Just Tile & Marble Inc.

Delray Beach, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a grout line with Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles?

There are two main reasons why there is always a grout line with Ceramic or Porcelain tile.

1.) Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles are printed, glazed, cut then cooked in a kiln. During the firing process

the tiles shrink, and not consistently, leaving the tile not true to square. The closer the tiles are

installed the more the grout line will "fishtail". Installers will enlarge the grout line (typically

3/16") to compensate, ensuring that the grout line is straight, giving the impression that the

tile is perfectly square.

2.) Concrete slabs are not perfectly level. Typical Ceramic & Porcelain tiles are installed with an

adhesive called Thinset, which true to it's name is a very thin setting material. The Thinset can

only compensate up to a 1/2" difference of the slab. The closer the tiles are installed to one

another the more the tile will be elevated or lower than the majority of the floor creating a "high

or low" which is a trip hazard. A good installer will enlarge the grout line enabling the tile to be

slightly pitched depending on the contours of the slab.

What does "Rectified" mean?

Rectified is a fancy term describing a Porcelain tile that was cut after the kiln. This process allows the

tile to be true to square, enabling the installer to tighten the grout lines (approx 1/8"). Most good

installers will still open the grout lines to cope with the concrete slab. The true benefit of a

"Rectified" tile is to do a marble or mud setting.

What is the difference between Marble & Tile?

Marble and other Natural stones are quarried. They are products of mother nature and subject to large

variations. Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are manufactured in a factory and will have a definite

repeating pattern. Most tiles in production these days are made to emulate one type of stone

or another, but there is always something lost in translation between what natural stone looks like

and what a team of designers think natural stone looks like.

What is the difference between tile setting & marble setting?

Tile is installed with an adhesive called "Thinset" and is a very thin layer of adhesive, generally 3/8" to

5/8". This material will only allow an installer to compensate for slight inconsistencies of the

concrete slab. Generally this installation will yield a 1/8" or larger grout joint

Marble is also a "Thinset" application but only after the installer has leveled out the slab using a mortar

mix (Mud). A marble installer must be correct on every piece installed from levelness to a 1/32"

difference in cutting. This type of installation only allows a 1/32" expansion joint between the stone

which is then filled with grout.

What type of hard surface flooring is best for me?

There is no right or wrong answers to this question. There are many factors to consider when selecting a

floor. Lifestyle, Preference, and base cost of your home are just a few.

What is the proper maintenance of my floor?

Both stone and tile floors should be washed regularly with plain water and elbow grease. When you use a

chemical to clean your floor and do not rinse your floor thoroughly after, that chemical can bond with

the porous nature of grout and stone. It is recommended for a weekly cleaning just to use plain

water for either any type of hard surface flooring and steer clear of any acid or astringent type cleaner.

This includes simple acids like Vinegar or lemon fresh cleaners. Natural stones should be clean

once or twice a month with a neutral base cleaner and rinsed. Natural stone floors also require

routine cleaning and sealing from a licensed and insured professional.

Tiles should be cleaned once or twice a month with a soft detergent and rinsed.

Why do I need to have my Marble sealed?

All natural stones are porous to some degree. That porosity allows liquids and micro-particals to permeate

the stone. A sealer acts much like a wax you would put on your car, preventing liquids to pool and

set into the stone. Please note that sealers are not a permanent part of the stone. Most residential

clients will need to have their floors resealed, typically every 3 to 5 years.

What is the difference between Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles?

Ceramic tiles are made of clay bisque. They are printed or dyed, glazed, cut and fired. The bisque is a

very porous substance that would allow a staining type liquid, (i.e. wine or coffee), to permeate the

bisque and discolor the tile if the glaze was compromised or if the liquid was allowed to seep through

the grout.

Porcelain tiles are made form a porcelain bisque which is very strong and not porous. This non-porosity

does not allow a porcelain tile to bond naturally with "Thinset". It requires the addition of a bonding

agent, typically liquid latex. This will usually increase the overall cost of installation, depending on

the amount of square footage to be installed.

How can I tell if a tile is durable?

Manufactured tiles are put through several tests that help determine durability, water absorption and

slip resistance. A tile's durability is measured on a scale from 1 to 5. A "P.E.I" 1 rate tile is very soft

and easy to chip and scratch while a "P.E.I" 5 rate tile is the most durable tile in production.

What is the best size material I should use for my floor?

Size does matter.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles are framed by grout lines. Grout equals to long term maintenance. The

larger a tile is the less grout overall is needed for the floor. Larger tiles will also give the appearance

of larger and more open areas. Below is a table we use to help determine what size tile is suitable for

the area being done.

Size of AreaSize of Tile

0 - 100 square feet       18x18 or smaller

100 - 1000 square feet18x18 - 20x20

1000 +     20x20 - 24x24

Stone is a little different, because the grout joint is so tiny, the look of the floor flows very well. Below is

a table we use to help determine what size is suitable for the area being done.

Size of AreaSize of Stone

0 - 750 square feet18x18

750+ 18x18 or 24x24

Please keep in mind, at the end of the day, you have to like what you pick. If you like smaller tiles in

larger areas or vice versa do so. It's your house. We use these tables as a guide. Personal preference

is a large part of the selection process.