Home Improvement by Melcer Tile

The 3-Step Method to Tile Selection: S.C.T.

The SCT model is an attempt to make tile and stone selection as simple as possible.  There can be thousands of choices in a large tile showroom.  Making the choices below can substantially decrease some of the confusion associated with making tile and stone selections. 

S = Style

Identify what style (traditional, modern, etc.) your project will be.  Once the style is decided on, there will be many choices that will be eliminated.

 

C= Color 

Identify the color tones you’d like to use.  Once the color tones are identified, a designer or tile salesperson can show you the choices that are available in your color range.

T = Texture  

Identify the texture/finish you want.(rough or smooth, matte finish or glossy)  Once the texture choices are made we can show you the choices available in your color and texture range. 

So, when selecting tile, just think of S.C.T. and choose Style, Color, and Texture in that order. In addition, bringing samples of products you’ve already chosen (cabinets, granite tops, paint colors etc.) can be a good idea.

Melcer Tile, located in Charleston, is South Carolina's largest tile showroom.

The Art of Tile Design—Curved Wall

This project, a custom design for homeowner Jeri Finke, was featured in Charleston Home + Design Magazine.

The uniquely designed curved wall was inspired by Mrs. Finke's architect and was brought to life by Jill Mahoney of Melcer Tile. When Jeri's builder, Carter-Bignon, sent Jeri into Melcer for her design consultation, Jill was eager to get creative. Jeri was very receptive to Jill's ideas. Finding the tiles that follow the curved wall was a big challenge. The porcelain tile Jill suggested was made by the Italian manufacturer Atlas Concorde. Its unique design allowed craftsman Sid Fowler of Fantastic Floors to construct the wall that separates the master closet from the master bath.

As you can see, the outcome is quite distinctive. Charleston Home + Design quoted Jill: "I've got to say, it's breath taking."

Another notable part of the Finke project with Melcer Tile was the tiny square tiles in both the kitchen and wet bar areas. 

Melcer Tile in Charleston is South Carolina's largest ceramic tile, marble, and granite showroom.

We'll Be At the Custom Home and Remodel Show

If you want to get Ideas for Your Custom Home or Remodelling Project, come see us at the Custom Home and Remodel Show  in Charleston, SC from August 24-26 at the Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium.

 

Melcer Tile will be there with our knowledgeable staff on hand to show a wide variety of natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile.

We've found shows like this are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in visual ideas for your home or business and we'd love to meet you and help you plan your next project.

 

 

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Pool with Tile or Stone

With summer here, maybe With summer here, maybe you are spending more time around your pool. Tile is a great way to enhance both the appearance and value of your pool, making it even more enjoyable. Here are four different ways for you to better your pool using tile:

Stone pavers and coping for pool decks

Stone pavers and copings can beautify the look of your pool as well as adding value to your home. Stone pavers are usually travertine and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Matching copings are also available in these travertine colors. The Versailles pattern is a mixture of 4 different sizes and is very common option for pool surrounds.

 

Porcelain tile for the water line

Porcelain tiles can be used at the water line to enhance the look of your pool. The size options are endless but the 6X6 size is the most common for waterline applications. There are many color and texture choices available in porcelain tiles. 

Glass tile for the entire pool or the waterline

Glass tiles have grown tremendously in popularity for pool tile applications. There are many color and sizing options available. *

 

Traditional pool tile

 

Traditional pool tile is generally 6X6 in size and is readily available in both field tile as well as depth markers.

Andrea Futeral at Aqua Blue Pools says "There are a variety of porcelain tiles that can be used in swimming pools. The going trend is a tile that is more natural looking and blends in with the surrounding environment. For example: if the swimming pool's backdrop is of the march, then the tile selected tends to be a combination of those colors that will blend together nature in addition to the materials used on the house and other surrounding structures.

*not all glass tiles are suitable for pool installations. Make sure you check with a professional before you make a choice.

 

Tile Project: New Home Construction for Jacobs

Jay Rauton, Jennifer Freer, and Jill Mahoney of Melcer Tile enjoyed bringing Amanda and Jon Jacobs' dream to life in this job, which was featured in Charleston Home and Design Magazine in an article called "Boeing Love Story".

A Glass 2x4 Subway Tile was used for the Kitchen Backspash from American Olean

Amanda's father, Robby Robinson with Epic Development, was the homebuilder.

Jennifer says "We used glass tile for the kitchen backsplash and used porcelain tile for the bathrooms with glass mosaic accents. I helped her coordinate counter tops and cabinets with the tile to help her get the look she was trying to achieve."

In the shower, we used a Classic White 3X6 Subway Tile and incorporated Marbleized Glass Mosiac Tile with Glass Liners as the Shower Feature

The Jacobs actually wrote an extensive blog post about the project as well, saying "Many, many thanks to Jennfier Freer and Jay Rauton at Melcer Tile for making the tile selection process so easy!!! From the moment I went into Melcer's showroom everyone has been super helpful and eager to show me all the great tile they have. I expecially appreciate Jennifer's attention to the combination of style and staying within budget. She's given me great advice on the latest trends and timeless tile patterns that are making our home one that I can't wait to show off!" 

Three Ways to Use Glass Tile to Upgrade Your Home

Backsplashes, swimming pools, and bathrooms are three great applications of glass tile that can rejuvenate the appearance of your home.

Backsplashes

Glass tiles on backsplashes are "in". Many people are seeing a great aesthetic advantage in moving  away from the old 4X4 tiles. 

In this backsplash glass tile is used as a feature panel behind the stove.  It is also used as an accent in the natural stone field tile that makes up the backsplash.  Glass tile can be very expensive so using it as an accent in natural stone can help you achieve the look you desire without breaking the budget.

Bathrooms

This bathroom wall installation is a full glass tile wall in a rectangular shape and set with a brick joint.  This installation offers a modern, clean look.  These tiles come in a tremendous number of colors, shapes, and textures.

Swimming Pools

This pool installation shows the versatility of glass tile applications.  The glass tile can be applied to the entire pool as shown or just at the water line.

 

A special note about glass tiles:

All glass tiles are not created equally.  Certain glass tiles cannot be used in pool applications.  In addition, there are special setting and grouting instructions for glass tile.  Please consult your salesperson for selection of proper glass tiles for your installation.

Melcer Tile is Charleston's Largest Ceramic Tile, Marble, and Granite Showroom.

 

3 Ways to Upgrade Your Home with Tile for Spring

1.  Add a Kitchen Backsplash. 

Adding a kitchen backsplash is fairly easy - most homeowners with a little guidance can do it for themselves- and gives you an accent wall. It also makes that part of your home easier to maintain. Popular backsplash materials include natural stone, glass tile, metallic tile, ceramic and porcelain tiles.

 

2. Upgrade Your Bathroom Floor From Hardwood or Carpet Floor Covering to Tile.

From a maintenance standpoint tile is much easier than hardwood and water doesn't affect it like carpet or hardwood. Tile also has better resale than either hardwood or carpet so the lifetime cost is much less expensive.  A properly selected and installed tile or stone product will last the lifetime of your home.

 

3. Upgrade Your Deck or Porch to Porcelain Tile.

Converting your deck floor from wood to porcelain tile  makes it easier to maintain and increases the longevity. To clean, all you have to do it hose it off. There is also never any resealing required with tile, as opposed to the inevitable hassle of dealing with sanding and resealing wood.  The porcelain tile will maintain it’s color unlike wood that will weather and gray over a period of time. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?

Porcelain is a much denser bisque and is also less porous than ceramic. Porcelain can be used outside where ceramic cannot. Porous ceramic can hold water which can turn into ice and crack in freezing temperatures. Porcelain is durable- it wears slower in a high traffic environment.

 

What is the best material for outdoors?

Properly selected porcelain tile is the best material for outdoors.  Porcelain can be used outside where ceramic cannot. Porous ceramic can hold water which can turn into ice and crack in freezing temperatures. Porcelain is durable- it wears slower in a high traffic environment.

 

Do ceramic and porcelain tiles need to be sealed?

No. 

Does tile need to be grouted?

Yes, always. 

Is a smooth or textured surface easier to keep clean?

Smooth

 

Is variation inherent within man made tiles?

It can be depending on what tile you select.  Some tiles are monochromatic whereas others have more variation. They are rated from low to high in variation.

 

Do I need to use backer board?

Yes.  Backer board is recommended in most applications.

What is bullnose?

It is a trim piece used to finish raw edges in or on tile installations.

Melcer Tile is Charleston's Largest Ceramic Tile, Marble, and Granite Showroom

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Stone Tile

Can porcelain and natural stone be installed together?

Yes, provided the thickness differences are accounted for before starting installation.

 
What is the most durable stone?

Granite

 

Does marble stain?

Yes, marble can stain if not properly sealed and maintained

 

Is variation inherent in natural stone products?

Yes. 

How do you maintain your natural stone?

It must be sealed once every 6 months to 5 years depending on how you clean it and what type of sealer was used originally. It needs to be cleaned with pH balanced cleaners. 

 

Does natural stone have a bullnose?

These pieces are generally not available however they can be fabricated by your tile installer.

Does a polished marble stain less than honed?

Every natural stone is porous regardless of whether it is polished or honed. Every natural stone is apt to stain if not sealed and maintained properly. 

Melcer Tile is Charleston's largest ceramic tile, marble, and granite showroom

Q & A - How to Choose Tile for a Fireplace

Q- What kinds of tile are appropriate for fireplaces?

A- Almost any tile can be used for fireplaces.  Since most tiles are fired at temperatures of at least 1300 degrees, the heat will not affect the tile.  There are a few exceptions with some tiles that may have a copper coating.  Be sure to get professional advice when you purchase to ensure the tile you choose is rated for a fireplace application.

Q-How do I choose tile for a fireplace? 

A- Selection of the product really depends on what you want to emphasize in the room from a decorative standpoint.  If you want to emphasize other features in the room (such as wallpaper, a paint color, or light fixtures) a subtle stone or slate look might be in order.  If you want to emphasize the fireplace itself, you may choose a glass tile, a ledger stone, or a natural stone product with a lot of movement or veining. 

Q- Why would I choose ceramic vs porcelain tile for a fireplace?

A-  Simply consider  the look you want to achieve in your project. Fireplace applications get little to no traffic so ceramic, porcelain, or stone, or glass tile are all valid options. Keep in mind that any natural stone does need to be sealed and does require a specific cleaner.