What's On at National Tiles

National Tiles are proud to be a part of Mix101.1’s re-Bourne Bathrooms promotion, where two lucky winners have been selected to have their bathrooms renovated!

Interior Designers from National Tiles have put together six tile concepts for the two competition winners to pick from. The renovations commenced on Saturday (13.4.13) and are to be completed within a week. The wall and floor tiles chosen for the renovations includes tiles from our Glass Mosaic, Portofino, Atlantis, Como, Carrara, Emirates and Colarado ranges.

Visit your local National Tiles store or online gallery to see the latest trends in tiles.

Want to see which tiles will feature in their newly renovated bathrooms? Stay tuned……..

National Tiles Weekly Special- This week only, bathroom tiles from half price.

At National Tiles we have an impressive range of large profile feature tiles. These tiles can create a similar finish to the much loved mosaic effect without the maintenance of grout lines. The elimination of grout lines means a more ‘seamless finish’ is achievable. These tiles have varying textures, some replicating the look of natural elements (eg. timber, stone etc). The replication is achieved through the use of ‘inkjet technology’.

A prime example of this is the ‘Moravia’ range. When laid vertically Moravia can give the look of bamboo but when laid horizontally it can then create the look of stacked stone. The beauty of inkjet technology means that the tile is almost as true to the appearance of the natural product as humanly possible.

Most of the PremiumRange tiles are created with inkjet printing. This also includes our timber look tiles which have high variation ensuring they create a realistic effect of a hard wood floor in a commercial or domestic space.

What makes these products so desirable is that they do not require annual maintenance like a natural timber or stone would. This is because a glazed surface is completely non-porous.

Textured tiles are a terrific way to soften the overall look of the room. It’s also an option that is easily customised with accessories that reflect your own style. A monochromatic colour scheme can easily go from “blah” to brilliant with the addition of a few tasteful textures. Think tumbled stone, frosted glass, metallic’s and rippled surfaces.

Don’t be afraid to mix up a sleek polished porcelain bathroom with a panel or feature wall of these brilliant products! Incorporating just one feature to the space is enough to finish the look. So have a bit of fun playing with combinations and you might be amazed at what you are capable of creating!

By Amy Millar, Bonnie Lukasik and Priscilla De Luca  - National Tiles Colour Consultants. 

By Mark O’Halloran- Nationals Tiles National Training Manager

Style, glamour, indulgence, decadence and fabulous are a few words that are used to describe items that are genuinely eye catching.

These 330×600 glazed metallic tiles are just that.

The 3 dimensional pattern pressed into the surface of the tile creates an effect that is similar to a sequined fabric, metal lame or chainmail. As you walk past and around this tile your perspective changes and with it so to does the tiles appearance.

At first glance the product appears to be small individual mosaics but it is only with closer inspection that you realize it is just an illusion.

These tiles are well suited in any application as a feature tile laid into another body tile or on there own as full feature wall.

Imagine the impact of having a full wall behind the vanity and mirror tiled in the Platina the remaining walls in a Gloss White 300×600 and the floor and bath hob clad in Honed Basalt. Or perhaps the Prata used as a full kitchen splash back with gloss black cabinets.

These tiles afford the texture and the interest or a mosaic without the maintenance and cost of a true mosaic. They require no sealing and are easily cut using a traditional tile cutter.

 Jewels Code CLIWB2000

The stunning effect of a mosaic feature wall in a bathroom without any of the maintenance

issues. This product does not require any sealing of special care. Note how each

pressed mosaic square reflects the light in a different angle.

By Bonnie Lukasik – National Tiles Colour Consultant – Port Melbourne

 Creating a designer look without the price tag is seen by many as an impossible task, when it is actually something quite achievable. It’s simple… Just by adding colour through the use of a feature tile you can really add flair to any space.

The versatility of glass mosaics are endless and can be used in anyway imaginable as long as the correct installation methods are followed. Mosaics are visually effective as splash-backs for bathrooms and kitchens. Feature strips in bathrooms such as, shower areas, bath areas or as a stand alone feature wall are most favorable.

From a design perspective, simplicity is often considered most elegant and natural. Selecting one dominant colour with contrasting shades and tones would provide an inviting background to any space.

 Our wide range of glass and stone mosaics help create an inexpensive feature with the addition of an accent colour to a neutral palette can heighten the appeal of a space to create a unique look. National Tiles have a wide selection of colours, patterns and textures available to choose from.

An excellent way of sticking to your budget without compromising that “designer look” is to use a mosaic feature tile that can be easily adapted to suit your space. The adaptability is endless. Using mosaics as a feature, you will not require a large quantity for your intended area. Not only can it reduce the cost associated with a designer look, but it will add a focal point to any space and compliment any area without the results being to overwhelming.

 National Tiles supplies both Australian made and imported mosaics. Our 6 ranges cover hundreds of colour formats and combinations. To make it easer to decide on the perfect choice for your space, take advantage of the National Tiles Design Kiosk in-store. The virtual room assists in capturing your desired colour scheme. National Tiles has taken both price and quality into consideration when choosing our ranges of mosaics.  We have sourced both imported Murano glass product and stone mosaics which are both cost effective and stylish.

Welcome to the National Tiles 16 part DIY series, where you will find everything you need to know about tiling. Information ranges from choosing your tools and tiles, surface preparation, tiling principles, and finally a guide on giving your bathroom a professional finish.

Our DIY team includes two very talented renovators; Ana Stankovic and Sloane Pepe. We are also pleased to be supported by the Trowel Trade department from Holmesglen TAFE and our very own trade staff here at National Tiles. We as a team developed this series to provide renovators with a true step-by-step tiling guide, which covers all the trade tips and tricks, and most importantly covering Australian tiling standards. This is to ensure that you get the best advice and online tools to complete your tiling renovation.

Check it out today http://www.nationaltiles.com.au/diy-tiling.php

To date we have touched on some of National Tiles most beautiful ranges, their unique patterns and colours are completely distinctive to the specific range. However the Cosmos Range does not have that amazing wow factor when you first lay your eyes on it. Its takes time and review to really have an impact.

I spoke with one of National Tiles ‘oh- so- fabulous, Colour Consultant, Bonnie Lukasik, her feelings of the range is not too dissimilar to mine. “The Cosmos series, a full bodied porcelain, a newly innovative product using the latest methods of production in inkjet printing captures natures natural colour pallet. Don’t expect waves of different shades with this range, it is of solid colour and simplistic design in its finishes”.     

Originating in  Spain, the non rectified, hard wearing tiles are perfect for allowing a wide selection of colour in décor for any space. This brings me to my next point of difference with the Cosmos Range, with their colour being simplistic, yet bold, they are the answer to the age old question of how long will this look stay in fashion? The answer is forever! The colours selected are inspired by nature, therefore never-out of date. By changing your décor you can keep up with today AND tomorrow’s trends.  

Regarding the specifics of the range, National Tiles holds in store two neutral colours. The Gris & Negro in a 600mm x 600mm format, making it ideal for medium to large spaces.

Mark O’Halloran, NT’s Training Manager states “Both the Gris & Negro typically suit minimalist interiors of contemporary suburban or inner city living. They are stylish & sleek without being impertinent or demanding. No matter the application of use, this range can provide a floor space that will harmonize your space with its environment, whilst softly providing the perfect backdrop to any interior”.

Check out the range http://www.nationaltiles.com.au/tile-design-gallery_dynamic.php?category=premium

‘The material used by Ceramiche Capri combines beauty and versatility, to produce surfaces that are environmentally friendly, created to enhance any room and to last forever’. 

The materials used by Ceramiche Capri’s to create what we call Travertini Beige is a fantastic replica of the natural sedimentary limestone formed at the bottom of the hot springs.    

Mark O’Halloran, National Tiles Training Manager explains, “Travertine is a highly sort after building material; it has been used since man first learnt to use tools and carve stone. Its rich yellow based tones add warmth to an interior and the delicate pattern implies a refinement and sophistication that is unique to Travertine, until now!  This beautiful gloss glazed 600×600 rectified porcelain allows us to achieve the breath taking look of Travertine without the high cost and maintenance associated with natural stone”.

Mark goes onto to say, “Travertini Beige presents itself as a straight cut filled and polished travertine and it does this convincingly. Through the use of the latest digital inkjet printing it has been possible to produce a tile that is so close to the original stone that it is near impossible to tell them apart. 

As the Tarvertini Beige is a rectified product it is best laid with a 1.5mm grout line so as to ensure that it is the delicate pattern that is emphasized not the grout lines. The Travertini Beige requires little more than an open space to shine. Feature tiles and accessories are not needed to dress this product up, it is best left to speak for itself.

The product can be utilised in a retail or domestic setting. Whatever the environment it will certainly bring a touch of formality and refinement to any internal space”. Caitlin Tawse one of our colour consultants also adds, the Natural look and feel of the product compliments neutral colour such as brown, white and cream.

What is great to see about this product is also environmentally friendly, not only are you protecting the environment from mining but the production method for this product utilises 40% recycled materials and is certified by the Green Build Council Italia.

To find out more about the collection come in to a National Tiles store!

By Lauren Fernando-Bird – Marketing Coordinator National Tiles

The Greenwood Series certainly has stepped away from the traditional look and feel of a glazed porcelain tile. Inspired by the colour pallet of natural wood, this Italian made range is well received by the Australian design industry and from a sneak peek at our sales data the renovators market is also picking it up very quickly.

I grew up in a house with wooded floor boards; there is just something about them that makes you feel more connected with nature. They are like Levi’s which never really go out of fashion. However, there are plenty of issues in maintaining their beauty and strength. I remember the flooring always had to be oiled and sealed or times when one of us kids would get a splinter, Ouch! The Greenwood range allows the space to capture the look and (believe or not) the texture of wood without the ongoing maintenance. 

The 4 colours in this range truly captures the essence of the natural world with each providing a unique environment. As its name gives away, ‘Snow’ is the lightest colour in the range. It creates a very modern, clean feel to the space without being harsh or cold. Using soft furnishings such as pillows and warm or cold lighting to create the vibrant look of the current season and as Mark O’Halloran explains…

“It is the perfect base of a monochromatic colour scheme. ‘Sandybrown’ is both sophisticated and casual, it evokes that warm and comforting feeling you get when you’re in a well loved home or a beach house. ‘Taupe’ is brown and yellow in colour and with such detail it can be used as a feature in any space with minimal furniture required. ‘Limegreen’ has a pale soft green tone which sets the scene of a tranquil serene space, an environment where one can get lost from the busy hustle and bustle of every day life. This pallet is well suited to a casual interior of relaxed furnishings and easy lifestyle”….

Amy Millar, one of very talented colour consultants, also explains “there is a lot of shade variation between tiles which also creates the look of natural timber flooring”.  

These glazed porcelain tiles come in 330x664mm in size, are rated an R-10 and are suitable for indoor and outdoor living, they are non porous and require no sealing or on going maintenance other than a general clean.

Check out the Greenwood lifestyle shots:  

SNOW    SANDYBROWN TAUPE   LIMEGREEN

By Lauren Fernando-Bird – Marketing Coordinator National Tiles

I have some exciting news for the Greenies and even better news for those who sought after an exclusive look without the high price tag!

As a fellow lover of this earth, I took a great interest in the ‘Eternity Mirror White Polished’ as it’s a progressive product that has all the beauty of Natural Stone, yet not taken from the earth. The high gloss rectified polished porcelain has a natural aesthetic appearance. With a white base and mirror finish the beautiful grey veins that vary throughout, from large to small, the veins ever so slightly change to a gold tone.  

Feeling “a little bit smart” I said to the colour consultants, “so this is Natural Stone”. Store Manager, Helen Blackwell very politely replied, “No it’s actually Polished Porcelain”. A little taken back, she explained that the Eternity Mirror White is a truly remarkable product that emulates natural stone, and the advanced technology used in the production of the tile means that this product has many attributes.

Delving further into the particular benefits and attributes of this product, the more I began to find out about the over-all history of floor and wall tiles, and how far technology in design and production the industry has come. For centuries, humankind has sought after beautiful stones for the purposes of construction, design and the highest quality finishes. Using the most advanced in Ink Jet technology the Eternity Mirror White is a faithful reproduction of the splendour and depth of natural stone.

Mark O’Halloran (Product Training Manager) explains “The Eternity White Mirror, is second to none in it’s representation of this natural material. This high gloss rectified polished porcelain has, as the name would suggest, a mirror like finish. This is only ever seen in the highest quality polished products. Suitable for both floor and wall application this tile needs no assistance as it looks best when laid floor to ceiling with out interruption.

The large square format lends itself well to either a diamond lay (for a more formal and traditional feeling), or a straight lay within a modernist or minimal interior. White grout is recommended so as not to compete with the pattern in the tile. And a minimal grout line of 1.5mm as per Australian standards. 

The Eternity White is a pressed powder porcelain tile and has a very low porosity level of 0.03%, this means that it is stain and abrasion resistant as well as being frost resistant for those areas with extreme temperature change. The factory pre-sealing means that this tile needs no treatment after installation.”

‘Eternity Mirror White Polished’ is beautifully mastered in it’s design and production and backed by our ‘National Tiles Lifetime Guarantee’!

Order your free sample today http://www.nationaltiles.com.au/tile-design-gallery_dynamic.php?category=premium

I know at the end of my first blog I had said that next I would discuss how to achieve certain style classics using different materials. However I have decided that we should first discuss the different materials available so as to have a better understanding of future discussions.

What types of tiles are there to choose from?

There are quite literally hundreds of different types of materials available in the design/ building industries that come under the material description of tiles. These materials range from vinyl to porcelain and even carpet, and then each of these materials has a sub group that is derived from the way in which the material is produced and its finished appearance.

 For this article I will be discussing, what most of us would consider to be a tile when thinking of product used to renovate a bathroom. I will be speaking about these materials in open loose terms, so that you have enough information to help you decide what materials suite your needs without being overwhelmed by information.

Ceramic

Ceramic is the most common term used to describe a tile.

• A ceramic tile is a clay based product (typically red or white in colour)
• The clay is quarried, purified and then dried to create a powder (body slip)
• The clay is injected into a mold as dry powder then pressed at a moderate pressure rate and fired at a moderate temperature to create a bisque.
• The fired bisque (raw tile) is then screen printed with a pigment or pattern and a clear glaze (silica glass) is applied over the top.
• The tile is then re-fired causing the silica to melt and form a durable non-porous layer over the top of the pigment or pattern. The glaze can be either gloss, matt or textured.

Ceramic tiles are typically used as feature and wall tiles; however there are some ranges available that can be used on the floor in a domestic application. These tiles are softer and easier to cut and are generally cheaper to install. The higher porosity rate (more then 0.5%) of the bisque can make them less frost resistant and their PEI (The Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness scale, which ranges from softest 0 to hardest 5) rating is usually between 0 and 3 making them unsuitable for commercial flooring applications. Glazed ceramic tiles do not require any sealing or special maintenance.

Porcelain

There are two main types of porcelain tile, glazed and full-bodied (some times referred to as vitrified).

The first type of porcelain tile we will discuss is glazed. The process for manufacturing glazed porcelain tiles is similar to that of glazed ceramic tiles. The main difference is the raw clay materials, these materials are of a higher quality and are processed more thoroughly. This means that the dry powder (body slip) is more pure and of a higher quality than that of a ceramic tile.

The other point of difference in the manufacturing process is the press rate and the firing temperature. These are both much higher in the production of porcelain tiles than what they are in ceramic tiles. The result is a denser less porous tile (less than 0.5%) that is more robust and durable. As the porcelain bisque can be fired at a higher temperature, the finished glazed tile will usually have a higher PEI rating than that of a ceramic tile. This allows all glazed porcelains to be used for both floor and wall applications in domestic spaces as well as light commercial environments. Glazed porcelains are available in gloss, matt or external finish. Glazed porcelain tiles do not require any sealing or special maintenance.

Full-bodied porcelains are manufactured primarily the same as the glazed porcelain counter part; the difference is on the surface. As mentioned with a glazed product the colour or pattern is printed on to the surface of the tile and then covered with a glaze and fired.

In the production of full-bodied tiles, the colour and or pattern runs through the tile from front to back. This is achieved by mixing the required pigments in to the powdered clay (body slip) prior to the powder being injected into the mold. If there are multiple colours needed to generate the pattern then there will be an injection head dedicated to the that particular colour. Once the mold has been filled the powdered clay is pressed and then fired.

More common today are double charged or double pressed porcelains. This is a manufacturing process designed to lower production costs and has no impact on the quality of the porcelain. The process is the same only that instead of the mold being filled with the pigmented clay it is only half filled, and then the balance of the mold is filled with un-pigmented clay. These two layers are then pressed and fired. This process reduces the amount of pigment required and lowers the cost of raw materials.

Full-bodied and double charged porcelains come in three main finishes; the first is natural, as the name suggest this is the natural finish of the tile after firing and is best described as a matt finish. The natural finish can be mechanically polished creating a high gloss finish. Or there may have been a pattern in the mold that creates a texture suitable for external use.

Natural and external full-bodied or double charged porcelains do not require sealing or any special maintenance other than being cleaned after grouting with Lithofin Cement Residue Remover.

Some polished full-bodied or double charged porcelains may need to be sealed after installation, the sealant will usually last 7 to 10 years, dependant on use.

Composite Stone

There are two main types of composite stone currently in the market place. The first is called Terrazzo and originated from Italy. It is a cement and natural stone blend, the most common stones used are quartz and marble. This product comes in three finishes polished, honed (matt) or external. The external texture can be created a number ways either by the application of an acid wash or through a mechanical process that removes the softer particles from the surface of the tile leaving behind the denser particles to create an uneven non slip surface. These tiles need sealing and ongoing care to maintain their appearance.

The second is reconstituted stone, this material is similar to Terrazzo in that it is a blend and available in multiple finishes. However the additional material used to create this product is a man made polymer. To my knowledge there is no external finish available in this product as the polymers can be damaged and degraded by prolonged UV exposure. Some suppliers will void their warranty on their product if used externally. This material generally does not require sealing or on going maintenance.

Natural Stone

Natural stone as the name would suggest is a range or products that are created by nature. These materials are quite literally quarried as large blocks, the blocks are cut into slabs, the slabs are finished in the desired finish, polished, honed (matt) or external (acid washed or mechanical application), the slabs are then cut into the selected sizes.

One thing that most people don’t understand about stone is that its colour texture and pattern is completely random, this is the point of natural stone and is a characteristic that tile manufacturers spend a lot of time and money on trying to copy. In addition to its randomness natural stone will generally always have some sign of a filler that has been used to correct or strengthen the natural faults and defects in the stone. When done correctly this fill is finished in such a way that it blends with the texture of the stone and becomes part of the pattern, but it will never be invisible.

I acknowledge that there are many, many different types of stone in the world. However I believe that when considering natural stone tiles, it is easier to group them into four main types of stone.

Sedimentary stones are made up of two sub-groups of stone due to the basic way they are formed. The first is sedimentary stone from hot springs. This type of stone is more commonly know as Travertine. It is created when sediment settles on the bottom of a hot spring; this sediment has a very high lime content and over time turns to stone. Travertine characteristically has holes in it from where the hot air and water was forced up though the earths crust. This type of stone is usually sold filled and honed or filled and polished for internal use, but can be left unfilled for external application to create a more rustic appearance. The stone may also be cut in two different directions to create to very distinct pattern. Cross Cut Travertine is when the tiles are cute across the holes in the block and creates a blotchy pattern similar to blue cheese. Straight Cut travertine is when the tiles have been cut along the grain of the block this creates a lineal pattern as the holes are exposed down their length and create valleys and trenches.

The second is sedimentary stone (from what I refer to as still waters); this type of stone is more commonly known as Lime Stone and forms on the bottom of lakes, rivers and oceans. This stone is easy to identify as it typically has no direction to its pattern and has a homogenise appearance. On closer inspection it is not uncommon to see fossilised organic matter such as sea life and leaves etc.

Igneous rock is volcanic rock, known as lava when in its molten state. These types of stone include Basalt (known as Bluestone in Australia) and Granites. These stones are easy to recognise as they generally have no directional pattern. Basalt may have what is referred to as Cats Paw or Laval Flow where a section of the stone cooled quickly and trapped small air bubbles. This is not a defect but a natural characteristic of the stone.

Metamorphic / compression stones are stones that were once something else, usually a lime stone of some description. Through compression / pressure from the earth’s tectonic plates and exposure to heat from the earths core these lime stones change and re-minerlise to become marble. There are many marbles such as Emperador where it is visible to see elements of its Lime Stone past. There are also lime stones like Grey Tundra were it is visible that it has been exposed to some heat and pressure as veins have began to form and quartz deposits are starting to crystallise.

As a rule National Tiles recommends that all stone should be sealed and maintained using the Lithofin stone care product range. Natural stone is not a product conducive to a low maintenance lifestyle and does require on going maintenance.

Glass Mosaics

Glass started out as a feature product used sparingly in bathrooms and as bands in splash backs. But has now become a true product in its own right, it is being used more and more for full walls in showers and as the sole product for kitchen splash backs.

Typically glass was manufactured in the shape and size desired and then painted on the back so that the colour showed through once glued to the wall. Today National Tiles has an exciting new range of glass mosaics that have been laid onto a porcelain base and back by our lifetime guarantee. The benefit of this is that the product is easier to lay particularly for DIY. This product was launched recently by National Tiles with an in store design kiosk that allows you to view over 3000 design options for both kitchen splash backs and bathroom features. The glass mosaics require no sealing or special maintenance, however it is recommended that the grout be sealed to maintain their appearance.

Regards