OC Showers specializes in the installation of tile showers considering all the materials available. There is a wide variety of options to choose from when you are dealing with tile. You can get everything from the classic tile you see in many bathrooms to high-end luxury tiles, which makes tile an affordable option for nearly every type of budget.

Since tile comes in almost every shape, size, color, pattern and style possible, tile can attractively fit into nearly any shape or room design imaginable. There are four major types of tile material: ceramic, glazed porcelain, glass and natural stone.

OC Showers helps you select the best materials from any four types of tile to insure the highest quality installation. We start with the hot mop and creating the slope of the shower pan. We then float and scratch the walls in the surrounding areas we are tiling. (We never use wonder board or hardie backer for the walls of the shower) Once the scratch coat hardens, we apply the brown coat to the walls then the tile is cut and installed. Bull noises and quarter rounds will be discussed according to what’s available from the tile chosen.

The steps in ordering your tile:

1. We will calculate the square footage of your project
2. You will then need to shop different tile stores for the tile you desire
3. Selecting the tile and a boarder (optional)
4. Purchasing the tile

Once the tile has been purchased we will pick it up from the distributor you selected and deliver it to your home ready for installation.

Waterproof

Tile choices such as glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles are waterproof, which makes them excellent choices for areas of the home that are regularly exposed to water, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Using tile for a backsplash, a shower surround, wall covering or flooring in these areas can help prevent water damage to underlying structural elements.

Hypoallergenic

Since many tile materials come from natural sources such as stone or ceramic materials, they don’t emit volatile organic compounds, which may trigger allergies in some people, like many synthetic material choices may. Tile surfaces that are nonporous and easily wiped down, such as glazed ceramic tiles or glass tiles, are also less likely to attract and maintain dust, pollen, dander and other allergens. This feature of tile also makes it more resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew.

Durable

Floors and walls that are covered by synthetic materials are very easy to damage. A dragging chair or overzealous child with some crayons can create an indelible mark on the surface that will never go away. It takes much more work to create permanent damage in tile. Although tiles can be chipped or cracked if a heavy object is dropped upon them, damaged tiles can be easily removed and replaced without affecting the remaining undamaged tiles.

Easy to Clean

One of the biggest problems with synthetic materials is that you have to be careful of what chemicals you use to clean them. Tile is much easier to clean since you can scrub more vigorously using any chemical you want. It is also very difficult for dirt to gain any real purchase on the surface of tile.

Customizable Pricing Options

There is a wide variety of options to choose from when you are dealing with tile. You can get everything from the classic tile you see in many bathrooms and kitchens to high-end luxury tiles, which makes tile an affordable option for nearly every type of budget.

Highly Flexible Design Options

Since tile comes in almost every pattern, shape, size, color, pattern and style possible, tile can attractively fit into nearly any shape or room design imaginable.

Common tile materials

There are four major types of tile material: ceramic, glazed porcelain, glass and natural stone.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are known for being softer and easier to cut than most other types of tile. This softer nature also makes them more prone to water absorption, and therefore means they have a lower overall resistance to frost.

Due to this absorption problem, it’s important that tile floors are kept dry to ensure years of use. This means that floors should be allowed to thoroughly dry each time you mop.

Ceramic tiles will almost always be among the least expensive tiles. They are not quite as durable as other tile options and will be best for people on a budget.

Glazed Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are comprised of porcelain clays that have been compressed together through a process called “dust pressing.” This method creates an exceptionally strong and impermeable tile that is suitable for use in a wide range of applications. The water absorption rate of porcelain tiles is very low and they are among the strongest tiles you can buy.

The low porosity of porcelain means that bacteria and molds have a much harder time taking root in porcelain. This creates a naturally antibacterial barrier that is very easy to clean.

Glazed porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic tile. Its expense depends largely on what exact density and style you’re looking for.

Glass

Glass tiles are some of the most highly customizable tiles that you will find. The glass can be melted down and imbued with an impressive variety of colors and designs. Glass tiles are often used for decoration.

Glass tiles need to be cleaned with care. You can use the same chemicals that you would use on any other piece of glass in your home. It’s important to remember that shattered glass tile will cut like any other shattered glass.

Glass tiles can be very expensive if you want an advanced design or color pattern. If you don’t want anything very special or glamorous, then you may be able to find glass tiles for a very reasonable price.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tiles are among the most expensive tile options out there. As the name suggests, natural stone tiles will be obviously distinguishable as stone. Stones with rich patterns, strong colors and appealing textures such as marble, granite and slate are popular stone tile choices. They can be buffed or left “natural” depending on what type of look you’re going for. Buffed stone will have a matte appearance and will rarely ever have the sheen you see with glazed porcelain or glass tiles.

The chemicals that you can use to clean natural stone tiles will vary depending on the stone you use. Some chemicals will create stains or pits in your tile. Some stone materials such as marble and granite are porous and must be sealed regularly. It is important to ask about the specific cleaning and maintenance requirements when shopping for stone tile.

Tips for Selecting Tile

Think about the space: Consider the amount of wear and tear the tile will endure. Is it in a major traffic flow area? Are people going to be wearing shoes or socks? Will the tiles get wet? Also, what surfaces are going to be covered – floors, countertops, and/or walls?

Different tiles are made to withstand varying levels of impact. Although tiles for the wall may look similar to floor tiles, they are not as thick or durable.

Estimate how much you need: To determine the amount of tile you will need, multiply the width times the length and add about 5 percent. You may also want to buy a few extra tiles to keep on hand in case some are damaged in installation or down the road.

Do some window shopping: Tiles are available in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Visit a few tile stores as the same tile from different batches can look very different.

When you settle on a tile, make sure the lot number and shade number are the same to ensure all the tiles are from the same batch. Remember that tile prices vary and are not always representative of the tile’s durability.

Select the material: There are many different materials that tiles are made of. Material affects the appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements of the tiles. Finish and texture are important, as well. Your tile should be comfortable to walk on for years to come.

Don’t forget grout: Select a grout color and width that will blend in your tile. Stay away from stark white as it will be noticeable and show dirt more easily – unless that is the effect you’re going for.

Maintenance: Consider the amount of maintenance that will be required when purchasing the tile. Keep in mind that some porous tiles will need annual sealing. Also, textured tiles and light colored grout will require more scrubbing to clean.

Whatever you decide, OC Showers will advise you about the advantages and qualities of each product and help you achieve a beautiful, functional bathroom.