How Durable Is a Limestone Tile Floor?

Installing a limestone tile floor in your home can provide you with a very old world look and a durable floor. Limestone has been used as a flooring material for hundreds of years now. Here are a few things to consider about the durability of a limestone tile floor.

Limestone Tile Durability

Limestone tile is a natural stone. Limestone is actually one of the softer natural stones available. Compared to granite or marble, limestone is going to be softer. This softness means that it is more susceptible to cracks or chips. However, it is still a natural stone and is much harder than other types of flooring materials.

With this in mind, you may want to stay away from using limestone in very high traffic areas. If you know that an area will have a lot of traffic, you may want to consider a harder material, such as porcelain, that can give you a similar look.

Sealing your limestone can also help protect it from any abuse that it might take. It will prevent dirt, soil and stains from getting into the limestone itself.

Try to make a conscious effort not to drop anything heavy on the limestone. This will help you prevent any breakage that might occur.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Deep Cleaning Stains on Limestone Tile

This was a Limestone tiled hallway at a house in Notting Hill, London W2 where extensive renovations had just been completed. The floor had been badly affected by being left uncovered during the building works as well as having a build-up of many years of dirt and stains on its surface. The tiles had been laid more than twenty years ago and had not been cleaned or sealed since. The customer was considering replacing the floor as she believed that it was beyond restoring. As well as ingrained dirt there were several quite severe rust stains and large ring-shaped marks that looked as if they had come off the bottom of paint or varnish tins.

Cleaning the Limestone Tiled Floor

I used a black buffing pad on my Numatic buffing machine and neat Tile Doctor "Pro-Clean" to perform an initial deep clean on the floor. In order to re-polish the floor and not leave it too porous I then used the a red and then a white diamond encrusted burnishing pad. Even after this some stains remained, so at this point I used Tile Doctor "Reduxa" stone stain remover to attack the stubborn ingrained marks. All of these were successfully removed except for two very deep rust stains which, never-the-less, were reduced in size and intensity by about 70%. After this I used a yellow burnishing pad to return the floor to its original finish. At this point, as one of the tiles was broken at the edge and a piece missing, I used Akemi stone floor repair filler to fill in the broken piece with a filler that is stronger than the original stone.

Sealing the Limestone Floor

The next day I returned to seal using Tile Doctor "Colour Grow" Sealer. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a "before" picture until after I had started this job but still the transformation is clear from the photos that I took. When the limestone was fully restored it was found to have attractive bedding lines running through it and to be all-in-all a very nice looking floor.


The customer was amazed by what had been achieved and very pleased that she had opted for restoration over the far more expensive option of replacement.


Source: Limestone Tile Cleaning

Non-Slip Floor Covering

Installing non-slip floor covering can provide you with a much safer flooring surface to walk on. This is essential for many elderly people that are in danger of falling on a slick floor. Here are a few options that you have for non-slip floor covering.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the most basic forms of non-slip floor covering available. You can get in a variety of different styles and colors and it is one of the least expensive options. There is even outdoor carpet that you can use if you are worried about falling in an outdoor space.

Tile

Another great option that you have for non-slip floor covering is to use tile. Many ceramic and porcelain tiles have very rough finishes that would be ideal for a non-slip flooring surface. Some tiles are even made with tiny ridges with this in mind. This is going to be more expensive than carpet.

Rubber Flooring

Another great option for a non-slip flooring surface is rubber flooring. Rubber flooring provide you with great traction and durability. Many people use this in garages and workout rooms. Rubber flooring is very heavy and will be a little more difficult to install than some of your other options that are available.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

3 Project Ideas for Mexican Talavera Tiles

Here are three project ideas for Mexican Talavera Tiles. These tiles are favorites among people who like bold colors, graphics and designs in their homes. The tiles are handmade and handpainted in Mexico so they have all the charm and individuality of a piece of original art work.

 1: Table Top

If you have an old table such as an end table, coffee table or plant stand, Mexican Talavera Tiles would make a beautiful, colorful new top for it. With these tiles you don't even have to sit anything on the tabletop to decorate it as they make a statement on their own.

2: Step Risers

Step risers are becoming more of a designer item in today's homes. Mexican Talavera Tiles on the risers make them colorful and brighten a boring staircase. Paint the treads of the steps a matching color and your home will have a designer look.

3: Planter Boxes

Cover your patio planter boxes with Mexican Talavera Tiles for a bright cheery look. The green of the plants will be highlighted by the bright colors of these tiles. Be sure to waterproof the grout if they are going to be used outdoors. A cactus garden planted in one of these boxes would make a great Southwestern look for your patio.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Ceramic Tile and Grout Refresh

This Ceramic tiled floor was installed in the Kitchen of a house in Melton Mowbray, as you can see from the photographs the tiles were in reasonable condition it was mainly the grout had become discoloured and in need of a deep clean. We do find this with Ceramic and Porcelain tiles, they are very hard wearing and unless you drop an Iron on one they are usually good for a long time; the top layer of grout however is porous and will attract dirt over time if it’s not sealed.

Cleaning Ceramic Tile and Grout

I used a strong solution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean diluted with hot water and applied it to the floor letting it dwell and soak into the tile and grout before being agitated using a rotary machine fitted with a black scrubbing pad. This worked well to clean the tile but the grout needed more work so we got our knee pads on and hand scrubbed along the grout lines with a stiff brush. The soiled solution was removed using a wet vacuum and floor rinsed with clean water so we could see if there were any areas in need of further attention and repeated the process until we were happy the whole floor.

Grout Sealing

I then left the floor to dry out and came back to seal the grout using Tile Doctor Seal and Go which will protect the grout from staining in the future by adding a barrier to the surface of the grout.


I think you will agree from the photographs the floor has been transformed and looks like a new installation.    



Source: Grout Cleaning and Sealing

How to Clean Mexican Pavers

You need to regularly clean and maintain any Mexican pavers in your house. These are tiles made from natural clay and require tender care for maintaining their appearance and to sustain their durability. Mexican tiles can impart a beautiful look to the floor when they are properly installed and sealed, but they require careful handling. The following steps can be taken for their cleaning Mexican pavers.

What you'll need

• Degreasing solution
• Mop and bucket
• Vinegar and water
• Baking soda
• Scrub brush
• Chemical resistant brush
• Rotary buffer
• Floor wax polish
• Sealer

Step 1: Degreasing the Floor

Clean the tiles with a mild degreasing solution and a scrubber. You can use gardening pads for your protection.

Step 2- Removing the Grout

Clean the dirty grout around the tiles. It can spoil the appearance of the pavers. Wet the tiles. Take a sponge and soak the grout between the tiles. Sprinkle baking powder over the wet grout and allow it to set for about 30 minutes. Remove it with a wet mop. Make a solution of vinegar and water in a of ratio of 1 to 2 and clean the grout using a grout scrubber. Wash the floor and mop it.

Step 3- Reducing the Yellowness

Clean with a tile whitener and a brass scrub brush, if the tiles are yellow and dull. First try the product in a small area on the surface. Continue if there is improvement in the appearance of the floor. Otherwise, the floor will need stripping. Rinse the floor with water and allow it to dry.

Step 4- Stripping the Sealer

Strip the sealer layer using a mild stripper if the floor is yellowish and dull. You can use acetone or a specialized product for stripping the sealer coating. It is better to test it first on a tile to avoid any bad effect. Mop the stripper solution over the tiles and allow them to stay wet. The sealer will blister, flake and become powder. Remove this with a soft brush that is resistant to chemicals. Proper ventilation in the room is necessary for this operation.

Step 5- Removing the Residue and Dust

Buff the complete floor using a soft buff wheel on a rotary buffer, which can be rented. It will remove any chemicals or residue. Next, wash the floor with water and mop it. All dust and dirt should be removed and the floor should kept dry for about 24 hours.

Step 6 - Resealing the Floor

Apply sealer to the surface. It is recommended to use a breathing-type of sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the sealer. The sealer will provide a strong and durable coating and preserve the finish. Let the sealer dry completely. Use proper ventilation.

Step 7- Wax Polishing

Polish the floor with four or five coats when the sealer has dried. It is preferred to use the recommended waxing products for polishing the Mexican tiles. Apply the polish using a soft brush only.

Step 8- Daily Cleaning

Carry out your routine cleaning procedures of sweeping, damp mopping with water and dry dust mopping every day. For regular cleaning, it is better to use water without any cleaning agents. Use a microfiber mop for cleaning the tiles.

Souce: www.DoItYourself.com

What Would Cause the Grout Between Kitchen Floor Tiles to Loosen?

Grout between kitchen floor tiles can loosen for many reasons. The grout will crack, break up and eventually cause tiles to shift.

Faulty Sub Floor

If your sub floor, that is the wood the tile is laid on, is loose or gives, it can cause the grout to crack and also possibly the tiles to break up.

Old Grout

Most people don't realize that not all grout jobs will last for the life of the floor. Very often they have to be scraped up and replaced. Sealing the grout will help keep this job to a minimum.

Improperly Mixed Grout

Grout that was mixed with too much or too little water will tend to disintegrate and fall apart. It can actually turn to a sand-like material and be swept up when you clean the floor.

Source:  www.DoItYourself.com

6 Types of Kitchen Floor Tiles

Since there are many types of kitchen floor tiles available in the market, a lot of homeowners are finding it hard to pick the type that can best suit their home. Aside from the non-slip features, there are other things that must be considered when choosing floor tiles. These include the price, strength, attractiveness, and even consistency of the tiles with your kitchen motif. Here are the most common types of floor tiles to help you choose the best kitchen flooring material to use. 

1. Ceramic Tiles

One of the main advantages of a ceramic tile is its low price. This type of tile, which is usually made from clay and other minerals including talc, is suitable for high-traffic areas. Also, it is available in glossy or matte form. Since ceramic tiles are available in numerous styles and colors, it would be easy for you to find a design that will fit the theme of your kitchen. 

One drawback in using ceramic tiles is that they are prone to chipping and cracking. These tiles will surely break if you drop heavy objects on them. Moreover, the anti-skid feature of ceramic is not that reliable, so such flooring material is not suitable for seniors and toddlers.

2. Glass Floor Tiles

If you want to achieve sophistication, beauty and elegance, you should pick glass kitchen floor tiles. However, it is important that you ask your dealer for glass tiles specifically made for flooring to ensure that you will be getting the more durable and skid-resistant variety. The only drawback of this type of tile is its cost. Glass tiles are very expensive.

3. Granite Tiles

If you want durability, you can rely on granite flooring tile. This type is as durable as marble, but much cheaper. Granite is moderately skid resistant, but it is invulnerable to etching from coffee, soda or other acidic liquids. On the downside, this type of tile is not easy to maintain. Even minute quartz particles from the soles of shoes can scratch the surface and make granite tiles look dull. To maintain the gloss and beauty of this type of tile, you need to clean, sweep and mop the floor daily.

4. Porcelain Floor Tiles

Porcelain tiles share a lot of the positive characteristics of ceramic kitchen floor tiles. Furthermore, this kind of tile is quite durable and scratch resistant. Also, porcelain tiles are available in various colors and textures. However, porcelain can be expensive. 

5. Saltillo Kitchen Floor Tiles

Homeowners who want to achieve a Mediterranean look in their kitchen should consider Saltillo handmade clay floor tiles, which typically come from Mexico. Such tiles can be aesthetically appealing, but they are among the most delicate floor tiles available in the market. Saltillo material is not only easy to break or chip, it also requires regular sealing and maintenance. 

6. Slate Tiles

Slate is a natural stone that is ideal for busy and high-traffic areas in homes. Apart from being durable, slate kitchen floor tiles are naturally skid- and stain-resistant. Unlike other tiles, however, slate tiles are only available in limited colors which include rust, green, gray and charcoal.


Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Maintaiing Terracotta Tile and Grout

This Terracotta tiled kitchen floor was installed in the kitchen of a house in the historic market town of Sandbach, Cheshire. The house had been recently purchased and the new owners felt it was in-need of some tlc so they called in Tile Doctor.

Cleaning Terracotta Tiles

The first step was to clean the floor and strip off any remaining sealer using a strong mixture of Pro-Clean combined with Remove and Go, the resulting solution creates a powerful and very effective cleaner/coatings remover. This was applied to the floor and left to dwell on the tile for a while before being worked into the floor using a heavy rotary machine fitted with scrubbing pads and brushes; we then hand cleaned all the grout lines using a quite abrasive combination of Pro-Clean mixed with Nano Tech Ultra-Clean. It took some time before we were happy with the floor but we managed to remove all the soiling and old sealer; the floor was then double rinsed using a hot water extraction machine and spinner tool and allowed to dry overnight.

Terracotta Tile Sealing & Grout Colouring

The second day we started by applying a single coat of Tile Doctor Seal and Go to the floor, this would make the Terracotta less porous and make removing any grout colourant from the tiles easier. We allowed this coat to dry then started to apply the first coat of light grey grout colourant along the grout lines, this was left for about five minutes and then any excess was wiped off from the tiles. After the first coat of Grout Colourant was dry we applied a second coat and when this second coat was dry we continued with the tile sealing process, applying a further seven coats of sealer before it was done. Terracotta is one of the most porous tiles you can buy and so needs plenty of sealer to ensure its properly protected; you can see from the photographs that the floor has been transformed.



Source: Terracotta Tiled Floor Maintenance

How to Stain Saltillo Floor Tile

The Saltillo floor tile is imported from Mexico and it is made from mud that is then kiln dried for color. The finished product is beautiful and can add luxury to any home. However, Saltillo tiles are not known for being durable. They require particular care and maintenance and are not ideal for use in high traffic areas. A lot of moisture or extreme temperatures can cause breaks in the tiles or make their appearance dull. This is the reason why such tiles are usually sold pre-sealed. If you have such tiles at home, you can create a different color in the tiles by staining them. This will allow you to update the look of your interior.

What you'll need

• Saltillo tile stain
• Shallow plate
• Sponge
• Scissors
• Dowel rod (wood)
• Gloves

Step 1 – Preparing the Stain

Before starting the project, prepare the staining product by first shaking it for around a couple of minutes. You can do this by holding the container from its top and bottom and then shaking vigorously up and down. You should then open the can and stir the content vigorously with the use of the wooden towel rod. The stain could then be transferred to a shallow plate. Take care to leave around an inch of space around the plate so that you can dip on the stain without spilling it.

Step 2 – Dividing the Floor Area

To keep your work manageable, divide the floor area into squares of around 4 feet on all sides and start applying the staining product from a particular square. Move on to other squares as you finish staining each one. Be sure that you have your gloves on to protect your hands from the staining material. You should also open every doors or windows around the area to allow good ventilation.

Step 3 – Applying the Stain

To apply the stain on the Saltillo tiles, dip your sponge into the shallow plate containing the stain and apply it in small circles. Do a tile at a time and be careful to avoid areas that are grouted. If the sponge is rather large, you can cut it down to the size of your palm using a pair of scissors. This can help you avoid grouted areas better. Once you are done with one tile, move on to the others using the same circular motion.

Step 4 – Applying a Second Coating

Apply a second coating of stain on the tiles but before you do this, allow the first coating to dry for around a couple of hours. Do the second application in the same manner as you did with the first, until you have the entire floor covered.

Remember, it is better to apply two coatings of stain than to apply the same amount in one application. You are going to need more time through a two-coat application but you can achieve the look that you want better. If there is leftover stain, it can pose a danger if you are going to store it without proper ventilation. To be safe, carefully read the instruction on its label for proper storage.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Saltillo Tile Floor: Pros and Cons

Saltillo tile floor is a type of natural stone that is commonly used on patios. This type of tile has several advantages that make it ideal for many different applications, but it also has some drawbacks. Consider the following pros and cons of saltillo tile flooring to decide whether it is the right choice for you.

Outdoor Application

One of the advantages of saltillo tile is that it can be used outside, like on patios and around pools. Many tiles are not suitable for outdoor applications because they are not dense enough. Saltillo tile should not break during cold weather like ceramic tile would. 

Customizable

Another advantage of using this type of flooring product is that it is customizable. You can install it in a number of different patterns and designs. This makes it a popular choice for those who want to get creative and make a floor that is one-of-a-kind. 

Look

This type of tile provides you with a unique that you can not get from any other tile. Saltillo tile has an old-world, Mexican look that works very well in an outdoor area. It is a very classic look that will not likely go out of style. 

Cost

You can generally get saltillo tile for $2 per square foot or less. In some cases, it might be more expensive, but it is still not among the most expensive options on the market. If you are going to install the tile yourself, it is a very economical flooring option.

Heat Absorption

One of the disadvantages of using saltillo tile is that it can absorb a great deal of heat. It will be difficult to walk on this type of tile barefoot when the sun has been on it for any amount of time. It tends to absorb the sunlight and become extremely hot to the touch. If you walk on this type of tile without protection, it may burn your feet.

High Maintenance

This type of tile also takes a great deal of regular maintenance to make it look good. You have to seal it every year in order to keep it from staining or absorbing water. Saltillo tile is porous, so you need to keep sealer on it at all times.

Scuffs

Another potential drawback of this type of tile is that it can scuff easily. It will show marks on the floor from regular foot traffic. It can also stain relatively easily compared to some other types of tile. This means that you have to be very careful when walking on it and wipe up your spills immediately.

Difficult to Install

If you are planning on installing saltillo tile yourself, it will most likely be a difficult job. It is difficult to grout saltillo because the grout can get into the pores of the tile. You also need to seal the tile before installing it.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Refinish a Saltillo Tile Floor

A Saltillo tile floor is made of elegant Saltillo tiles that are molded by hand. Saltillo tile is a type of terracotta originating from Mexico and can be bought in various colors ranging from hues of yellow, orange and red. A Saltillo tile is unglazed and is vulnerable to water-staining because of its porous nature. Installing a Saltillo tile floor can be a bit challenging since Saltillo tiles absorb the water from grout, thin-set mortar and grease pencils. Sealing a Saltillo tile floor is mandatory. Instead of replacing your old Saltillo tile floor with new Saltillo tiles you can refinish the Saltillo tile to bring back its beauty and save money as well. Below are the materials that you need along with the instructions on how to refinish a Saltillo tile.

What you'll need

• Vacuum Cleaner
• Floor Stain
• Vinegar and Water
• Old Towel
• Mop
• Chemical Stripper
• Sponge
• Sealant

Step 1-Prepare the Saltillo Flooring

Remove all the furniture located in your working area. Ask somebody to help you lift heavy furniture. Clean the Saltillo flooring of any dirt, dusts and debris by using a vacuum cleaner. Mix a solution of water and vinegar and apply the mixture on your Saltillo floor using a mop. Wipe the excess water using an old towel.

Step 2-Apply Chemical Stripper

The next step is to apply chemical stripper to remove the existing finish of your Saltillo tile floor. Removing the existing finish is necessary to allow the stain you will apply later to sink into the Saltillo tiles. Read the manufacturer’s instruction of your chemical stripper as to how long the chemical stripper should be applied on the Saltillo tile floor. With a damp brush, remove the layer of sealant on the Saltillo tile floor.

Step 3-Mop the Saltillo Floor

After removing the existing finish on your Saltillo tile floor, mop the floor using the same vinegar and water mixture you concocted on step one. Dry the floor with an old towel after.

Step 4-Apply the Stain

Staining your Saltillo flooring is like applying a protective layer on your Saltillo to minimize the effect of water damage, wear and tear and prevent mold and mildew infestation.

Apply the stain using a large sponge. Wipe the Saltillo floor tile with the stain in small circular motion. Cover the entire Saltillo tile floor with the stain and allow the floor to dry. Add 2 or more coatings of stain on your Saltillo floor according to your preference. Always allow each coating to completely dry before adding another coat.

Step 5-Apply Sealant

Purchase a sealant that is specially made for Saltillo tiles. Any neutral penetrating sealant or film forming sealant would do. You can choose between a matte or glossy sealant for your Saltillo tile floor. Apply the sealant on the Saltillo tile floor and allow the sealant to completely dry before allowing foot traffic.

In cleaning your Saltillo tile floor never use harsh chemicals as Saltillo tiles are fragile and prone to staining. A simple mixture of water and vinegar will do the trick. Never flood your Saltillo tile floor when cleaning. Instead, use a mop and immediately wipe the excess water with a clean towel.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Limestone Floor Maintenance

This Limestone tiled floor with Slate Inlays was installed in a house in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire; the previous sealer had failed and was no longer offering any protection allowing dirt to become ingrained in the stone and become dull from soiling.

Cleaning and Polishing Limestone Tiles

To get the Limestone Tiled floor back to its original condition we used a set of diamond encrusted 17” Burnishing Pads fitted to a heavy rotary buffing machine. It’s important to give the floor a quick clean first to prevent grit from getting trapped in the pads and leading to deep scratches on the surface. You start off with the coarse red pad together with a little water which can remove sealers before moving onto the other pads. At this point we gave the floor a deep clean using Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a heavy duty alkaline cleaning product that’s safe to use on Stone floors mixed 50/50 with NanoTech Ultra-Clean which adds tiny abrasive particles into the solution; this combination is especially effective on grout so we took the opportunity to get into the grout lines as well. The resulting soiled solution was removed using a wet vacuum and the floor washed down with clean water before continuing the burnishing process with the White cleaning pad followed by the Yellow Polishing pad which smooth’s the surface and finally the Green pad which gives that high shine finish.

Sealing Limestone Tiles

The floor was washed down to remove any particles left over from the polishing and left to dry before we set about sealing using three coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow. Colour Grow is recommended for a number of stone surfaces and does well to lift the natural colours in the stone as well as providing on-going surface protection.


Before leaving we recommended that the customer use Tile Doctor Concentrated Tile & Stone Cleaner for cleaning going forward, like Pro-Clean it’s an alkaline cleaning product that will clean the stone without eating into the sealant. The house owner was very satisfied with the results and promised to recommend our services to family and friends.


Source: Limestone Tile Cleaning tips

Understanding Terrazzo Floors

Terrazzo flooring has been around for a long time. As far back as the Roman days Terrazzo like floors were being installed in prestigious buildings and over the years terrazzo has continued to be the flooring of choice for people concerned with beauty, longevity and ease of maintenance. During the Renaissance Michelangelo used terrazzo floors in St Peter's Basilica and today terrazzo floors are used in up scale office buildings,airports, hospitals, schools and increasingly in homes.

What exactly is terrazzo?

Terrazzo (from the Italian word for terraces) is a natural product generally felt to have been invented several hundred years ago in northern Italy when mosaic artisans threw away marble chips onto their terraces. Over time, people walking on the stone chips embedded them in the ground and they became polished from the foot traffic.  Eventually workers learned how to embed the marble chips into a more stable clay base as well as developed techniques for polishing them, and terrazzo flooring  was born.

How do we make terrazzo now?

• Modern terrazzo is not all that different from the original. It's still most commonly made from small pieces of marble  mixed with Portland cement in a ratio of about two to one. However, there are some differences, since modern terrazzo can also made using materials other than marble chips -  granite, onyx, glass, pieces of metal or mother of pearl have all been used to provide a unique appearance.
• As well, epoxy resins rather than cement is sometimes used, again to provide a slightly different appearance. Whichever, materials are used the final steps to making the terrazzo remains grinding the surface smooth then polishing, cleaning and finally sealing the surface.

Why would someone install a terrazzo floor?

• The obvious advantage to terrazzo (besides it's beauty) is the fact it will last for centuries. However, there are a number of other good reason to choose terrazzo floors.
• Terrazzo is 'green'  -   terrazzo is the original 'green' flooring. Since it;s made from all natural materials, there are no volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in terrazzo and because it's usually made from stone chips and scraps it also has a high percentage of recycled material.
• Terrazzo is versatile - You can install terrazzo inside or outside. It was originally used in outdoor terraces and it can still be used to provide a beautiful patio or pool deck. Inside, the fact that it's waterproof makes it a good choice for installation in a bathroom or kitchen and it's ability to withstand heavy foot traffic makes it ideal for entrances.
• Terrazzo is healthy - since it's made primarily from stone, terrazzo is bacteria resistant. As well,  being stone, it's easy to clean without using any potentially hazardous chemicals, warm water and a little soap will keep it looking great for years.
• Terrazzo has unlimited design possibilities - Most terrazzo floors are poured on site so the choice of colors, as well as the actual floor shape and design can be customized to satisfy even the most demanding architect or home owner. Every terrazzo floor is unique, so there is never a need to worry about another terrazzo floor looking the same as yours.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com