimes if even a single tile on your kitchen or bathroom wall breaks it can make the whole room look completely unattractive. Ronald Clarke Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1298/1/Cutting-Ceramic-Tile In order to cut ceramic tiles there are various safety measures which should be always kept in mind for security reasons. When cutting tiles, one should always wear safety glasses as the ceramic surface can produce sharp splinters. The tiles around the edge of the main area requires to be cut, as will tiles to fit the contours of other items like washbasins and pipes. Ronald Clarke Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1297/1/Ceramic-Tile-Flooring Being a homeowner you know a lot of hard work goes into making the kitchen and bathroom the best they can be.  Often when you are in search for a flooring material for these areas which combines strength and durability with timeless good looks, it's very hard to beat all the virtues of ceramic tile. Often when a single tile on your kitchen or bathroom wall breaks it makes the whole room look completely unsightly. Ronald Clarke Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1294/1/Tile-setter Tile setters construct long lasting surfaces with ceramic tile. Since it is water resistant, ceramic tile is most often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.  It is also used in exterior work, like patio floors, exterior veneers, and sometimes around swimming pools and spas. In profitable buildings, such as shopping malls, tile may also be used on plaza floors. Tile setting needs a solid, flat surface such as plywood or a concrete floor.  While preparing walls and countertops, tile setters float a strong concrete base by applying waterproof paper to the wall or counter top. They afterward cut reinforced wire mesh and tack it down. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1293/1/Should-I-tile-under-my-toilet With an almost limitless choice of patterns, textures and colors to please even the most fastidious tastes, bathroom tiles are the obvious choice for lining your bathroom or shower area. Even though some people consider leaving it to the professionals, most bathrooms can be tiled in a weekend, even if you have had no previous tiling experience. It is imperative that the walls are clean, sound and dry. The surface should be as flat as probable and therefore you will need to remove any wallpapering and coat any flaking paint with a stabilizing primer. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1292/1/How-to-use-tile-spacers Tile is a tremendously versatile surface covering that can be used over floors, ceilings, countertops, hearths, and shower and bath enclosures. When installing tile above a concrete floor, make sure that the slab is level, properly cured, and free of any dirt, wax, or curing compounds. If it is cracked or spoiled in any way, repair it before laying the tile. When installing tile above wooden sub flooring, the bonding surface must be exterior-grade plywood. The plywood should carry the finish floor thickness to a minimum of 1"; it must be solid, with minimal deflection. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1291/1/How-to-use-tile-nippers Tile nippers are used to create circular cuts in ceramic tile. They can also be used to create straight or angled cuts although you will find it much easier to use a tile cutter or wet saw to make these types of cuts. Forever wear eye protection as very sharp fragments of the tile can shoot from the cut as it is being made. In some cases it is not probable to mark the tile cut directly. If this is the case, you will require making a template using a piece of cardboard and then transfer those markings to the tile. Some tiles have very sleek surfaces and it can be difficult to mark the tile cut you need made. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1290/1/How-to-size-tile-joints The accessible tile must be firmly set. Tile joints ought to be clean and free of all thin-set mortar, dust and foreign matter. Pursue the mixing ratio shown in the Technical Data box on the reverse side of this brochure. The normal mix ratio is 1 qt. water per 10 lb. bag of Grout. Pour clean water in the mixing container first, and then add the powder. For best outcome, mix with a Ring Paddle and 1/2" heavy-duty drill. To mix by hand, use a margin trowel and mix energetically for 2-3 minutes. Just previous to application on the substrate, the mixture should be stirred again to ensure a creamy, smooth, lump-free consistency. These products are to be installed via professional tile setters. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1289/1/How-to-replace-a-chipped-tile Repairing tile is an awkward job that can be done by the average homeowner. But it is a messy, dirty job. Professionals can do your maintenance in a quick and timely manner, and it will save you the pain of doing it yourself. In most cases, injured tiles should be replaced. Optimistically you saved some extra tiles from the original installation to make repairs. If you have an ordinary tile, it may possible to buy new pieces a few years after installation, though there may be some slight color variations. Professional tile and grout repair companies concentrate in repairing tiles and can make new grout match the old. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1288/1/How-to-remove-vinyl There is only one apparatus for this job and it's below. Its hard work however you attempt it and despite many years of trying we have never found a simple way. The tiles or lino should come up relatively with no trouble with this floor scraper but, in most cases you will still be left with some nasty adhesive on the floor. To take away this is a long and painful business and can either be done with a hammer and bolster chisel. Removing vinyl flooring can be a difficult project and there are many considerations that usually make it a project best left to professionals. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1287/1/How-to-measure-for-tiling Measure the area to find out exactly how much tile one should order for. In simplest terms, the area is resolute by multiplying the length by width equals square feet. Regrettably, very few areas are exactly rectangular, so you may have to break your area into sections, measure each section, and add the sections together to find the total. One should be sure to allow a little extra for cuts and breakage. One should always keep in mind that it is better to have too much tile than too little. One can save any leftovers for repairs later. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1286/1/How-to-make-tiles-shinier Smaller, lighter, and thinner than floor tiles, most wall tiles are not meant to endure either high heels or hot pots. But their lightness is a plus point for vertical installation and for cutting, and they come in a dazzling array of colors and textures. Commercial wall tiles are prepared by the dust-press method, and the machine-made precision of their shapes works especially well with the clean lines of many contemporary designs. They're generally set closely together, with thin grout lines, often calibrated via built-in lug spacers on the tiles' edges. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1285/1/How-to-grout-ceramic-tiles As soon as the tile adhesive is dry you can grout the tile. There are two unusual types of grout, namely, sanded and non-sanded grout. Sanded grout has sand added for potency. It is used for the joints wider than 1/16 inch, like superior tile on floors. Non-sanded grout is generally mixed with a latex additive to make it stronger and more workable. It is used for joints less than 1/16 inch wide, like for minor wall and countertop tiles. The color of the grout you choose largely greatly affects the look of the tile. By means of a white or a light colored grout highlights as the color in tile. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1284/1/How-to-cut-a-circle-out-of-a-tile Cutting ceramic tile is easy with the right tools. Ceramic floor tile cutting can be attained with nippers, a carbide wheel tile cutter or a diamond saw cutter. Tile cutting also can be done in circles or the edges clipped off for pipes or other fittings. There are more than a few tools to use when cutting or shaping ceramic tile. Tile is a great deal like glass. When you score the glazed surface cleanly and then be appropriate pressure to each side of the tile, it will almost always break quite cleanly on the score mark. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1283/1/How-thin-should-grout-be There is several different installation methods used to install ceramic tile. Ceramic Tile Installation is to find out what method you will be using. Afterwards, you can pass on back to this page understanding what materials you will need. A triumphant installation depends on the proper use of quality installation materials or more commonly referred to as setting materials. Choosing the correct setting substances is as important as your tile selection. When choosing your setting materials, it is recommend using TCA or Tile Council of America approved setting materials. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1282/1/How-mix-and-spread-tiling-thin-set Thin Set mortar is premeditated for the installation of ceramic and natural stone tiles, both indoors and outdoors. Mortars might be used for installing the following tiles; mosaics, soft bisque, vitreous ceramic, porcelain, glass, quarry, monocottura, pavers and slate. Marble installation requires thin set mortar white formulation. It is ideal for porcelain tile. The mortar is extremely recommended for tiles that are difficult to bond, including porcelain, glass and other vitreous tile. Merely add cool water and mix. This significant feature assures you of the proper latex to mortar ratio in every installation. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1281/1/Discount-ceramic-tile Knowing that making cost is low in the country buyers abroad asked for a lower price than the prevailing levels in international market. The raw material is obtainable in abundance in the country to produce ceramics, and the labor cost is relatively cheap. Meanwhile per capita utilization of ceramics is still low, among the lowest in ASEAN. The projections therefore are good for the industry in the country. Ceramic floor tile goods created in the country include tableware, ceramic tiles and ceramic craft. Ceramic tile flooring industry grows more rapidly followed by ceramic tableware industry. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1280/1/Discontinued-ceramic-tile A tile is a small, manufactured piece of hard-wearing substance such as clay or stone used for covering roofs, floors and walls. Roof tiles are prepared mainly to keep out rain, and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as clay, slate and wood. Modern substances of construction such as concrete and plastic are also used. Several clay tiles have a waterproof glaze. These are prepared of stone or clay. Clay tiles might be painted and glazed. Small tiles might be laid in patterns to form mosaics. The tiles are generally laid on a bed of sand, with cement sometimes added for extra strength. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1279/1/Decorative-ceramic-tile The development in ceramic tile used to be to stay as neutral as possible. In fact, most of the tiles sold for home use were white, almond or gray. Currently, white and almond are still the most common, but people are experimenting more with color. Colors are becoming warmer and brighter, as well as clearer and cleaner. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1278/1/Cutting-tiles-around-wall-plugs Ceramic tiles can be loaded over practically any level, firm rigid surface e.g. plaster, cement render, fiber cement sheet, plasterboard, even surfaces like metal, old tiles and wood can be tiled over using the correct adhesive. Just remove loose or flaking paint. Thoroughly take away water based paint. Do not use paint stripper as remains may act as a releasing agent. Oil based paint ought to be sound. Roughen surface by mechanical means. Permit surface to dry after cleaning. By no means tile over a wallpapered surface or one with any other surface which may separate from the base wall. Keep in mind, the finished job is only as good as the surface beneath. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1277/1/Cutting-tiles-around-faucets A faucet is a device used for regulates the flow of a liquid from reservoir such as a pipe or drum. Various tools used to cut the tile around the faucets. They are namely, Tile cutter, Tile Nipper, Notched Trowel, Grout Float, Rod Saw, Grind Stone, Tub Saw, and Jamb Saw. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1276/1/Clean-ceramic-tile Ceramics are inert, non-metallic materials that have been subjected to heat treatment. Material used is clay that contains a huge amount of silicates. Tiles used in the residence are set in a thin plaster-like substance called grout. Tile may be bought glazed or unglazed. If it has been glazed, it will be much easier to keep tidy. Seal mortar stuck between tiles Vacuum regularly, and occasionally damp mop with plain water to remove soil. Infrequently for heavier soil use a mild detergent solution, rinse well, and wipe dry for more shine. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1275/1/Ceramic-tile-wet-saw We tend to choose and provide to you the best and the right tools you require for your ceramic tile. The most significant factor to consider when choosing a tile saw is the size of tile that will be typically cut. If 12-inch tiles are departing to be cut frequently, then a saw that will diagonally cut a 12-inch tile should be bought. Other factors which should be well thought-out are the method of cutting tile, which could be a stationary blade with the tile pushed through on a conveyor cart, a rail saw where the material is stationary and the blade moves through it, or a table type saw with a stationary blade and material pushed through the blade by sliding it over the top. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1274/1/Ceramic-tile-patterns The development in ceramic tile used to be to stay as neutral as possible. In fact, most of the tiles sold for home use were white, almond or gray. Currently, white and almond are still the most common, but people are experimenting more with color. Colors are becoming warmer and brighter, as well as clearer and cleaner. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1273/1/Ceramic-tile-murals Mural is a very outsized image, such as a painting or enlarged photograph, applied directly to a wall or ceiling. Murals are a comparatively effective tool of social emancipation or achieving a political goal. Murals have from time to time been created against the law or have been commissioned by local bars and coffee shops. Time and again, the visual effects are an enticement to attract public attention to social issues like the legalization of soft drugs, racial integration and social security, or an try to break social and historic taboos and provoke the open discussion about issues like the haringoproer (an anti-monarchist uprising in 19th century Amsterdam) or the theory of New World Order. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1272/1/Ceramic-tile-mosaics Mosaic is a surface beautification made by inlaying in patterns small pieces of variously colored glass, stone, or other material. Mosaic marble was bent in 1968 to fill gaps in the mosaic market and to fill homes with beauty and art. The marble mosaic folklore is a form of art decoration that has existed for nearly four thousand years, with origins in the Greek architecture. The quantity of time and labor expended to create these works of art are phenomenal yet the outcome presents an appealing marriage of intricate colorful patterns and images reflected in the austerity and solidity of stone. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1271/1/Ceramic-tile-layout Ceramic tile is characterized by its patience to clean, its ability to be kept from dirt and any type of corruption. One can simply clean the floor with a damp cloth and if the surface is dirty or greasy, cleaning agents such as detergents or bleach may come in use. The knack of ceramic surfaces to avert humidity also prevents the development of dust mites population and fungi that are easily generated. Ceramic tiles are naturally resistant to chemical and biological agents, and to chafing, which gives them durability in the house. Ronald Clarke Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1270/1/Cleaning-Ceramic-Tile Ceramic tiles are design features popular in many areas of contemporary houses. They vary in size, style, color, cost, finish and are popularly used because of their beauty, durability as well as their convenience to clean. Used either as flooring or on walls, ceramic tiles can be maintained easily if some standard procedures are followed for their upkeep. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1269/1/Ceramic-tile Ceramic is a hard -wearing material, which is used to make tiles. Basically ceramic is a material made of nonmetallic minerals that have been permanently hardened by firing at a high temperature, or objects made of such materials. Most ceramics resist heat and chemicals and are poor conductors of heat and electricity. These tiles are generally used for covering roofs, floors, and walls, or other objects such as tabletops. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1268/1/Ceramic-Tile-Tools Among tile tools there are several tools, which plays very important role in repairing or replacing of ceramic tiles. These includes tile cutter, tile nipper, Notched Trowel. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1267/1/Ceramic-Tile-Repair As ceramic tiles are manufactured with care, these tiles could provide you some problem. It may happen that your tile is in great condition, except for a few minor imperfections. These may be aside of by Repairing or replacing, the individual problem area is much easier than replacing your entire floor. With these helpful repair tips, you can make your tile floor look brand new again. These repair techniques can be used on vinyl tiles, vinyl sheet for floor covering or linoleum. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1266/1/Ceramic-Tile-Installation Ceramic tile installation is a great job to be done with considering lots of important points, first of all one should make a tiling plan on paper with drawn area which is to be  tiled with proper number of tiles and necessary materials which are needed. There are certain basic rules, which are to be followed, Use as many full tiles as possible, try to minimize the number of cut tiles. Cut tiles should be located away from the focal points of the eye, such as in an entryway or at the front of a countertop. Avoid small or narrow cuts. Do not cut a tile less than 1/2 its original size if possible. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1265/1/Ceramic-Tile-Cutters Ceramic tile cutters are versatile, professional hand tools that make convenient the work of cutting holes, angles and straights in most types of ceramic tiles. They are hand operated and work by scoring the ceramic glaze with a sharp tungsten carbide wheel and then breaking the tile cleanly along the resultant line of weakness. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1264/1/Ceramic-Tile-Cutter We advocate that you practice a few times with some scrap tile before starting your project. Straight ceramic tile cutters are deliberate to score fired clay ceramic tiles that have a thin porcelain coating on their surface. Stone, fully vitrified porcelain tiles, and some types of unglazed clay tiles may not cut correctly with this type of cutter. You will need an excellence wet saw to make these types of cuts. Align the manifest tile with the arrow on the tile cutter. Place the guide into position and tighten firmly to hold tile in place. You can keep the conduct in place if you need to make multiple cuts of the same size. Align the discernible tile with the arrow on the tile cutter. Place the guide into position and tighten steadily to hold tile in place. You can keep the guide in place if you need to make manifold cuts of the same size. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1263/1/Ceramic-Tile-Countertops Ceramic tile countertops are versatile, practical, and available in a myriad of different colors, shapes, patterns and finishes such as glazed, porcelain, quarry, or mosaic. Ceramic tile countertops can be the right choice for a work surface that's high in style and low in maintenance and can be used to create a design-savvy look, an upscale appearance, a country flavor or artistic ambience. Ceramic tile countertops are also a smart solution for completing a kitchen remodeling and cabinet re-facing project. Many types of tiles offer durability as well as heat resistance. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1262/1/Ceramic-Floor-Tile Ceramic floor tiles maybe cold to stand on, but are durable, water-resistant and resistant to stains and spillages. They are available in numerous colors, patterns and shapes and are generally made of natural clay, decorated on one side with colored glaze. The surfaces of floor tiles are normally glazed (although floor tiles are not as highly polished as wall tiles), matt or have an unglazed finish. Unglazed tiles once laid must be sealed with the proper proprietary sealant. The stronger floor tiles come in larger sizes and are thicker and darker on their underside. They are vitrified, that is, fired at a higher temperature so that the particles fuse together. This leads to the tiles being almost unbreakable when laid.  Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1261/1/Can-wall-tiles-be-used-on-the-floor A tile is a contrived piece of hard-wearing material such as ceramic, clay, stone, porcelain or even glass. Tiles are normally used for covering roofs, floors, and walls, or other objects such as tabletops. The word is derivative from the French word tuile, which is, in turn, from the Latin word tegula, meaning a roof tile composed of baked clay. Less precisely, the modern expression can refer to any sort of construction tile or similar object, such as rectangular counters used in playing games. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1260/1/Can-tiles-be-laid-over-wallpaper Ceramic wall tiles are finished in an enormous variety of colors, designs and sizes. Nobody can choose the color and design that suits your taste other than you so you will need to spend some time looking at our displays to find the tiles which appeal most. Once you have selected your tiles you'll need to work out how many you need to purchase. Perhaps the easiest method is to measure the height of the wall and calculate how many of your chosen tile size will be needed to fit from floor to ceiling. Count up half or part of a tile as whole one. Do alike for the wall width. Increase the number required for the height by the number for the width and this will give you the total number for the wall. Replicate the process on the other walls. Formulate adjustments to allow for doors and windows, and for the inclusion of any decorated tiles. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1259/1/Can-tiles-be-installed-outdoors Ceramic tile murals are convention designed and hand painted by tile painting artist, Mimi Ross Blank. Each tile mural is shaped specifically for the individual clients with their input on subject matter and color. Tile murals are ideal for kitchen back splashes, bathrooms, etc. Since the hand painted tiles are kiln fired, the murals are permanently adhered and can be installed indoors and out. Tile murals have bedecked homes and businesses for centuries. The use of tiles dates back more than 6000 years to Egypt. The history of tile is entwined with the history of civilization, and shows no sign of losing its luster in times to come. People all over the world beautify with tile. The enclosure of hand painted tiles can consist of a few interspersed with plain field tile and range to huge tile murals covering entire walls. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1258/1/Can-tiles-be-installed-in-a-mobile-home Mobile homes embody the fastest-growing housing type in the United States, and air conditioning the fastest-growing residential energy load. This amalgamation of trends should capture the attention of utilities trying to contain peak loads, especially in the South, where the majority of mobile homes are located. It's cooling season, and if figures are any indication, utilities, energy technicians, and HVAC contractors will be spending more time than usual dealing with mobile homes this summer. Add to these figures the fact that mobile home households have lower-than-average incomes and include one-quarter of the families, who qualify under the Weatherization Assistance Program, and we can see why housing organizations and government agencies have been stepping up efforts to cut the cooling overheads for mobile home occupants. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1257/1/Can-I-lay-tiles-on-wooden-floors Home owners love the appearance and feel of wood floors. Wood floors are not only attractive and durable, but they are cleaner and are a big help for those with allergies. Wood floors have also been known to add to the value of one's home. Since wood is a natural essence and can be finished to look like new, wood floors are extremely durable. Wood floors almost by no means need to be replaced and can usually be doctored in such a way that they can be restored. Warmer than stone or tiles, wood can be painted, sealed or stained in darker shades or scrubbed for a paler gaze. Choose boards with the suitable moisture content for the room - this depends on whether you have under floor or central heating and double glazing. Boards differ in length and width - wide boards are particularly well suited to a rustic look. Make sure domestic boards or parquet are all from the same source and are the same dimension or you will have problems when laying it. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1256/1/Can-I-lay-tiles-on-vinyl Vinyl opus tiles are inexpensive, virtually indestructible, and easier to install than most other flooring materials. Once you find out a few special techniques, you can create an infinite variety of special patterns. Vinyl flooring looks enormous and is one of the most hard-wearing coverings you can buy. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1255/1/Can-I-lay-new-tiles-over-old-ones Flooring is a most important part of any kitchen or bathroom, so it's important to carefully select the material that best suits your needs. The one that you are concerned now is the use of tiles. Permanence and continuance are also very important aspects. Kitchen and bath floors get heavier convention than any other floors in the house. They have to be up to the task of treatment heavy foot traffic, spills of all kinds, potential water damage from overflowing sinks and tubs, as well as heavy things being dropped on them. And just like any other floor, daily dirt buildup can scratch, etch, or make your floor look dull. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1254/1/Can-I-Drill-A-Hole-In-A-Tile The symphony of ceramic tiles is as diverse as there are countries in the globe. For this cause, there is no one solitary answer on how to drill a hole in ceramic tile. There is, conversely, one drill tad that certainly will go in the course of each and every tile, but you may have great intricacy locating it. Several ceramic tiles have a moderately pliable inner core and a thin hard shiny finish on the outer surface that you look at. These are extremely easy to drill all the way through. The easiest tiles to drill into are incredibly soft tiles that are often bringing into being in homes built in the southwestern division of the USA. Regularly these contain no shiny surface or a very thin satin finish. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1253/1/Can-Floor-Tiles-Be-Used-On-The-Wall Tiles are a combination of clays that are hard-pressed into form and ablaze at far above the ground temperatures which gives the tile its stiffness. The potage of ceramic tile may then be glassy, or left unglazed depending on its anticipated use. Tile expressions can be perplexing. A good number types of tiles that are prepared from clay or a blend of clay and other material, then kiln-fired, are painstaking to be a part of the larger categorization called "Ceramic Tiles". These tiles can be come apart into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are repeatedly referred to as ceramic tiles by themselves, different from porcelain tiles. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1252/1/Backsplash-Ceramic-Kitchen-Tile An idiosyncratic tile backsplash has the capability to generate a crucial apex in your kitchen or soggy bar and actually dress-up or jazz up your furnishings for an individual look. The vicinity that a backsplash covers is in fact not so huge, so your outlay is little compared to the visual brunt one can accomplish. Most kitchens look so very alike, and all kitchens that are actually used acquire their allocate splatters and drips, so a ceramic tile, mosaic glass tile, stainless steel or artistic metal backsplash makes fine sense too. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com/articles/1251/1/Are-Cheap-Tiles-Good To be very specific we get what we pay for. This means that there many lots of tiles cheap and costly. We just have to choose. It is nit that we do not get good things in cheap rate but generally we get what we pay for. Insipid tinted tiles with a murky biscuit may let the biscuit color smirk through. For floors a group of tiles aren't really tough enough for e.g. a kitchen. In that type of atmosphere one should use quarry tiles or the entirely vitrified form. Ronald Clarke Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:00:00 CST