Heated Tile Flooring - An Affordable Luxury

With the days becoming shorter and the temperatures dropping, many folks are thinking about making their homes more comfortable and cozy. Thanks to advances in technology, heated flooring is becoming much more accessible to the average homeowner and isn't just for million-dollar homes. 

Why should I choose heated tile flooring?

When choosing a remodel project or building your dream home, adding a heat mat under your tile or stone floor not only makes a room more comfortable in cooler climates; it also adds value to your home without adding much more to the bottom line of the renovation costs. 

Many of our customers are able to turn down their thermostats because of their heated floors. The soft heat given off by a heated tile floor is quiet and less drying than forced air heating systems. 

Heated floors systems are much more energy efficient than they used to be and are a great choice for both small and large tiled areas. 

How do heated tile floors work?

At Elite Tile Colorado, we prefer to use Prodeso Heat Mat by Progress Profiles for a quality installation. The Prodeso heat membrane is a polypropylene uncoupling crack isolation waterproof membrane. In simple terms, this product separates the movement of the subfloor from the tile installation. In addition, this heat mat is an anti-fracture membrane. This is the only mat that is rated to protect against flexing of the floor between the floor joists. This translates into a more durable installation that lasts for years whether the heat is utilized or not. 

The Prodeso Heat Mat secures the heating wire and prevents tile from cracking.

The heated wire is inserted snuggly between the square nobs of the mat to ensure proper spacing. The mat also helps protect the wire during installation by keeping the wire below the surface being tiled. 

The floor is heated by the resistance that is created in the wire and can be controlled by a thermostat. Thermostats come in different varieties including programmable types. Some are even able to be controlled by smartphones.

The Prodeso heat membrane is designed to save time on installation which can save money and will have you enjoying your newly renovated space sooner. 

A coordinated effort 

A heated floor installation will have to be coordinated with a licensed electrical contractor with a dedicated power supply for the heating system. The electrician will also connect the power and install the thermostat to control the temperature of the floor. 

Most heated flooring systems run on 110-volt or 220-volt power. This gives you the option to use what is available or to use a higher voltage which can be more cost-effective in the long run. 

All photos and video courtesy of Progress Profiles.

How Elite Tile Colorado Produces A Superior Tile Installation

Having over 25 years of tile experience sets Elite Tile apart for quality work, but we still look for the latest technology to continue to find ways to improve installation. 

Several years back, we were introduced to Progress Profiles, a tile installation proleveling system. Initially, I thought it was a gimmick, a fad, or for people who didn't know how to set tile. 

But after talking to  Domenico Borrelli, the Vice President and CEO of Progress Profiles, over several days at a tile convention, he was able to address all my questions and concerns about the tile leveling system. He convinced me to give their system a try.

Borrelli said, "Our system can make a good tile setter great, and a great tile setter 'Michelangelo!'"

After the convention, I returned to continue work on a home, and when I compared the finished product after using the Progress Profiles proleveling system, I could see the difference.

We may not quite be on the caliber of "Michelangelo," but this system has taken our work to another level. The system is simple but elegant in design, and we wouldn't be without it now. This is especially true when working with large format tile, which is becoming very popular. Getting a perfectly level tile finish would be much more difficult without this system.

The blue caps that hold the tile in place are reusable, and the spacing system is made out of plastic that can be recycled, which we do. We use this leveling system on tile floors, on walls, and anywhere it might be difficult to hold tiles securely in place as they cure. 

Doing installation with Progress Profiles proleveling system provides a faster and superior installation that our customers love.

Finished bath after using Progress Profiles Proleveling System.

Interview with Domenico Borrelli, CEO of Progress Profiles

We were given the opportunity to speak again with our friend Domenico Borrelli about the Progress Profiles Proleveling System, who explains how it works. You'll also hear how Elite Tile Colorado was one of the first companies in North America to use this exceptional product. We've now been  using this product for over four years.

We apologize for the poor sound quality of this impromptu interview due to the convention noise.

A Custom Solution for Discontinued Tile

Recreating discontinued tiles was meticulous work, but it was worth it to save our customer time and money.

In addition to providing quality installations, we are sometimes called upon to do a repair. In a recent project, some old shoddy exterior renovations broke several tiles in a prominent place on an inside bathroom. Unfortunately, neither the of the two types of the damaged tiles were available, having been discontinued over ten years ago.

The homeowner wasn't in a position to redo the entire bathroom, so we were asked to do a patch so it was at least functional. The broken tiles were located right below the window on one of the most visible walls of the bath including the wainscot that ran around the entire room.

A patch would have been obvious and aesthetically unappealing, to say the least. Since the home was going to be placed on the market, the bathroom didn't need a glaring patch job to detract from the home's value.

The discontinued white base tiles could be cut down from larger white tiles, so that wasn't going to be difficult, but the Marazzi deco tile trim was another situation entirely. 

Tom Weaver, of Weaver Custom Contracting, wondered if we might try to remove the decorative tiles from a less prominent part of the bathroom to transplant into the repair area. I was concerned that the tiles would be damaged in the attempt.

Then I suggested that we try and recreate the discontinued tiles. Tom and the homeowner looked at me in surprise and asked, "You can do that?"

Honestly, I wasn't sure we could duplicate the intricate pattern of the deco tiles, but it was worth a try in order to save this customer a significant amount of money of redoing the entire bath. But my wife Mary and I both have art backgrounds and, together, I thought we just might figure out a solution.

The Process of Recreating Lost Tiles

Recreating the tiles involved finding the best base tile, the right paint that would last, and figuring out how to get the same texture and pattern onto the new tiles.

We bought a few tiles to try, several paints, protective glazes, and tracing paper, and transfer paper. 

There was lots of texture in the original tile, and the pattern was difficult to reproduce. Getting the right shade of the sage-greenish gray was time consuming, and we had to let each sample dry to see if it would match. 

Then the pattern had to be traced and transferred to the tiles that I cut down to match. Several attempts at hand painting the tiles didn't produce all of the textured nuances of the pattern, so Mary went in a new direction.

To create a consistent look between all of the tiles, she decided to get the base color texture first. This was done with a thick coat of ceramic paint. Paper towels were pushed into the wet paint to pull off some of the color. It took several attempts to get all four replacement tiles right, but the results were very close to the original. 

Thick ceramic paint and paper towels helped make the textured base color of the replacement tiles.

Instead of painting white over the green to get the scroll design, Mary etched off the green base paint with a knife to reveal the white underneath.

Hours of etching were employed to recreate the intricate scrolling pattern.

Can you spot the original?

After the tiles were painted and etched to Mary's exacting standards (I won't tell you how many times she scrubbed the tiles clean to start over), I sealed the tiles with a durable finish. 

Finishing the Repair

It was very satisfying to see Mary's hard work be integrated into the repair. As you can see, the results were more than satisfactory!

Making progress on the custom tile repair.

Adding the custom-cut top trim.

Success!

Grouted and finished!

Here at Elite Tile, we're committed to finding solutions for seemingly impossible problems. We're pleased we could help our customer with this unique task and save her thousands of dollars. 

Give us a call and we'd be pleased to help you find creative and cost-effective solutions to your tile repair challenges.

Project Closeup: Penrose Tile Kitchen Backsplash

A panoramic shot of the Penrose Tile Project.

Every so often we get to participate in an artistic vision that we get pretty excited about. After seeing what Elite Tile Colorado was capable in other areas of his home, our customer came to us wondering if we might attempt a Penrose Tile pattern on the kitchen backsplash. 

What is Penrose Tiling?

Sir Roger Penrose, an English mathematical physicist, investigated patterns back in the 1970's and discovered a beautiful and revolutionary pattern of tiling that can cover an infinite plane in a pattern that never repeats. 

Roger Penrose in the foyer of the Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, standing on a floor with a Penrose tiling. Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

Math Meets Art

Here at Elite Tile, we live for these sorts of challenges and were excited to make our customer's dream a reality. This Penrose Tile kitchen backsplash came together beautifully with planning and cooperation with lots of contributors. 

We gave our input to decide how large the tile pieces needed to be in order to showcase the pattern effectively. Then the pattern was worked out with the homeowner and plastic templates were created in order to produce a layout. 

Tile Gems

This scope of this project required tile that was an art form in and of itself. Glass artist Hal Bond of Northwest Glass Tiles was commissioned for this lofty task. We worked closely with Bond, sending tile samples back and forth from Washington to Denver, Colorado until we found the best look to showcase the design.

The gorgeous glass tiles are a cobalt blue with different textures. Bond suggested that he incorporate more texture into the large rhombus pieces to give the eye another way to visualize the pattern beyond just the grout lines. 

Brilliant color and texture created by glass artist Hal Bond of Northwest Tile. 

We computed the number and sizes of the custom tiles required for the glass mosaic, and Northwest Tile delivered!

The Process

Bill Parker installing Penrose Tile.

Creating the Penrose tile layout on 3M sheeting.

Grout time

Any mistakes you make will show up when you grout. But when the tile is installed professionally, it's time to shine!

Bill Parker carefully grouts the Penrose Tile. Look at those perfect joint spaces!

The Finished Project

As you can see, this is an incredible one-of-a-kind space that will be a centerpiece to this gorgeous home for years to come.

Let Elite Tile Colorado create a custom tile installation and make your visions become a reality! 

How Long Will My Tile Project Take?

Creating beautiful spaces takes time, but it's worth it to do it right! See the finished fireplace below...

One of the first things a customer wants to know when they are going to do a remodel is, "How long will it take?"

Home improvement shows make building and renovation look so simple. A complicated remodel will be finished in the space of an hour with the beaming homeowners tearing up at the end over the beauty of it all. 

If only reality TV was true, right? You will be that delighted resident or business owner when you hire us, but it won't happen instantly, no matter which tile company you use. 

The old adage that "you can't rush art" is true, but with Elite Tile, you have over 25 years of experience working for you to make sure your project is completed the most efficient way possible.

We know that tile work is installed in the busiest and most functional places in the home, and we strive to work with you to ensure you have the least amount of disruption to your life.  Every project is unique, but here are the variables that will factor into the length of time a tile or stonework project will take.

Finished project: This gorgeous fireplace was created with an Ann Sacks glass hexagon mosaic. It's a stunning centerpiece to this period home

The Age of the Building

Whether your tile or stonework is being installed in a home or a business, the age of the structure and the quality of the construction makes a difference in installation time.

We have extensive experience in working in historical homes and buildings, and it is always an exciting challenge to navigate structures that have shifted over time. You can imagine how interesting it is to install a flat material into spaces that aren't even close to being level or plumb.

Even newer construction can be surprisingly uneven, but generally newer homes and buildings are easier to prepare for a quality installation. 

All tile and stone work requires meticulous prep work to create the strongest and most even surfaces for installation. This will ensure you have a beautiful finished project with flat, smooth surfaces. Additionally, good prep work will ensure that the beauty lasts for years to come.

The Scope and Design of the Project

Depending on the size and design elements of your kitchen, bath, or other living area, these can all impact the time a project takes to install.

Do you want radiant heat under your tile floors? Do you want a stylish niche or bench in your new shower? Does your bathroom need ADA functionality?

We love to provide unique design elements in projects that make residential and commercial spaces a functional work of art. Adding these touches can elevate the space from being stark to spectacular.

If you can dream it, we can build it. It will be our pleasure to do so in a timely fashion. Just know that the more intricate patterns or design elements will require a longer installation period.  

Installation Logistics

If the area we are doing a tile installation in requires that the tools be set up far away from the project, that will extend the time it takes to complete your new look.

For instance, if the tile saw has to be set up in the garage because there isn't space or there are dust concerns, going up several flights of stairs with the hundreds of pounds of material can be time consuming.

Furthermore, if that space has to be heated to allow the wet saw to operate (and keep your installer and materials thawed), that can be a challenge.

Ideally, the tools and the tile will be able to be in somewhat close proximity to the area of the project to maximize the efficiency of the installation. Wherever we stage the workshop area, we provide meticulous protection to keep your home and finished surfaces safe from scratches or moisture. (Note the protective precautions we've taken in the top photo.)

Even when the work area is close to your living spaces, our customers often remark how clean we keep the spaces that are under construction. It is just one of the details we look after while being a guest in your home.

Being careful takes time, but we think you'll agree it's worth it!

Let us give you a quote!

Every project is unique. We will be happy to give you an estimate to begin to make your vision a reality!

Trends Gleaned from The International Surface Event 2016

We were pleased to attend the International Surface Event in Las Vegas in January this year. It is always a privilege to be able to attend a conference to see what the trends are in home surface design. Connecting with other professionals and companies that understand what you do and want to help you bring the best product to your customers gives a renewed passion and inspiration for our work.

It's tough to distill several days of information and products into a few words, but here are the  main takeaways:

The Big Trend: Large Format Tile

Tile pieces are getting bigger and bigger! Why?

Larger tile pieces can make smaller spaces feel more open and expansive. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines and can provide a more contemporary look with more design options.

The textures and finishes we witnessed on large tiles at this conference were mind blowing. Weathered, antique, natural, or sleek and modern were looks that were all represented in fresh ways on large tile.

A small sampling of textures on large-format tile.

We're pleased to see that the wood look in large-format tile planks has come a long way over the last several years. The appearance and feel of wood floors can now be yours without the concerns of using wood in wet spaces. And with tile, you never have to worry about refinishing like you do with wood. 

Bigger Tile Requires Better Installation

There are several considerations when using larger pieces of tile in your home decor. A big piece of tile has more potential to crack if not installed properly because there are fewer joint spaces to accommodate shifting or movement in the structure.

Big tiles require meticulous surface preparation. If you don't have a qualified tile contractor who knows how to perfectly prepare the surfaces that will hold these heavy tiles, you will have problems.

If your contractor isn't familiar with the latest products that are designed to cut, place, hold, and accommodate these modern materials, the integrity of the tile structure is at stake. You may end up with cracked or broken tile, tile edges that aren't smooth, and the dreaded lippage (when tile edges don't line up to create a flat surface.)

Elite Tile Colorado has already been installing large-format tile for years and has worked hard to stay ahead of the trends. You can feel confident that the materials we use meet or exceed the industry standard.

In some cases, manufacturers have come to us for feedback on their installation products, and we were glad to reconnect with several of these companies at TISE 2016!