Here are some of the Best Design Tips for using Tile:
By applying these tips, you can create visually appealing and functional tiled spaces that reflect your style while maximizing the preceived space and enhancing the overall design of your room!
1. Use light colors to make spaces feel larger and more open. Light-colored subway tiles in marble or ceramic are particularly good for creating a spacious feel.
2. Consider tile texture and feel, especially for areas like shower benches where comfort is important.
3. Lay tiles diagonally to create the illusion of a larger room, especially in smaller spaces.
4. Use tile patterns strategically to alter spatial perceptions - vertical patterns can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal patterns can widen a space.
5. For a timeless look, use one larger neutral color tile throughout the space to make the room appear bigger.
6. Use large tiles on walls to minimize grout lines and create a sleeker look, then incorporate a marble mosaic pattern on the floor to create visual interest.
7. Limit your design to no more than three tile colors that share a similar palette to avoid visual distraction.
8. Create visual interest by using a single accent piece or pattern as a focal point.
9. Experiment with geometric patterns or layouts to add visual interest without introducing new colors.
10. Consider using same tiles on both floors and walls to create a seamless and timeless look.
11. For a bold statement, try a herringbone pattern with subway tiles.
Happy Tiling!
Installation Guides
Natural Stone Tile & Mosaics
These instructions are very general guidelines. Each circumstance and material may require slight alterations to these guidelines.
Always carefully inspect any material you intend to install before performing any installation work. For mounted mosaics, verify sheet-to-sheet color consistency by first comparing each sheet to one another from the backside. Next, compare the face of the sheets by laying them adjacent to one another and comparing the visible portion(edge) of the mosaic tiles.
Surface Prep & Substrates
Suitable Substrates include:
Fully cured concrete
Gypsum wallboard for tile
Cementitious wallboard
Flat Masonry
Fully cured cement mortar beds
Self-leveling with the proper PSI rating for the purpose
Underlayment specifically for the tile and rated by the manufacturer
Substrate Requirements
All substrates must be structurally sound, solid, flat, dry, and thoroughly clean and free of oil, wax, grease, asphalt, latex and gypsum compounds, curing compounds, sealers and any contaminant that might act as a bond breaker. Per the Tile Council of North America(TCNA)guidelines, all natural stone substrates must meet a deflection rating of L/720. Overly absorbent as well as non-absorbent substrates require priming prior to installation. A maximum variation in the sub slab cannot exceed 1/8" in 10' from the required plane per MIA guidelines. Subfloor must also be level with the maximum variation of 1/16" in 3'.
Crack Isolation
Cracks as well as any areas susceptible to future surface cracking require the installation of a crack isolation membrane meeting ANSI 118.12.
Wet Areas
Wet Areas require the installation of a waterproofing membrane - most major tile setting material manufacturers have a product. Select one that has specs meeting ANSI 118.10 prior to installation. Steam Rooms require a waterproofing and vapor retarding membrane specific for the purpose with a perm rating of .05 perms or less.
Cutting
A stable tile wet saw with a high-quality continuous rim diamond saw blade must be used to cut stone tile or mosaics. The recirculated water must be kept fresh and clean during the cutting process.
Setting Tile & Mosaics
Carefully organize your material. It is best to measure out an area in the same size as the intended installation and dry lay the tile or mosaic. Once the desired look is achieved, transfer to the area and install in manageable sections.
For tile, make sure to create a natural looking layout of light, dark, veined and figured material that is balanced and visually pleasing.
For mosaics, make sure the sheets fit together with a consistent joint spacing and shave/trim/cut the interlocking sheets to form a professional fit before actually performing the final setting process.
Always create a test patch using your chosen setting materials with the tile/mosaic first to make certain that they are compatible and the desired effect is achieved.
Do not use mastic or unmodified thinset.
All installation methods used should conform to guidelines established by the Marble Institute of America(MIA) and/or the Tile Council of North America(TCNA).
Attain a 100% coverage of the setting material on the back of the tile. This will create the strongest bond.
Once the tile has been set and the setting material and stone has fully dried, apply at least 1 coat of penetrating sealer before grouting.
Radiant Heat
Following each manufacturer's radiant heat system instructions carefully. Allow all substrates and setting materials to fully cure before use. Follow ANSI A108.5 and TCNA EJ171 specifications.
Grouting
Remember to always seal at least once after setting the tile/mosaic but before grouting. Follow grout manufacturer's specifications for the suitability of the grout for each joint width. Always test the chosen grout before proceeding with final application.
Sealers 101 - Important Knowledge To Protect Your Investment
Modern sealers are amazing and help keep natural stone looking gorgeous, but understanding what they actually do will help a lot.
Impregnating / Penetrating Sealers - What they do and don't do
Impregnating sealers work by repelling water, or water and oil, not by blocking the pores of the material or creating a physical barrier. Because of this:
1. Impregnators cannot stop acid etching of acid sensitive surfaces including the following stones: marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx. These stones contain calcite, a form of calcium, which reacts and dissolves on contact with acids, even mild acids such as lemon juice, cola and wine. In populated urban areas, rain can be acidic. The use of acid sensitive materials outdoors is not recommended as discoloration and acid damage may occur.
2. Impregnators do not make surfaces impervious to staining. Given enough time or enough pressure, water and oil can penetrate, so spills should be wiped up in a timely manner.
3. Impregnators do not provide a physical barrier and therefore do not provide protection from physical wear and tear, scuff marks, or dirt being ground into the texture or pits of rough surfaces.
What Makes Stain-Proof™ Impregnators Special?
1. Stain-Proof Premium Impregnating Sealer (previously known as: Stain-Proof™ Original), Dense Stone Impregnating Sealer (Previously known as: Stain-Proof™ Plus) & Waterborne Dense Stone Sealer(previously known as: MetaCreme™) are formulated using Stain-Proofs unique sealing technology - our sealer molecules are approximately 400+ times smaller than other impregnators and penetrate much further into the pores to form a much deeper water and oil repellent barrier. This allows Stain-Proof impregnators to provide more than stain repellence, including protection against efflorescence, salt/freeze-thaw spalling and picture framing.
2. Stain-Proof sealers form permanent chemical bonds inside the pores, becoming part of the internal molecular structure of the treated material for superior longevity and protection and resistance to cleaning and UV light.
3. Stain-Proof sealers have huge active ingredient levels - up to 70%; compared to 5-10% for common impregnators.
Ceramic Tile & Mosaics
These instructions are very general guidelines. Each circumstance and material may require slight alterations to these guidelines.
Hand-made tile installation will require a different approach to mechanical tile at the setting stage - this will be clarified in specific sections below. Always carefully inspect any material you intend to install before performing any installation work. For mounted mosaics, verify sheet-to-sheet color consistency by first comparing each sheet to one another from the backside. Next, compare the face of the sheets by laying them adjacent to one another and comparing the visible portion(edge) of the mosaic tiles.
strong, not affected by prolonged contact with water, and can be used to plumb and square surfaces installed by others. Suitable backings, when properly prepared, are brick or concrete masonry. unit, concrete, wood or steel stud frame, rough wood floors, plywood floors, foam insulation board, gypsum board, and gypsum plaster. The one coat method may be used over masonry, plaster, or other solid backing that provides firm anchorage for metal lath.
Surface Prep & Substrates
Suitable Substrates include:
Fully cured concrete
Gypsum wallboard for tile
Cementitious wallboard
Flat Masonry
Fully cured cement mortar beds
Self-leveling with the proper PSI rating for the purpose
Underlayment specifically for the tile and rated by the manufacturer
Substrate Requirements
All substrates must be structurally sound, solid, flat, dry, and thoroughly clean and free of oil, wax, grease, asphalt, latex and gypsum compounds, curing compounds, sealers and any contaminant that might act as a bond breaker. Per the Tile Council of North America(TCNA)guidelines, all ceramic tile substrates must meet a deflection rating of L/360. Overly absorbent as well as non-absorbent substrates require priming prior to installation. A maximum variation in the sub slab cannot exceed 1/8" in 10' from the required plane per MIA guidelines. Subfloor must also be level with the maximum variation of 1/16" in 2'.
Crack Isolation
Cracks as well as any areas susceptible to future surface cracking require the installation of a crack isolation membrane meeting ANSI 118.12.
Wet Areas
Wet Areas require the installation of a waterproofing membrane - most major tile setting material manufacturers have a product. Select one that has specs meeting ANSI 118.10 prior to installation. Steam Rooms require a waterproofing and vapor retarding membrane specific for the purpose with a perm rating of .05 perms or less.
Cutting
A stable tile wet saw with a high-quality continuous rim diamond saw blade must be used to cut ceramic tile or mosaics. The recirculated water must be kept fresh and clean during the cutting process.
Setting Ceramic Tile & Mosaics
Carefully organize your material. It is best to measure out an area in the same size as the intended installation and dry lay the tile or mosaic. Once the desired look is achieved, transfer to the area and install in manageable sections.
For Hand-Made Tile/Mosaic: These tiles may vary in thickness, flatness and edge straightness by design. In order to obtain the best installation, it is imperative to dry lay the tiles first. The individual tile orientations should be flipped and matched so that edges which complement each other's geometry are put together. For instance, if one tile's upper edge flares out, it should be placed next to a tile that has a bottom edge which flares out so that a tighter joint can be achieved. The same logic applies to thickness and curvature variations of each tile.
For tile, make sure to create a natural looking layout of light, dark and figured material that is balanced and visually pleasing.
For mosaics, make sure the sheets fit together with a consistent joint spacing and shave/trim/cut the interlocking sheets to form a professional fit before performing the final setting process.
Tile Spacers for Hand-Made Tile: When setting this type of tile, a variety of spacer sizes should be used as the joint widths are going to vary. Much of this type of tile setting is done by eye and feel. Tile spacer sizes such as 1/16", 3/32", 1/8" and 3/16" should be used as needed for varying joint widths. Some hand-made tile series will be more irregular than others so follow the recommended average joint width for the series being installed.
Always create a test patch using your chosen setting materials with the tile/mosaic first to make certain they are compatible and the desired effect is achieved.
Do not use mastic or unmodified thinset.
All installation methods used should conform to guidelines established by the Tile Council of North America(TCNA).
Attain a 100% coverage of the setting material on the back of the tile. This will create the strongest bond.
For Crackle or Matte Ceramic Tile and Mosaic: Once the tile has been set and the setting material has fully dried, apply at least one(1) coat of penetrating sealer before grouting.
Radiant Heat
Following each manufacturer's radiant heat system instructions carefully. Allow all substrates and setting materials to fully cure before use. Follow ANSI A108.5 and TCNA EJ171 specifications.
Grouting
*For Crackle and Matte Finished Ceramic Tile & Mosaic*, remember to always seal at least once after setting the tile/mosaic but before grouting. Follow grout manufacturer's specifications for the suitability of the grout for each joint width. Always test the chosen grout before proceeding with final application.
These instructions are very general guidelines. Each circumstance and material may require slight alterations to these guidelines. Always carefully inspect any material you intend to install before performing any installation work.
Installing glass tile involves some basic procedures that differ from installing ceramic or stone tile. Following these procedures will ensure a successful installation. This guide covers installation of glass tile in interior floors, walls, and showers.
Preparation
Glass tile must be installed over a properly prepared substrate - a clean, sound, flat surface that is free of cracks, contaminates, sealers, paint or adhesives. This is one of the most important factors in ensuring a good installation.
Approved surfaces for Setting:
Concrete Slabs
Well-cured mortar beds (ANSI A108.1B Standards-cured a minimum of 7 Days)
Cement Board/backer units (CBU) to ANSI A118.9 Standards (Note: An ANSI A108A-2.1.8 membrane is required behind all CBU installations in wet areas.)
Gypsum board (dry areas only) installed to ASTM C1396 or ASTM C1396M-04 Standards.
Do NOT install glass tile directly over Particle board or Plywood!
Our glass tiles are backed on mesh with waterproof glue.
Glass Mosaic Installation
This is a hand made product. Check color placement before installing. Maintain sheet orientation.
Work in areas of 6 - 10 SF. Key in thinset with flat edge of trowel.
Use a 1/8” V-Notch trowel to achieve uniform thickness. Lightly knock down the tops of combed thin-set with flat edge of trowel until smooth.
Gently push tile into the thinset, paying attention to sheet edges. For patterned tile, make sure each tile is placed exactly where it interlocks with the adjacent tile.
Use a beating block to achieve uniform flatness and full bond.
Promptly clean excess setting materials from tile surface with a damp sponge. Follow manufacturer’s recommended stated cure times for setting.
Grouting
During the grouting process these may become more noticeable if grout residue is left to cure on the surface. A soft bristle brush may be used to remove the excess grout from the surface during the initial cleaning phase. It is critical to remove all excess grout from the surface of the tile before the grout is allowed to fully cure.
Pre-wash tile with damp sponge to remove 100% of glue or other residue before grouting.
Apply grout with a rubber float making sure joints are filled completely.
Use a damp sponge to remove excess grout, leaving only a slight haze residue.
Wait 30-40 minutes before polishing off haze residue with a clean microfiber cloth.
Do this as work progresses while grout is fresh. Wait 12 hours before performing a ‘final polish’ to remove any residual haze with a dry terry or microfiber cloth.
Recommended Setting Material
BOSTIK Reflex® Ultra-Premium Latex-Modified Thin Set Mortar (Dry Areas).
Recommended Grout
Use any non-sanded grout.
Cleaning
Both the Bijoux and Café collections have been tested by the TCNA and have passed all tests for chemical resistance, surface abrasion, stain resistance, and breaking strength. We have found that under normal residential traffic, warm water is sufficient to clean the surface. Keep in mind that this product is rated for Commercial flooring!
Here are the ways to clean the surface. Always start out with the mildest method:
Warm Water alone with a sponge mop
Warm Water and mild dishwashing liquid, such as Dawn, with a sponge mop
Wet a magic eraser and rub the surface until clean
Acurve Waterjet Tile Series
Acurve Waterjet Tile Unboxing Guidelines
These tiles have very delicate tips and extra care must be taken. Follow this video guideline to ensure minimal damage!
Acurve Installation Guidelines
Follow the guidelines in this video to ensure a successful and beautiful installation of our Acurve Waterjet Tile series!
Maintenance + Cleaning
Natural Stone Tile & Mosaics
We have found that natural stone becomes more beautiful with use and age. It can be restored either through chemical cleaning or mechanical polishing (or both!)
General recommendations for surfaces sealed with an impregnator
Walk on/walk off mats and regular sweeping or vacuuming minimize grit (sand particles) which will scratch many surfaces.
Wipe/mop up spills as soon as possible. Impregnating sealers are 'breathable' i.e. the pores of the surface remain open so moisture can escape by evaporation. They work by repelling water (hydrophobic) or oil and water (oleophobic) not by blocking the pores. If left long enough, spills can penetrate and leave a stain.
Acid sensitive surfaces, including marble, limestone, travertine and onyx will be damaged on contact with acidic substances such as lemon juice, cola, vinegar, and wine. These surface materials contain calcite, a form of calcium, which react and dissolves on contact with acids. Impregnating sealers don't stop liquids from making physical contact with the surface and therefore cannot prevent acid etching. Clean up acidic spills on acid sensitive materials ASAP to minimize damage.
Cleaning up spills:
First lift as much of the spill as possible with paper towel, a cloth or other absorbent material.
Mop up the remaining spill with warm water. Adding Alkaline Cleaner, Daily Floor Cleaner, or other suitable alkaline cleaner to the water should aid cleaning and help to neutralize the acid.
If the spill has been left too long and has dried or caused a stain, refer to the section on stain removal.
Regular Cleaning General Do's and Don'ts
Light cleaning can be performed as regularly as necessary to stop buildup of grime and dirt.
Daily light cleaning may be required in high traffic commercial areas, with spot mopping of spills in food court areas.
Daily floor cleaner or other suitable pH neutral or mild alkaline cleaner is recommended.
Cleaners with detergents can leave a residue which is difficult to rinse off and collects dirt.
Daily Floor Cleaner
Stain-Proof™ Daily Floor Cleaner is a natural enzyme cleaner which can be used for light regular cleaning, heavy duty cleaning or stain removal of dirt and grime, including stains caused by oil, mold, food and beverages.
TEST PRODUCT ON A SMALL AREA BEFORE FULL APPLICATION.
Apply when surface temperature is between 5-35℃ (45-95℉). Remove dust and dirt from surface by sweeping or vacuuming.
Pour 4-6 capfuls of STAIN-PROOF™ Daily Floor Cleaner into a bucket of clean warm water (2 gallons / 8 Liters). Stir briefly. More soiled surfaces may need a higher concentration.
Mop the surface, rinsing the mop frequently. If the mixture in the bucket becomes too dirty, rinse the mop thoroughly in clean water and mix a fresh bucket of cleaner and water to continue mopping. Better still, use 2 buckets, one for clean water and one to squeeze out the dirty water.
In light concentrations, the cleaner should not leave a residue. If used in heavier concentrations, mop off residue with clean water.
Heavy Duty Cleaning General Do's and Don'ts
Heavy duty cleaning is performed if the buildup of dirt and grim is too much for normal cleaning.
For indoor floors in homes, this is easily avoided by regular light cleaning.
On commercial surfaces, due to high volume traffic, grime can build up despite daily light cleaning efforts.
Heavy duty 'Spring' cleaning can be performed every 3 months, monthly or more often if necessary, provided a suitable cleaner and non-damaging tools are used.
Daily Floor Cleaner
Stain-Proof™ Daily Floor Cleaner is a natural enzyme cleaner which can be used for light regular cleaning, heavy duty cleaning or stain removal of dirt and grime, including stains caused by oil, mold, food and beverages.
TEST PRODUCT ON A SMALL AREA BEFORE FULL APPLICATION.
Remove dust and dirt from surface by sweeping or vacuuming.
Use 1/10th bottle of Daily Floor Cleaner per 1 gallon (about 4 liters) of fresh (preferably warm) water. The concentration can be increased further if necessary.
Generously apply the cleaning solution to the surface with a pump sprayer or mop and leave for a few minutes so the enzymes can start breaking down the dirt.
Before the cleaner dries on the surface, scrub with a suitable brush or deck scrubber. Daily Floor Cleaner is suitable for use in commercial scrubbing machines as well (recommended for large commercial surfaces).
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and a mop. A wet vac can be used for faster removal from commercial surfaces.
For stains or spots where normal heavy duty cleaning has not produced a perfect result, apply Daily Floor Cleaner undiluted, allow to sit for a few minutes, scrub with a suitable brush before it dries and rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
Please note: Daily Floor Cleaner is a cleaner for inanimate organic particulate such as dirt and grim, and not a remover for mineral or rust deposits, although it can work on these in some circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Purchasing from Terra Bella Tile
Q: Can I purchase directly from Terra Bella?
A: Over 150 professional authorized Terra Bella dealers across the USA will give you the expertise and guidance for a successful project! Please check our dealer portal here so you can find the closest one to you. Make sure to only purchase our tiles from an authorized Terra Bella dealer.
One great feature of this website is the ability to add the tiles you like to an Inquiry Cart by clicking the ADD PRODUCT INQUIRY button.
You can surf the website, adding tiles to your Inquiry Cart, then checkout for no cost. The specialists at Terra Bella will receive the list of tiles in your checkout, then connect you with the closest local dealer to you that displays the tiles you like!
Q: How long do orders take to ship out?
A: Stocked items will ship from our New Jersey warehouse within 2-3 days. Just be aware that sometimes there can be other factors such as trucking company delays or processing time. Always consult your authorized Terra Bella Dealer - they will give you an accurate delivery time that includes all the additional factors involved.
Q: Is a physical approval sample REALLY necessary?
A: Every shipment of every Terra Bella product is carefully laid out and photographed so that your dealer can show you the color, veining and other characteristics via email. This is the first step, so if it all looks good to you, we urge you to accept an approval sample. Thi sis where we pull a sample of the item from inventory and ship it out for final approval before shipping the full order.
This physical approval process does add time, but it is an important step to make sure you love the look of the tile you will receive. It can save you time and money if you want to make a change before the tile ships!
Natural Stone
Q: Do I need to reseal my marble/stone every year?
A: Goodness no, quality sealers such as Dry Treat Stain Proof have a 15-year warranty so it is only applied at the time of installation. Simply use a quality tile and stone cleaner for regular cleaning and you are all set. Make sure to check our guides for Installation and Maintenance.
Q: Why should I choose natural stone?
A: Natural stone is valued for its beauty, durability, and the fact that it will look even better with age. It offers a unique aesthetic beauty that artificial materials often try to replicate but cannot match. Additionally, natural stone products are environmentally friendly, as they do not release harmful chemicals during production and will not pollute your home with off-gassing that many synethetic materials will release over time.
Incorporating natural stone into a property can significantly increase its market value. The luxury appeal and durability of natural stone often make properties more attractive to potential buyers, providing a good return on investment in addition to creating beauty.
Ceramic Tile
Q: What is the difference between Terra Bella's ceramic tile and other manufacturers?
A: Terra Bella's ceramic tile is a premium product made from high-quality clay and minerals, designed for aesthetic appeal and durability. These tiles often feature vibrant colors, subtle hue variations, and advanced glazing techniques, making them suitable for upscale bathrooms and kitchens.
These tiles will also have accompanying trim and moldings that will give your project the most luxurious and finished result. Terra Bella ceramic collections are considered to be the finest and most appealing tiles by the professional design community.
Q: What are the benefits of using ceramic tile in bathrooms and kitchens?
A: Ceramic tile is highly resistant to moisture, steam, stains and scratches, making it ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It is also easy to clean and maintain, and its variety of designs can complement any decor style.
Q: Do I need to seal my ceramic tile?
A: Glazed ceramic tiles do not require sealing since the glaze acts as a protective barrier. The exception to this is crackle glazes, which require a coat or two of sealer prior to grouting. It is also important to remember - even if the ceramic tile doesn't need to be sealed, cementitious grout may require at least 2 coats of sealer.
Q: Do I need to see a physical approval sample before the ceramic tile ships?
A: We really recommend you do get an approved sample sent from the same shade lot that you will receive for your actual order. Just like any product, there will be slight shade differences each time the tile is produced. Additionally, computer screens may not render color with perfect accuracy, so you want to make sure you are happy with the color first!
Glass Mosaics & Tile
Q: What are the benefits of using glass mosaic tiles?
A: Glass mosaic tiles offer several advantages, including:
Durability: they are resistant to moisture, stains, and fading, making them ideal for high-moisture areas
Easy Maintenance: glass tiles are easy to clean and do not require special cleaning products. Just use a mild soap for regular maintenance
Aesthetic Variety: available in numerous colors and finishes, they can create stunning visual effects and complement various design styles.
Q: Are glass mosaic tiles waterproof?
A: Yes, glass mosaic tiles are waterproof and suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms, making them an excellent choice for areas exposed to moisture and steam.
Q: Can Terra Bella glass mosaics be used on floors?
A: Yes! They can be used on floors, but always check the Applications section for ech product to make sure.
