FAQs

• Porcelain tiles: Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles but are denser and more durable. They are ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications.
• Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for flooring and wall applications. They are durable, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.
• Natural stone tiles: Natural stone tiles such as marble, granite, and travertine are known for their unique patterns and textures. They are ideal for creating a luxurious look in bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.
• Luxury vinyl tiles: Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of natural wood or stone without the high cost or maintenance. LVT is durable, water-resistant, and easy to install.
• Mosaic Tiles: Mosaic tiles are small pieces of tile that can be made of different materials, such as stone, glass, metal, or porcelain. They are usually attached to a mesh backing to form sheets that can be easily installed. Mosaic tiles can create visual interest and texture in any wall, floor, or space. They come in various colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns to suit any design goal.
• Vanities: Vanities are pieces of furniture that typically include a sink, a mirror, and storage space. They are often used in bathrooms or dressing rooms to provide convenience and comfort. Vanities can vary in size, style, and material, depending on the preferences and needs of the user. Some common types of vanities are pedestal, wall-mounted, cabinet, and vessel.
• Countertops: A countertop is a horizontal work surface that is used in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas where food preparation or other tasks are performed. Countertops can be made of different materials, such as stone, wood, concrete, or metal, depending on their durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Countertops may also have built-in appliances or accessories, such as sinks, stoves, or cutting boards.
• Flooring accessories: You can also sell flooring accessories such as underlayment, adhesives, grouts, caulk, and leveling systems.
• Other products: We also offer thresholds, windowsills, profiles and more. Please call us at (215) 545-3005 and we will be more than pleased to give you all the information you need.

This is a common question that many people have when they are considering installing or replacing tiles in their homes. The answer depends on several factors, such as the type, quality, and thickness of the tiles, the surface they are installed on, and the amount of wear and tear they are exposed to. Generally speaking, tiles are durable and resistant to most kinds of damage, such as scratches, stains, and water. However, they can still crack or chip if they are hit by a hard or sharp object, or if they are subjected to extreme temperature changes. Therefore, it is important to handle tiles with care during installation and maintenance, and to protect them from impacts and thermal shocks. Tiles can also become loose or uneven over time if the grout or adhesive that holds them in place deteriorates or fails. This can create gaps or cracks that can allow water or dirt to seep in and damage the tiles or the underlying surface. To prevent this, it is advisable to seal the grout regularly and to repair any signs of damage as soon as possible. Because of the prior reasons we at MTO recommend ordering 10-15% extra product in the event that you experience any breakage or need cut pieces during your installation.

To calculate the square footage of a tile, you need to multiply the length and width of the tile in inches. Then, divide the result by 144 to get the area in square feet. For example, if you have a tile that is 12 inches by 24 inches, you would multiply 12 by 24 to get 288. Then, divide 144 by 144 to get 2 square feet. If you have a tile that is 6 inches by 24 inches, you would multiply 6 by 24 to get 144. Then, divide 144 by 144 to get 1 square foot. You can use this formula to find out how many tiles you need for a given area, or how much area a given number of tiles can cover.

To calculate the amount of grout you need for your tiling project, you need to know the size of the tile, the width of the grout joint, and the depth of the tile. The formula to estimate the grout volume is:

Grout volume = Tile area x Grout joint width x Tile depth x 1.3

The tile area is the length of the tile multiplied by the width of the tile. The grout joint width is the space between the tiles. The tile depth is the thickness of the tile. The 1.3 factor is to account for the waste and irregularities in the grout application.

For example, if you have a 12 x 12 inch tile with a 1/8 inch grout joint and a 1/4 inch tile depth, the grout volume per tile is:

Grout volume = (12 x 12) x (1/8) x (1/4) x 1.3

Grout volume = 5.85 cubic inches

To find the total amount of grout you need, you have to multiply the grout volume per tile by the number of tiles you are installing. You can also convert the cubic inches to other units, such as ounces or pounds, depending on how the grout is sold.

Sanded grout is a type of grout that contains fine sand particles, which make it stronger, more durable, and less prone to shrinking or cracking than unsanded grout. Sanded grout is ideal for floor tiles and for joints that are wider than 1/8 inch. Unsanded grout is a type of grout that does not contain sand, which makes it smoother, more flexible, and better suited for delicate tile surfaces and thin grout lines. Unsanded grout is recommended for wall tiles, countertops, and bathtub enclosures.

Different rooms in your home may have different flooring needs depending on the level of traffic, moisture, and design preferences. Tile is a versatile and durable option that can work well in many areas, but you should consider the pros and cons of different types of tiles before choosing one for your project. Here are some general guidelines for selecting the best tile for each room in your home.

- Kitchen: Your kitchen tiles should be able to withstand stress and moisture, as well as resist stains and scratches. Porcelain tile is a good choice for kitchens because it is very durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It can also mimic the look of natural stone, wood, or brick for a stylish finish. Ceramic tile is another option that is more affordable and comes in a wide range of designs, but it is less resistant to chipping and wear than porcelain. You can also use glazed ceramic tile for your kitchen backsplash, as it offers more protection and color options than unglazed tile .

- Bathroom: Choose bathroom tiles in lighter shades to make the space look spacious and bright. You also want tiles that are slip-resistant and mold-resistant, as bathrooms tend to be wet and humid. Porcelain tile is again a great option for bathrooms, as it has a low water absorption rate and can withstand high temperatures and steam. Ceramic tile can also work well in bathrooms, especially if you use smaller tiles with more grout lines to increase traction. You can also opt for glass tile for your bathroom walls or shower area, as it reflects light and adds a touch of elegance .

- Bedroom, Living Room, and Drawing Room: These rooms are usually low-traffic areas where you can choose tiles based on your personal style and comfort. Marble is one of the most popular types of flooring materials for these rooms, as it adds a luxurious and sophisticated touch to any space. Marble is also durable and easy to polish, but it can be expensive and prone to staining. If you want a more budget-friendly and low-maintenance alternative, you can use porcelain or ceramic tiles that mimic the look of marble or other natural stones. You can also use tiles that resemble wood, cork, or bamboo for a warm and cozy feel .

-Outside Areas: For the outside spaces, such as the patio or balcony, you want a tile that is weather-resistant, frost-resistant and slip-resistant. Concrete tiles are a great option for the outside spaces, as they are strong, durable and can withstand harsh conditions. Concrete tiles also come in various shapes, sizes and colors, allowing you to create different patterns and designs on your outdoor floor.

Ceramic and porcelain tile are both types of clay-based tiles that are fired in a kiln, but they have some key differences. Porcelain tile is made of finer and denser clay than ceramic tile, and it is fired at higher temperatures. This makes porcelain tile more durable, harder, and less porous than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile also has a lower water absorption rate, which makes it more resistant to moisture and stains. Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is cheaper and easier to cut than porcelain tile, and it comes in a wider variety of colors and designs. Both types of tiles can be glazed or unglazed, depending on the desired look and performance.

Resealing your grout is an important step to maintain the appearance and durability of your tile floors. Grout is porous and can absorb dirt, stains, and moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Resealing your grout helps to protect it from these problems and keep it looking clean and fresh. The frequency of resealing your grout depends on several factors, such as the type of grout, the type of tile, the amount of traffic, and the level of exposure to water and chemicals. As a general rule, you should reseal your grout at least once a year, or more often if you notice signs of wear and tear, such as cracking, chipping, discoloration, or mold growth. To reseal your grout, you will need a grout sealer, a sponge or applicator brush, and a clean cloth. Follow the instructions on the grout sealer package and apply it evenly over the grout lines. Wipe off any excess sealer from the tile surface with the cloth. Let the sealer dry completely before using the floor.

There are different methods for cutting a tile, depending on the type, size and shape of the tile, as well as the tools you have available. Here are some common ways to cut tile:

• Manual tile cutter: This tool is used to score and snap straight cuts on ceramic or porcelain tiles. It is easy to use and inexpensive, but it may not work well for very narrow or curved cuts. To use a manual tile cutter, you need to mark the line where you want to cut the tile, place the tile on the cutter, align the cutting wheel with the line, press down firmly and drag the wheel across the tile, then snap the tile along the scored line.
• Wet saw: This tool is used to make smooth and precise cuts on any type of tile, except glass tile, which may shatter. It uses a diamond blade that is cooled by water to prevent overheating. It is more expensive and noisy than a manual tile cutter, but it can cut faster and handle larger tiles. To use a wet saw, you need to mark the line where you want to cut the tile, place the tile on the saw table, align the blade with the line, turn on the saw and push the tile slowly and steadily through the blade.
• Angle grinder: This tool is used to make curved or irregular cuts on any type of tile. It uses a diamond blade that spins at high speed to cut through the tile. It is more versatile and powerful than a wet saw, but it can also create more dust and noise. It requires more skill and caution to use safely. To use an angle grinder, you need to mark the line where you want to cut the tile, clamp the tile securely to a workbench or table, put on safety goggles and gloves, turn on the grinder and carefully follow the line with the blade.
• Glass cutter or carbide pencil: These tools are used to score and snap simple cuts on glass or ceramic tiles. They are cheap and easy to use, but they may not work well for thick or hard tiles. They are also limited in the shape and size of cuts they can make. To use a glass cutter or carbide pencil, you need to mark the line where you want to cut the tile, place the tile over a wire hanger or a dowel rod, press down firmly with the tool along the line, then snap the tile along the scored line.
• Diamond hole saw: This tool is used to make circular holes in any type of tile. It is attached to a drill and uses water to cool down and lubricate the cutting process. It can be used for installing faucets, shower heads, pipes or other fixtures that require holes in tiles. To use a diamond hole saw, you need to mark the center of the hole where you want to cut the tile, place masking tape over the mark to prevent slipping, drill a pilot hole with a regular drill bit, switch to the diamond hole saw bit, spray water over the area, then drill slowly and steadily until you cut through the tile.