Understanding Mortars and Grouts

Once upon a time tile floors were installed and grouted with a single mortar mix. This type of installation required a very highly skilled installer who could work quickly and accurately. The curing time was rather lengthy and involved misting the surface one, two or three times a day for about a week or longer.

Today’s materials are more flexible and do not need long periods of damp curing nor expert tradesmen. The newer adhesive products may cost more but the labor time is significantly reduced. Here’s a run-down of what you can choose from. Continue reading “Understanding Mortars and Grouts”

May 13, 2015May 13, 2017

Interlocking Floating Porcelain Floors

Interlocking porcelain floors are not new but they seem to pop up more in conversations in regards to tiles that look like planks of wood these days.

Floating porcelain tile flooring systems are designed to enable the installer to achieve professional results quickly and cost effectively.

Advantages of floating porcelain floors include sound deadening, the option to conveniently install the tile over existing hard surfaces and they are reusable. Continue reading “Interlocking Floating Porcelain Floors”

December 27, 2013

The Fast Collection

With the Wood-look ceramic trend on fire it’s not too surprising to see innovations from the installation side.

In the quick-laying category, the Fast Collection from Italian manufacturer Del Conca, is a ceramic tile collection that can be put down quickly over any existing floor surface without the use of mortar or grout.

The tiles in this patented collection are snapped together and create a continuous surface without joints. This system can also be uninstalled and reused.

Three collections are available within the Fast Connect Line; Monte Napoleone Fast, Saloon Fast and Forma Fast. Monte Napoleone and Saloon offer plank tiles that look like wood. The Forma collection looks like cement planks.

This tile is marketed to the DIYer and is carried by Home Improvement Stores.

Del Conca will start manufacturing this tile in Loudon Tennessee in 2014 in their new 320,000-square foot facility. Currently 75% of Del Conca tile is exported to the US.