Welcome to the Tile Art Center
Professional design and installation for all your tile and natural stone projects.
• Granite
• Tumbled Stone
• Slate
• Ceramic Tile
• Travertine
• Porcelain tile
We specialize in custom tile installation of natural stone backsplashes, floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, arches, and other tile projects! Check the links below for different tile types.
Ceramic tile is made from clay or other minerals which are then shaped and fired in a kiln. Clay tiles are further treated in one of two ways:
- Unglazed - the pigment or natural color is there during firing and is part of the tile itself. Unglazed tile needs to be sealed for stain resistance.
- Glazed - color is added to the tile after firing. The glasslike surface is bonded to the tile. Glazed tile offers more color choices than unglazed. Glazing allows brighter colors to be used and adds stain resistance. Because of their slick, glassy surface, glazed tiles are used mostly on walls or countertops.
Porcelain tiles are made of high-fired, refined clay, and are more durable than ceramic tiles.The material is fired at very high temperature, making a hard surface. Most commonly the surface of porcelain is smooth. Porcelain is, however, available in a variety of textures and finishes which, while resembling other types of tile or stone, are far more durable.
Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Once polished, natural granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever. Normal use of kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware leaves no scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic surfaces with polyesters and resins.
Travertine tiles are formed from hardened mineral deposits that are left over after carbon dioxide-rich water filters through rocks and earth. As the water passes through areas with concentrations of limestone, the limestone dissolves. When this limestone saturated water reaches the surface, the carbon dioxide is released due to the changes in temperature and pressure. As the carbon dioxide fizzes out of the water, the limestone is left behind, and re-crystallizes over underwater plants. As these mineral deposits harden into stone, they can be made into tiles.
Travertine tiles are characterized by fissures and small irregular holes on the surface of the tile that are not found in limestone.
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, smooth-surfaced layers. The most common building applications for this material are floor, wall and roof tiles as well as fireplace surrounds. Tiles can be split and cut-to-size with only the natural cleft surface, or manufacturers will add value by calibrating the material to ensure a consistent thickness throughout the piece.
