Since humans first began to upgrade from dirt/earthen floors, some type of flooring has been underfoot. Stone, tile, concrete, and even carpet have been around for thousands of years. Obviously, the quality and craftsmanship has improved over time as technology and manufacturing processes evolved. You can learn more about the history of flooring here. Hardwood did not get its start until … [Read more...]
Flooring: Tile
Tile flooring and wall coverings can be traced back thousands of years. It is one of the oldest forms of decorative art. Tile flooring is closely linked to the development of pottery, which originated in China. Furthermore, historians believe that Ancient Egyptians developed kiln firing. Tile is made out of a mixture of clay and shale that is baked in a kiln. Pigments are added to the mixture … [Read more...]
Tile Installation Patterns
No matter what material the tile is made out of, square and/or rectangular tiles can be applied in various different patterns. A contrasting grout color can make the tile installation patterns stand out even more. Tile can be installed on the floor, the wall as backsplash, and used to create a custom tile shower. Square-Set or Grid Pattern In a square-set or grid pattern, tiles are … [Read more...]
Kitchen Backsplash
Backsplash (also known as splashback) started out as a practical and useful part of the kitchen. The original purpose was to protect the walls from over spray and splashes at the sink, and cooking spatters around the stove area. (Backsplashes can also be used in the bathroom around the sink and/or bathtub areas to protect the walls from water.) Over time – as different materials and more … [Read more...]