Tile trends for 2018

Once upon a time, tiles were mostly used for their functional benefits (resistance to water, durability, low maintenance). Today, however, the sky is the limit for the designs that are possible and the aesthetic impact tile can create. Manufacturers have really pushed the limits on what is possible to provide really unique styles for today’s spaces.

As we enter 2018 full steam ahead, we thought we would bring to attention some of the tiles that seem to be the most popular right now and for the foreseeable future.

Stone/wood imitation tile: With the technology almost perfected to digitally copy and recreate an existing surface, many manufacturers have selected wood or stone and recreated them in porcelain. In both instances, you get a recreation that is almost identical to the real thing without having to put up with any of the potential drawbacks of the original material. You can have a wood-look tile in your bathroom without worrying about moisture, or a white marble in your kitchen without worrying about spilling any red wine. 

Terrazzo tiles: Terrazzo is typically a blend of marble chips and an epoxy or cementitious resin. The tile (which was once a mainstream commercial floor covering for its durability and unique look) has started to make a comeback. However, with a bit of a twist. Rather than being poured in place, they are now available as a tile, allowing for a simpler installation and an overall less expensive product. As well the modern reincarnation sometimes has bits of glass or soft metals inserted into the mix to create special designs.

Terracotta tiles: Nightmares of 1970’s kitchens may be floating through your head when you think of Terracotta. However the modern reincarnation of this material is used in fun shapes as well as with with a variety of glazes. These unique colours and textures help give your space a classical look.

Geometric designs: Most tiles have tended to be square or rectangular in shape. A couple of years ago, penny round mosaics became popular. This was followed by hexagonal tiles that seem to be everywhere and have started a new direction in tile design. Breaking up the traditional tile grid seems to be the name of the game these days. Whether you choose a hexagon tile, or install a rectangular tile in a herringbone pattern. Breaking away from the standard tile grid is one way to create a unique look for your space.

Porcelain tile vs. ceramic tile

Many customers ask us what the difference is between ceramic and porcelain tiles. It can be fairly confusing when buying tile, as the characteristics of these two types of tile are fairly similar. However, there are some important differences.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are both technically “ceramic” tile.  All ceramic tiles are made from a clay mixture that is formed with extreme pressure and then fired. Tile that is rated porcelain uses a denser clay, has been formed under greater pressure and is fired at a higher temperature. These slight differences create a tile that is stronger and impervious to moisture.

Ceramic and some porcelain tiles have a glaze on one face of the visible layer of the tile. This is a protective surface that creates the coloured, patterned and durable wear layer. Some glazes are more durable than others. To tell how durable a glaze is (and the tile in general) check the tile’s PEI rating or the manufacturer’s suggested use. PEI ratings go 1 through 5, where 1 is the least scratch and wear resistant, and 5 being the most scratch and wear resistant. Most porcelain tile have a PEI rating of 4 or higher. Where as ceramic tiles can be as low as a 1, but can range up to 3.  Un-glazed porcelain, or “through body” porcelain does not have a PEI rating as it does not have a glaze. However, it is generally accepted that it is able to withstand heavy traffic. Through body, porcelain also has the advantage of being the same colour from front to back. This means that a chip is less likely to be noticed. In contrast, glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles typically have a body that is a different colour than the glaze.

As ceramic and porcelain tile is fired and then cooled, the tiles can fluctuate in size, similar to when you bake a cookie. Most tile is left as-is after cooling.  As the tiles are installed, the different sizes are taken into account - this is the reason grout joint-sizing can sometimes fluctuate. However another option is “rectified’ tile. In this process, the tiles are either cut or ground down after they are baked to ensure that each piece is exactly the same size. This option is available in both ceramic and porcelain tiles and allows for tighter grout joints.

All the advantages of porcelain tile do come with a flip side: cost. Typically, the overall cost for a porcelain tile will be more expensive than ceramic tile. Both in material cost and installation cost, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain. However when selecting your tile, price shouldn’t be the only factor. The full intended use of the space needs to be considered before a final decision is made.

Moisture problems in bathrooms

We get asked to look at moldy bathroom tile and failing tub surrounds quite often. While we can make the tile waterproof and make it function like it should, what we find is that most people seldom use the fan that is in their bathroom. Or if they do use it, it is only used for the another purpose. To the point that HVAC installers have started calling bathroom exhaust fans a “fart fan”.

Yes, these fans do remove smells and odours. But the main purpose for these fans being installed in bathrooms is to remove the warm moist air that is in bathrooms while they are being used. Whether it is from having a bath or shower, or just brushing your teeth. That humid air needs to be removed to stop mold and mildew from developing and causing damage to your home or business. It is important to note that this air needs to be removed from the building, not just the room. Often times when we are completing bathroom renovations we find exhaust fans that are vented into attics or even down and into other wall cavities. This can cause a lot of damage in your home, by allowing moisture to build-up in areas where it shouldn’t.

Often times we see homeowners not using the fans properly because they are either loud or are not installed correctly.  Both of these problems can be easily fixed:

Sound: By installing a fan that is under 1.5 sones a fan is much more likely to be used.

Installation: A bathroom fan should be ran for 20 minutes after a bath or shower has been had in the room.  This means that a fan should never be installed on the same switch as a the light above a shower for instance because most people will shut the light off when they leave the room. We recommend using a timed switch that allows for 15 minutes of operation after you leave the room. That way you can set the timer and forget about it. Along with the timer, running the ducting properly so that the air is removed from the building is important. As well as making sure this ducting  is insulated to protect from condensation in unconditioned spaces.

Your bathroom exhaust fan is an important part of keeping moisture managed in your home to prevent mold.  Along with the waterproofing around your shower and on your bathroom floor you also need to control the moisture that is in the air.  With a high quality bathroom fan and proper installation you can ensure your bathroom and its finishing last a long time.

Check out this article from CMHC for more information on preventing moisture problems in bathrooms: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/grho/moaiprre/moaiprre_009.cfm