Fred Callaghan Flooring

Carpet and Flooring Center

Click to Call

What Is Backsplash Tile & Where Should You Put It?

By

 

Backsplashes are an expanse of material that usually sits on bathroom or kitchen wall between the countertops and cabinet. Done well, today’s backsplash designs can be a beautiful accent for rooms in your home by completing the interiors of your space with interesting patterns, colors and designs.  Ideally you will want to install a backsplash during your kitchen or bath counter installation. It is best to work with a professional for this type of project.

What are common types of tiles to use for a backsplash?

The most common tiles use for a backsplash are ceramic, porcelain, stone, marble and sometimes even glass.  You should be mindful that not all tiles will cost the same. Tiles are priced by square foot and the cost can vary depending on the type of material. Shopping smart can give you the look you want at a price that’s comfortable for you. Here are a few types of tiles to consider for your backsplash project.

  • The look of marble for less: To mimic the look of expensive marble go for a glazed porcelain tile, with high gloss coated over its surface for shine.
  • Porcelain and ceramic tiles: These types of tiles have many options to make your kitchen traditional to contemporary. With endless designs and options – you’re sure to find a tile that makes your kitchen unique.
  • Stainless steel and natural stone: This material offers a wealth of warmth to your kitchen space. Used together, these materials can create one of a kind looks.
  • Mosaic tile: Mosaic tile packs in smaller patterns and seemingly offer more bang for your buck. Depending on the range of materials – this can be an easy way to turn your kitchen space into a work of art.

Where is the best place to install a backsplash?

Most kitchen backsplashes will be on back walls surrounding sinks and stoves serving both an aesthetic appeal as well as a functioning component to protecting your walls from stains and damage.

In the bath, a backsplash can be added behind toilets and sinks, surrounding showers and even as a functional design element enclosing a sunken tub.  Recently there has been a trend to install a backsplash on a ceiling to define a shower alcove and prevent water damage.

Working with the design professionals at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring will keep your project moving smoothly and help you find your design style.  Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

White Carrera Marble Tile In Your Kitchen and Bathroom

By

Carrera Marble Tile

With the rise in the popularity of all white kitchens, and retro European style baths, white Carrera marble has become a sought after choice for many homeowners who love the rich look and feel of traditional white marble. When you get right down to it, nothing really compares with marble.  This is the perfect tile for both kitchens and baths and there are plenty of ways to redecorate with it.

For your kitchen tile, white Carrera marble can be a chic addition on your kitchen floor or walls and can add sophisticated elegance when it is front and center on a kitchen island. Polished white Carrera marble gives any kitchen a contemporary ambience, but is not the best choice for flooring as it can become very slippery when wet. Honed white Carrera marble tile provides a warmer, earthier feel in the kitchen for counters and walls and will not scratch or etch as easily as polished marble tile.

Carrera as a bathroom tile works well on the walls in the shower area. Or perhaps you have a bathtub that needs a revamp from its old look; a mosaic Carrera look is absolutely perfect for this occasion, especially when you want that natural relaxed look. Carrera marble can also be the background that highlights your bathroom vanity, bringing the vanity details to full view highlighting major attractions like the faucets or the traditional design.

White Carrera marble tile is made of natural stone, so it is resistant to splashes or spills but it can be a bit demanding to maintain.  If the thought of regularly resealing your marble every six months feels unrealistic, consider the many options of faux Carrera Marble tile that look good, will work perfectly for most kitchen and bathroom projects and can be more cost effective.

Marble, with its pros and cons is truly an authentic look that over time develops a lovely natural patina. Perhaps that is why it has been the stone of choice for hundreds of years in many European restaurants and bakeries.

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of tiles.

How To Choose Ceramic Tile

By

The next time you feel inspired to tackle a home improvement project, consider updating old tile or adding tile to your home. Tile refers to any kind of durable material that can be laid in rows over a particular surface. It most commonly refers to stone, ceramic, porcelain, and glass. All of these materials are good looking and strong and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. When selecting tile for your next home project, it is important to keep a few basic things in mind.

Where will the tile be placed?

Selecting the best tile for your project very much depends on where the tile will be used and will narrow down your size and material. For example, floor tile has to be safe to walk on, so you want to make sure that the texture and strength of the tile is correct. Stone, ceramic and porcelain are most commonly used for counters and floors, with stone being the most durable. Glass is mostly used for walls and backsplashes and is great for kitchens and bathrooms and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Ceramic tile is a good fit for bathrooms or other moisture rich environments. It is easy to clean and install, it’s waterproof and sturdy.

What is your budget?

There is a wide range of prices for tile. Below are sample ranges, not including installation.

Ceramic tile ranges between $2 – $20 per square foot.

Natural Stone ranges from $7-$28 per square foot.

Glass tiles range from $7 – $30 per square foot

Porcelain tile ranges from $3-$25 per square foot.

Be sure to stop by our showroom and browse samples of our tile collections from Florida Tile, Datile, American Olean, Garden State and various imported tiles. Call today to schedule your complimentary in-home measuring appointment.

Note* prices are samples only and subject to change.