What are Type of Tiles?
Ceramic Tiles
Homogeneous Tiles
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Types of Wood Flooring
There are several types of Wood flooring that is being used commonly by home owners?
- Laminate Flooring
- Timber Flooring
- Parquet Flooring
Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring is used is because of it resistant to scratches and the low cost to install. It is made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. It consists of moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). Normally, laminate flooring can be overlay with existing floor tiles. However, it is not water resistant. Laminate Flooring had different grades depending and also depending on which country the materials is made in.
The commonly used brand is Supreme, Kronotex, Pergo, Vohringer, Power Dekor.
Advantage:
Rating of the laminate flooring "AC". AC stand for Abrasion Resistance which is referring to the impact resistance to staining, scratches. The ratings actually depending on the traffic (walking up and down, so-call human traffic). The ratings can be range from AC 1 to AC 5, with AC 1 being the lowest level of durability. Laminate flooring with this rating would be suitable for low traffic areas like bedrooms. AC 5 is the highest level of durability and is best suited for high traffic, commercial applications. Any rating of AC 3 and under is suitable for residential applications.
Laminate Flooring is easier to install and usually thin enough that you wont have to cut off doors, remove baseboard or cut off trim molding around doorways. High grade laminate flooring is more scratch resistant or forgiving than real wood. You should not use laminate flooring in kitchens or bathrooms however as a leak or constant dampness may cause warping.
Can requested to used AC 5 instead of AC 3 / AC 4?
Usually Reno IDs/Contractors will quote either AC 3 or AC 4 instead of AC5 because of the traffic and also pricing.
Normally laminate flooring how many years warranty?
Normally, AC 3 laminate flooring come with 10-15 years of warranty but it all depend. For AC 5 is life time. (also depend)
But what is the really the main different between AC3 & AC5?
Mostly the cost which could be a dollar and more for psf (per square ft). In terms of scratch resistant and water resistant, AC 5 is better. Most of AC 5 pass the PSB certify test
The commonly used brand is Supreme, Kronotex, Pergo, Vohringer, Power Dekor.
Advantage:
- Scratch Resistant
- Can overlay (if you planning to save cost, not to hack the floor tiles, choose overlay)
- Long-lasting
- Usually half-the-cost than laying parquet wood
- Easy to install
- if overlay, when the tiles beneath start to pop-up, the laminate flooring will also pop-out
- Once there is a water spill, have to immediately wipe it off, else stain will be left behind
- Hollow (feel like floating) Heard can be resolve by laying floor silencer beneath it.
Rating of the laminate flooring "AC". AC stand for Abrasion Resistance which is referring to the impact resistance to staining, scratches. The ratings actually depending on the traffic (walking up and down, so-call human traffic). The ratings can be range from AC 1 to AC 5, with AC 1 being the lowest level of durability. Laminate flooring with this rating would be suitable for low traffic areas like bedrooms. AC 5 is the highest level of durability and is best suited for high traffic, commercial applications. Any rating of AC 3 and under is suitable for residential applications.
Laminate Flooring is easier to install and usually thin enough that you wont have to cut off doors, remove baseboard or cut off trim molding around doorways. High grade laminate flooring is more scratch resistant or forgiving than real wood. You should not use laminate flooring in kitchens or bathrooms however as a leak or constant dampness may cause warping.
Can requested to used AC 5 instead of AC 3 / AC 4?
Usually Reno IDs/Contractors will quote either AC 3 or AC 4 instead of AC5 because of the traffic and also pricing.
Normally laminate flooring how many years warranty?
Normally, AC 3 laminate flooring come with 10-15 years of warranty but it all depend. For AC 5 is life time. (also depend)
But what is the really the main different between AC3 & AC5?
Mostly the cost which could be a dollar and more for psf (per square ft). In terms of scratch resistant and water resistant, AC 5 is better. Most of AC 5 pass the PSB certify test
Homogeneous Tiles
What is Homogeneous Tiles?
Porcelain tile is often refer as Homogeneous Tile. It is used as term to refer to tiles with full porcelain body which are more subtle and predictable with no ugly crack lines and spots (Glazed/Unglazed/Full-body tiles). Most of this tiles are manufactured cheaply from China which are lower cost compared to those of Europe. It come with a range selection of effects/designs and colors, and is man-made material as tough as granite.
The water absorption rate for a Homogeneous (Porcelain) tile must be less than 0.5%, where else compare to Ceramics, they tend to between 2 to 13%. Homogeneous Tiles are stronger than Ceramics. Ceramics tiles tend to chip off easily as they are brittle compared to Porcelain Tile which is suitable for high traffic area e.g., walking in the living room, dinning area.
Hence, homogeneous tiles is unlikely to warp after certain years as homogeneous tiles are manufactured by firing process in the oven, no tiles is 100% straight and some how it will have some degree of warp age. Of course, the longer the homogeneous tiles, the tendency of it going to wrap will be higher. A more better way so call tolerance levels to lay those tiles is not to placed too closely. The recommended joint is between 1.5mm to 2mm. Applying this method, is to prevent tiles from cracking due to structural movement that is not noticeable.
The price range for homogeneous tiles can be from $2.10 to $15.00. Different Colours range also have different pricing. For whiter colours, the cost will be slightly more than the colored ones within the same range (brand).
The common size being 800 mm x 800mm ,600 x 600 mm, 400 x 400 mm, 600 mm x 400 mm , etc.
FAQ on Homogeneous Tiles
Estimated Guide on Cost of Supply and Lay Homogeneous/Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain tile is often refer as Homogeneous Tile. It is used as term to refer to tiles with full porcelain body which are more subtle and predictable with no ugly crack lines and spots (Glazed/Unglazed/Full-body tiles). Most of this tiles are manufactured cheaply from China which are lower cost compared to those of Europe. It come with a range selection of effects/designs and colors, and is man-made material as tough as granite.
The water absorption rate for a Homogeneous (Porcelain) tile must be less than 0.5%, where else compare to Ceramics, they tend to between 2 to 13%. Homogeneous Tiles are stronger than Ceramics. Ceramics tiles tend to chip off easily as they are brittle compared to Porcelain Tile which is suitable for high traffic area e.g., walking in the living room, dinning area.
Hence, homogeneous tiles is unlikely to warp after certain years as homogeneous tiles are manufactured by firing process in the oven, no tiles is 100% straight and some how it will have some degree of warp age. Of course, the longer the homogeneous tiles, the tendency of it going to wrap will be higher. A more better way so call tolerance levels to lay those tiles is not to placed too closely. The recommended joint is between 1.5mm to 2mm. Applying this method, is to prevent tiles from cracking due to structural movement that is not noticeable.
The price range for homogeneous tiles can be from $2.10 to $15.00. Different Colours range also have different pricing. For whiter colours, the cost will be slightly more than the colored ones within the same range (brand).
The common size being 800 mm x 800mm ,600 x 600 mm, 400 x 400 mm, 600 mm x 400 mm , etc.
FAQ on Homogeneous Tiles
Estimated Guide on Cost of Supply and Lay Homogeneous/Ceramic Tiles
Estimated Cost of Supply and Lay tiles
Estimated Cost of Supplying and Laying homogeneous / ceramic tiles
Does it look familiar?
Supply and Lay homogeneous / ceramic tiles on ______
How to calculate psf (per square ft)?
Normally, the floor-plan given is in mm. What you need to do is to first convert mm to metre.
E.g. Living hall is 4000 mm x 3500 mm.
2 method of calculation psf :
- 1st. By using square metre
4 m x 3.5 m = 14 square metre
14 square metre x 10.764 = 150.696 spf
- 2nd. By using 1 ft (convert ft to mm)
(4 /0.3) x (3.5 / 0.3) = 155.555 spf
Normally, Reno IDs/Contractor will use
1 square metres = 10.764 square ft
1 ft = 0.3 metre (for easier calculation)
It seem like 2nd method calculate more tiles but normally Reno IDs/Contractor will not calculate exact amount as they need to add in about 15%-20% more psf for wall skirting and also to play safe in-case of tiles damage or shortage. (depending on your area)
How can I know how much the Reno IDs/Contractor charge per square ft?
E.g, Supply and Lay Homogeneous for Living Hall - $950.00
Based on my living hall is 4000 mm x 3500 mm. My PSF is 150.696 spf.
$950.00 / 150.696 = $6.31 (round off).
Selecting the floor tiles which cost only $3.30 can become $6.31. How can that be possible? This is not the actual psf that will be order, as need to add 15%-20% for allowance on skirting and one or a few bad tiles replacement. Some Reno IDs/Contractor might just add 10%. All this is based on how they calculate and give left allowance for a few bad tiles and wall skirting.
In other way, the calculation can be :
$950.00 / (150.696 + 20% of $150.696) = $5.26 (round off).
How does Reno IDs/Contractor actually work out a calculation based on psf?
This calculation really depends on the Reno IDs film /Contractor film want to earn how much on your tiling works. No offense for any mistake as I stated this is just a rough estimation. Normally they will bring you to their so-call favourite shop to select the tiles, whether may it be Homogeneous Tiles or Ceramic Tiles.
E.g. Living Hall homogeneous tiles cost about $3.30
In most cases, they will charge at psf rate :
Normally cement is less $10 per pack, assuming they already earn certain percentage. Not only that, they also get discount from their so-call favourite or regular tiles shop (suppliers). Which can be up to 10-20%. Some suppliers can give the Reno IDs/Contractor to about $0.50 - $1.00 psf rebated. As for sand is sometimes include inside the quotation and include inside part of the removal or hacking.
How do I calculate or know how many pieces of tiles they order?
Let take example on the Living Hall which is currently 4000 mm x 3500 mm and is 600mm x 600 mm Homogeneous Tiles.
(convert to square metre) 0.6 mm x 0.6 m = 0.36 square metre
(convert to psf) 0.36 * 10.764 = 3.87504 psf
Since the current living hall is 150.696 psf .
2 method of how they calculate the tiles (for my style, I add 20% to play safe)
1st: Add additional 20% psf to the living hall
150.696 psf + (20% of 150.696 psf) / 3.875 psf = 47 pcs (round off)
2nd: Add additional 20% to the tiles for the living hall
150.696 psf / 3.875 psf = 39 pcs + (20% of 39 pcs) = 47 pcs (round off)
Than how to calculate wall tiles for kitchen, bathrooms?
Standard ceiling height can be range from 2.35 m (new build), 2.5 m or 2.6 m. Usual practice is to find out the four corners length.
E.g. my kitchen is about 3000 mm x 4000 mm. In regardless of the length even the kitchen can be have a Z-shape. Even the Z-shaped plus together is still one length.
In this case, I measure my ceiling height is 2.5m
3 m x 2.5 m x 10.764 ft = 80.73 sq ft <-- for 1st side (same for opposite side)
4 m x 2.5 m x 10.764 ft = 107.64 sq ft <-- for 2nd side (same for opposite side)
Total Square ft (sum of 4 sides), 80.73 + 107.64 + 80.73 + 107.64 = 376.74 sq ft
Check whether is there any door entrance or passage way, measure the length and minus off from Total Square Ft from the 4 sides.
Actual calculation = 4 sides (total sq ft) - door entrance / passage way (sq ft)
Remember: Kitchen got 4 side that why kitchen wall tiles and bathroom wall tiles cost a lot. Normally, additional of 10%-15% of total sq ft is added and also depending whether is there any door entrance to the dinning area or living hall.
Does it look familiar?
Supply and Lay homogeneous / ceramic tiles on ______
How to calculate psf (per square ft)?
Normally, the floor-plan given is in mm. What you need to do is to first convert mm to metre.
E.g. Living hall is 4000 mm x 3500 mm.
2 method of calculation psf :
- 1st. By using square metre
4 m x 3.5 m = 14 square metre
14 square metre x 10.764 = 150.696 spf
- 2nd. By using 1 ft (convert ft to mm)
(4 /0.3) x (3.5 / 0.3) = 155.555 spf
Normally, Reno IDs/Contractor will use
1 square metres = 10.764 square ft
1 ft = 0.3 metre (for easier calculation)
It seem like 2nd method calculate more tiles but normally Reno IDs/Contractor will not calculate exact amount as they need to add in about 15%-20% more psf for wall skirting and also to play safe in-case of tiles damage or shortage. (depending on your area)
How can I know how much the Reno IDs/Contractor charge per square ft?
E.g, Supply and Lay Homogeneous for Living Hall - $950.00
Based on my living hall is 4000 mm x 3500 mm. My PSF is 150.696 spf.
$950.00 / 150.696 = $6.31 (round off).
Selecting the floor tiles which cost only $3.30 can become $6.31. How can that be possible? This is not the actual psf that will be order, as need to add 15%-20% for allowance on skirting and one or a few bad tiles replacement. Some Reno IDs/Contractor might just add 10%. All this is based on how they calculate and give left allowance for a few bad tiles and wall skirting.
In other way, the calculation can be :
$950.00 / (150.696 + 20% of $150.696) = $5.26 (round off).
How does Reno IDs/Contractor actually work out a calculation based on psf?
This calculation really depends on the Reno IDs film /Contractor film want to earn how much on your tiling works. No offense for any mistake as I stated this is just a rough estimation. Normally they will bring you to their so-call favourite shop to select the tiles, whether may it be Homogeneous Tiles or Ceramic Tiles.
E.g. Living Hall homogeneous tiles cost about $3.30
In most cases, they will charge at psf rate :
- $1.50 (Labour Charges) + $1.00 (cement and sand) + $3.30 = $5.80
- $1.50 (Labour Charges) + $1.50 (cement and sand) + $0.50 (profit) + $3.30 = $6.80
Normally cement is less $10 per pack, assuming they already earn certain percentage. Not only that, they also get discount from their so-call favourite or regular tiles shop (suppliers). Which can be up to 10-20%. Some suppliers can give the Reno IDs/Contractor to about $0.50 - $1.00 psf rebated. As for sand is sometimes include inside the quotation and include inside part of the removal or hacking.
How do I calculate or know how many pieces of tiles they order?
Let take example on the Living Hall which is currently 4000 mm x 3500 mm and is 600mm x 600 mm Homogeneous Tiles.
(convert to square metre) 0.6 mm x 0.6 m = 0.36 square metre
(convert to psf) 0.36 * 10.764 = 3.87504 psf
Since the current living hall is 150.696 psf .
2 method of how they calculate the tiles (for my style, I add 20% to play safe)
1st: Add additional 20% psf to the living hall
150.696 psf + (20% of 150.696 psf) / 3.875 psf = 47 pcs (round off)
2nd: Add additional 20% to the tiles for the living hall
150.696 psf / 3.875 psf = 39 pcs + (20% of 39 pcs) = 47 pcs (round off)
Than how to calculate wall tiles for kitchen, bathrooms?
Standard ceiling height can be range from 2.35 m (new build), 2.5 m or 2.6 m. Usual practice is to find out the four corners length.
E.g. my kitchen is about 3000 mm x 4000 mm. In regardless of the length even the kitchen can be have a Z-shape. Even the Z-shaped plus together is still one length.
In this case, I measure my ceiling height is 2.5m
3 m x 2.5 m x 10.764 ft = 80.73 sq ft <-- for 1st side (same for opposite side)
4 m x 2.5 m x 10.764 ft = 107.64 sq ft <-- for 2nd side (same for opposite side)
Total Square ft (sum of 4 sides), 80.73 + 107.64 + 80.73 + 107.64 = 376.74 sq ft
Check whether is there any door entrance or passage way, measure the length and minus off from Total Square Ft from the 4 sides.
Actual calculation = 4 sides (total sq ft) - door entrance / passage way (sq ft)
Remember: Kitchen got 4 side that why kitchen wall tiles and bathroom wall tiles cost a lot. Normally, additional of 10%-15% of total sq ft is added and also depending whether is there any door entrance to the dinning area or living hall.
FAQ on Tiles
Frequently Ask Question on Tiles
Q: What is Anti-Stain Homogeneous Tiles? and Why Reno IDs always recommended Anti-Stain Homogeneous Tiles?
(Porcelain) Glazed tiles are often referred by Reno IDs as Anti-stain Homogeneous Tiles. It is coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. Hence, this surface, provides an unlimited array of designs and colours, and also protects the tile from staining. Likewise for unglazed tiles, the surface is not coated.
Q: Anyway to know whether the tiles is anti-stain Homogeneous?
Touch and feel the glossy of the tiles, and tried to use a permanent marker to draw a line on it and use a damp cloth and wipe it off.
Q: What kind of tiles should a bathroom lay? or Wet Area lay?
Matt Homogeneous tiles normally should be a good choice, because of its low maintenance. Even after shower or mopping of floors, stains are hardly visible. Tried to select Matt Homogeneous tiles ranging from $2.20 and above.
Q: What Is disadvantages of Polish Homogeneous?
Polish Homogeneous tiles are very reflective to foot marks/ dust / shoes mark. You have to maintain it by using a dry flat mop /dry cotton cloth, to collect all the dust.
Q. Is $2.80 to $3.60 Homogeneous good for Living Hall?
Most of this homogeneous tiles are made in China. Usually Homogeneous for Living Hall between this range is acceptance. Why acceptable, partially could be because the quality control is more control over $2.80 above tiles than a $2 tiles. (Could be the reason.)
Q. What kind of tiles should the kitchen wall lay?
It will depend on your pick because glossy / polished tiles are usually easy to wipe off after cooking. Tried to get some simple design or some marble design to camouflage it.
Q. Can lay homogeneous closer without leaving gap? And why leave gap?
Yes but is not really advisable. Let say if there is a hair-line crack, it is very difficult to rectify. At least by leaving certain gaps, one can easily amend the tiles. For a tiles worker, wider gaps do help to 'level' out the tiles. Normally, the gaps is between 1.5mm - 2.0 mm. Some Reno IDs/Contractor mention that homogeneous tile will warp over certain period of years like 5 years, however the current homogeneous tiles had improved their making process hence it is more tolerance. By laying it with gaps can prevent the tiles from cracking because of structural movement which is hardly noticeable.
Q. What is used to seal or cover up the gap? Is there like colours to select?
Normally cement grout is used. To make things easily, grout can be added with colours range to select from. Just bear in mind that, colour grout can make stain marks obvious over period of time. It is better to use back the original cement grout color or cement colour. Else, tried to requested to apply grout sealant to prevent stain.
Q: How do I clean off stains from the grout lines? How to prevent it?
Q: What is Anti-Stain Homogeneous Tiles? and Why Reno IDs always recommended Anti-Stain Homogeneous Tiles?
(Porcelain) Glazed tiles are often referred by Reno IDs as Anti-stain Homogeneous Tiles. It is coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. Hence, this surface, provides an unlimited array of designs and colours, and also protects the tile from staining. Likewise for unglazed tiles, the surface is not coated.
Q: Anyway to know whether the tiles is anti-stain Homogeneous?
Touch and feel the glossy of the tiles, and tried to use a permanent marker to draw a line on it and use a damp cloth and wipe it off.
Q: What kind of tiles should a bathroom lay? or Wet Area lay?
Matt Homogeneous tiles normally should be a good choice, because of its low maintenance. Even after shower or mopping of floors, stains are hardly visible. Tried to select Matt Homogeneous tiles ranging from $2.20 and above.
Q: What Is disadvantages of Polish Homogeneous?
Polish Homogeneous tiles are very reflective to foot marks/ dust / shoes mark. You have to maintain it by using a dry flat mop /dry cotton cloth, to collect all the dust.
Q. Is $2.80 to $3.60 Homogeneous good for Living Hall?
Most of this homogeneous tiles are made in China. Usually Homogeneous for Living Hall between this range is acceptance. Why acceptable, partially could be because the quality control is more control over $2.80 above tiles than a $2 tiles. (Could be the reason.)
Q. What kind of tiles should the kitchen wall lay?
It will depend on your pick because glossy / polished tiles are usually easy to wipe off after cooking. Tried to get some simple design or some marble design to camouflage it.
Q. Can lay homogeneous closer without leaving gap? And why leave gap?
Yes but is not really advisable. Let say if there is a hair-line crack, it is very difficult to rectify. At least by leaving certain gaps, one can easily amend the tiles. For a tiles worker, wider gaps do help to 'level' out the tiles. Normally, the gaps is between 1.5mm - 2.0 mm. Some Reno IDs/Contractor mention that homogeneous tile will warp over certain period of years like 5 years, however the current homogeneous tiles had improved their making process hence it is more tolerance. By laying it with gaps can prevent the tiles from cracking because of structural movement which is hardly noticeable.
Q. What is used to seal or cover up the gap? Is there like colours to select?
Normally cement grout is used. To make things easily, grout can be added with colours range to select from. Just bear in mind that, colour grout can make stain marks obvious over period of time. It is better to use back the original cement grout color or cement colour. Else, tried to requested to apply grout sealant to prevent stain.
Q: How do I clean off stains from the grout lines? How to prevent it?
- Buy commercial cleaner solution to clean it off.
- Use plain tap water and a damp mopping on it.
- Old method is to use a cup of white vinegar and half-pal of water
- half solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the peroxide mixture with an old toothbrush to removes the stain. (Mix baking soda and water into a paste and scrub with old toothbrush)
Ceramic Tiles
What is Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles is normally low cost and valued for money. It has many range of colours, design and texture from glossy to matt finished. It is easier to lay that why most tilers are happy when laying ceramic tiles.
Normally for kitchen and toilet, ceramic is prefer because of it easier to maintained and choice of selection is more.
Ceramic tiles is normally low cost and valued for money. It has many range of colours, design and texture from glossy to matt finished. It is easier to lay that why most tilers are happy when laying ceramic tiles.
Normally for kitchen and toilet, ceramic is prefer because of it easier to maintained and choice of selection is more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)