Tile –
Because of tile’s wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and colors, there are limitless design possibilities and a limitless number of places it can be used. There is no doubt that it can be confusing. In addition to pre-manufactured tiles, there are a handful of companies that can hand-make custom designed tiles with the pattern, size, and color of your choice.
One of the few companies in the US that can supply everything including custom hand-crafted tile is GENROSE Stone and Tile.
Topics: Glass Tile, Tile, Porcelain Tile, Porcelain, Floor tile, mosaics, kitchen backsplash, mosaic, subway tile, Quemere Handmade Tiles, Wall Tile, ceramic tile, San Marino Tile
Rediscover Your Backyard
Enjoy the world of exterior living by adding a beautiful Outdoor Kitchen to your home. These outdoor retreats can display the same level of luxury that you demand in your home. With growing popularity, outdoor kitchens can significantly enhance the appeal, and value, of your home.
Topics: Stone, outdoor kitchens, exterior kitchens, porcelain pavers, natural stone
When remodeling a room, the main things that a homeowner may be concerned with is the value-added and aesthetic of their decisions. An equally important factor all renovators should consider, especially those with pets, is the durability and longevity of their flooring selections. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated companions are notorious for leaving scuffs and scratch marks on the surfaces they explore. Choosing a foundation that's resistant to your furry friend’s paws or claws is essential for upholding the value of your renovations and the beauty of your home. GENROSE Stone and Tile has flooring options for pet owners, no matter what your style preference.
Topics: Porcelain Tile, Floor tile, Wood-Look Tile, Scuff resistant tile, Stone-look Tile, brick-look tile
The Similarities and Differences Between Today's Two Most Popular Looks
The terms Modern Design and Contemporary Design are often looked at as virtually the same, but if you consult interior design professionals, they will tell you that these are two very different design styles. Although they have their similarities, there is a world of difference.
Topics: Porcelain Tile, Porcelain, Floor tile, Wood-Look Tile, Large Format Tile, Stone-look Tile, Chevron Pattern tiles, Herringbone pattern tiles, concrete-look tiles, Hexagon tiles, Terazzo tiles, Contemporary Design, Modern Design
Working on your summer home? Rebuilding your dream bath? Yearning for a fun summer look that will give you the feel of a warm summer breeze no matter what time of year? Look no further - we've got your summer fix.
Topics: Tile, Showers, Bathrooms, ceramic tile, San Marino Tile, Evoke Tile
Purchasing stone countertops is an important move which can add beauty and significant resale value to your home.
Without an accurate measurement of the size of your stone countertop project, you will not be able to get an accurate quote from a stone fabricator. The more detail and accuracy you put into the layout and measurements, the less surprises you will encounter down the road. GENROSE Stone and Tile will provide all the steps you need to properly measure for stone countertops.
Topics: Countertops, Granite Countertop, stone countertop, kitchen design trends, kitchen backsplash, ceramic tile, countertop measurement
Natural stone surfaces are a wonderful investment that deserve and require proper care. If you make a mistake or overlook maintenance, you could risk damaging your beautiful material.
While it’s true that natural stone is extremely durable and made to last, it is not indestructible. “There is a chemistry to natural stone, and making mistakes can harm it,” notes Tim Lesnar, owner of Classic Marble Restoration in Blaine, Minnesota.
Natural stone thrives under proper maintenance, says Brian Kornet, owner of Fabra-Cleen Stone & Tile Care in Plainview, New York. “You have to take precautions,” he says. “If you avoid cleaning mistakes, you’ll need our [restoration] services less often.”
Only use cleaners that are suited for natural stone. If you use an outside cleaning service, make sure they do, too, says Lesnar.
“A lot of people aren’t familiar with the chemistry of cleaners and the chemistry of stone, and they’ll use wrong cleaner,” he says. “You have to have a cleaner that has the right pH level, which is seven (neutral). Some stones such as marble, travertine, or limestone react adversely with vinegar because it is acidic.”
“Vinegar and bleach are harsh,” adds Gregg Laviolette, owner of Stone Restoration Services in Troy, Michigan. “They will etch or burn the surface of your stone.”
While some chemicals may not noticeably damage durable stones such as granite, they can break down any sealers that have been applied to the stone. “That means you would need to have your stone resealed more frequently,” says Kornet.
Some homeowners think they can remove etches or stains with a scrubbing pad. Realistically, this often only makes the problem worse. Lesnar notes that scrubbing pads “act like abrasives on stone, especially when you put elbow grease into it.”
For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth and don’t attempt to “buff out” stains or scratches. Instead, call a professional. “The only way to fix a stone that has been etched is to have it honed and restored,” says Kornet.
Bardiglio, natural stone marble from Italy, has a mix of light and dark grey tones. It is installed on a bathroom, bedroom floor. Arizona Tile carries Bardiglio in natural stone marble slabs and tiles.
Minor dust particles and sand that you might not be able to see will act like an abrasive under your feet and cause wear patterns over time, says Laviolette. “Use a dry dust mop and go over your floors daily or at least every other day,” he recommends.
Grit will scratch floors and give them an appearance of being dull, says Kornet. “A polished surface is a smooth surface, and light will reflect off of it,” he says. “Scratches refract light. Your floors might be clean, but it gives the appearance of being dull or scuffed.”
Remove dust and debris with a dust mop or vacuum, and wash your floor with a neutral cleaner each week.
Rugs can help protect the areas of your stone floors that will get worn down due to high traffic, says Laviolette.
“Walk off matting helps keep dust and debris that can scratch your floors to a minimum,” he says. Place a mat inside and outside of doors, and use runners and rugs in areas that get a lot of use, such as mudrooms, hallways, and kitchens.
For many stones, sealing is part of a recommended general maintenance plan. While it is possible for homeowners to seal their own stone, experts agree that a professional will deliver the best results.
“I tell customers to expect to see me once every three to five years,” says Lesnar. “Sometimes if it’s a high profile area with a lot of windows, you’ll want to call me every year.”
If you do seal your stone yourself, make sure you use a solvent-based impregnating sealer, says Laviolette. “It’s preventative maintenance, but it’s not a be-all, end-all cure,” he says. “It’s like applying stain and water repellant to your carpet; it can help prevent your stone from etching but you still need to perform regular cleaning.”
With proper care and maintenance, natural stone surfaces will stay beautiful for years to come. Every stone is unique—and for many homeowners, little imperfections and etches in the stone’s surface become part of the stone’s story. Learn more about choosing natural stone surfaces here and here.
Subway tiles came out in the early 1900’s when the first subway in New York was constructed. Since then, the tiles have become popular finishing materials for homes, especially in kitchens and bathrooms and are one of the top current trends. Biscuit subway tiles have remained a favorite color and style because they blend well with different design ideas, including patterned natural stone, visually textured wood-like tile or ceramic floors. They offer neutral and clean lines. Because of their light color, they can make a space look bigger and brighter.
Topics: mosaics, kitchen design trends, kitchen backsplash, Wall Tile, bathroom design, ceramic tile, biscuit wall tile
If you are tired of mass produced finishing materials for your home and you long for something that’s unique and customizable, then hand crafted ceramic tiles are just right for you. Each tile receives the loving care of artisans, dedicated to making beautiful tiles that will adorn rooms of people for years to come. Handmade tiles made in the U.S.A. are specially made with customers’ specifications. Each tile is unique, varying to certain degrees with other tiles from shape to color. And this feature makes them distinctive and special to makers and customers alike.
Topics: mosaics, kitchen design trends, kitchen backsplash, Quemere Handmade Tiles, Wall Tile, bathroom design, ceramic tile
Beveled glass is a design feature that adds dimension instead of being just a flat surface. This additional dimension adds character and a sophisticated effect as a backsplash to your bathroom or kitchen. Beveled glass tile as a backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom really brings a different style or design element to the space, making it look bigger and lighter. A backsplash is an important design aspect to any home. It keeps the desired area looking clean and beautiful. It also protects the wall from dirt, cooking splashes, grime and soap splashes. Applying glass tiles also has the advantage of easy maintenance. Beveled glass tiles as a backsplash adds dimension, interesting design elements to the room, style and sophistication. Simply put, they make the room look pretty.
Topics: Glass Tile, mosaics, kitchen design trends, kitchen backsplash, Beveled Tile, Wall Tile, bathroom design
