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Choosing the Right Grout Colour—What You Need to Know

By adminGeneral, DIY, Tile SelectionNo Comments

Have you finally picked out the perfect kitchen tiles? Don’t get too comfortable. Your design work isn’t done quite yet.

Now, you’ll need to find the right grout colour. This might seem like an insignificant factor to consider. However, your grout colour can make or break the look of your whole kitchen.

As specialists on tiles in Perth, Ceramic Tile Supplies has you covered. We’re going to go over everything you need to know about choosing the right grout colour for your kitchen tiles.

Match, Complement, or Contrast

One of the main things you should consider is the style you are going for. For your tiles in Perth, you essentially have three options:

Match

Many people choose to make the grout the same colour as their kitchen tiles. This has many benefits.

For one, it will create a uniform look. Other pieces in your home will be able to take centre stage. This is especially important with modern designs that already have enough flair.

Matching is also good in that it makes a room look bigger. The consistent design gives the illusion that the area is more spacious than it actually is.

Complement

The complementary option is a middle ground between matching and contrasting. It can create space while making a subtle yet impactful statement.

Contrast

Choosing a grout that contrasts with your tile is a bold choice. It should be a decision made with intent. Make sure it matches the theme of the room and your stylistic vision.

If done right, contrast can make your kitchen tiles stand out without looking too busy. It will add a pop of colour and mesh well with your decor.

Take Maintenance into Account

The colour you choose will affect how much maintenance your kitchen tiles require. Lighter shades tend to collect more dirt, requiring you to clean more frequently.

Darker shades, however, aren’t free of maintenance. They tend to produce efflorescence that needs to be scrubbed and removed.

No matter what kind you get, consider sealing options. This will prevent staining and help your tiles in Perth last for years to come.

Test It Out

This probably isn’t the most important decision you’ll ever make. However, you’ll want to be happy with it. You don’t want to feel regret when you look at your kitchen tiles every day.

So why not test it out? Use a piece of plywood to make a mock-up. Place the sample in the room you are renovating. Leave it there for a few days to get a feel for it. This will help you determine if the design is a good fit.

Talk to the Experts

Still can’t decide? We know it can be overwhelming. There is a lot that goes into selecting the right grout colour.

If you are feeling unsure, don’t worry! We are here to help. You can stop by one of Ceramic Tile Supplies‘ showrooms. Our professionals will give expert advice and help you put the finishing touches on your tiles in Perth.

August 19, 2019

Why Should You Choose Under Tile Heating?

By adminGeneral, Architects & BuildersNo Comments

As the cold weather sets in, it can become less appealing walking barefoot across the tiled areas of the house. Speaking from experience, nothing beats the feeling of warmth underfoot, especially on a brisk Perth morning.

Under tile heating is not a new concept for homeowners. In fact, the Romans used to build houses with empty spaces and tunnels under their flooring. Air, warmed by an open fire, would be channeled through these tunnels to heat up homes during winter. Pretty cool right?

Now that we’re done with our mini-history class, here’s everything you need to know about under tile heating in Perth.

How Does Under Tile Heating Work?

Under tile heating is an invisible heating system powered by either hot water or electricity. It is designed to run under the tiles through a network of conductors or tubing to deliver a controlled flow of warmth.

It can be easily installed in virtually any home. And, it’s energy efficient, non-intrusive and frees up your wall space from radiators or convectors. It’s not surprising that it has become quite popular among homeowners in recent times.

The Benefits of Under Tile Heating

A balanced heating profile – The best part of installing under tile heating is the balanced, comfortable heat it produces across the home. There are no cold spots or draughts that catch you unannounced. It also works great for those who have dust allergies as there are no dust movements being pushed around by fans.

Energy efficiency – One of the most popular reasons people choose this system is its low running costs. Its surface area is larger than that of a radiator, which allows it to run at a much lower flow temperature while still heating the floors. Its ability to run at a lower temperature means it’s a cheaper system to use: it can be 25% cheaper with a hot water system and as much as 40% cheaper with an electric system.

Compatibility – Another great advantage is it can be installed across the home – bathrooms, living room, terrace, anywhere. It can also be installed across a wide range of floor coverings, from marble to vinyl.

Affordability – The combination of energy efficiency and low maintenance costs just screams affordable in the long run. While you might spend an initial larger cost to install, over time, the savings quickly add up. And once installed, you spend close to nothing in maintenance.

Installing Under Tile Heating

By now, you may be asking – can I do this myself? Probably, yes! But should you? Probably not.

Installing heating under tiles in Perth is difficult. That’s why you should work with a qualified installer to guarantee that you choose the right materials, everything is done right, and it’s an economical investment. They’ll be able to offer expert advice and help you calculate the desired temperatures, potential heat loss, the ceiling height and the type of flooring required where necessary.

If you need help picking the right tiles, get in touch with one of our experts in Perth today at Ceramic Tile Supplies!

August 3, 2019

Tile Design Trends That Are Transforming Perth Homes

By adminGeneral, Architects & BuildersNo Comments

While other types of home design trends remain steady throughout the years, trends in tiles change quickly. Out-of-date flooring can really stick out like a sore thumb.

Homeowners looking to update their tiles in Perth should know what the latest styles are; although, they should ultimately go with what they like best. If you’re exploring trend tiles in perth, understanding today’s popular shapes, colours, and finishes can help you make a confident choice.

Hexagon-shaped

In recent years hexagon-shaped tiles have become a preferred choice for bathroom floors. The traditional rectangles and squares that have decorated these spaces for decades are being replaced by more modern tile designs. Hexagons offer an appealing aesthetic that looks great in a variety of colours, textures, and sizes.

They’re a stylish and practical option for your shower floor or entire bathroom. If you really want to go out of the box, try alternating complementary coloured flooring in a repeated pattern throughout the area. A bold graphic floor using trend tiles in perth can create a space you’ll be excited to step into each morning.

As homeowners continue experimenting with trending tiles design, geometric patterns like these remain at the forefront of contemporary interiors.

Timber Look Tiles

Wood flooring is a staple in home renovation. However, the upkeep of hardwood has caused many to opt for alternatives. Water can easily damage wood, yet people still want that natural, warm look. Luckily, timber-look tiles offer a durable, water-resistant solution.

These tiles are made to withstand heavy traffic and moisture, making them perfect for busy areas of your home. The appeal of timber look trend tiles in perth options goes beyond their practicality — they also bring a cozy, timeless charm to any room.

As trending tiles design continues to evolve, timber-style tiles prove that it’s possible to blend rustic beauty with modern performance. They’re ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces seeking that natural touch.

Marble Subway

While flooring trends may change quickly, some designs remain timeless. If you’re planning to install tiles in your Perth home, consider white subway tiles. Their stretched, elongated form brings a refined and modern tile designs feel, especially in bathrooms and shower areas.

Adding a contemporary twist to this classic look is simple — try using marble variations for an upscale appearance. The clean lines and polished finish of marble subway trend tiles in perth instantly elevate your space without overwhelming your décor.

This trend continues to gain momentum among trending tiles design enthusiasts who appreciate minimalism combined with luxury.

Cement

Sustainability has become increasingly important in interior design. For eco-conscious homeowners, cement tiles offer a beautiful and responsible choice. Made from clay, sand, and natural pigments, they’re both durable and environmentally friendly.

These tiles can be customised in colour and pattern, ensuring your space reflects your creativity and preferred style. Incorporating trend tiles perth options that mimic the look of concrete can also give your floors a sleek, industrial aesthetic while maintaining a soft, livable feel.

If you can’t find internal-grade cement tiles locally, Ceramic Tile Supplies offers several high-quality porcelain collections featuring this look. As trending tiles design continues to prioritise sustainability and originality, cement and concrete-look styles are here to stay.

There are so many popular modern tile designs and finishes to choose from that it can be challenging to create a cohesive vision for your renovation project. When selecting the right tiles in Perth, consider the texture, tone, and overall atmosphere you want to achieve.

Our team at Ceramic Tile Supplies can help with every aspect of your project. With over 50 years of experience, we’ll guide you through the best trend tiles perth selections suited to your home’s unique design.

July 29, 2019

How to Clean Tile Grout: Tackle Tough-to-Clean Tiles & Grout

By adminGeneral, Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Tile MaintenanceNo Comments

Whether you’re preparing to seal freshly installed tiles in Perth or figuring out how to clean stubborn grout from regular wear and tear, there are a variety of effective at-home solutions that can help make your grout look brand new.

Tips From The Professionals:

At the tile shops in Perth, we know that nothing diminishes the beauty of tiles quite like dirty grout. Before jumping into the best method to clean grout, keep these essential tips in mind to ensure optimal results:

Don’t rush: Let your grout cleaner sit for ten to fifteen minutes before you continue for the best results.
Use the right tools: A small, stiff brush than can fit within your grout lines is the key to getting any and all buildup off.
Rinse, don’t repeat: Mop or wipe down your recently cleaned tile and grout with warm water and mild cleaning detergent to pick up any remaining loosened residue and prevent streaking.
Test a sample: Especially on coloured grout, test all of these solutions on a small corner to confirm that any chemical reactions will not produce discolouration.

OPTION ONE: STEAM CLEANING

The least strenuous, time consuming, and least chemically abrasive option, particularly suitable for those who don’t want to be scrubbing tile on their hands and knees or who are concerned about chemical contact around themselves, children, or animals, is steam cleaning.

Be advised that this solution will remove any sealant on your grout so it is best used on older grout that is due to be resealed. However, as there is no chemical reaction in this cleaning process, it is ideal to use on coloured grout as there is no risk of discolouration.

If you do not wish to purchase your own steam cleaner, many hardware or home improvement stores offer rental options that may be suitable for your needs. Be sure to use the appropriate grout cleaning attachment, such as a steam hose and a small brush, for the best results.

OPTION TWO: BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR SOLUTION

This option is not suitable for grout used on natural stone, as the vinegar may stain or damage natural tile, but is otherwise very convenient as the ingredients are very commonly found already within your home.

The first step is to mix a 3:1 solution of baking soda and water to produce a thick paste that can be generously applied directly on the grout lines. You should then spray a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water onto the paste which will cause the two ingredients to react by bubbling. Once the bubbling ceases, scrub away the paste then wipe or mop up any remaining residue.

OPTION THREE: BAKING SODA, DISH SOAP AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SOLUTION

Similar to the option above, this solution can also be made with commonly found household items. A solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup of baking soda creates a cleaning paste that can be applied in a similar manner to the baking soda and vinegar solution. Let the solution bubble and sit for the recommended ten to fifteen minutes then scrub, rinse, and mop.

OPTION FOUR: OXYGENATED BLEACH

Chemically, using bleach is the strongest cleaning option we can recommend, though not necessarily the most effective depending on the state of your grout. Mix two tablespoons of bleach thoroughly into two cups of water, and use as quickly as possible for the best results. Make sure to also use a synthetic bristle brush to prevent your tools from breaking down in reaction to the chemical agents in bleach. Apply the solution in sections to your grout, let sit, scrub, and rinse as usual.

Particularly tough to clean spots with deeper stains or more build-up can be treated with small amounts of pure bleach. It is recommended you wear gloves and use sufficient ventilation when using this treatment option to protect your skin, lungs, and eyes from the harsh chemicals found in bleach.

If you’re still unsure about how to clean tile grout or need professional assistance, contact our team at the premier tile shops in Perth. We can help assess your cleaning needs and recommend the best solution to restore your tile and grout to their original shine!

July 24, 2019

Laying Tiles for Beginners

By adminGeneral, DIY, Tile InstallationNo Comments

Tiles are one of the most popular flooring choices for home renovations. It’s an attractive and functional choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Plus, they’re easy to maintain. However, installing tiles in Perth can be daunting for someone who’s never laid flooring. The following is a breakdown of how you can easily lay tile as a beginner.

Keep Safety First

You want to keep yourself safe if you decide to lay your own floors. To do so, wear heavy-duty gloves and protective goggles to guard your feet and eyes against the broken shards of your old flooring.

Prepare and Purchase the Product

Before you make any purchases, you want to measure the area to account for any awkward or jutting areas. When you measure, round to the nearest whole number. This will help you figure out how many packs of tile you need to buy. Each pack covers a specific surface area.

To further prepare your floors, ensure they’re level and dry. Ideally, you’ll lay your flooring on the concrete floor.

You can lay flooring over existing quarry tiles and vinyl, but you need to make sure that that flooring is laid down firmly and properly. When you lay over vinyl tiling, ensure that you also coat the surface with a primer. If you’re laying over concrete or wood, then you should use an adhesive for your primer purposes.

Once you’ve figured out the type of flooring you’re working with, you’re ready to select your tiling. Contact your local tile shops in Perth, such as our team here at Ceramic Tile Supplies, for help on design and colour options.

Plan the Layout

The first tile you lay is your “key tile”. It determines the entire layout of your tiling, making it the utmost importance that you get the positioning right. You’ll want to ideally start somewhere near the centre of your room and work out in each direction. Since many rooms aren’t perfect squares, starting out at the edge will leave you with a huge mess.

To ensure you don’t mess up the process, dry lay a row from the centre to the wall. If you end up with a tiny slither of tile against the wall then move that entire line of tile one tile width away. Once this line is laid correctly, keep dry laying your floor in the opposite direction and move your key tile around if things are not lining up.

When you’ve found the perfect location for that first tile, mark it down with chalk. If the edge pieces are not perfectly aligned, you’ll need to mark where they meet the wall and cut it to shape.

Start Tiling

Lay down the tiling the same way you dry laid it, starting with your key tile and working out toward the walls. Keep in mind, as you choose your direction, you want to avoid stepping on your newly laid floors. If you see no way of avoiding your newly laid tile while you work, think of working in sections per day.

When you first start, spread out about a metre’s worth of adhesive in the centre of the area. To spread it evenly, use a spreader or notched trowel. A spreader leaves just the right amount of product so that the tile actually sticks. Lay your first trowel down, onto the mark you’ve placed before starting, and twist it slightly as you lay it to get rid of any air bubbles.

Work out from the key tile, using plastic spacers, toward one wall. Whenever you get done with every metre or two, check to ensure that your floor is level with a spirit measure. Once you’ve completed this row, redo these steps at right angles so that your tiles are crisscrossing the room from your centre tile. Continue this pattern in rows in one corner of the room and work in quarters.

Once you’re done, wipe down all of your flooring to ensure there is no adhesive left to ruin your perfect new floors. Don’t put your edge tiles in just yet.

24 Hours Later

Once you’ve got your tile shaped by cutting it, you can fill the edges after the rest of the floor has set. Put a layer of adhesive onto the back of these cut tiles and press them into position, leaving them for 24 hours to set.

Get It Grouted

Before moving onto the grouting phase, make sure your tile is solidly set. Mix your grout well so that there are no lumps. Leave your grout sitting for 2 to 3 minutes to help break down these lumps and to release air bubbles.

If the tile you’ve laid is glazed, you can pour the grout over the flooring and spread it with a tool with a rubber edge to move it into place. For non-glazed, you have to gently place it into the cracks so that it doesn’t get on the floor’s surface and stain. As it begins to set, press the grout down with a wooden dowel to fill any air pockets or gaps. Have a damp sponge with you so that you can wipe away any excess.

The grout should harden in approximately an hour. When it is hard, you’ll want to wipe each tile with a damp cloth to make sure there are no grout stains that have escaped your attention. Be very gentle over the next 48 hours. Finish up your floors by sealing around the corners of the room with a flexible sealant the same colour as your grout.

Getting Started

Installing your own tile can be a huge job that takes a lot of time, energy, and patience. For those looking for help from tile shops in Perth, contact us today. We can give you a list of experienced and qualified professionals.

June 21, 2019

The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles – What You Need to Know

By adminGeneral, DIY, Tile SelectionNo Comments

There’s a lot to consider when designing your dream home. When it comes to flooring, homeowners will often find themselves deciding between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles.

Although these two materials may appear similar at first glance, they actually have some important differences.

In this article, we’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of porcelain and ceramic so you walk away with a better understanding of what they are and how they can work with your dream home. Happy tiling!

Advantages of Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is a dense and highly durable material. In fact, it’s one of the toughest flooring materials on the market today and is well known for being able to resist high impact stresses.

Thanks to its high density, the material is essentially liquid resistant. Most porcelain tiles have a liquid absorption rate of less than one-tenth of 1 percent!

This makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas as well. Its water-resistance is actually porcelain’s defining factor when it comes to separating it from ceramic.

Porcelain tiles are also known for their long lifespans. If installed correctly, they can last for decades, even in high traffic areas. Their high durability also means less frequent repairs and low maintenance care needs.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain is a high-quality tile, and with that comes a high price tag. This means more expensive materials, cutting, installation, and repairs.

Also, because porcelain tiles are quite heavy, they can’t be installed everywhere. If you’re intending on installing these above the first level, be sure to first confirm that the floor can handle the tile’s weight.

Keep in mind that although porcelain is extremely good at not absorbing water, the grout between the tiles is not as resistant. Be sure to seal the grout to keep your floor as liquid resistant as possible.

Advantages of Ceramic Tiles

Being significantly less dense than porcelain, ceramic is a much easier material to cut. That means do-it-yourself homeowners can cut the ceramic on their own if they so choose. Also, because it’s easier to cut, its tiles can be found more often in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Perhaps ceramic’s biggest advantage is that it is cheaper than its porcelain counterpart. This is because it is easier to produce, cut, and install.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are basically a lower-quality version of porcelain. They are more porous and thus should not be installed outdoors. They can get mouldy, damaged, and crack in freezing temperatures.

These tiles are also less durable. It is easier for them to break under a heavy impact. This could mean more frequent repairs and replacements and lead to more money being spent over time than with porcelain.

Want More Help with Your Tiling Decision?

Check us out at Ceramic Tile Supplies to learn more about how we can assist you with finding the best tiles Perth has to offer.

We feature galleries of all types of spaces on our website as well as more articles on tiling so that you’re as prepared as possible when you’re ready to install that new floor. Contact CT Supplies today and we’ll help you get started!

May 28, 2019

Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

By adminGeneral, DIY, Subway Tiles, Tile Selection

When redecorating a home, many homeowners overlook the tiles, not recognising just how much of an impact they can have on the look of the room being redone. While specific tiles may work for certain applications, the right choice is more than just what type of tile fits the space. The following aspects of tiling can impact a room’s appearance and should be considered when choosing tiles for a renovation project.

Picking Tiles Relative to the Space

The easiest way to pick out tile is to choose one relative to the size of the space. This means that larger areas like the floor of an open kitchen/dining room or bigger living rooms can easily handle larger format tiles. Similarly, smaller spaces like bathrooms or a kitchen backsplash would look better with medium or smaller sizes as well as mosaic tiles to add texture and design.

To begin, measure the space, whether it’s the entire room or just a section of a wall. This enables you to create a template of the square area so that you can try out different tile designs to help you determine a favourite.

As you measure, remember that larger tiles require extra care to ensure the installation is as even and level as possible. These larger pieces will reduce the natural flow and will limit the decorating options of the flooring.

Different Measures, Different Styles

You can influence the way you feel in a room by using different sized tiles. You can create a sleeker, more streamlined appearance and make rooms feel more open or closed by tile size alone. Consider the following design tips:

Larger Squares and Rectangular Tiles

Tiles that are wide or long can make your room appear bigger. Using larger tiles in medium to large spaces will expand the space by making it feel more open. The longer dimensions to the lines of square and rectangular pieces combined with the reduced amount of grout lines give spaces a more open and cleaner feel. However, large tiles can overwhelm smaller spaces like bathrooms, creating a closed off sensation.

Subway, Plank or Small Mosaic Tiles

The shape, size, and pattern of smaller tiles can add or contract the depth of space so that a room feels more open or cosy, depending on your desires. Linear and subway tiles will add depth to rooms and expand the appearance, especially in smaller spaces. Plank and kitchen tiles can make smaller, galley kitchens appear wider if you place the tiles horizontally.

Need Help? Call Today

Are you looking for tiles in Perth? Ceramic Tile Supplies is one of the leading tile shops in Perth. With over 50 years of experience, we are able to provide our customers with personalised care that will ensure you make the perfect choice of tile for your home, office or commercial space. Speak with one of our experts today and schedule a one-on-one consultation. You’re also welcome to visit our showrooms in Wangara or Myaree to learn about the ways we can help you with your next tiling project.

May 12, 2019

General