DIY: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Tiling Your Bathroom Floor

Posted on December 6, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Tiling your bathroom floor is an easy weekend project that can completely change the look of your bathroom, but there are some simple mistakes that people make when tiling for the first time. Here at GlassTileWarehouse.com, We offer an extensive collection of bathroom tiles to choose from, and we want to help you love your new bathroom look. This is why we’ve created this list of five of the most common pitfalls we see people make with this project.

  1. 1.     Improper floor preparation – This is one of the most common errors that people make when tiling a floor, but it is essential. Improper preparation can lead to cracking in the grout and in the tiles themselves over time. To prevent this, start with a clean and level substrate and make sure your subfloors are strong enough to withstand the weight of the tile, mortar, and grout. Add additional framing or other support as needed.
  2. 2.     Not laying the tile out beforehand – As much as you may want to get the project over with as soon as possible, don’t make the mistake of skipping this step. Lay the tile out piece by piece before laying down any thinset, taking into account corners and curves. Measure things carefully and snap straight chalk lines to create a guide. This “dry run” can help you get a professional-looking finish to your project.
  3. 3.     Crooked sheets – Keep in mind that as you are placing your tiles that any small mistake that you make near the beginning of the project will only be amplified later as you lay more tile. Place the tiles carefully and check your alignment with a straight edge every so often.
  4. 4.     Clean as you grout – Many people end up with what is known as “grout haze”—a thin layer of grout that discolors the tiles when the project is finished. You can avoid this by grouting in smaller areas. In other words, apply grout to an area and let it area dry to the point that your thumbnail does not make an impression in the grout. After that, use a damp sponge and wet and dry cloths to clean the area of all excess grout.
  5. 5.     Not using sealant – This is an important step for bathroom tile projects especially because of the high level of humidity. When the grout has had a sufficient amount of time to cure (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions), then apply a sealant to protect your new tile floor.

Tiling the floor is one of the most dramatic ways to give your bathroom a new look, and it’s something that nearly anyone can do. Avoid these common errors, and you’ll be well on your way to getting the beautiful bathroom that you’ve always wanted.

Posted in Glass Tile for Bathrooms | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Defining a Kitchen Wall with Tile Style

Posted on December 6, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Look at some of the most popular design shows and magazines and you will see that glass tiles are a hot commodity. Glass is a unique material that adds depth and sparkle while fitting into most design themes. Whether you use it sparingly for highlights, or opt for a full wall backsplash, kitchen tiles can brighten up your decor and add some style to an otherwise dreary space.

How do you style kitchen walls with tile and make this trend work for you? Here are some ideas to help you get started toward the kitchen of your dreams:

  • Go neutral – Choose beiges and bronzes to work together in a collage of base colors. Not only will this look modern and contemporary, but it also will go with a variety of cabinetry.
  • Go multicolored – If you have a lot of different colors going on in your kitchen, from your cabinets to your appliances, then you can pull the look together with a multicolored backsplash.
  • Add texture – Look for glass tiles that add some texture to your wall, either through stained glass or a rougher surface.
  • Bring out the shimmer – Do you want your kitchen to look shiny, shimmery and clean even when it isn’t? Then find some glass tiles that will shine when the light hits them. Metallic colors, silvers and whites go well together to make your kitchen look pristine.
  • Go classic – Subway tiles are a great way to get a classic tile look without going over budget. This trend is almost always in style, so you won’t have to worry about another remodel down the line.
  • Simplicity – If you’re one to keep things simple, opt for small tiles with a small scale pattern. This look works especially well if you have basic cabinetry, like white or light wood.
  • Color splashes – Using color sparingly, create a backsplash that draws the eye. Use mainly white or neutral tiles with random bits of color thrown in to keep things interesting.
  • Go elegant – Marble tiles and jewel tones help your kitchen look elegant when paired with stainless steel appliances.

You have many options in front of you when you choose to decorate your kitchen with tiles. The main thing to keep in mind is to plan ahead and come up with a design that you will love for some time.

 

Posted in Kitchen Decor | Tagged | Leave a comment

Backsplash Tile Ideas for the Kitchen

Posted on November 23, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Painted and tiled surfaces allow for a great deal of creativity because you a large variety of colors and textures to choose from. A tile backsplash over your countertop is the ideal place to add to customize  your kitchen. Here are several ideas to seed your own creative designs with some tips to help you coordinate the backsplash with other kitchen elements.

Backsplash Style Ideas

Classic Black and White: Black might not seem like a good idea for the shadowed space below your cabinets, but black glass tile is actually quite luminous, especially when paired with under-cabinet LED lights. When set against white cabinets, the stark contrast of the black tile makes a bold statement. Setting dark tile with white light-colored grout exploits the outline of the tile with a stark pattern.

Metal and Wood: Mixing the natural and the industrial can have a pleasing effect. Set lustrous metal tile into a backsplash that spreads beneath and between your wood cabinets. This effect works especially well with modern minimalist cabinet styles and frosted glass doors.

Borders and Stripes: You can create custom borders around the edges of your tile backsplash to bring some structure to an otherwise random mosaic pattern or monochrome tile surface. A single horizontal stripe of contrasting or complementary color is all you need to break up a pattern.

Saturated Colors: A single shade — or collection of similar shades — can make a backsplash the eye-popping focal point of the room rather than just a background texture. A vibrant red, set against white cabinets may be just the splash of color you need for an otherwise pale kitchen. A saturated blue complements dark wood cabinets as well. Color is one of your best tools for changing the mood of a room.

Tile Selection Tips

Keep in mind non-fixture items when selecting a tile colors. Coordinating with paint, cabinet colors and flooring is always a smart idea, but they aren’t the only factors in your kitchen. A shade of green will pair well with plants on your window sill, for example. Use rugs, dishes or curtains for color cues. Matching colors with what you can see through kitchen windows can give you inspiration, and it pulls nature indoors.

Consider a centerpiece mosaic over your sink or range top. These patterns provide a focus for your kitchen and they give you color and pattern ideas for the rest of the backsplash. Take care to select a mosaic that neither overcrowds nor underwhelms the space you’ve chosen for it.

Go big with your tile; don’t be afraid of larger sizes. The impact of your tile varies as the size increases. Smaller tiles of similar shades create an overall pattern that blends together more easily than larger tiles. The same colors, writ large, may have an entirely different texture to them.  If you’re planning a distinct, alternating pattern, try to envision different tile sizes, shapes and orientations.

Play with different tile alignments. Rectangular tile doesn’t always need to be laid horizontally; vertical alignment gives things an entirely different feel. Laying tile diagonally can be a little challenging, but it could create just the effect you’re looking for.

Don’t be afraid to push the tile up the wall. When tile flows up around a range hood or around the side of a cabinet, it draws the eye upward and spreads the color of the tile around the room. Surrounding a kitchen window with a few inches of tile, or flowing the pattern up over a window sill, lets you color outside the lines a bit.

Think about other kitchen fixtures. Consider matching the tile for the backsplash with rods and hooks for hand towels and utensils. The materials they’re made of should complement your tile, especially if they’re set directly against the backsplash itself. You also don’t want those elements to clash with your cabinet hardware.

Posted in Kitchen Backsplash Tile | Tagged | Leave a comment

DIY: 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Tile

Posted on October 25, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Tile installation is relatively easy and certainly do-able by nearly everyone, but there are definitely a few pitfalls that you can fall into if you up if you’re not careful. When ordering tile, it’s important to keep a few things in mind so that you won’t find yourself in the middle of a project that you can’t finish.

In an attempt to save you some stress, we here at Glass Tile Warehouse want to help you recognize and avoid some of the most common blunders first-time tilers fall into.

  1. Not buying enough tiles. This is actually a common error for DIYers. Make sure that you carefully calculate the number of tiles you’ll need for the area that you want to surface, and keep in mind any curved surfaces or corners that you need to deal with. After settling on a number, order somewhere between 5 and 15 percent more tiles than that. (For more tips on this subject go here).
    These extra tiles will save your life it you make a mistake when placing tiles or cutting the tiles with glass nippers. It’s likely that you’ll need to replace at least a few tiles before the project is done. The overage will also allow you to keep a few tiles around for future tile replacements.
  2. Not ordering sample pieces. Just because you love the idea of something doesn’t mean you’ll like it in your real life bathroom or kitchen. There are a lot of ideas for kitchen backsplash tile to choose from in magazines and on the internet (not to mention our website, which is overflowing with good ideas for tile projects), but that doesn’t mean that they are all right for you. Order some sample tile pieces so that you can see the exact color and style and see if it is what you have in mind for your home.
  3. Not using the right adhesive. Glass tile backsplashes are made to last, but only if they are installed properly. Don’t just head down to your local hardware store and buy the cheapest thinset you can find. Make sure that the adhesive that you use is strong enough for your project. It is also important to buy waterproof adhesive, particularly in areas that are humid like the bathroom or swimming pools. Don’t get trapped by these mistakes. Purchase what you need the first time so that things don’t go wrong later.
Posted in Glass Tile | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Design Tips: Bathroom Tiling & Small Bathrooms

Posted on October 11, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

You can make a lot out of a little with some basic design tips and give your small, cramped bathroom a look and feel that is much more open and comfortable than it really might be. With a few simple bathroom tile design ideas, you can enhance the entire room and make the most of the space you have.

Good tiles can be used on the floor, walls, shower, and as a backsplash for the sink, but it is important that you think through all your options to find the styles that will open up the bathroom without going overboard. There’s a fine line between “open” and “glaring,” but if you are careful about your design, you can create a great look for even the smallest rooms.

Fixtures

Different fixtures can add a lot of space (real and perceived) to a small bathroom, but there is a good opportunity here to make sure they complement the rest of your design. Pedestal sinks and open shelving leave more wall areas clear and let the bright colors show through. Glass doors on the shower will make it seem like you have opened an entire new room, and you will be able to see the warm colors on the tile back there. You may have to downsize some of the fixtures in the bathroom, but you can still work it all into your design.

Bathroom Tile - Clear Tan Stone Wave Blend

Solid Colors

Color!

Choosing the colors for your new glass tiles should be a careful process. The best choices are solid colors that lean toward natural and lighter shades. Solids are preferable because mixed colors just produce a busy, confused look, and you can start to feel crowded in your own bathroom. Light colors definitely open up a room, but you should also avoid colors that are too bright. Save the really vivid colors for accents.

 

Small Bathroom Tiles - Turquoise Copper Blue Iridescent Bubble Blend

Reflective Tiling

Reflective Surfaces

Mirrored surfaces and shiny tiles are a great way to add some extra dimension to a small bathroom. These surfaces will refract some of the light, making everything a little brighter and highlighting some of the larger areas in the room.

 

 

 

Unique Tile Design - Charcoal Khaki Frost Brown Stone Tile Blend

Patterned Tile Design

Patterns

If you want a unique design in your small bathroom, the right pattern of tiles can act like a focal point to draw everyone’s attention. Don’t let your creative side run too wild, though. A checkered pattern accent around the room, a mosaic in the shower, or a backsplash that features larger tiles set at a different angle from their surroundings can all add something special to your overall design. An entire wall of random geometric patterns, though, will only cause unwanted eyestrain.

Less is More

Bathroom tile can really help make a small bathroom feel much larger, but it needs to be a part of the overall design. When you’re ready to start renovating your old bathroom, consider some of these ideas and make sure your colors, patterns, and textures all work seamlessly with the fixtures and shape of the room. You don’t need a lot of accessories and special designs to make a bathroom look good. You just need to keep things simple and make use of some basic techniques and even the smallest rooms will start to open up a little more.

Posted in Glass Tile for Bathrooms | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

DIY: How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Posted on September 27, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Believe it or not, installing glass tile for your kitchen backsplash is a super easy weekend project that can transform the look of your kitchen. Even people who are not usually do-it-yourself-ers can get a handle on this project in almost no time.

Materials

One of the great things about this project is that it does not require a lot of specialized equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Glass tile from GlassTileWarehouse.com (shameless product placement :) -make sure to order more than you think you need so you don’t run out in the middle of the project)
Thinset mortar (specially modified for glass tile)
Grout in color of choice
¼ inch V-notched trowel
Rubber grout float
Bucket
Sponge
Tape measure
Sandpaper
Glass nippers
Caulk

Getting Started

  1. Turn off the power to any outlets along the backsplash and remove their covers.
  2. Move the range, if there is one, and install a temporary ledger in the empty space to help you line up the tiles.
  3. Cover and protect counters and appliances.
  4. Rough up old paint with the sandpaper.
  5. Dry-fit the tile sheets to determine how many you will need and where you will place them. Tiles come either back or face mounted in sheets. You can cut these sheets down to size to get the exact fit you need.

Installing the Tile

  1. Mix the thinset in the bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can use a pre-mixed thinset.
  2. Using the flat side of the trowel, spread a generous amount into your wall. You may want to work one section at a time.
  3. Use the notched side of the trowel to remove excess mortar by moving it across the adhesive in a horizontal direction.
  4. Re-smooth the mortar with the flat side of the trowel so that the notches will not show through the glass.
  5. Starting from the bottom near the counter, apply one sheet of glass tile at a time with the mesh side down, or if it’s face mounted, with the paper or film side up.
  6. Use the rubber float to press against the sheet and make sure that all of the tiles are properly mounted to the wall.
  7. Wait until tile is hard set, then remove the paper with a damp sponge or carefully peel off face film if the tiles are face mounted.
  8. Fill in tiles around obstacles like outlets or walls. Cut individuals tiles down to size using the glass nippers and thinset into place.
  9. Let newly installed tile sit for 48 hours and then gently clean the tiles and remove any loose thinset.

Grouting and Finishing

  1. Mix the grout.
  2. Using the grout float, push the grout into the joints. Make sure to really work it into the spaces between tiles.
  3. Fill in the grout completely. Do not leave any voids or pits.
  4. Clean the tile with a damp sponge.
  5. Allow to dry and then clean and buff the tiles.
  6. Caulk the perimeter.

There you have it. In a few simple steps your kitchen backsplash can go from blasé to beautiful. For great glass tile backsplash ideas and inspiration, check out our fabulous selection of colors and finishes.

Posted in How to Tile a Backsplash | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Kitchen Decoration: Keeping it Simple

Posted on September 6, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Kitchen Backsplash Simplicity in DesignSimplicity is the key to any good design. Amateur design is easily spotted when there are too many different elements vying for one’s attention. This is why designers try to pick one theme and stick to it – otherwise the result will look like a bad mix of colors, products and textures that is reminiscent of a college dorm. Most people have heard the age-old motto of KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). When in doubt, it is always best to keep things as simple as possible.
Of course, sometimes simplicity can be taken too far. You definitely do not want to make your kitchen look so sparse that people wonder if anyone even lives there. So how do you know where to draw the line?
One way to achieve the perfect blend of simplicity and design is to focus on an accent element. Choose one thing to draw the eye, like a glass backsplash or bright color that is the focus in the room. With tile, it is easy to create a dynamic focal point that brings all your various elements together.
The important thing to remember is to start with the focal point and go from there, rather than the opposite way around. It is easy to pick colors out of a tile backsplash to use for your appliances and decorations, but if you go about things backwards, then you might find it difficult to pull everything in together.

With simplicity as your goal, you can feel at home in your kitchen. Focus on one thing to draw the eye, and choose colors that are easily replicated (for things like painting and appliances). One of the biggest benefits about a simplistic design is that it usually will last for many years before it becomes outdated. When you keep these things in mind, you will soon have a kitchen to be envious of.

Posted in Kitchen Backsplash, Kitchen Decor | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Add a backsplash, add pizzazz says Kiplinger

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Glass Tile Warehouse

According to the recent Kiplinger article “8 DIY Projects To Add Value To Your Home By Labor Day“, one inexpensive do-it-yourself way “to add pizzaz to your kitchen is with a new backsplash.  Add bold textures or colors, or keep it subtle and sophisticated with more monotoned blends.”  Trying to sell your house and want it to stand out from the competition?  Kiplinger also says that adding a new backsplash is not only easy and affordable, but “…it will appeal more to prospective buyers.”

At Glass Tile Warehouse, we couldn’t agree more.  Visit us at: glasstilewarehouse.com to browse hundreds of glass tiles in a wide selection of styles and blends and find the perfect glass backsplash tile for your kitchen or bathroom.  All tile samples are only $3.50 including shipping and are typically sent out same day.  Find your “pizzaz” today!

Posted in DIY - Tiles, Glass Mosaic TIles, Kitchen Backsplash, Kitchen Backsplash Tile, Kitchen Backsplash Tiles | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Waste and overage – Tips for ordering glass tile

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Glass Tile Warehouse

When estimating your bathroom tile or kitchen backsplash project, don’t forget to take a ‘waste and overage’ factor into account. Depending on the complexity of the project, a factor of 5% to 10% for glass sheet tile is considered normal. Factors such as number of corners and turns that the project space contains and whether the tile will be laid straight or in a diagonal “diamond” pattern are typical considerations. As you can imagine, a project containing multiple turns being laid on a diagonal will produce much more waste than a straight tile backsplash or waterline with no obstructions.

Why not just order more if and when it turns out that you need it you say? Well, for one thing your project will be on hold until the additional tile arrives, but more importantly, the second order may come from a different stock lot. Variations from lot to lot are normal and are generally slight but can sometimes be noticeable, particularly when the tile blend in question contains natural stone. Lastly, it costs less to ship say 55 square feet of tile in one shipment than it does in two shipments of 50 sf and 5 sf.

I hope this helps clear up any confusion on the topic of the importance of ordering for waste. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our friendly customer service folks.

Posted in Glass Mosaic TIles, Glass Tile, Glass Tile for Bathrooms, How to Tile a Backsplash, Kitchen Backsplash Tile, Kitchen Backsplash Tiles | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Unique Bathroom Décor: Glass Tile Makes It Easy

Posted on August 16, 2011 by GlassTileWarehouse

Tiling Your Bathroom Tutorial - Glass TilesDesigning a dream bathroom is not always easy or affordable. There are so many considerations when it comes to outfitting a bathroom—sink, tub, mirrors, storage, faucets—that it’s easy to overlook the critical elements that can transform a room from ordinary into “Oh, la la!”

That’s one of the reasons glass tile is so popular. It’s an affordable, stylish, and easy way to create a unique and beautiful bathroom look. Here are some ideas to get you started using bathroom tile to create your own one-of-a-kind décor:

  • Black and White

Using black and white tiles, either by themselves or in combination can really create a sense of elegance in any bathroom. Use them behind the sink on the backsplash or on the floor to create a beautiful look that can’t be matched.

  • Bold and Colorful

We have a wide selection of bold and beautiful colors like red and deep blue. When used carefully, these bold colors can create a very distinctive statement. They can be used to add accents to areas you want to draw attention to or throughout the entire bathroom.

  • Neutrals

Neutrally-colored tiles such as tan or brown are rich, deep, and calming. They complement nearly any bathroom, but especially traditional bathrooms where creating a sense of peace is one of the objectives of the style. A particularly diverse color is green, which hangs the balance between bold (aqua or turquoise) and neutral (earth tones).

  • Mix and Match

Far from being limited by one choice, glass bathroom tile allows you to create a custom look in your bathroom that is all your own. Use brown tile on the floor and turquoise in the shower. Mix green and purple on the walls. Use subway tile in conjunction with 1 inch squares. We offer many beautiful blends, including some that mix textures and materials, that can help you get started or give you ideas. And, of course, you can always contact Glass Tile Warehouse with any questions you may have.

Glass tile truly does give you the tools you need to create a beautiful bathroom. Check out our different colors, styles, and finishes to get an idea of what you can create.

Posted in Glass Tile, Glass Tile for Bathrooms | Tagged , | 3 Comments