The ceramic tile industry relies on an important set of publications that help define best practices and tile project specifications. While different organizations and committees write these publications, they all build on specialized terminology unique to the tile industry. To help ensure the tile terminology we use in all these documents is accurate, clear, concise,… The post Words Matter: An Introduction to Tile Terminology appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
Wrap your space in soothing "terra tones" ranging from peach to terracotta to chocolate-brown. Terra tones lend your decor the natural, grounding energy we crave in an increasingly digital world. Gentle shifts in color, layout, and texture modernize earth-colored tiles while giving us that biophilic boost we need. The post 2025 Tile Trends: Terra Tones appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
Color drenching takes a bold turn with the use of gauged porcelain panels. Enveloping entire spaces in the rich tones and textures seen in marble, onyx, or travertine creates seamless and dramatic effects. A chosen “mineral” look — be it a bold black, grounding green, or luminous white — transforms a space into a luxurious, immersive work of art. The post 2025 Tile Trends: Mineral Drenching appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
What’s gold have to do with our first tile trend? Everything! The use of sumptuous marble-look ceramic tile streaked with gold veining is on the rise.| Why Tile
Explore the benefits of gauged porcelain tile countertops in our guide. Stylish, functional, and easy to maintain. Elevate your countertops! The post Your Guide to a Gorgeous Tile Shower Niche appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
Explore the benefits of gauged porcelain tile countertops in our guide. Stylish, functional, and easy to maintain. Elevate your countertops! The post Incorporating Profiles in Ceramic Tile Applications appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
When it comes to designing your kitchen, the floor is more than just a surface to walk on — it’s a canvas that can elevate your entire space. Kitchen floor tile patterns offer creative possibilities to transform your flooring into a stylish focal point and to help bring your entire room design together. From classic… The post Inspiring Kitchen Floor Patterns to Transform Your Space appeared first on Why Tile.| Why Tile
Sound control was once considered an afterthought of construction. Learn how architects and contractors have developed new ways to help keep things quiet.| Why Tile
Explore the benefits of gauged porcelain tile countertops in our guide. Stylish, functional, and easy to maintain. Elevate your countertops!| Why Tile
Understanding sustainable flooring helps architects, specifiers and designers choose the best project materials for buildings.| Why Tile
If you haven’t already noticed, when you use a large tile in a small room, it makes the room appear bigger. Some people assume the opposite and want to use smaller tiles in smaller rooms. It’s important that, as a salesperson or an installer, you make your client aware of this visual anomaly. Tile [...] The post Choosing the Right Tile Size first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
Don’t mislead your customers! That only leads to false expectations, which leads to unhappy customers, and could end up being an expensive problem for you! Whether you’re a tile installer, a tile salesperson or working with an interior designer or architect, it’s important that you qualify up front the intended use of the tile. Does [...] The post Ask Customers the Right Questions first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
You know the old sayings: “measure twice, cut once” or “installation constitutes acceptance” or “better safe than sorry”….. Well, how true they are! Not everyone sees things the same way when it comes to tile installations. Sometimes a consumer has a flawed idea about how an installation will look, but that may not be the [...] The post Customer Approvals first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
If you don’t prepare your client in advance about what they should expect from a tile or stone installation, then when the job is done, they may react as if it is a failure. The best way to avoid these types of false expectations is to educate your clients up front. Let them know the [...] The post Grout Color Variations first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
Make sure that the tile products you sell, specify or install in interior or exterior applications are suitable for the intended use. Tiles in wet applications should be slip-resistant and meet the minimum industry standards. Beware, however, not to choose tiles that are too abrasive as they will cause maintenance issues in that they’ll require [...] The post Choose the Right Tile for the Job first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
When there’s a problem with a tile installation it’s typically the tile installers that are blamed. The product manufacturers will say installation constitutes acceptance. This is the standard response, unless there was a concealed defect that you could not have known about. The architect, designer or homeowner will say “you didn’t follow specifications” and/or “you [...] The post Installers: Best Defense is Offense first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
If you don’t show up on the job you’re not just letting other people down, you’re letting yourself down! Showing up is a reflection of your self-respect, which is the fuel that makes us feel good about ourselves and successfully drives us through life. If you’re not responsible enough to show up on a [...] The post Show Up For Success first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
Tile and stone sealers can be very beneficial for making tile, stone and grout more stain resistant, less likely to collect dirt, more resistant to efflorescence, and easier to clean and to keep clean. But sealers do not make those materials waterproof or stain-proof. When something is spilled on a kitchen counter or floor, [...] The post The Truth About Sealers first appeared on University of Ceramic Tile and Stone.| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
Running out of material can be very costly. The “opportunity cost,” or lost potential income, has a negative effect on business. It means taking away time| University of Ceramic Tile and Stone
Ceramic tile can be purchased through many outlets. Here's what to consider when choosing the best ceramic tile for your projects.| Why Tile