Ceramic and stone, whether refined or rustic, provide unsurpassed elegance and integrate wonderfully with other floor coverings.

Use
Ceramic tiles are recommended for the following rooms:

• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Vestibule

Advantages

• Easy maintenance and care
• Very durable
• Stain, water and wear-resistant
• Incombustible and fireproof
• Compatible with radiant floor heating.

Considerations

• Doesn't dampen noise and may even amplify sound
• Uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time
• Colder than other types of floor covering
• The grout between ceramic tiles can get dirty and diminish the beauty of your floor.

Dimensions

Ceramic tile and stone come in a variety of sizes, from one inch to one foot square or more.

A large variety of shapes, dimensions, patterns and colours are available on the market.

There are basically five types of tiles:

• Granite
• Marble
• Slate
• Porcelain
• Ceramic

Available brands

• Céragrès
• Cératec
  
• Centura
• Olympia
• Cerimport
• Ceroderm
• Daltile
• Progres
• Savoia

Calculation of quantity

Before starting your project, make sure you carefully calculate the quantity of material you will need. Here's how to do it:

1. Calculate the area to be covered, in square feet.
   
   
2. After taking your measurement in feet, add approximately 5% to cover waste.
   
   
3. Multiply your result by the unit price of your selected product, adding the cost of installation, if any.
   
   
4. Check how the tiles you wish to install are sold. Some products are only sold in full boxes.
   
   
5. Have your calculations verified by a specialist before ordering. This first step basically helps you draw up your budget.

Product cost

The price of ceramic tiles is affordable, varying between $1 and $5 per square foot. For a few dollars more you could select porcelain tiles. Stone is more expensive, costing from $3 to $20 per square foot. Installation requires specialized skills, which can contribute to greater cost. Plan for around $1 per square foot to cover installation costs (basic installation).

Sweeping and vacuuming can both be used in the maintenance of this kind of floor covering. Wash ceramic or stone with water and mild soap. For ceramic, you can also use a mixture of water and vinegar. Beware of abrasives: they may damage the finish on the tiles.

IMPORTANT

• Test all cleaning products on a small area before applying to the entire surface.
• Apply a grout sealant 30 days after installation (this step is optional).
• Be sure to read the instructions for use of all cleaning products.
• Do not use muriatic acid.
• Do not use steel wool.
• Do not use petroleum-based or animal-fat based detergents.
• Do not wax ceramic tile.

Glazed ceramic floor covering

• Sweep, vacuum, or damp mop with clean water to clean ceramic.
  
  
• If you must use a cleaner, then choose a no-rinse ceramic floor cleaner (available at our maintenance and care products counter).
  Unglazed ceramic or natural stone.

Unglazed ceramic or natural stone  

• Apply a sealant on most unglazed ceramic and natural stone before installation. Otherwise, maintenance and care of these tiles is the same as for glazed ceramic tile floor covering.

Glazed ceramic walls

• You can clean ceramic walls with a glass cleaner or a mild household cleaner, but it is important to rinse well after cleaning. Daily care of ceramic generally consists of a quick wipe with a sponge or damp cloth.

• Ceramic tiles installed in a shower require more regular maintenance and care to eliminate soap and lime stains. It is usually sufficient to spray an all-purpose cleanser on the tiles, wait 3 to 5 minutes for it to take effect and then rinse it. A water and white vinegar solution should help to deal with tough lime stains.
  

• For deeper cleaning, use a specialized cleaner available at our maintenance and care products counter.

• To remove traces of mould, it is suggested that you use a commercial fungicide, bleach, or ammonia. Do not use these products at the same time. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a clean cloth.