Selecting ceramic tile:

With so many different collections and materials to choose from, how will I know the 'right' product for me?
There is really no such thing as a 'right' or 'wrong' tile or stone selection, just the selection which is best suited to the use it is required for. To begin the selection process, it's a good idea to first identify the requirements of your project, then you can explore the wide array of choices, styles, treatments and techniques - based on the products available that will meet your specific needs - relying entirely on your own taste.

I will be laying tiles outdoors. What do I need to know in order to select the most suitable product for my project?
According to international standards for outdoor laying, it is always necessary to use tiles that will absorb no more than 0.5% "fully vitrified" water. Trinity offers numerous selections that meet this requirement.

I am tiling a wall, but I really like a floor tile that I’ve found. Can I use floor tiles for walls?
Yes, if the correct installation methods are used.

Characteristics of tile:

What is porcelain tile?
Made from particulate raw materials such as quartz and feldspar, porcelain tile is denser and is of higher compressive and breaking strength than ceramic tile. The unique properties allow for a much lower water absorption that translates into a high stain resistance in unglazed porcelain tiles.

What is the difference between glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles?
Unglazed porcelain tiles are often referred to as “through body,” which refers to the fact that the color on the top runs completely through the body of the tile. Glazed porcelain tiles have a porcelain body but have a final glaze application on the surface. Even through the body of the tile is denser and less porous, once installed properly, the glazed surface becomes more important in determining the durability of the tile.

Is there any difference when installing porcelain versus a non-porcelain tile?
Yes. A porcelain bodied tile has a much lower absorption than other ceramic tiles. The mortar that is used to install these products must have a polymer or latex additive to insure the proper bond strength and comply with ANSI 118.4. Refer to Mapei grouts and mortars on the Product Lines page of this Web site to learn more about the right products to install your tile.

Are ceramic tiles environmentally friendly?
Since most ceramic products are made from natural raw materials using the most up-to-date technology for safe-guarding the environment, ceramic products are very environmentally friendly. The manufacturing process takes place with minimal environmental impact, and generates virtually no byproducts. The waste that is generated is recycled back into the manufacturing process.

Do tiles deteriorate over time?
Due to the highly specialized techniques used to craft tiles and the fact that ceramic is made of naturally durable earthen resources, the stamina of ceramic products is superior to that of nearly all the alternative materials on the market. By choosing the most suitable product for the destination surfaces of your project, taking proper care during laying of the tiles and by cleaning them regularly, combined with the manufacturer's experience, your tiled surfaces will be enjoyed for many, many years to come. Also, most tiles are UV resistant to fading by sunlight.

What is meant by shade?
Ceramic products become both beautiful and resistant when they are fired at very high temperatures. Due to the natural composition of the raw materials, the process generates slight differences shading. These are visually sorted during the manufacturing process and boxed with specific shades. Even within a single shade there can be slight or dramatic shade variation depending on the design of the series. Several new series are designed to have high shade variation to replicate products such as multicolor slate. Either way, the Tile Council of America recommends blending from 3 or more boxes before installation begins. This will always insure maximum satisfaction with your final product.

What is meant by caliber?
Just like with shading, tiles are also sometimes created with slight variations in size. Through the selection process, tiles are sorted according to caliber and are packaged with other tiles of the same caliber. Given this understanding, unless rectified tiles are purchased, tiles can have small size differences and meet all standards for manufacturing.

Can I install tile with no grout joint?
Grout joints are required for numerous reasons. Tiles are not perfectly square and require grout for proper installation. Also, floors and walls are not always perfectly flat and grout joints allow for installers to accommodate for the substrate.

The benefits of ceramic tile:

What are the advantages of ceramic floor and wall tiles?
Ceramic products can be utilized for creating virtually any look. This is why the knowledgeable associates at Trinity Tile Group will help you discover the most suitable product fit for your budget, timeframe and desired look. Ceramic products are natural, beautiful, versatile, long-lasting, resistant, hygienic and very easy to clean.

Are there specific advantages to using porcelain tile rather than other kinds of tile?
There are, in fact, many benefits to using porcelain. Porcelain tile offers a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from. Skilled craftsmen can re-create the look of natural stones as well. Porcelain is also a hard-wearing, solid material that becomes resistant to extreme temperatures, staining, chemical damage and abrasion. This means tiles are resistant to both frost and heavy fire.

What are the benefits of glazed ceramics?
Glazed ceramic products offer a truly diverse range of colors, styles and treatments, and this has been, by all accounts, one of the most highly valued qualities of using ceramic products. Fired glaze is also very easy to clean and makes the tiles themselves more hygienically effective. Glazed porcelain combines the wide range of choice and the stain-resistance of glazed ceramics with the performance and durability of its bisque in porcelain tile.

How do ceramic products compare, cost-wise, to alternative flooring materials?
Ceramic tile prices are indeed competitive, particularly taking into account every expense you will incur: adding up the cost of your initial expenditure on materials plus the costs of installation, maintenance and possible repairs or replacements, ceramic tiles are the most economic material for floor, wall and façade covering.

Maintaining ceramic tile:

What kind of maintenance does ceramic tiling require?
Maintaining your ceramic tile means protecting it from daily wear and tear by using placemats, rugs and/or felt pieces under china, other ceramics, silver, metal and your furniture to prevent scratching. Using doormats and rugs in entryways and in other areas of high traffic is also a good idea. Also, you’ll want to dust or vacuum countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.

Do tiles need any kind of sealant to protect them?
Most ceramic and porcelain surfaces do not need to be sealed, although some do require a light application of micro pore sealant. However, the generally cement-based grouting used between the tiles is very porous and will need to be sealed and maintained well to prevent staining and discoloration.

Can simple cleaning measures be taken when caring for tiled surfaces? Or are there specific methods and products needed to maintain them?
We recommend cleaning your tile surfaces regularly by wiping or mopping using StoneTech Professional All-Purpose Stone & Tile Cleaner or StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Stone & Tile Cleaner and Protector. Use warm or hot water to clean, making sure never to mop with dirty water or use harsh abrasive cleansers or utensils. Don’t use ordinary household cleansers that are acidic or alkaline, or those that contain bleach, ammonia, vinegar or colored dyes. Also, be sure to clean up food products promptly to avoid staining or etching.

Should I do anything in particular to care for tile in my bath and other wet areas?
You may wish to use a daily cleanser meant to be applied to day-to-day spills and stains. In the bath and other wet areas, using a squeegee to clear standing water will help to minimize build-up.

Purchasing tile:

How do know how many tiles I will need to fill a particular space?
Once the surfaces in question have been fully measured and examined, we recommend that you increase the amount required by ten-fifteen percent, as a buffer, to allow for waste from laying and future repairs.

Where can I see first-hand and eventually buy your products?
At any Trinity Tile Group location. For preliminary searching, we have our entire line of products listed on this Web site. Please visit the "Product Lines" link to view them. We also have sales representatives that cover markets that we do not have currently at the location.

Can I visit your showroom?
You can visit any of our showroom locations in Orlando, Winter Park, Ocala, Ft. Myers and, soon, in Jacksonville. Feel free to stop by or make a personal appointment with an associate who can guide you through the product lines and help you find the solutions needed for your specific project.

What if I can’t find exactly the right tile among the product lines you carry? Will you be able to find it for me?
Yes! Trinity Tile Group is dedicated to serving our clients by any and all means. If you do not find what you need among the products regularly carry, we will search until we find a product that is just right and meets your expectations in every way.