H.Winter Showroom Blog

Small Project – Huge Payoff!

2012-01-26T19:01:00.001-05:00

Add a little spice to your powder room by tiling behind yourvanity! Stone & Pewter Accents hasan amazing collection of glass tile that will add luxury to any home décor. The marbled wisps of the new series, Tozen, isreminiscent of stained glass.

Long rectangles are very fashionable today. Lay them down for a long-brick-look or hangthem vertically for a touch of drama.

If all that glass just isn’t your style, we love, love, lovethe slate waterfall collections. To personalizeyour powder room, just pick your slate and pick your glass accent and standback to ooooo and ahhhhh!

Mind-blowing Master Bathroom Shower Tile

2011-11-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

Joe Lenner of Infinite Ceramic & Stone and designer, Vicki Nederostek have amazed us again! Joe submitted photos of a job that is almost complete, but we were so excited that we had to share them with you.

This walk-in shower is designed so that you can see both the inside and the outside of the shower creating layers to the design. The outside wall then became a dramatic accent in the room. Vicki utilized the same tile and glass in different layouts and ratios to add to the richness of the look.
What you can’t see well on the internet is the quality of this particular tile. The tiles are big, big, big! 12x24 and the gargantuan 12x48 allow all of our focus to fall onto the amazing fabric texture and the pure luxury of the tile.
No matter how high of a quality tile you purchase, the ending result depends on the quality of the installation. Infinite Ceramic utilized Tuscan Leveling Straps to ensure alignment of tile. The larger the tile, the more difficult it is to ensure that it lays flat against a surface. As you can see in the picture, Joe Lenner took extra steps that resulted in a very professional finish.

Walk on the Wild Side!

2011-11-26T11:47:00.001-05:00

Outrageously glamorous animal prints with an undeniable wow factor.

Large format 20x20 tile are suitable for use indoors on walls, floors and bathrooms & showers. There are four different versions of tile design. The amazing surface that draws you into the design.

The Cavallino Anthracite, Bronze, Gold and White tiles are made to match the animal print tiles - they also have amazing strokeable textures, which seem to change appearance in different lights.

How do I make a statement with my backsplash tile?

2011-10-27T17:20:00.000-04:00

There are many options for a kitchen backsplash. Often if you have a large backsplash area above your sink or stove you want to do something unique. You can use a mural, find a fun mosaic, or insert decoratives. How about a niche? You can set some useful kitchen items where they are handy and it gives you a unique look. The drawing below incorporates a niche area under the hood filled with marble tiles, glass accents, and a metal and marble border.

Even using minimal amounts of mosaics
with your field tiles can create a powerful look without being overwhelming.

There are a variety of mosaics and decoratives to choose from. If you like the look of solid glass, blends of various materials, or all stone. Maybe even a porcelain waterfall pattern. Whatever materials you end up choosing you can design something extraordinary for your space. Remember...there are no rules!

Using a waterfall pattern behind a hood can

emphasize the height and create a more dynamic look.
You can create a similar look even if you aren't tiling to the ceiling.

Here are a few new random pattern mosaics from Maniscalco called Interlocking Stix that would work perfectly in the above pattern.

Want to frame out a portion of your backsplash?

2011-10-20T19:01:00.000-04:00

Do you want a focal point but don't like murals? or want something different? Here are some ideas for you. For a frame you can use a stone chair rail, glass liners, strips of mosaics, or metal liners just to name a few. If you are framing out an area you can either use the same tile you used as your field tile or mix it up a bit by changing the size or direction of the tile within the frame. How about using a colorful mosaic inside the frame? There are so many possibilities. Lets take a look at just a few...

Use colorful blends of mosaics for a
fun and different style.

Using combinations of materials can be a great way to tie everything in your space together. Mosaics and other decoratives come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Metal decos and borders can
create a bold look and be used to
coordinate your hardware.

Metal decos and borders can be a great way to tie in your appliances, lighting fixtures, or hardware. Decos are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes.

Use crushed glass for a pop of

color and a little sparkle.

Crushed glass tiles are a popular way to introduce some texture, sparkle, and color into your design project. They look sharp with under-cabinet lighting. Available in a variety of colors you can purchase them individually or as sheets, whichever best suits your needs.

That's all for now....your best bet is to stop in the showroom with samples and play around with different combinations to see what materials and colors are catching your eye.

How do I use inserts in my backsplash?

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

Thinking of using decorative inserts in your backsplash? Whether it is a kitchen, bar, or bathroom your backsplash can be given unique character by utilizing "decos" (short for decoratives). These inserts come in various shapes and sizes. The most frequent are 2" squares and 4" squares.

The easiest way for an installer to cut in your decos is to cut the corners of the tiles. So if you lay your tile straight the decos will be on a diagonal and if you lay your field tile on a diagonal your decos will be straight. However, almost anything is possible so you do not have to stick to what is typical or easy. Stretch those boundaries and be creative!

If you want something simple and easy to install here are some options for you:

Image A: Creating a Border

Installing decos in a straight line creates the effect of a border, without having a solid, continuous band stretching across the backsplash. Image A is also an example of laying your tiles on a diagonal and cutting in the decos so they lay straight.

Image B: Offset the Decos

You can install your tiles in a set pattern like Image B, where I have alternated the decos up and down.

Image C: Linear Pattern with Decos

If you lay your tiles straight, you most often cut in your decos on a diagonal. Again, I have laid these tiles in a linear pattern (Image C), but have spaced them futher apart then the above example.

Image D: Using Larger Decos

In the example in Image D, it shows how a 4" square deco looks in proportion to using 4" field tiles. By using larger decos you may be able to create an interesting look with using less decos.

Image E: Random Patterns

Image E is an example of a random pattern. This design can create interesting, fun layouts that allow you to work around your outlets and small appliances on your countertops.

Remember, whatever you choose it should be something you love. This is only an example of how you can use decoratives. Be creative and use decos in any way you choose. There are no limitations. The above examples are utlilizing 4" field tiles, however you can use decos with any size field tile including subway (3"x6") tiles, large format tiles, or even smaller tiles. There are a large selection of decoratives to choose from, start by picking your decos and designing around it.

Using a mural in your backsplash?

2011-10-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Thinking of doing a mural in your backsplash? Wondering where do I put it? There are many factors that come into play when deciding where to place your mural. How large do you want it? Should it be vertical or horizontal? Some murals come in specific sizes only, however Stone Impressions murals can be custom made to any size you wish and can be created on a variety of natural stone tiles. Murals are most often placed in the largest area in your backsplash or can be used to create a focal point over your stove or sink depending on how your kitchen space is laid out. You can either frame out an area (Image A) using moldings or trims or you can fill in an entire area maximizing the size of the mural (Image B).

Image A: Frame you mural with liners or chair rails

for dimension and a picture frame look.

Image B: Fill in an entire area of your backsplash

to optimize the amount of space you have for a mural.

What not to do in most circumstances:

During the installation process you or your contractor may be tempted to place the mural directly against the counter top or directly against your cabinets. Although this may simplify the installation by avoiding cuts or measuring the space to get the mural positioned correctly, there is not as much design appeal. If you have the space...use it. Putting your mural directly under your cabinets, microwave, or hood (as pictured below in Image C) can reduce the amount the image that is actually visible and can be admired. Who wants to hide their beautiful mural? If you wish to frame out your mural, you should try leave space above and below. Putting your mural directly against a countertop could leave large empty spaces above the mural making the space look and feel disproportioned. As I mentioned before, your space is one of a kind and you need to determine which design is best for your application.

Image C: Positioning your mural right against your countertop

creates an awkward design for a space.

Image D: Positioning your mural right under your cabinets creates a crammed look and your cabinets may block the view of your gorgeous custom mural.

Here's a thought:

If you do not have a large area in which to do a mural consider inserting decos or a border instead. There are endless opportunities for your backsplash, the most important thing is to pick something you love!

The Stone Impressions border above creates an accent throughout the space rather than creating a focal point in one area.

Kitchen Backplashes from Infinite Ceramic Tile

2011-10-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

Mosaics make the mural!

Wine Mural from Florida Tile

Asymmetric Tile Design in the Shower

2011-09-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

What may drive some tile installers crazy, Joe Lenner of Infinite Ceramic enjoyed the challenge of installing this non-typical shower tile.

Asymmetric and fun! A great way to start your day!

The simple floor balances the active walls.

The niche details are splendid!

Classic White Bathrooms

2011-09-26T12:28:00.001-04:00

White bathrooms are back in vogue! Simple white tile combined with high-end details can take this uncomplicated color palette to another level of style. Infinite Ceramic submitted several examples of this new glacial tile style.

Porcelain field tiles combined with more expensive marble accents helps to keep the budget under control.

Black and white mosaic floor adds interest to the simple color palette.

Simple white subway tile gets an elegant touch with a polished carrera mosaic shower floor.

White subway tile with white penny rounds and a simple carrera seat.

Shaded Subway Tile Cottage Style Backsplash

2011-09-26T11:13:00.001-04:00

Eye for Detail submitted photos of this very pretty Cottage Style kitchen. Subway tile is very hot, but I love the look of this shaded tile from the Retro Series by Florida Tile.

Eye for Detail Tile Projects

2011-09-26T10:49:00.007-04:00

Eye for Detail in Bethlehem, PA has been keeping us busy here at H.Winter & Co. with his many, many tile projects. Here are just a few.....

Sweet, Suite Glass!

2011-08-10T13:09:00.017-04:00

This summer, Jeffery Court has introduced a new chapter called Suite Glass. Some are simple but elegant and others are dynamic and eye-catching! Go for the Zen, or go for the bold. Glass is a great choice to add personality to your kitchen or bath!

The Glisten series immediately jumped off the wall with its great textures and elongated brick shape. This series is "stop-in-your-tracks" gorgeous! It is available in four colors:

The Wicker series is a 1”x2” glass tile that adds interest and texture with its unique painted backing.

Q & A: Beach House Flooring

2011-07-08T13:01:00.004-04:00

Question: I own a beach house and was wondering what type of flooring you recommend that is durable, can handle wear and tear, and offers a beachy look?

Answer: This is an excellent question! This time of year is when many people frequent the beach. One of the things that beach visitors don't want to worry about is how the flooring will hold up to sand, moisture, spills and all of the other things that happen down at the shore. Your on vacation, life should be worry free!

A porcelain tile is hands-down the best flooring choice for a beach house. It's

scratch resistant, stain proof, and many are slip resistant. No need to be concerned about sand

y feet when you come in the house. Porcelain tiles certainly won't warp from moisture or dampness.

Why should you have to sacrifice style when it comes to flooring? Embrace the surroundings of the beach with one of our favorite porcelain tiles: Mediterranea's Havana series, in sugar cane (shown at right). It's available in two plank sizes: 6x12 and 6x24 and has the appearance of a rustic, lightly-worn, wood. It's shabby chic meets rustic and we think it looks perfect in a beach house!

Glass Rectangles in Designer Colors!

2011-05-25T11:46:00.010-04:00

The Medici Genoa collection features a large 4”x12” and a sleek 2”x8” rectangle that fits todays contemporary styles. Named after the “Capital of Culture,” the Genoa collection contains rich hues that will suit many designer color pallets. Clear and glossy, you can see the depth of the tile capturing the surrounding light. The painted back ensures that you will not see the thinset behind the tile, nor the mesh that holds the coordinating mosaics.

The Arctic collection from Medici is rectangle heaven, 4”x10”, 3”x6”, 2”x4” and 1”x2”. The soft, frosted finish reflects the subtle designer colors in the Arctic pallet. Both of the collections contain a rounded liner for when you need an extra detail.

The best feature about this product is it’s value. The low cost and high design options make this one an H.Winter favorite!

Genoa: 1x1, 2x2, 2x8, 4x4, 4x12, 1/2x6 liner in 16 colors
Arctic: 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x4, 4x4, 3x6, 4x10, 3/4x6 liner in 11 colors.

Rustic indian autumn slate adds drama to kitchen backpslash

2011-05-18T12:09:00.005-04:00

We love when our customers share pictures of their tile installations! The Donaldsons, who emailed us pictures of their new kitchen backsplash today, chose 4x4 indian autumn slate and sealed it with TEC Ensealant Stone Enhancer. The sealant brought out the rich hues and shaded tones of the slate that a natural sealer would have otherwise subdued.

Check out the heritage metal chair rail and the 4x4 heritage metal sagebrush accents that they scattered throughout the backsplash. The dark, solid-colored metal creates a nice contrast to the shaded and multi-colored slate. The tiles were installed on an offset pattern creating a brick-like effect.

By choosing a granite countertop in a medium tone with a subtle variation, the Donaldsons were able to use such a varied

and rustic tile for their backsplash. Had they chosen a granite with dramatic swirls and colors, the indian autumn slate would have clashed. Notice how they're cabinetry pulls out the brown tones in tile?

Big Patterns.... small spaces

2011-05-09T09:40:00.004-04:00

You know you want it. Large tile mixed with small tile in, what appears to be, a random pattern.

This customer wanted every aspect of his newly finished basement bar to be fun and fabulous. Attention to detail included the floor behind the bar, and he wanted a pattern with random sizes. Due to messy cocktails that somehow end up on the floor, he also required that it look like a natural slate, except in a no-maintenance porcelain tile.

Our barkeep selected Legends Apollo from Florida Tile, which has a great California Gold Slate color. We created a pattern using 20x20, 13x13, 6x6 and 2x2 tiles. Bonus, he had enough 6x6 tiles leftover that he used them for the backsplash!

The floor looks amazing!

New italian product line, just off the boat!

2011-04-29T10:57:00.006-04:00

Our newest product line by Italian manufacturer Century will hit our showroom in just a few short weeks. The Kosmos series is available in 4 different colors and a nice array of sizes. We will be stocking 3 of the colors: Orion, Pegasos, and Skorpios.

Available in 12x12, 12x24, 18x18, 2x2 mosaic and coordinating trim, this tile has a nice subtle texture that will suit a variety of applications. H. Winter design guru Vicki describes the tile as having appealing wood tones and a sandstone appearance.

This series would work well in both interior and exterior applications. The skorpios color (shown at right) would look awesome on an outdoor patio as well as a master bedroom. Add the underfloor heating and you have a floor that adds drama and offers coziness when you step out of bed in the morning.

Stop by our showroom today to preview this new product line. Our first shipment is expected to arrive in a few short weeks.

H. Winter's Custom Medallions!

2011-04-25T12:58:00.008-04:00

As a distributor of porcelain, ceramic, glass and stone to many dealers in the surrounding area, we have a large inventory of products in our warehouse at any given time. As a result, we have thousands of products laying around our warehouse that were either discontinued or we cannot sell because it's such a small quantity that it won't fulfill an order.

H. Winter & Co.'s very own Jeffrey Winter decided to do something about all of these random pieces of glass, stone, metal and porcelain laying around our warehouse. A few months ago, he designed a custom medallion that utilizes these products. These medallions incorporate a combination of crackled glass, stone pieces and metal decoratives. Some of the products were returns from customers (that we are still available from the manufacturer) and some are discontinued products that we still have in stock.

Measuring about 24" x 24", they look fabulous in a variety of applications and make a nice focal point. Install one as a decorative floor insert in an entry way or put one in a master bathroom for the glam that your bathroom deserves. Jeff will customize a medallion to meet the color criteria for your project. Stop by our showroom today to preview these one of a kind accents!

Stunning Linear Glass & Stone

2011-04-01T13:17:00.011-04:00

Long and skinny. Polished and tumbled. Neutral and bold.

Linear, random pattern mosaics featuring an infusion of glass and stone are all the rage in interior design today. Our showroom offers a multitude of products that work well with porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and even wood. Great for a kitchen back splash, accent border in a shower, or tile your fireplace surround!

Bliss

Florida Tile's newest product line, Pietra Art Bliss, offers 8 distinct mosaic blends with their highest quality travertine, glass and marble. In a random pattern linear mosaic and 5/8" square mosaic, bamboo, cabarnet, cappucinno, creme brulee, iceland (shown at right), midnight, spa and waterfall are sure to appeal to your senses.

Pietra Opus II

California Tile Maker Jeffrey Court offers a product line: Pietra Opus II
that features rustic slate and quartz with frosted and polished glass in a linear patterned mosaic. The matterhorn quartz mosaic (at right) and matterhorn slate mosaic are mounted on a mesh-backed sheet and measure 11.5 x 11.5. Another great feature of this product line is that they offer coordinating field tile in 4x8 and architectural mouldings.

Bass Strait

High polished dark emperador marble and linen polished glass. Bluestone and clear glass. Travertine
noce and beige glass. These three combinations are offered by Australian tile manufacturer, Maniscalco, in their Bass Strait product line, available in the waterfall pattern and random inter-locking pattern.

Strata

Original Style offers three random pattern inter-locking mosaics that incorporate earthy shades of stone and glass as well. The names of the products are uniquely derived from the geological terms. Enjoy the flow of light travertine with light polished glass in the pattern "alluvial". The "silurian" pattern offers light emperador marble with medium-toned, polished glass and the "cretaceous" pattern features dark emperador marble with complimentary dark-toned, polished glass.

Stop by our showroom today and check out these stunning product lines! Bring your ideas, we're happy to help you design the perfect space!

Simple but Bold Kitchen Backsplash

2011-03-31T10:16:00.009-04:00

You know that you want something “special” behind your stove but your personal style does not include grape leaves. We hear it almost everyday. “I want a focal-point on my backsplash but I want to keep it clean and simple.” Or “I like contemporary but I’m afraid it will feel too industrial.” Here is a great solution that helped one of our customers and found it to work well for their home. Keeping it simple: There are only two elements on this backsplash, a simple 4x4 travertine and Pietra Art Slate Ember Ledger Stone from Florida. The lines are also kept simple. No diagonal lines, no frames, no decos. By keeping it simple our focus is on the material itself. The travertine is a nice neutral color that has a soft variation but still allows all of our focus to fall on the dramatic colors in the slate. Drama is continued by the fact that the tile was installed up and above the stove hood. The metal pipe looks rich against the strong texture of the slate. This effortless but spectacular focal point will take your breath away.

Kitchen: Snap! Crackle! Pop! Backsplash Fun!

2011-03-17T11:55:00.008-04:00

How does a retired tile-installer spend his afternoons? You may think that he would be relaxing poolside or reeling in a trophy trout; however, this chap thinks up ways to add spice to his kitchen!

The mosaic pictured on the backsplash is amazing. The 1x1’s are a mix of black slate, frosted and mirrored glass, and a silver-coated stone from Tiles-By-Onyx. He blended the glass with various sizes of tumbled travertine.

The design in this kitchen is a great example of how you can use the same material but lay it differently in each space. The main part of the kitchen the mosaics were arranged in “islands” of pattern, while the space at the desk is more of a “fade” effect.

A great design with great fun! I wonder how long it took for the Mrs. to agree to it?!

Elegance in Mexican Travertine

2011-03-14T16:15:00.005-04:00

Grace and serenity wash over me when I step inside this amazing bathroom. The rich texture of the Vein Cut Mexican Travertine Planks from Florida Tile adds a contemporary edge yet maintains the timeless appeal that only stone can provide.

The solid wall of mixed glass 1x1 mosaic tile is stunning, but I can’t take my eyes off of the random lines of glass contrasting the large squares of travertine. Kenny Nansteel Remodeling did an amazing job on this luxury master bath!

Period Accurate Remodeling

2011-03-14T12:12:00.008-04:00

Joe Lenner of Infinite Ceramic Tile sent us pictures of a fantastic historical renovation that he has recently completed.

The customer wanted the tub removed and a shower in its place, while maintaining the original look of the tile and the period of the home.

White and black subway tile completed with pinwheel mosaics on the floor was just what the tile-doctor ordered!

And the Award goes to ................

2011-02-11T09:11:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to W.J. Posavek Remodelers for their 2010 Bath Award For Excellence from the Lehigh Valley Builders Assoc.

When the homeowner came into our showroom, she expressed that she wanted a quiet Zen-Spa quality for her master bathroom. She had already selected the perfect textured grass wallpaper and was eager to keep the style flowing into her tile.

The floors and shower walls are covered in 20”x20” tiles from Mediterranean Tile. If you were ever hesitant to put large format tile on your walls, fear no more! I love how the niche was positioned perfectly and the grout lines were maintained to create a lovely detail of elegance inside. (Light in the niche adds depth and interest) The large tile adds to the simplicity that the Zen style requires.

The tub is accented with large 12x24” aged copper tiles from Tau. Laid vertically and free from details add to the texture and reinforce the theme.

Understated glass from Lunada Bay was added to the shower and as an elegant surprise in the lighted toe-kick under the cabinets. (You can barely see it in the picture but it was worth every penny!)

An award well deserved for W.J. Posevek, enjoy your moment in the spotlight! Another beautiful master bathroom and another happy client!

Stream Stone: Contemporary flair with the beauty of stone

2011-02-04T13:00:00.014-05:00

When the word "contemporary" is used to describe a tile, most people think of glass or maybe a porcelain tile. Very rarely are the words "contemporary" and "stone" used in the same sentence. Stone is a product that's usually considered traditional or rustic. What comes to mind when you think of a stone tiled kitchen back splash? I think of the commonly used rustic, tumbled marble. We are proud to introduce a product line that defies this stereotype: Stream Stone.

Stream Stone is described as "modern, sleek and functional beauty" and is available in field tile, mosaics, architectural moldings and decorative liners/listellos. The field tile is available in unique plank shapes 6” x 18” and 4” x 12”. Offered in 3 cool colors: Global Grey, Transitional Taupe, and West End White and in two unique finishes: brushed and honed. Note that the transitional taupe is only available in the honed finish.

Jeffrey Court, a California based tile manufacturer and “purveyor of fine decorative stone” recently released their newest product line this year: Stream Stone. This natural stone product line offers a linear, swirl-look that is adrift from the traditional natural stone product lines that many manufacturers in the tile industry carry.

The mosaics add an exceptional appearance to a tub surround, shower floor, kitchen back splash, fireplace surround, or decorative inlay. Want to make a statement in your foyer entrance? Inlay the funky “sleek” mosaic surrounded by the larger 4” x 12” tiles. The pattern choices available in the mosaics lend themselves to the contemporary style that Jeffrey Court set forth to achieve with this product line.

The greatest take away from a product line like this is that by installing one of these products in your home, your guaranteed to have a look that is unlike anyone else’s in the world. Upon first glance at these colors, they appear to be monochromatic with a muted tone however from piece to piece yet you will notice that many of the tiles have faint dark veining straying through. These fissures provide an inherent beauty to the stones in which no two pieces look exactly alike (see picture of architectural molding above).

Stop by our showroom to see samples of these new products. We’re happy to suggest ideas and designs on how to utilize these contemporary products in your home!

Dream It - Design It - Do it!

2010-12-11T12:16:00.016-05:00

Once upon a time, I was dreaming of spending lots of time relaxing in a spa-like steam. So I take my dreams and head on down to Allentown. A nice young man named Jeff, helps me find the tile I had imagined. He sharpens his pencil and rips off a piece of fresh clean white paper. He looks faraway and taps his pencil gently on his forehead. After a moment, a gentle smile crosses his face and his eyes light up. Jeff is drawing the bathroom I've been dreaming of! Soon after, Jeff sends the drawings to Joe Lenner of Infinite Ceramics, my tile installer.

Joe rode up on his white horse, with his tile saw in hand. "I'm here to make all of your tile dreams come true!" A few weeks later my oasis complete and I'm relaxed and cleaned. Now I shall live happlily ever after. The end.

Best Flooring Choice for Pets

2010-11-19T11:30:00.008-05:00

For some people, pets are considered part of the family. They are part of the day-to-day activities of the household, are included in the annual Christmas card photo and for some people they have their pets dedicated at their local church. The things we do for our pets! We pet owners all know that pets have their occasional “accidents”, scamper through the house (claws and all), and shed their fur (depending on the breed).

Tile is Easiest for Clean Up

A porcelain tile is virtually impervious to the accidents that pets leave behind. When Fido goes wee wee on the foyer floor because of excitement to see his owner, rest assured that this can be easily wiped clean and leave no trace of a stain. Pet fur is easy to sweep up and keep under control with a tile floor and won’t stick to the floor like it does with carpeting.

Years ago, the complaint about tile flooring was that the grout stains or becomes discolored due to spills or accidents. Grout manufacturer TEC released a grout additive called Grout Boost. This is highly recommended for areas that are prone to stains, spills, and moisture. Click here to read more about the benefits of Grout Boost. Basically it makes your grout mold, mildew and stain resistant AND you never have to seal it. This is a no-brainer for pet owners.

Tile Won’t Absorb Pet Odor

Ever walk into a house and the first thing you notice is pet stench? Pet odor is most noticeable in homes with carpeted floors. Even after scrubbing a pet mess from a carpeted floor, there’s still trace of odor. We pet owners are no stranger to the fact that animals themselves can be smelly. When they lay on the floor, the carpet fibers absorb these odors causing an unpleasant experience for house guests.

A tile floor won’t absorb smells. If your pet has an accident, drools, or is just a downright smelly pet, your tile won’t leave traces of pet odors after it’s cleaned.

Tile Won’t Scratch

Harwood flooring is susceptible to scratching and wears from animal claws. Carpeting can get pulls and fray from animal claws. On the other hand, porcelain tile has an extremely hard and durable surface that will not scratch or wear from animal claws. No matter how much your dog runs through the house, the flooring will show no evidence of this misbehavior.

In Summary

A pet owner can enjoy the fact that their tile flooring will be easy to keep clean, won’t absorb pet odors and will not scratch. While this seems like the obvious flooring choice for pet owners, one has to keep in mind that some pets, specifically dogs, do not like hard surfaces, as they fear slipping. Rambunctious pets may have the occasional slip on a tile floor and if you have a psychotic cat like mine, he’s prone to sliding into walls and doors if he gets spooked. All in all, having a tile floor in a household with pets offers you less maintenance and worries so you can spend more time enjoying your animals, not stressing about odors, scratches and stains. Plus, it will last much longer than the alternative flooring choices available.

3 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Tile

2010-10-26T14:32:00.012-04:00

If your reading this, you are most likely determining what type of flooring to install in your home. When picking flooring for your home, one has to consider cost/budget, layout, installation related issues, and long term into the future.

These three things, that are easily overlooked, are crucial before you buy your tile:

1. Buy extra tile

We cannot say this enough. If you pick a tile that's in stock, it's not a big deal if you run out and need to come back to get more. Plus you'll have the pleasure of seeing the smiling blonde showroom girls, and the brunette one too (let's not forget about her). But if you buy a tile that's special order and you run out, you could be looking at 1-2 weeks or even longer to get more, which can put quite a delay on your installation.

What happens if you install your tile and don't have any extra pieces when the job is done? Well this is usually what happens:

Customer calls H. Winter & Co.

H. Winter girl answers the phone: "H. Winter & Co., can I help you?"

Customer: "I have this beige/tan tile, I think it's 12x12 and I need 3 pieces to replace on my shower wall. The pipe went bad behind the wall. Do you have any left? I bought it in 2001."

H. Winter girl: "We have many beige/tan tiles, do you know what it's called?"

Customer: "No, check under my last name, Smith."

H. Winter girl does search under last name Smith from 2006 and finds over 100 orders with the last name Smith: "I think your going to have to come in so we can look at the tile and determine what it is."

I'm sure you can guess how this scenario works out. Customer Smith makes the drive to the showroom where he is sadly informed that his tile is discontinued and no longer available. You can imagine the headache that this causes! Save yourself the hassle and buy an extra box or two of tile and keep the extra around the house.

2. Lighting and Dye-Lots

When you take home samples of tile from our showroom, you will realize how much lighting affects the way it looks at home. Lay the tile in the space where you plan to install it and you will see how artificial light versus natural light changes the look of the tile. We can't even begin to tell you how often customers return their samples and comment on how different they look at home versus in the showroom.

Tile is made in dye-lots. If you don't buy enough tile and need to get more, you risk not being able to get more tile from the same dye-lot. If it's from a different dye-lot, the shade may be a little off and the variation and pattern could be a little different from the lot that you have. Also there can be size variations from one lot to another. When possible, always try to buy your tile from the same dye-lot. We try to avoid selling our customers mixed dye-lots.

3. Maintenance: or lack of

A tile floor such as porcelain or ceramic requires no maintenance. The thing that will cause you maintenance is the grout. We recommend using Grout Boost as an additive to mix with your grout to make it mold and mildew resistant. Plus (drum roll please) you never have to seal it! If for some reason you don't use Grout Boost with your grout and your grout needs a little TLC, we recommend using TEC's Like New Tile and Grout Cleaner. After cleaning the tile and grout, you can go back over the grout with a clear sealer to further protect it.

Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on the grout. While these products do not necessarily harm the tile, these products worsen grout issues as they break down the grout. For regular maintenance, a Swiffer wet jet works great. If your superstitious and think the Swiffer wet jet poses a threat to young children and animals, then use a light soapy water and rinse the area with warm water to clean up any soap residue.

While there's many things that go into selecting a floor, we ask you not to forget to buy extra tile, consider the lighting and dye-lot, and remember that there's no maintenance with a tile floor. Best of luck and happy tile shopping!

HDP- High Definition Porcelain Tiles

2010-10-08T15:00:00.013-04:00

We tile gurus here at H. Winter have been searching for natural stone looking porcelain tiles for many years. We consistently meet customers that desire a slate floor in a porcelain but do not want the maintenance that a natural slate floor brings. There's always the customer who wants a travertine look in a porcelain tile because they don't like the high price tag for a natural travertine.

Florida Tile, an industry leader in manufacturing ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone tiles now offers what they call high definition porcelain (HDP) tiles and they sure do look just like natural stone. The first manufacturer to bring this technology to the United States, this revolutionary new product category, HDP, "utilizes the most technically advanced glazing system in the industry today," according to Florida Tile's website.

"The manufacturing process of a HDP is essentially that of digital printing. It brings you the most realistic image possible on a tile. Digital technology uses 500 injectors to print with greater variety and less repetition in the overall pattern. This process allows for a production pattern that is not exactly repeated for 180 ft. This is 8 times the variation of a conventional Roto-color machine and a far better resolution. This is a huge leap forward in both resolution and pattern variation, creating a porcelain tile that is virtually undistinguishable from natural stone." according to Florida Tile's website.

Florida's Legend series offers a natural slate look in a porcelain tile. This rich and subtley textured tile won't shale or scratch and will never need to be sealed. Offered in many sizes and 4 color variations, no two pieces looks exactly the same. The paramount series (pictured at right), also offered by Florida Tile, offers three colors all with a travertine-like appearance. Also available in unique sizes such as a 9x18, the colors are soft yet the design is defined and it doesn't give the appearance of a blurry picture.

The durability and beauty of natural Quartzite inspired the Quartez series, Florida's newest HDP. Created in a cleft punch, the surface has a heavy texture that contributes to the slip resistance, but makes the tile soft to the touch. Like all HDP products, the 3 colors are created with high graphical variation.

With the advancements in the manufacturing of porcelain tile, the pixeled, blurry, print-look of many tiles will soon be a thing of the past. Manufacturers are making leaps and bounds to produce porcelain tiles that look and feel just like natural stones. Stop by our showroom today to see displays of the newest technology in porcelain tiles.

DIY: Outdoor patio oasis

2010-09-29T15:26:00.008-04:00

When it's not 90 degrees outside and the weather permits, many Lehigh Valley homeowners place importance on outdoor living space. When determining the best flooring options for your outdoor living space, porcelain tile is one of the best contenders.

Check out the pictures of this fantastic outside patio! The homeowners poured a concrete patio and then installed Florida Tile's Formations porcelain 12x12 tiles with Florida Tile's Dark Trailstone border as a medallion in the center of the patio. They used the color pebble for the main part of the floor and the color flint for inside the medallion and outside of the Dark Trailstone border around the patio.

No sealing necessary for this patio and it is most definitely frost resistant and freeze/thaw proof. No splinters from this flooring and you will not need to worry about refinishing it in future years. By mixing grout boost additive with their grout, they will not have mold, mildew or staining issues either. What a gorgeous outdoor living space!

Green Building: Florida Tile is Crushing Porcelain!

2010-09-29T08:48:00.005-04:00

Many of you have heard me talk about tile being the most environmentally friendly product that you can put in your home until I am green in the face. One of the areas that many homeowners ask me about is post-consumer waste.

Post consumer waste is not new to the tile industry, it has been used in glass tile for many years. Yesterdays cola bottle is tomorrows backsplash! Manufacturers have been grinding up ceramic tile and reusing it for new production for years, however porcelain tile has always presented a problem due to the density of the clay.

Last month, Florida Tile announced that they are investing in a scrap tile crushing process, reducing waste and increasing recycled content in their products. Now virtually all scrap tile can be diverted from landfills for use in their production facility. Many Florida products now contain 10% post-industrial waste or more.

StoneImpressions: Education Series Part 2

2010-09-28T11:41:00.005-04:00

Yet another great stone tile lesson from Stone Impressions! The lesson this week focuses on the finish of a tile and will clear up any confusion about tumbled vs. honed.

I find that when homeowners are shopping for their kitchen backsplash, after they are overwhelmed by the sheer choice of tile available, they are amazed at how many finishes a stone tile may offer. Color may be the single most important choice and is typically what will attract you to a tile. Finish is what will give you the style that you desire.

Tumbled textures you will find in rustic, old world styles and many Mediterranean styles. Micro bevels can give you a clean, crisp look if you aspire to have a contemporary edge.

Whatever your style, stone offers timeless beauty and design possibilities that are only limited to your imagination.

Make Grout Stain, Mold & Mildew Resistant with Grout Boost!

2010-09-17T10:45:00.009-04:00

By far, the biggest complaint that consumers have about tile is grout. Consumers complain that it's hard to keep clean, it stains and the list goes on. H.B. Fuller Construction Products, better known as TEC, offers Grout Boost Advanced Pro to solve those issues. Grout Boost Advanced Pro is a "stain resistant grout additive that mixes with a cement-based grout in place of water when grout is installed. It provides resistance to water and oil-based grout stains."

Key benefits and features of Grout Boost Advanced Pro include:

Repels dirt and resists stains

Mold & mildew resistant

Mixes in place of water with any standard portland cement grout

Grout never needs sealing

Does not affect grout color

20 year limited warranty

Maintains or enhances the performance of major grout brands, as confirmed in independent lab testing

I don't know about you but my favorite part is that you never have to seal the grout! From a contractor/installer standpoint, it saves time and boosts profits without the hassle of sealing.

H. Winter & Co. is an approved dealer of Grout Boost Advanced Pro. We offer it in 70 oz containers (mix with a 25 lb bag of sanded grout), 48 oz containers (mix with 10lb box of unsanded grout) and a 27 oz container (mix with 10lb box of sanded grout).

Note that if using grout boost, you cannot get the grout wet for 10 days. Therefore if you're using it in a shower, you cannot use that shower for 10 days. The grout becomes fully stain proof after 21 days, according to the manufacturer.

Please feel free leave a comment with any questions regarding the grout boost. Information courtesy of the Grout Boost Advanced Pro website. You can visit their website by clicking here.

StoneImpressions: Education Series

2010-09-11T09:18:00.011-04:00

Stone Impressions represents what all manufacturers should aspire to be, a relentless provider of information and inspiration. Educating designers and customers about products, styles, and installation is a big part of a succussful project and a happy homeowner.

On the Stone Impressions blog, they are offering an education series about the things that we in the tile industry accept as common knowledge. The first post from Stone Impressions is a tribute to our elementary school teachers. We use basic math skills to create budgets for our customers every day. Many of us giggle when we see how easy it is to figure out the square-footage of our kitchen floors. (It's only a little scary when contractors ask us for help.) Stone Impressions breaks down the square-footage mystery in a way that even those of us who are math-challenged can understand and utilize.

Follow the link below to read more on understanding tile measurements:

StoneImpressions: Stone Basics - Part 1

Backsplash Design: Capturing One's Love for Italy

2010-09-07T13:58:00.019-04:00

Jerry and Rose emailed us pictures of their newly tiled backsplash. We're excited to share with you how happy they are with the finished design! When they ventured into our showroom, they were in search for a design that could capture their love for Tuscany, Italy. They were immediately attracted to Stone Impressi ons, which "creates stunning motifs, murals, flooring, accents and listellos on natural stone. Not a decal or a heat transfer, the StoneImpressions’ process produces an image with greater depth and clarity, and a better range of color and consistency than hand painting."

After looking at many pictures and much research on their thorough website, "Tuscan Landscape" was the design they chose on light travertine tumbled marble. They trimmed the mural with a light travertine 1x12" pencil to create a picture frame design. They used light travertine tumbled marble in 6x6 and 4x4 for the rest of the backsplash and used a matching grout color to create a cohesive, monochromatic color palette. The mural makes a great focal point above their cook top! Jerry and Rose credit Kenny Nansteel, local tile installer, for his fantastic installation skills.

Elegance Meets Functional in Kitchen Flooring and Backsplash

2010-07-23T12:05:00.012-04:00

David and Barbara of Hanover Township live in a traditional 1960's two-story colonial. They've lived in the home for decades, raised a family and now have many grand children who visit their home. The cramped layout and outdated appearance of the kitchen wasn't functional anymore for their lifestyle and they decided that it was time for a change.

When they came into H. Winter at the start of their project to find new flooring and backsplash, they were excited for their new cherry wood kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and lemon spice granite countertops. They designed a kitchen layout that eliminated the peninsula, which Barbara described as cumbersome since it extended into the space where the refrigerator door opened. By eliminating the peninsula, they were able to get a custom center island and create a more open floor plan.

When it came to flooring, Barbara and David went back and forth on whether they should get something in a matte finish versus shiny finish. They weren't sure if an 18x18 would be too big of a tile for their kitchen or whether they should pick a monochromatic tile versus a patterned tile. They decided on Supergres Glance Deep 18x18 semi-polished. They were initially concerned that the semi-polish would be slippery however now that it's installed they realize it still has a decent slip-resistant texture with and they are in love with its gorgeous sheen. The patterning and colors really compliment their cherry cabinets and lemon spice granite countertops.

For backsplash, they initially liked the tumbled marble color: chiaro. As they continued to browse the showroom they realized that the tumbled marble was too plain for their backsplash. I showed them the honey onyx polished 3x6 tiles and they were sold! The yellows, golds, and occasional streaks of red in the tile was what they described as "elegant" and the classic 3x6 subway tile size was perfect for their traditional home. They added a glass and onyx mosaic as a border, which was a nice touch. The backsplash truly compliments the space, makes a statement, and doesn't fight with the other elements of the room.

Overall they had a great experience renovating their kitchen and credit Greg Labanz for his fine craftsmanship and tile installation.

Miles of Tile: Subway Tile

2010-06-30T15:19:00.017-04:00

Subway tile is all the rage in our showroom lately! We want to share with you all of the colors, varieties and textures that we offer in subway tile.

Now you may ask, what's this subway tile talk? What the heck is subway tile anyway? Well, for those of you not up on tile lingo, subway tile is a style of glazed ceramic tile that was used on the walls of New York City subway stations in the early 20th century. It's common size is 3x6 and is laid offset in a brick joint.

Original Style offers tons of fun colors from your fun apple green, bubblegum pink to your conservative buttercream or colonial white. If you want a stoney, textured subway tile, check out Florida Tile's Millenia series. It offers four colors and does a fantastic job at mimicking a natural stone.

Heartland's Lifestones series is great to use if you want to mix more than one color for your tile installation. This smooth, no pattern style has 6 colors: nacar, arena, verde, gris, graffito, and tobacco.

If your not a fan of the brick joint, offset style that subway tile is usually shown in, you might like a herringbone or basketweave pattern. You can also lay the tile offset but vertically instead of horizontally. Still confused? Come by our showroom and one of our friendly showroom consultants would be happy to show you options!

Luxury Master Bath Remodel: Athena Stone

2010-06-17T08:27:00.007-04:00

The best part about working in tile design is seeing the excitement of our customers when they get the bathroom that they dreamed of! Contractor Ken Oates of Macungie submitted pictures from a recent masterbath remodel using tile that was selected at H.Winter & Co.

This small bathroom, with a large walk-in shower, previously housed a standard bathtub. Tiling all of the walls added a rich look but keeps an "open" feel because the tile only goes half way up the wall. The listello (the decorative border) that wraps around the room and the diagonal floor tile allows the eye to move through the room and give the illustion of more space.

I predict many years of relaxing showers for the happy homeowner!

Florida Tile Announces "Green Products"

2010-06-01T14:12:00.002-04:00

In recent months, we have received a number of requests from customers asking about our products containing recycled content. Florida Tile is pleased to announce that we do have a number of series of tiles that contain 20% recycled content. This material is recovered from the granite cutting industry and is classified as 'post-industrial' or 'pre-consumer' waste. The series are:

Gran Canyon
Highlands
Las Olas
Washington
Progetto Casa also contains 20% recycled content.

This percentage of recycled content is sufficient for 1 point under MR4.1 of the current LEED standard. Post-industrial recycled content is found in the floor tile, not in wall tile or decorative pieces.

This benefit is in addition to the many other green advantages of using Florida Tile including no volatile organics (certified by our GREENGUARD certification), regional manufacturing credits when projects are within 500 miles of our factory, hypo-allergenic surfaces of our porcelain products, and an active culture of continually looking for new ways to provide environmentally responsible products and services.

Florida Tile: Environmental Policy
Florida Tile is committed to protecting and improving the environment. We are implementing an environmental policy based on the four basic premises of ISO 14000, the international standard of environmental management.

Prevention of Pollution

Recycling is at the heart of our prevention efforts, we recycle dust, scrap, and process water back into our products. Our cartons are made from recycled cardboard. Our offices, distribution center, and stores recycle paper, plastic, and other waste streams. We also reduce wherever possible, from packaging to raw materials to energy conservation. Our central distribution center allows for consolidation of shipments to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Compliance

Florida Tile complies with or exceeds the requirements of all local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Our tiles and products comply with all applicable standards and we are actively involved in the development of new and updated standards. Florida Tile was one of the first companies in the world to go completely “leadless.” We also audit our suppliers to make sure they comply with applicable regulations and standards in their area or country.

Set objectives and Targets

Florida Tile is committed to setting objective goals for our environmental policy and expending the time and resources to meet them. We are pleased to have the first tile and stone products certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute as friendly to indoor air quality. GREENGUARD measures actual chemical emissions from the products they certify. This means that our products are good for the indoor environment too.

Continual Improvement

We will continue to lead the way in being an environmentally responsible manufacturer and distributor of ceramic and porcelain tile. We employ the latest technology and document our processes while looking for opportunities to further our environmental goals on an ongoing basis.

Our greatest asset and ally in improving the environment is our people. Florida Tile’s employees are passionately committed to reducing, recycling, and reusing. We have a world-class safety record because we are equally committed to giving our employees a safe and clean work environment.

Florida Tile "Know your Environment": http://www.floridatile.com/ProductStuff/Product%20Literature/2008%20Products/GreenGuardLit.pdf

Florida Tile Inc. Announces GREENGUARD Certification

2010-06-01T13:46:00.003-04:00

SOURCE: Florida Tile Inc.
Nov 28, 2007 09:00 ET

LAKELAND, FL--(Marketwire - November 28, 2007) - Always an innovator in the ceramic tile industry, Florida Tile is pleased to announce that it is the first tile manufacturer to have its products certified for low chemical emissions by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI). The GREENGUARD Certification has been awarded to Florida Tile's floor tile, wall tile, and stone products, indicating that they meet strict requirements for maintaining healthy indoor air in homes, businesses, and commercial buildings. In addition, Florida Tile's products have met the more stringent standards required for the GREENGUARD Children and Schools certification, which complies with the State of California's requirements for low-emitting materials used in schools and healthcare facilities.

The GREENGUARD Certification program is an industry independent program for evaluating low-emitting products and materials. With so many companies claiming to be 'green,' the certification provides objective assurance that Florida Tile's products contribute to healthy indoor air quality. Architects working with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the US Green Building Council's LEED® sustainable building guidelines can specify Florida Tile's products to achieve points as part of the indoor air quality section.

In addition to commercial applications, the GREENGUARD Certification assures our customers who are having tile installed for them or doing it themselves that the Florida Tile products they are buying will not contribute to indoor air pollution in their homes. "The USEPA ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five risks to human health," says GEI CEO Carl Smith. "By offering low-emitting products, Florida Tile provides homeowners the opportunity to install materials that contribute to a healthy environment for their family."

Florida Tile's commitment to the environment involves both its processes and products. An important part of that commitment is independent evaluation of our products to give our customers objective metrics when they are choosing flooring. In addition to low chemical emissions, Florida Tile products are hypoallergenic and resist mold growth. "We are proud to lead the industry in setting higher standards for green certification and in maintaining the highest level of safety for our customers," says Massimo Barbari, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Florida Tile.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) was founded in June of 2001 to establish a true third-party product certification program based on proven emissions standards. More than 150,000 products have earned GREENGUARD Certification, allowing architects, designers, and purchasers a convenient way of quickly determining low-emitting products for indoor environments.

Florida Tile is a leading ceramic tile manufacturer and distributor serving the premium segment of the US market. With its state-of-the-art production site, its national distribution center, 25 directly owned branches and a number of strong distribution partners, Florida Tile is one of the most important players in the American building materials industry. To find a Florida Tile dealer near you, visit www.floridatile.com

For any additional inquiries about GREENGUARD please visit http://www.greenguard.org/

News Article: http://www.cfnews13.com/FamilyAndHome/YourHome/2008/5/13/reducing_harmful_gas_from_flooring.html
Overview of Greengaurd Program: http://www.floridatile.com/GreenGuard/GEI%20Flyer120507.pdf

Press Release: http://www.floridatile.com/Press%20Releases/PRESSRELEASEGreenguard%20Press%20Release.pdf

Ga Ga for Crackle Glass

2010-05-28T15:15:00.014-04:00

Okay so we realize crackle glass has been around for quite some time. You might read this headline and think so what?! However, have you seen our newest product lines of crackle glass?

Maniscalco's Barossa Valley Crackle Glass

Offering sheets of 2x2 solids, blends and 3 hot waterfall blends, there's sure to be a color for everyone's project. The series offers the following colors: cinnamon, oak, vanilla, ice, raspberry, and clove. Perhaps the designer had tobacco flavors in mind when they named the glass?

The 3 contemporary waterfall blends each incorporate 3 colors of the crackle glass. Whether your looking for glitz, glam, rich, earthy, or unique... this series is worth checking out.

While we're on the subject of crackle glass...

We can't forget about Seneca Tile's newest addition, Glassic. This crackle glass series is truly a handmade product. The colored, crushed glass is fused to high fired stoneware. Available in 21 colors, in either 4x4, 2x2, 1x1, 2x4 diamond, custom decos and custom liners! These glass products truly shimmer and glimmer.

One more thing!

I was just about to sign off for my holiday weekend and almost forgot about the Medici's Bellini Crackle Glass Collection. Very similar to Maniscalco's Barossa Valley Crackle Glass, Bellini offers 10 colors and available in sheets of 2x2, 4x4, 2x4 diamond, liners and much more.

Medici also has the Calypso Collection, which offers a more handmade look ssimilar to Seneca Tile's Glassic series. Calypso offers 4 solids and one blend available in either 1x1, 1" pennyround, or 2" oval.

A courteous reminder

While we hate to nag you with these generic disclaimers, it's important to remember: due to local raw materials and unique manufacturing techniques, extreme variations in body and color from tile to tile are to be expected. This is considered desirable due to its hand-crafted process. Crackle glass must be sealed using GuardAll. Resealing is needed periodically based on the porosity of the glass, and location (foyer vs. backsplash). Glass tile used as a decoration on a floor will be susceptible to scratching.

Make a statement with your stairs!

2010-05-25T15:41:00.010-04:00

Margaret Powell, a showroom consultant with H. Winter & Co., lives in a town home in which you have to walk up a flight of stairs to get to the main level. She got tired of having carpeted stairs as they were difficult to keep clean. Margaret felt that since the stairs were the first thing you saw when you walked into her home, she wanted to have an aesthetically pleasing entrance! So... she and her husband Tyler decided to rip out the carpet, install oak stair treads, and tile the risers!

Margaret and her husband hired a professional carpenter to remove the builder-grade pine stair treads and install more durable oak stair treads. The treads were stained and coated with multiple layers of polyurethane.

The risers of the steps measured about 6.75" high. Margaret and Tyler did not want to install a tile that would require cutting each piece to fit the odd height, especially since there were 14 risers that needed to be tiled!

Margaret chose Florida Tile's Legend Titan in a 6x6 for the stair risers. It's classified as a V4 shade variation (super shaded from piece to piece, with color/pattern variation) and made to look like a natural slate. Since there was still a remaining .75" that had to be filled in to meet the 6.75" height, Margaret chose to use a Original Styles Venetian 3/8" Mosaics in the noce tumbled marble and chiaro tumbled marble. She used a sanded light buff colored caulk to fill in the grout joints in the mosaic.

They love not having to vacuum the stairs anymore and are truly enjoying how maintenance-free their new stairs are!

New Series Ragno Textile Porcelain Tile

2010-05-19T15:35:00.008-04:00

Amazing sizes. Amazing Texture!

Download the catalog at the Ragno Website.

DIY: Steve's Foyer

2010-05-05T15:33:00.004-04:00

At H. Winter & Co. Steve is our "Goto" guy when we need to know when our shipments are coming in, but with over 20 years in the tile biz, Steve has an eye for what will stand up over time. Steve replaced his old glossy tile with the Vatican Gallery DiVinci collection. An up-to-date, yet formal selection, laid on a diagonal adds the luxury he was looking to achieve.

Great work Steve!

A Before & After that You Have Got to See!

2010-05-04T16:48:00.008-04:00

I worked with Mary Ann on this amazing bathroom renovation. The work was completed by Shaffer Custom Homes, Chadds Ford, PA.

The strait lines of the slate contrast the pebbles to perfection. The vertical installation of the rectangles adds a contemporary feel to the rustic texture of the slate. An adorable niche is nestled in the pebble wave. The slightly lighter grout sets off the shape of both the tile and the pebbles. I'm sure Mary Ann is spending lots of time in her fabulous new shower!

The African Gold slate and the Mixed Salad Pebbles are from Florida tile.

Slate & Glass Kitchen Backsplash

2010-05-04T16:21:00.008-04:00

Bob B. of the Lehigh Valley sent in a picture of his new slate kitchen backsplash installed by a local tile installer Dodd Sawka! Bob had a great time with Jeff in our showroom while they spent time together to design just the perfect background for his new kitchen.

The slate and glass are from Jeffery Court and the combination of features look rich!

DIY: Vicki's Kitchen Backsplash

2010-02-18T17:21:00.011-05:00

Did you ever wonder what a tile designer would pick for her own kitchen backsplash? Vicki Nederostek has been designing tile projects with H.Winter & Co. for over 7 years. She choose silver slate for the majority of her backsplash with antique pewter decos to add a touch of luxury to the rustic tumbled slate. To highlight her cooktop and hood she added the texture of Mocha Onyx, a highly shaded and veined tile, to add dramatic appeal and the ledger stone defines the space elegantly. The pewter diamonds give the eyes a place to rest amongst the drama of the Mocha Onyx.

Vicki and her husband Stephen tackled their backsplash together and have lived to tell the tale! Stephen glued the tile, Vicki navigated the wetsaw, and they grouted it together.

Tile Around Town: The Glasbern Inn

2010-01-26T08:43:00.003-05:00

If you needed yet another reason to visit The Glasbern Inn, you can add "Great tiled bathrooms" to your list. I may be a little bias because the Glasbern used H.Winter & Co. as their tile provider. This shower features a chiseled edge porcelain tile combined with a splitface stone mosaic. Mixing sizes is a great way to get a designer look. The Glasbern suite mixed 6.5"x13" rectangles in a herringbone pattern with square 13"x13" tiles creating a look with a lot of movement but not a lot of fussiness.

You can find great tile installations all over the Valley and I hope to post more pictures of "Tile Around Town" in the near future!

Q & A: Cold Feet!

2009-12-23T09:33:00.010-05:00

Q. I love that tile is durable and maintanence free, however my kitchen is above an unheated basement and I am afraid that it will be cold on my feet.

A. Your right! Tile is a great way to upgrade your kitchen and have it looking great for years to come. There is a solution for your a bare-foot family. WARM TILES!

The Warm Tiles cable allows you to install full floor warming coverage by lacing the cable on the floor wherever you require a heated area, then tile over the cable system.

Warm Tiles Floor Warming Thermostats provide comfort, control and years of trouble free service. The Floor Sensor is embedded in the mortar just below your tiles, which monitors the actual floor temperature to provide you with accurate comfort levels. Each model features comfort level programming options as well as a simple off-position selector switch. You may also choose the pre-programmed set back mode to reduce energy usage by over 50%.

For the "Do-it-Yourself" kind of guy, Warm Tiles has an extensive website providing a video training guide and interactive tutorials. http://www.warmtiles.com/videoTG.asp

Master Bath from Zuberkas Helping Hands

2009-12-22T11:26:00.005-05:00

Mosaics are a great way to add a simple touch to any bathroom project - and this project shows how every area in your bathroom can have a touch of style. This contractor got creative with the door panel in front of the tub!

Abram Bergy Tile Project: Master Bathroom

2009-12-21T10:13:00.006-05:00

Abram Bergy & Sons sent us pictures of a fabulous master bathroom with tile from the Mystique series. I love the way they took the mosaic tile above the cabinets then used the same tile on the shower floor to tie it all together!

What a Difference a Grout Can Make!

2009-12-14T09:32:00.006-05:00

Crystal Stone from Ragno has been in our showroom for several months, we have even installed it into displays, but none of us were prepared for the new grouted panels that Jeff made for our showroom. Each board is one sheet of mosaic tile completed with two different colors of grout. You will notice that the contrasting colored tile “Pops” and the blending tile recedes. We have talked before about selecting grout color, but some of the mosaic/grout combos look so completely different that some customers insist that they are not the same mosaic! Take a look and let us know what you think.

Maniscalco Crackle Glass Installation

2009-11-23T10:59:00.009-05:00

A billabong is a small, usually stagnant, lake formed where a river or creek makes a u-turn or dead ends. Billabong is also the name of Maniscalco’s crackle glass tile series. Crackle glass is lots of fun, but following the manufacturers installation guide is key for the finished project looking beautiful.

Billabong Crackle Glass is a ceramic tile with colored glass chips that are melted to fill the depression in the ceramic body. During the cooling process the glass crazes. Glass is a product of the earth and, just like stone, each piece is unique and can be highly shaded. Make sure this product is inspected before installing.

Billabong Crackle Glass may be installed on interior walls, bath and kitchen back splashes. Do not use on floors. All glass can scratch, especially on floors.

Pre-seal the tiles well with a penetrating sealer to prevent the grout from staining the glass. Regular cleaning with a mild bathroom cleaner or neutral tile cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge according to the manufacturer of the cleaner is recommended. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Do not use acids, corrosive, or abrasive cleaners.

For detailed installation instructions, please see the manufacturers website: http://www.maniscalcostone.com/BillabongCrackle.aspx

DIY: O'Donnell Bathroom

2009-11-04T15:46:00.007-05:00

"Hello Everyone, Just wanted to thank you all again for the tremendous help you gave with picking and installing tile for our bathroom last year. These pictures are a little late in coming, but thought you’d appreciate seeing them. The glass tiles are amazing – worth every penny."
- R. O’Donnell

TILE-TV

2009-11-04T15:14:00.003-05:00

TILE-TV is a monthly internet “news style” broadcast that features new products, manufacturers, contractors and business owners in the tile industry. The site is a co-operative project between OMG National, a marketing company, and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). NTCA is a non-profit trade association that is a leader in education, resources, and quality in the tile industry. NTCA brings years of professionalism and experience to TILE-TV.

Marketing products is currently the main focus of TILE-TV. The seven-minute show features industry news and lots of slick advertising blurbs.

I thought the length of the broadcast was perfect. Not too long that I was bored or distracted, and not too short. It was well rounded balance of news and advertising.

Because of NTCA’s reputation as an educator in the tile industry I am willing to continue to ‘tune-in’ each month and see what value the new platform will offer our customers and installers. I hope to see news stories about tile trends that get my customers excited and installation innovations that alleviate any fears or misconceptions about using tile in their home.

October TILE-TV news features Florida Tile leading the way in the Green Building phenomena. Check it out and let me know what you think!

New Series: Florida Legend

2009-10-07T09:35:00.013-04:00

Digital image technology and High-Definition are wrapped together in the newest Florida Tile’s series: Legend. While our showroom has seen many slate looking tile, none are as exciting as the new Legend series.

The first thing I noticed about Legend was the amazing, most realistic images and color variation. Most porcelain slate look-alikes have two to three color variations or they are very uniform in color, however the Legend is an earthy mix of colors, each highlighting a specific color range.

Olympic is the most subtle color of the series with its low range of beiges. This tile is perfect for the spa-oasis feel. Titan resembles the gray variation of Autumn slate which would be fantastic on a patio. The green-gold of California slate is beautifully recreated in Apollo and Magna is a rich mixture of reds, blues and blacks that resembles Peacock Slate. This high definition porcelain utilizes 150 variations of color and digital technology allows 500 injectors to print with greater variety and less repetition allowing for greater pattern variation to create a truly natural looking slate tile.

Legend is available in 6x6, 12x12, 18x18, 12x24 rectified, 24x24 natural and rectified. Florida has gone all the way by also offering 2x2, cove-base and a stunning relief mosaic. With this arrangement of sizes and shapes you can create both contemporary and traditional designs.

Uses: floors, walls, countertops, residential and most commercial applications
ADA Compliant
Durability Class: IV

2009-08-28T08:19:00.021-04:00

H. Winter & Co. recently updated the labels on its tiles in the showroom. Previously, the tile labels indicated additional sizes the tile was available in, what trim pieces were available, whether or not the tile was porcelain, and whether or not it was a stocked tile. Those things can still be found on the new labels however one will also find more technical information on the label including A.D.A. compliancy, shading variation, coefficient of friction, absorption rate, durability class, and what country the tile is made in. (See label at right).

A.D.A. Compliancy
The intention of the Americans with Disabilities Act is to ensure that people with disabilities have access to employment, public accommodations, government services, transportation, telecommunications and commercial facilities.

In reference to floor surfaces, Americans with Disabilities Act compliancy refers to a tile’s slip resistance. A.D.A. recommends on dry surfaces, a coefficient of friction of .60 for accessible routes and .80 for ramp surfaces. Not all manufacturers indicate whether or not their tile is A.D.A. complaint as it is not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. H. Winter & Co. showroom consultants are more than happy to help you locate A.D.A. compliant tiles.

What’s Your Shade?
V4 Random Variation

Random color differences from tile to tile. Florida Tile's Legend series, which is a porcelain tile made to look like natural slate, features a V4 shade variation with dramatic differences from piece to piece. This variation allows it to have that natural slate look.

V3 Moderate Variation
Colors present on a single piece of tile. Will be indicative of colors on the other tiles. Mix and amounts may vary significantly. Spontaneous shade variations within same color range. Mediterranea's Sunstone series features a V3 shade variation. Check out displays of this shaded, rich, floor tile in H. Winter & Co.'s showroom today.

V2 Slight Variation
The overall appearance is consistent while the tile color, pattern and texture move within individual tiles. Keraben's Augusta series, which features a floor and wall set made to look like tumbled travertine, features a V2 shade variation with subtle color, pattern and textures differences from piece to piece.

V1 Uniform Appearance

Least possible shade variation. Ragno's Revision series, which features a sleek, clean-cut look, has minor shade variation and is very uniform from piece to piece. (see picture at right)

The Slip Factor: Coefficient of Friction
This refers to the measurement of resistance to friction in relation to how smooth or rough a surface is to prevent slippage across the surface. The COF is indicated in a wet and a dry number. The higher the COF, the more slip resistant the tile.

Keep in mind that many factors affect a tile’s slip resistance including, but not limited to:
· Degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material
· Presence of foreign material such as water, oil and dirt
· The length of the human stride at the time of slip
· Type of floor finishPhysical and mental condition of human

Absorption Rate
Water absorption rates are a measure of how much moisture a specific type of porcelain tile is likely to absorb on an ongoing basis. The rating is a procedure to test a tile’s permeability in water. It consists of boiling the tile in water and measuring its gain in weight from its original dry state.

The water absorption rate affects the suitability of various types of tile for interior or exterior applications. For exterior applications, the selected tiles must have a very low percentage of absorption, especially in climates subject to rainfall and/or freeze. In an indoor application, a higher percentage of absorption is acceptable.

Non-vitreous- Indoor use only. Tiles absorb 7% or more of their weight in water.

Semi-vitreous- Indoor use only. Tiles absorb between 3% and 7% of their weight in water.

Vitreous- Interior and exterior use. Frost resistant. Tiles absorb between 0.5% and 3% of their weight in water.

Impervious- Strongest, suited for interior and exterior use. Frost resistant. Tiles absorb between 0% and 0.5% of their weight in water. Esquire's Bengali series is considered an impervious tile and achieves that spa-like atmosphere in a bathroom or a patio tile outside (see picture at right).

Durability Class

This classification describes the visible abrasion resistance of glazed tile. This rating scale helps consumers determine wear expectations for a particular tile choice.

Class I (no foot traffic)- Recommended for wall use in residential and commercial applications only.

Class II (light traffic)- Recommended for both wall use and bathroom floor applications only.

Class III (light to moderate traffic)- Recommended for countertops, walls and floors where normal foot traffic is expected. Florida Tile's Millenia series is a Class III floor tile and works great in interior applications such as a bathroom.

Class IV (moderate to heavy traffic)- Recommended for all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional applications. Supergres's Glance series works great in moderate to heavy traffic such as an office building. Check out displays of this interesting tile at H. Winter & Co.'s showroom today.

Class V (heavy to extra heavy traffic)- Recommended for all residential as well as heavy commercial and institutional applications. Mediterranea's Metro Life series is a tile that works great in heavy traffic areas such as a shopping mall or college campus and features unique shading and texture.

DIY: Mike H - Kitchen Backsplash

2009-08-12T14:25:00.006-04:00

An elegant kitchen backsplash in tumbled Chiaro Travertine was installed by Mike H. and is probably the talk of the neighborhood! When Mike and his wife came into our showroom, they were looking for the “WOW” factor. Their first selection was a polished honey onyx that had plenty of character but was too heavy in yellow – more eww than “Wow”.

They decided that Chiaro was the perfect color, but afraid that it may be to unassuming. The harlequin mosaics mixed with the 3x6 as a border was just the touch it needed to take simple to sublime!

Great job Mike! Enjoy your beautiful backsplash!

DIY: Wood Stove and Kitchen Project

2009-08-12T10:54:00.009-04:00

Here at H.Winter & Co., we LOVE getting photos from our customers and we hope you enjoy them too!

I love how this “do-it-yourselfer” added a mosaic medallion around the stovepipe. This is a pre-made medallion on a mesh sheet that the homeowner cut out the center to insert the pipe. It adds an extra detail to the room that makes it feel more complete and not just a pipe going to nowhere. It’s a great idea that you can make your own!

The homeowner used a monochromatic theme by staying with gray for the tile and their carpet and pulled it altogether by using the same tile in the foyer.

Their kitchen floor blends the wood with the tile, giving it a change of texture more than color. The black countertops and stools look rich against the warm colors.

Great Job!

Home Improvement Contractor Law- Q & A

2009-08-07T09:26:00.006-04:00

The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act

In 2008, Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. This law requires that all contractors who perform $5,000 or more in home improvements in a year must register with the Attorney General’s Office. Along with registering, the law requires that contractor’s carry minimum insurance coverage and use required contract terms for home improvement contracts. The law prohibits unfair business practices and creates a criminal penalty for home improvement fraud.

Q: How does this law affect me?

A: The registration ensures the consumer that the contractor is legally allowed to perform services and has adequate insurance. A contractor who fails to register with the Attorney General’s Office is prohibited from offering or performing home improvements and may face legal action, including civil penalties of $1,000 or more.

The following information can be found about a contractor by looking up an installer’s registration number:
- Name, address and phone number of contractor including map of where business is located
- Description of type of home improvement services provided
- Date registered with Attorney General’s Office and expiration date of registration
- Background disclosures including information on prior bankruptcies and criminal pleas or convictions
- Insurance policy information showing at least $50,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage coverage

Q: What is considered a home improvement?

A: Home improvement includes all of the following activities when they are done in connection with land or portion of land adjacent to a private residence for which the total cash price of all work agreed upon between the contractor and owner is more than $500:
- Repair, replacement, remodeling, demolition, removal, renovation, installation, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, rehabilitation, or sandblasting.
- Construction, replacement, installation or improvement of driveways, swimming pools, pool houses, porches, garages, roofs, siding, insulation, solar energy systems, security systems, flooring, patios, fences, gazebos, sheds, cabanas, landscaping work, painting, doors and windows and waterproofing.

Exempt from the law is new home construction, as this is not considered a home improvement.

Q: How can I check if my installer/contractor is registered?

A: A consumer can verify a contractor’s registration number by visiting http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hicsearch or calling toll free 1-888-520-6680.

Q: What if my installer is not registered? Should I not hire a non-registered installer to do work on my home?

A: Registration does not, however, guarantee the contractor’s honesty and integrity. This is why it is very important to check contractor’s references and obtain more than one bid when getting an estimate for work to be performed.

Part-time contractors performing less than $5,000 of work a year are not required to register. You should consider the complexity of the job and the risks involved in hiring uninsured, part-time contractors.

Q: I am a contractor and forgot to register by the deadline, how do I register with the state as an installer?

A: The deadline for registering with the Attorney General’s Office was July 1, 2009. Registration is easy and can be done at the Attorney General’s website at http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/. Click the link “consumers” and then click the icon on the right side of the page that says, “Click here for the home improvement contractors registration”.

Registration is valid for two years and costs $50.00 plus a $1.25 processing fee. Upon registering, a contractor can print a temporary registration certificate until the official one is sent in the mail. The registration number must be included in any advertisements (including ads on your vehicle), contracts, estimates, and proposals that a contractor uses in Pennsylvania.’

Q: What is H. Winter & Co. doing to adapt to this new law?

A: H. Winter & Co. is a building materials supplier and is not required to register with the state. We are, however, adding installers’ registration numbers (if registered) to our list of recommended tile installers.

Through-Colored Vs. Through-Body Tile-- What does this mean?

2009-03-02T15:31:00.018-05:00

“Through-body tile” is commonly a misused term. There are many tile products available that are confused as being “through-body” when in actuality, the product is just a through-colored tile. The following article highlights the differences between through-colored and through-body tiles.

GLAZED THROUGH-COLORED TILE

Manufacturers add pigments to the tile mixture prior to glazing to ensure that the body of the tile will match the color of the glaze surface. Because of this extra step in the manufacturing process, if the tile surface is chipped, the color of the body beneath the chip will closely resemble the color of the glazing, thus making the chip less noticeable.

The following are some of the products that we carry that are considered glazed through-colored:

Esquire Cumberland Plateau Series
Esquire Bengali Series
Florida Loft Series
Mediterranea Metro Life Series
Ragno Lastricato Series
Ragno Nabuk Series
Tau Gres Corten Series- see photo at top-right

UNGLAZED THROUGH BODY TILE

Unglazed tile is porcelain tile with no surface glaze. It is derived from clay, sand and other natural minerals that are shaped into tile and fired at a very high temperature. The result is an extremely dense product with a density so high that water absorption is less than .5%. This product has the same composition throughout the entire “body” of the tile thus bearing its name “through-body”. It is a product that is manufactured in one whole piece without a surface glaze or finish. The color pigments are consistent throughout the tile body.

A benefit of installing a through body tile is its highest abrasion resistance. This is due to the fact that the complete body of the tile is the wear layer, which means it exhibits the same properties throughout the entire thickness of the tile. This type of product is best used in heavy traffic areas such as airports, shopping malls, hospitals, and other commercial applications. Because it is freeze/thaw resistant as well, it is suitable for exterior usage as well such as an outdoor patio, porch, or walkway.

The following are some of the products that we carry that are considered unglazed through body:

Florida Urbanite Series (see photo at bottom right)
Ragno Le Pietre Di Samarcanda
Ragno Metropolitan Series

WHY USE A THOUGH-BODY TILE?

While a true though-body tile is one of the most durable floor materials in the tile world, using this product can be overkill in many cases. Most residential areas do not need a through-body tile. This product will best benefit heavy traffic areas as well as exterior applications.

A glazed through-colored tile will best benefit residential areas in which heavy objects could be dropped on the tile surface, such as a kitchen.

Achieve a Thin Grout Joint with Rectified Tile

2009-02-06T12:49:00.011-05:00

Tile with a rectified edge, also known as rectified tile, is an excellent product for achieving a clean, thin, tight grout joint. Thin grout joints is a great benefit because it is less grout that will become dirty, which is less grout that has to be cleaned! A rectified tile achieves a modern, contemporary look and overall is a higher end tile.

Rectified tile is made differently than average ceramic or porcelain tile. Ceramic and porcelain tile is pressed into a mold prior to the firing process. As a result, sizes are nominal and there is a slight variation in size from piece to piece depending on the lot and caliber in which it was made. Rectified tile is also pressed into a mold prior to the firing process then machine cut afterwards after coming out of the kiln for more precise sizing. This eliminates size variations.

There are a few things that one must know prior to installing rectified tile. A 1/16” or 1/8” grout joint can be achieved with this type of tile, which is a grout joint that many contractors and installers are not comfortable installing. It is more work from an installation standpoint to install this type of tile, so be sure that your installer is willing to work with this product. H. Winter & Co. offers a list of recommended professional installers that are experienced with installing this type of product.

As with any tile installation, the substrate that you are installing the rectified tile on must be very level. This is a common issue on a concrete slab. If the floor is not level, the tiles will not be level when installed which creates lippage. To ensure a level floor, we recommend using TEC’s EZ Level Premium Self Leveling Underlayment. It is a fast-setting, cement-based leveler for large areas.

In addition to a level floor, if there are any cracks in the substrate, a crack isolation membrane must be used to prevent cracks from transferring through the tile. TEC’s Hydraflex Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane forms a smooth, monolithic, watertight surface over walls and floors as well as stops in-plane cracks in the substrate up to ¼” from transferring through the tile. Hydraflex can be applied over the EZ-Level or can be applied by itself if the floor is already level.

H. Winter & Co. offers many different manufacturers of rectified tile. We carry the following product lines that feature rectified tiles:

Campani Agathae (see top left picture above)

Tau Gres Corten

Mediterranea Tantra, Metro Life, Havana

Ragno Revision and Metropolitan

Florida Tile Urbanite

Keraben Chicago

Stop by the H. Winter & Co. showroom to see displays and samples of these astonishing products or click on the supplier link from our website (hwtinerandco.com) to see the manufacturer’s photos of these product lines.

DIY: Judys Kitchen Backsplash

2009-01-14T15:41:00.009-05:00

Do-It-Yourselfer, Judy, installed 3"x6" Florida, Retro Flair, Sandbeige subway tile with a fantastic Indian Brick Red Glass from Lunada Bay Tile.

Great job Judy!

Submit your finished photo tile projects to: hwinter@hwinterandco.com

Green Building 2: Air Quality

2008-12-23T12:34:00.007-05:00

This post is part of a series about Green Building.

On our quest to select Green flooring products for our home, the one factor that has a direct and immediate effect on our lives is the quality of the air that we breathe in our homes. Poor air quality can cause allergic reactions, skin irritations and make a home uncomfortable. In this article, we will address several factors that contribute to indoor air quality:

Dust & Animal Hair: Breath allergy free

Cleaners & Chemical Gasses: The hidden allergen.

Sealers & Finishes: VOC’s in our air.

Dust & Animal Hair: Breath allergy free.

Dust and animal hair can be difficult to remove from our homes. Tile offers the benefit of that when you clean, you can feel confident that your floors are truly clean. Once the dirt is removed, and there is no animal hair deep down in the carpet pile, hidden from view, you have accomplished an undeniably clean surface. Clean tile is truly clean flooring. Low-tech cleaning options work efficiently to keep your floor free of allergy causing dust, dirt and hair. A static dust mop or mini-vacuum in the hands of your child will suck up most hair and dust around your room. Since tile is virtually a solid surface, you can be assured that no nasty allergens are buried where you can’t see them.

Cleaners & Chemical Gasses: The hidden allergen.

Toxic chemicals and cleaners are not needed to clean tile. Cleaners are full of chemicals and fragrances that can emit odor and can cause allergic reactions to those who are chemically sensitive. Clean water and a mop will remove most household dirt and gets your floors squeaky clean. We all need a little extra help when our flooring gets extra sticky or neglected. For a tough cleaning task, open up a window and add a little ammonia to hot water to get any sticky residue off of ceramic or porcelain tile. Diluted ammonia dissipates quickly and will not leave a fragrance. (Fragrances are chemicals that linger.)

We can’t talk about chemicals without first talking about VOC’s. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted from many items in our homes. Paints, office equipment, sofa cushions, glue, and some building materials can all be culprits of emitting VOCs into the air we breathe. Some items may emit VOCs while you are using them (like cleaners) and others (like foam) release gas as they decompose. VOC gas can cause allergic reactions, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.

Ceramic and porcelain tile is essentially baked earth. The glaze is made of silica, minerals and metal oxides. After baking, the tile is solid and virtually VOC free. Florida Tile went the extra mile and to have their products certified for low chemical emissions by the Greenguard Environmental Institute, complying with the State of California’s requirements for low emitting materials and making their tile LEED friendly.

When considering whether or not your flooring is emitting VOCs you need to consider the installation materials used with your flooring product. In most tile installations, the following products are used:

Backer-board: A cement based or gypsum based product used as an underlayment.

Thinset: Used to adhere the tile to your floor

Grout: Used to fill the space between tile

All of the products above are typically cement-based and cure to a solid state therefore emitting very few VOCs. Grouts and thinsets do have chemical additives that give them enhanced performance but because of the dusty nature of the products, chemically sensitive people may want to stay out of the house while the tile is being installed. Check with the product manufacturer for the exact VOC content of the installation materials used for your project.

Sealers and finishes: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile do not require sealing or finishing. The glaze on the tile is a glass layer that protects the body of the tile from being stained. Wood, stone and other types of flooring require sealers or urethane finishes to protect from scratching and staining, and are culprits of VOC emissions.

Ceramic and porcelain tile are a fantastic green building option and air quality is just one reason. Watch out for future posts that will further demonstrate that tile is the green leader in flooring materials.

TEC cleaning products

New Tile Series: Ragno Crystal Stone

2008-11-19T10:50:00.011-05:00

Roll out the red carpet, Crystal Stone has arrived!

Mosaic 5/8” tumbled stone are mixed with tumbled glass and extraordinary undulated glass creating a rich surface for any room in your home. Available in nine colors from subtle earthy tones to cool contemporary shades, there is a Crystal Stone that will make your project stand above the rest.

Crystal Stone is sold by the sheet, there are 18 rows of tile on a 12” sheet. Cut up the sheet to create small inserts or borders. The unique design of the mosaic allows plenty of room to be creative.

Installation: Use a white thinset with a high latex content. It's sticky stuff, but will do the job well. The glass has a painted back so you won't be able to see trowel lines behind the tile.

Cutting: Because of the small size of the tiles, cutting the mesh backing with a scissors or knife will be effective for most installation jobs. However, if you do need to cut through the tile, sandwich the mosaic sheet between two pieces of wood or backerboard and use a wetsaw with a new blade designed for glass.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Emerges as a Leader in Green Remodeling.

2008-11-10T16:46:00.013-05:00

Have you caught the Green bug yet? Most Americans are embracing the Green movement that has been sweeping across the country like contagious etiquette. We are using canvas shopping bags, recycling our newspapers and cans, and purchasing organic tomatoes. But many draw the line at selecting Green building products because of budget factors.

I would like to take the next several entries to show you why ceramic, porcelain and stone tile can allow you to live healthier, save you money and decrease the negative impact of your home on the environment.

The U.S. Green Building Council offers a wealth of information about Green Building and America’s role in energy consumption and raw materials. If you are a builder or contractor and want to know more about LEED points, the U.S. Green Building Council is a great place to start.

Benefits of Green Building

Environmental benefits:
- Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
- Improve air and water quality
- Reduce solid waste
- Conserve natural resources

Economic benefits:
- Reduce operating costs
- Enhance asset value and profits
- Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
- Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and community benefits:
- Improve air, thermal, and acoustic environments
- Enhance occupant comfort and health
- Minimize strain on local infrastructure
- Contribute to overall quality of life

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness with Pink Tile!

2008-10-16T18:40:00.009-04:00

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and every store I walk into represents the cause in one form or another. While arranging Maniscalco glass tile in our showroom today, I noticed how many of the glass tile are a delightful shade of pink. Inspired, I ran around the showroom collecting all the pink tile as I could pull together. Ceramic, porcelain, and glass were all represented in blush tones, including a hot pink, sparkly tile from Original Style.
Our showroom staff all agree that this fantastic shade creates a feeling of excitement and leaves us wondering, “Who is installing pink tile?”
Vicki was struck with visions of a Victorian themed powder room with a splash of glass to create a modern edge. You can create a feminine oasis for your guests.
Margaret thinks of cotton candy when she looks at the Florida Cotto series. Imagine a fabulous candy shop with pink floors and shiny magenta glass on the walls and children with sticky fingers shopping for bubblegum.
I envision a wet bar with jet black counter tops and the sparkly pink tile wrapped around the bar front. All of the girls from H.Winter are hanging out, laughing and swapping stories while drinking Cosmos.
Whatever your vision is: kitchen backsplashes, a doctors office or just any area that you want to add a little fun, consider a splash of the color pink stuff. So go crazy!

New Large Format Tile Series from Keraben

2008-10-08T16:35:00.006-04:00

The showroom staff at H.Winter & Company is excited about the new Keraben Chicago Series!

The deep, rich red color Caldera, has subtle, warm variations. The blue/gray color Gris and the charcoal/black color Oxido, appeal to a more cool, contemporary style. The colors of Chicago add sophistication with a semi-polished finish that will be striking in any room. The full Chicago color palette is available in 20x20, 13x24 and 2x2 mosaic tiles.

Selecting Grout Color

2008-09-15T14:51:00.003-04:00

We have a great display in our showroom featuring green/gray limestone tile with a grey grout. One of our customers decided to use an antique white grout so that each tile was more defined. What she didn’t expect was that the cream pieces in the listello she was using, would virtually disappear.

Take the time to consider how the color of your grout will influence the color of your tile and your decorative pieces. Grout color will “pull” its own color from your field tile. The cream color grout with green tiles gives the tile an overall look of a yellow-green while the buff grout gives it more of an “earthy” look.

When are comparing grout to the tile, notice how it changes the look of the listello. The Antique White gives a subtle definition to each of the pieces in the border, the cream color allows the dark brown pieces to “pop” and the buff grout softens the accent colors.
Don’t excessively worry yourself about your grout selection until you have selected all of your tile for your project. Allow your grout to enhance the beauty of your tile with subtle influence.

Belsol Crackle Glass

2008-08-12T09:27:00.006-04:00

Westminsters Belsol Glass collection offers an exciting, sparkley and creative element to tile design. Crackle glass can be a dramatic or elegant accent to your kitchen backsplash or shower, depending on your color selection. Glass is a raw material from the earth, be aware that color variation should be expected and enjoyed.

Crackle Glass should last you for years to come however, it is only recommended for interior walls or ceilings. Most solid glass pieces can be used on the floor in low traffic areas but using crackled glass on the floor or outdoors could cause the glass to shatter. Submerging the tile in water is also a no-no.

Installation _______
Each piece of BelSol should be sealed with a penetrating tile sealer prior to and following grouting. After grouting, clean areas with water and sponge. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush to clean all BelSol surfaces, do not use a metal brush. When finished cleaning grout, use a non-abrasive glass cleaner for a glossy sheen.

Cutting _______
For the best cut of BelSol products, we recommend using a wet tile saw with a diamond blade. When cutting, ensure the wet tile saw’s diamond blade is set securely in place. Glaze “crystals” may become dislodged, lending to a jagged appearance. Safety eye gear should be worn to protect from any debris during the cutting process.

**** Westminster Belsol Glass is Discontinued with Limited Stock Available *****
Pictured Left: Belsol Earthtone Blend 2x2 with Florida Mexican Travertine
Pictured Right: Belsol Mocha Harliquin with Florida Livingston Taupe 6x6

Technorati Profile

Natural Stone – General Installation & Cleaning

2008-08-07T11:29:00.009-04:00

We provide these natural stone installation instructions as a general guideline. Please see the manufacturer's recommendations for specific installation information.

Usage _____
Walls, countertops, and flooring (subject to job specification). May be used in some exterior applications, depending on geographic location. Most stone cannot be guaranteed in the northeast region of the U.S. due to possible frost damage.

Shade & Shape Variation _____
Mid to high range. Due to local raw materials and unique manufacturing techniques, variations in body and color from tile to tile are to be expected. This is considered desirable and part of the inherent beauty of our product. Dry-lay your tiles prior to installation to inspect for color, shading and size variance. Material should be combined from each case to ensure optimal blending of shade variations. Installation constitutes acceptance.

Installation _____
Always inspect tile before installation. Due to the porous nature of stone, high quality white thinsets are generally recommended. For the best results, we recommend that installers use a quality wet saw for cutting natural stone tile.

Sealing _____
Tile should always be clean and dry prior to sealing. Natural Stone should be sealed prior to the grouting process for protection and ease of grout cleaning. Thin layers are best and do not allow sealer to puddle or drip. Apply to surface of the tile, do not allow excess sealer to drip down edges or into holes and remember that wherever you seal, the grout will not stick to the tile. Seal again after the grout has cured for 3 days (longer for more humid conditions). A stone enhancing sealer is often used on tumbled marble, antique stone, or slate where a darker or highlighted character is desired. When choosing a sealer, make sure to select a brand formulated to provide maximum protection for stone. H.Winter & Co. recommends using TEC Ensealant Stone Enhancer and Sealer or TEC Guard All Invisible Penetrating Sealer for a natural look. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using setting materials and sealers.

Care & Maintenance _____
For daily cleaning use a pH balanced, neutral spray cleaner for countertops. For deep-set, hard to remove stains, inquire about an industrial-strength tile stain remover. Be sure to use a cleaner made for stone, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Strong chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia should never be used on natural stone.

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