From the Floors Up

Re-Grouting for Beginners

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Tile is a beautiful decorative floor and wall covering. It is not uncommon for it to be in many homes today. While tile can look great, poor or dirty grouting can really ruin the aesthetics completely. Your first attempt should be to clean your grout lines. This step can be done with a grout cleaning brush, baking soda, and water. Use the paste to scrub away any debris. Clean up the paste afterward with just some vinegar water and a mop. However, sometimes the grout installed is broken or just completely off-color. So if you are looking to replace your grout, here is everything you need to know:

Oscillating Tool

Safety is essential, start by putting on safety goggles to prevent debris from shooting back into your eyes. An oscillating tool may be better to use a cordless version. This tool requires some precision work, and a cord may get in the way. Use your blade on each grout line to remove the grout. This step takes patients. Be careful and delicate, not to chip or break any of your tiles. Use this tool to remove as much as 80% of the grout. You do not need to be perfect for the first time. Lastly, use a shop vac to vacuum up the remaining debris.

Extra Clean Up

After your first run, you can use your oscillating tool to remove more grout. For harder areas, a flat head screwdriver can do the trick. Use the screwdriver to trace around all grout lines and remove more grout. You can finish with a dull utility knife or carpet knife. Be very careful not to break the blade and cut yourself.

Regrouting

For larger grout lines, use sanded grout. You may need unsanded grout for grout lines that are thinner. Delicate tiles may also scratch with sanded grout as well. Make sure your tiles can withstand sanded grout before investing. Next, mix your grout and water thoroughly. It should create a thick paste. Use a grout trowel to apply your grout directly into the seam. You can use your grout float to wipe away excess grout. Next, use a moist sponge to remove the excess grout haze from the top of your tiles. You may also want to invest in cheesecloth to help clean as well. Remember, you can only swipe one time with a sponge to wipe clean. Several swipes will just smear your existing grout. Rewet the sponge, ring it out, and repeat until all grout is gone from the top of your tiles.

Re-grouting can be a great project to spruce up your backsplashes or tile work. Do not rush the process and be thorough. The prep work can take some time but is worth the extra effort. For more insight on flooring tricks and tips, make sure to subscribe.

How to Seal Natural Stone Floors Yourself

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Do you love your natural stone flooring? No doubt, selecting the right flooring that best complements your home was challenging. Now that you have settled on a flooring material, it is time to protect your investment. Unlike traditional flooring materials, natural stone requires special attention so that it keeps its natural glow. Since stone floors are especially vulnerable, you will need to apply a sealant to ensure that it stays intact.

Hiring a flooring expert to do the job for you is excellent, but if it is not in the budget, it is something you can complete yourself. To help, here is how you can achieve professional results when sealing your natural stone floors:

Materials 

  • Stone sealant that has been manufacturer-recommended for your specific stone floors 
  • Vacuum cleaner 
  • Cloth 
  • A soft bristle brush 
  • Residue Remover 
  • Pair of gloves 

Begin by Cleaning

Before you begin sealing your stone floors, you will have to conduct a thorough cleaning of your floors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and be sure to get the corners as well. Next, use a mild cleaning solution to clean the floors further. Instead of using a mop, dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the floors until they are spotless. Just remember, using harsh materials during the cleaning process can erode the natural stone. Instead, use a residue cleaner to remove stubborn stains. After you have cleaned the floors, you will need to make sure the floors are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Select Your Sealant

Next, it is time to select a sealant that is right for your natural stone floors, and that fits your personal taste. The sealant should be derived from fluoropolymer technology. Make sure you purchase a sealant that is compatible with your stone flooring. For example, do you want to achieve a glossy or matte finish? There are sealants on the market that can provide you with either look.

The Type of Stone Matters

What type of stone flooring are you utilizing? Because the sealing method is mainly dependant on the stone type. Terracotta, limestone, and sandstone should be sealed before it is installed, and tile grouting takes place. Apply sealant to the front, back and side surfaces. Marble, travertine, and granite have to be sealed at the top and edges. These stone types can be sealed after they have been laid and grouted.

Applying the Sealant

While wearing your gloves, you can apply the sealant solution with a paintbrush to the floors. To create a polished look, apply the sealant in the same direction. Just remember that the sealant needs a couple of hours to cure.

Voila, you successfully sealed your natural stone floors! You can expect the sealant to last for at least five years before you will need to redo the process. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.

How to Select a High-Performance Grout

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Whether it is on the floors or the walls, most homes across the world use tile products to add aesthetic value. As manufacturers continue to produce quality products and technology allows advances in the tile industry, we can expect for the use of tile to increase steadily.

Perhaps one of the biggest complaints from homeowners with tile floors and walls is that the grout, which holds the tiles together, quickly becomes cracked or mildewed. Why is it a challenge to keep grout looking just as clean as the day of installation? This usually happens if an economy-grade grout is not capable of adequately supporting the joints surrounding the tile.

There are approximately seven types of grout; however, if you desire your tiled walls and floors to look great over the next couple of years, you should purchase a high-performance grout. Here is why:

Drawbacks of Standard Grout Products

Standard-quality grouts are popular because they are specially formulated for ease of use. These grout products usually require very little working time or they dry quickly during installation. While standard grout does contain polymer, it is not created using the latest advances in polymer technology, which is vital to ensure great color consistency.

Many standard grout products can be porous, especially cement-based grout. Therefore, you can expect a standard grout product to be more prone to staining. Depending on the product, it also may not be able to defend itself against moisture and mold.

Why Select a High-Quality Grout?

Using a high-quality grout is important for a tile installation project. Of course, as a homeowner, you want the grout to be aesthetically pleasing, and it should not stain easily when exposed to normal household liquids and dirt. What many homeowners realize is that grout does not just fill the void between tiles, but it bonds tiles together and prevents the edges from chipping.

In the last few years, grouts have advanced significantly. High-performance grouts, especially when combined with a quality sealant can be easy to clean, offer vibrant color saturation and consistency.

Understanding Your Flooring: Tile

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Homeowners and business have been using tile in their design for centuries. This timeless flooring option has evolved way beyond just ceramic and porcelain tiles. Today, granite, marble, glass, limestone, terracotta, and more, flood the industry with many gorgeous designs. These incredibly entrancing floors can turn any bathroom or kitchen into a beautiful masterpiece. From floor tiles to backsplashes, tiles are adorned for their high aesthetic appeal and sophisticated designs. While functionality, affordability, and durability can all be determining factors in your flooring, we will give a better understanding of tile and see if it is best suited for your needs:

Tile is an extremely durable floor. While tiles can crack, they are suitable for extreme heat like around fireplaces, can be put in wet environments like showers, and some can even withstand the treacherous conditions of the outdoors and be installed on patios.
Scratch resistance will simply come down to the tile you choose. While most tiles can withstand some scratching, painted tiles and glass tiles are not recommended in these areas. Make sure you know if your tile will scratch easily because this can determine if it needs to be sanded or feature unsanded grout.
Tile is porous, which means water can travel through it. However, tile is usually treated and will have a waterproof underlayment to allow it to be installed in shower systems or as a backsplash. Tile is one of your best routes to go when installing floors in a wet area.
Unfortunately, if you fall on tile, you will notice. This is not the most comfortable or forgiving flooring option. If you worry about slipping, make sure to invest in a slip-resistant tile in wet areas.
While spills and accidents will be easy to clean, the floor is not forgiving for falls. Be cautious of installing tile in areas where kids may fall or slip.
Because tile is porous, it is susceptible to staining. Your grout can stain as well. Most grout and tile are treated to prevent staining. Make sure you keep up on the maintenance of your tile to avoid unwanted staining.
While not the most expensive flooring option, tile is generally a little more expensive. Installation for shower systems and backsplash can be on the higher end as well.

Tile can really enhance your home’s look. Consider adding tile to your kitchen or foyer to create your dream oasis. Tile has been around for centuries and rightfully so. This timeless option can truly make a room stunning. For more insight and analysis on different flooring types, make sure to subscribe and check out more of our series.

What is Engineered Tile?

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What is engineered tile? You have probably heard of it before, but are unsure how it differs from traditional tile. To help expand on the topic, we dove deeper into discussing what it is and why you should choose it.

What is it? 

You may be wondering how engineered tile differs from traditional tile. What exactly is the difference? Engineered tile is built on a stone composite base to help deliver it with incredible durability and resilience. This tile differs from your traditional ceramic and porcelain tile options because of its strength. 

Why choose it? 

	1. Stylish. 

Engineered tile comes in a wide selection of designs that have been inspired by elements found in nature. You can find anything from a wood-like finish to classic tile. If you choose a class tile look, you can have your engineered tile installed with grout to create a more authentic look. Otherwise, you have the option to work without grout for a more seamless and aesthetically-pleasing look. 

	2. Durable.

Like we mentioned before, the resilience found in engineered tile is outstanding. If you were to drop something hard on your traditional tile floors, you would often find a crack. With engineered tile, you will find a more resilient and durable flooring that can handle drops and accidents. This attribute helps to make engineered tile a greater investment. Plus, if damage were to occur in your engineered tile, it is easier to replace than traditional tile. 

	3. Comfort. 

You will find that traditional tile floors are often hard and cold. It can feel uncomfortable to stand on for hours at end, especially in kitchens when prepping meals. With engineered tile, you can receive the natural tile look with more warmth and comfort. Engineered tile offers a softer underfoot to help your feet feel at ease during meal preparation. 

	4. Quick Installation.

You will find that engineered tile comes with a fast and easy installation process. Helping to make your remodel process go by faster for more enjoyment. 

	5. Easy-to-Maintain. 

With engineered tile, you are guaranteed an easy to clean and maintain flooring option. Plus, this flooring is extremely resistant to stains and scratches helping to make accidents less tragic. 

	6. Versatile. 

Amongst the vast selection of styles, engineered tile can be installed on your walls for a transitional look in bathrooms and kitchens. 

 7. Long-Lasting. 

Engineered tile is long-lasting with high performance and beautiful features. It truly is an incredibly flooring choice for your home.

What are your thoughts on engineered tile? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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