Tip of the Month
January, 2012
Cheers to the New Year and Hot Trends!
Tile is a popluar flooring choice due to its durability and longevity. Here is a glimps at some of the trends you can expect to see in 2012.
Clean Monochromatic Looks – The use of clean, minimalist graphics without a lot of movement will continue to be a staple of modern design. In addition, you will see additional use of fabric-like textures that mimic patterns of linen, silk and tweed. Neutral black, white and gray palettes will also become increasingly popular, especially when pared with bold accent colors.
Splashes of Glass and Metal – In 2012, expect to see desgins that use glass or mental accents in backsplashes, showers or floors to create upscale spaces with added charm. This mixing of mediums is becoming more popular as a way to add aesthetic value to product quality.
Traditional Classics – Classic, timeless products and colors will remain most appealing to the residential market. Look for subtle uses of color, such as a color acccent in a backsplash or in a shower design. You’ll also see more classic, realistic, stone looks, including travertine and slate.
Varying Sizes – Retangular tile for both floor and wall applications will continue to be popular. Specifically, linear sizes that mimic the look of wood. In addtion, large and small tile will be used together increasingly, for an innovative approach that can create the illusion of more expansive space.
Dimensionality – Textured dimensionality is a trend you’ll be seeing more frequently, especially with stone. Mosics and wall tiles create visual relief as they utilize highs and low
December, 2011
Tougher than your toughest environment!
American Olean introduces a new glaze technology that provides built-in antimicrobial protection.
During the manufacturing process, the glaze is infused with Microban Antimicrobial Protection, creating an environment which inhabits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. The result is an additional layer of durable, long-lasting protection, keeping the tile cleaner between cleanings.
The greatest part!? Bacteria inhabiting protection lasts the life of the tile!
Microban Technology is incorporated into the glaze during the manufacturing process, so it starts working the moment the tile is complete. Unlike other antimicrobial agents on the market, Microban doesn’t require UV light to be effective. I t wont wash off or wear away, giving your design an added level of durable, long-lasting protection. And it’s perfect for environments with heavy traffic volume. Check out the link below for more information! And don’t forget to see the complete American Olean line at our Traverse City and Frankfort Showrooms.
http://americanolean.com/outstand.cfm?OSp=3
September, 2011
The LiquiDAM from TEC
The LiquiDAM is a moisture vapor barrier for the installation of floor coverings, tile, stone and concrete toppings. It is a low viscosity, high penetrating, two-part 100% solids epoxy designed to reduce moisture vapor transmission rates from 20 lbs per 1,000 SF per 24 hours to a rate of 3lbs per 1,000 SF per 24 hours from damp concrete and a variety of other substrates. It is specialty formulated to be applied to moist or new concrete, as little as 48 hours old. The LiquiDAM is colored blue for visual assurance of coverage during the application process. Only one coat is required to penetrate and fill voids and gaps to fully seal the substrate. And it quickly cures in as little as 5 hours to provide the benefit of same day installation. It is ideal for use with other TEC adhesive, patch, underlayment, leveler and mortar products.
Stop into the showroom for information on other TEC Specialty products both stock and non-stock items!
June, 2011
The Latest in Urethane Grout…
Urethane grout offers the ultimate in color accuracy, stain protection and crack resistance for residential and commercial tile installations. It resists all types of stains including coffee, red wine, oil, and even tomato sauce while never needing to be sealed! Plus it is consistent in color every time.
Bostik TruColor Pre-Mixed Grout is a patented, water-based breakthrough formula that installs up to 50% faster than traditional grouts, and never needs to be sealed. Its perfect balance of flexibility and toughness enables it to exhibit unmatched performance and crack resistance.
We highly recommend using it on your next installation.