The system employs a grading scale, typically denoted as V-1, V-2, V-3, and V-4, each representing a specific level of intentional shade variation:

• V-1 (Uniform Appearance): Tiles classified as V-1 exhibit a uniform appearance, with minimal to no discernible differences among pieces within the same product run. This indicates a high level of consistency in both color and texture. Each ceramic tile is manufactured using the same glaze application and body texture.
• V-2 (Slight Variation): V-2 signifies a slight variation, where noticeable differences in texture and/or patterns of similar colors may exist. While the overall appearance remains cohesive, there is a subtle acknowledgment of diversity between individual tiles.
• V-3 (Moderate Variation): Tiles classified as V-3 demonstrate moderate variation. Although the colors present in one tile should generally indicate the expected colors in others, there could be significant variation in the amount of color on individual pieces. This level allows for a more diverse and nuanced appearance.
• V-4 (Random or Dramatic Variation): V-4 represents the most random or dramatic variation. Tiles in this category can differ significantly in color and pattern from tile to tile, resulting in a visually dynamic and unique installation.

Edimax More Sunset is an example of a V-4 shade variation.

Understanding the shade variation classification system is essential for selecting tiles that align with the desired aesthetic outcome. It empowers consumers to make informed choices, ensuring that the variation levels in the chosen ceramic tiles complement the overall design vision for a space. Whether aiming for uniformity or embracing diversity, this classification system provides clarity and transparency in communicating the inherent characteristics of ceramic tiles.

Contact us at Conestoga Tile for more guidance on shade variation and other industry standards.

The post Understanding Shade and Color Variation of Ceramic and Porcelain tile appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Moreover, the CTDA plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and networking within the ceramic tile community.  By connecting distributors with manufacturers and other industry stakeholders, the association enables meaningful partnerships and business opportunities.  This not only enhances Conestoga Tile’s market reach but also facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices, leading to continuous improvement and innovation.

Additionally, the CTDA actively advocates for the interests of its members, including Conestoga Tile, by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments that impact the ceramic tile industry.  The association’s proactive engagement in government affairs ensures that Conestoga Tile stays informed about relevant policies and can effectively voice its concerns or support initiatives that promote a thriving business environment.

Conestoga Tile’s support of the CTDA has a long and active history.  Conestoga Tile’s founder Jack Vogel was one of the founding members of the CTDA along with many other leading ceramic tile distribution leaders from around the United States.  Jack, as well as current owners Jim and Steve Vogel, have all served as President of the organization. Our executive team stays active with CTDA through participating in key industry events such as Total Solutions Plus.

In conclusion, Conestoga Tile values the Ceramic Tile Distribution Association for its comprehensive support, industry connection, and advocacy efforts.  Through its affiliation with the CTDA, Conestoga Tile can strengthen its position in the market, access valuable resources and contribute to the collective growth and success of the ceramic tile industry.

The post Why Conestoga Tile supports the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Bring images of what catches your eye. Many visitors come to us with visuals discovered online, in magazines, or photographed. Websites like www.houzz.com and www.pinterest.com are great places to find ideas. If possible, take a few snapshots of the area that will receive the tile and/or stone. This will be helpful in properly directing you to products with similar looks and properties.

Cabinetry, countertop materials, paint, and any other finishes.

There’s nothing like seeing the actual tile sample in your own home and space. Bringing as many of these items along with you will help narrow down what looks good with your other features and likely streamline the selection process.

Bring your plans.

If you are building a new home or doing an addition that involves plans or drawings, by all means, bring them along with you. This will enable our design consultants to have a better idea of your space and room layout.

Thumbs up/Thumbs down.

Note your likes and dislikes. When visiting our showrooms, you will be presented with many different options to choose from. Having a predetermined idea of things you like, and conversely things you do not like, will make the selection process much easier.

Understand your budget.

This is often difficult as many showroom visitors are not quite sure how much material is necessary to complete their project. Your contractor can be very helpful in assisting you in determining a budget for the price of tile. In any event, having some idea of project allowances or acceptable cost per square foot of material will certainly be helpful.

Visiting our showroom and seeing all the possibilities for your space can be a very exciting and enjoyable experience especially when you do a little preparing. See you soon.

The post Helpful Tips for When You Visit Our Showrooms appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Ceramic tile rates quite high in durability and ease of maintenance making it a perfect option for any home. Ceramic tile is available in hundreds of different colors and designs including tile that is nearly indistinguishable from hardwood. What makes this material so unique is its ability to retain its finish and color. That means over the years you can expect ceramic tiles to maintain its beauty. This can play a vital role in improving the overall value of your home.

Unlike most flooring types, ceramic tile is highly scratch resistant, which also makes it easy to maintain. Tile doesn’t absorb water, doesn’t stain, and is very simple to clean.  A broom and a mop are the only tools you need for your tile floor!  With sweeping and mopping you can maintain a level of clean nearly impossible with other floor coverings making it perfect for those suffering from allergies or families with small children who are learning to crawl.

Research conducted by an independent organization revealed that ceramic tile has the lowest life cycle cost in comparison to 12 different popular flooring options which included laminate, carpet and natural hardwood. Tile is a material that retains its initial value much longer, adding to the overall value of your home.  See the full report provided by Tile Counsel of North America (TCNA).

Still not sure whether ceramic tiling is best for your home? In the next post in our series, we’ll further discuss the virtues of ceramic tiles.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Conestoga Tile or visit one of our locations!  We are always happy to help.

The post Why Ceramic Tile (Part 1)? appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Whether used indoors or out, ceramic tile can create a great first impression. With the variety of colors, textures, finishes and patterns available, there is something for every décor style. Fine ceramic tile can create a sophisticated and luxurious look that will enhance a room’s appearance. Advancements in technology have allowed tile manufacturers to explore prints that mimic other materials, such as wood, metal, and even brick.

Before selecting a ceramic tile design, it’s important to first envision your ideal space. Will the tile blend with your décor? Are you interested in a traditional look or are you searching for a unique style that will make a room pop? The answer to this question will help you to narrow down your choices quickly.

Homeowners can further customize a tile installation by adding a natural stone, glass or metal to the ceramic tiles. Customization possibilities are endless because you mix and match many types of design elements that will create a powerful look. Tile can be used on the floors as well as the walls. Ceramic tiles are a great option for households that have children and see a high volume of traffic and muddy boots.

Ceramic tile retains its new look much longer than other floor types.  It isn’t affected by UV rays and won’t fade or grow dull over time. In addition, when the tile is properly cleaned and maintained, pests are not a problem making tile perfect for individuals with bad allergies or asthma.

Are you considering using ceramic tiles in your home? Talk to one of our Showroom Consultants today with any questions you may have.

The post Why Ceramic Tile (Part 2) appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Photo courtesy of Cotto D’Este

In a generation where technology and innovations continue to make our lives easier, homeowners have begun to adopt innovative designs to increase their home’s functionality. Whether you are preparing for the future or desire a clean, sleek look, a curbless shower (aka level entry shower or barrier free shower) can offer homeowners with a timeless installation.

What began as a design to remove a tripping hazard in the bathroom has turned out to be a design that is as aesthetically appealing as it is functional.  Historically, thick shower pans needed a curb to hide the increased height of the floor in order to slope the water to the shower drain.  Unfortunately, this curb has been a notorious tripping hazard especially for the elderly and disabled.  Luckily, a few industrious people saw the need to design a solution that removed this hazard.  Fortunately, the solution also created a visually appealing look for the modern bathroom.  For more information on some of the fundamental benefits of curbless showers, keep on reading!

Curbless shower installation by Collins Tile and Stone, Northern VA.

Benefits of Curbless Showers: 

• A Cleaner Design

Photo courtesy of Lea CeramicheA Clean Cut Look. 

The curbless shower design creates clear visibility and a clean cut look which in essence is more visually appealing.  The beauty of this barrier-free design is its chic, continuous-flow and easy-to-clean nature.  Therefore, curbless showers offer homeowners with less maintenance and time spent cleaning.

• A Bigger Vision

Curbless showers offer a continuous, barrier-free look which can open up your entire bathroom’s design and make your room look larger.  With better visibility, your shower features a luxurious-look that homeowners and guests alike will love.

• A Safer Atmosphere

You can provide a safer atmosphere for yourself and aging and disabled family members through the use of curbless showers. Safety can be a concern from young kids to aging parents, and it is essential to find a bathroom design that is functional and safe for all ages. With a curbless design, your mind can be put at ease because it removes a potential tripping hazard. If you are looking to grow in your space and “age in place,” curbless showers offer greater accessibility and mobility than a standard curb shower.

• A More Marketable Home

Because a curbless shower is ideal for all ages and disabled individuals, your home becomes marketable to a larger group of potential buyers when selling your home.

• A Timeless Feature.

By upgrading your shower, you can provide a chic, timeless look while investing in your future.  Not only is the design seamless and beautiful but it helps assure homeowners of a safe future and ease of use.

What’s Needed to Create a Curbless Shower?

To accomplish this stylish, functional look, it is all about the waterproof shower pan (aka shower tray), and Conestoga Tile offers several which we outline below.  A common benefit of each of these design options is that they avoid expensive floor joist modifications. To dig deeper, we looked at the important benefits featured by a couple of our curbless shower tray vendors. Let’s take a look!

ShuffleDEK^® Bases    TrueDEK^® Classic Bases      TrueDEK^® Linear Bases

ARC ShuffleDEK®, TrueDEK® Classic and TrueDEK® Linear shower bases are composed of an extremely strong glass reinforced plastic that sits on the floor joist giving the shower base the ability to sit flush with the sub-floor.

Benefits:

• The bases are pre-pitched towards the drain and ready for tile or stone installation.
• ShuffleDek and TrueDek shower foundations install flush with the subfloor avoiding any need to install a ramp or other subfloor modification.
• The TrueDek linear base design allows for multiple drain placement options in essence, increasing the application and shower design layout options for homeowners.
• TrueDek Classic bases can be cut into different sizes and shapes to provide consumers with a truly unique and creative shower design.
• Both TrueDEK and ShuffleDEK provide a structural shower foundation with a lifetime warranty.
• 7/8” thick at the edges for a thin application.
• Installed on 2x wood joists, truss joists, and TJI joists.
• A flat rim for easier leveling.
• Supports 860 lbs. on joists and typical blocking; up to 1,100 pounds with complete blocking underneath.
• ICC certified.

For more information on the installation process of the ShuffleDek and TruDek bases, we encourage you to watch the below videos: 

Hydro-Ban® Shower System

Pre-Sloped Shower Pan    Linear Pre-Sloped Shower Pan

Laticrete® Hydro-Ban pre-formed shower products (which include trays, drains, niches, benches and accessories) are ideal for achieving a curbless shower system.  Be sure complete the system with the use of Laticrete® installation products for one of the industry’s most comprehensive system warranties.

Benefits:

• Curbless shower installation options are available.
• Pre-sloped ready to tile pan eliminates the need for traditional mud bed installations.
• Pans can be incorporated with Laticrete’s complete shower system  which reduces the risk of water and vapor penetration.
• The pans are lightweight and durable and easy to transport and handle during installation.
• Factory installed, code approved waterproofing meets ANSI A118.10 requirements.
• It can quickly and easily be modified to your shower’s size on site.
• Component of Laticrete Lifetime Warranty*. Single source responsibility.
• Works in conjunction with Laticrete tile and stone installation materials.

For more information on Laticrete Hydro-Ban Barrier Free Showers, please watch the below videos:

Schluter® Shower System

Schluter’s® Shower System is an integrated family of products that together form a fully bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers.  With the use of their prefabricated shower trays, drains and shower ramp, a curbless shower can be easily achieved.

Benefits:

• The Center and Lineal shower trays allow for curbless showers
• The trays are a component of Schluter’s complete shower system which reduces the risk of failures due to water and vapor penetration.
• Lightweight, durable, easy to transport and hand handle during installation.
• They can quickly and easily be modified to the size of your shower on site.

For more information on Schluter Kerdi Shower System, please watch the below videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FFmwluqli0

If you are interested in learning more about Conestoga Tile’s selection or need help in choosing the right fit for your home, please do not hesitate to call us or visit a location near you to speak with a pro in our showroom or at our contractor desk. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

The post Go for a Curbless Shower for Safety and Style! appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Tile is a great hypoallergenic flooring choice as shown here in this photo of a beautiful living room using color Noce from Cotto D’Este’s Forest series.

Wave Goodbye to Allergens, VOCs, Formaldehyde, and PVC. 

Tile is a hypoallergenic flooring choice, making it a perfect option for families who suffer from asthma or allergies. Due to its dust and pollutant-resistant properties, tile can be used in homes that need a “clean” break from chemically induced floors.

Plus, tile is unable to hold common household allergens due to its impervious surface. This helps it not to grow bacteria, fungi, mold, or even house dust mites.

Say Hello to Sustainability. 

Tile is considered the most environmental-friendly flooring choice available to consumers. It is created from a natural, sustainable material that focuses on energy-efficiency and recycling/reuse. Tile helps to moderate your home’s temperature during peak hours to build a more energy-efficient home. Plus, you can find many tile choices made from recycled materials, making tile an environmentally conscious choice.

Tile’s slip-resistant and fire-resistant properties allow it to be one of the safest flooring options available. Photo: Lea The Rock series color Grey.

Welcome Safety without Sacrifices. 

With tile, you do not have to sacrifice safety for style. Tile flooring has the added benefit of being just as beautiful as it is functional. It features slip-resistant and fire-resistant properties to help keep you and your loved ones safe. With various textures and finishes available, you can easily create a slip-resistant shower or pool area. Additionally, tile is not a flammable material; therefore, if a fire were to break out, it does not produce smoke or burn toxic fumes.

However, being a healthy flooring choice is not the only thing that tile has to offer. Be sure to check back for part two of our series where we will focus on tile’s easy maintenance and care. Thanks for reading.

The post Why Tile? It’s The Healthy Choice!! appeared first on Conestoga Tile.

Why tile? For when adorably puppies are being themselves there’s nothing easier to clean than tile. Photo courtesy: WhyTile.com

Unmatched Performance and Distinguished Durability:

While being a coveted flooring material that even our ancestors loved, ceramic tile’s surface is moisture-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, fire-resistant, as well as mold-and-mildew-resistant:

• Moisture-Resistant: From the walls to the floors, tile has an unmatched water-resistant property that makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and mudrooms alike. You will never have to be concerned with water “seeping” through your tile and can have peace of mind that their design is as durable as it is stylish.
• Stain-Resistant: Tile floors provide homeowners with ease of mind. Whether your little one spilled their drink or your furry friend had an accident, tile floors give you the opportunity to clean messes without worry.
• Scratch-Resistant: Being a naturally scratch-resistant surface, tile can be installed in heavy traffic areas and maintain its alluring beauty from year to year.
• Fire-Resistant: The fire-resistant property ensures that tile is not a flammable material; therefore, if a fire were to break out, it does not produce smoke or burn toxic fumes which keeps you and your loved ones safe.
• Mold-and Mildew-Resistant: Remarkably, tile can boastfully say that it does not house or produce bacteria, making your house healthier for you and your family.

Why Tile? Unlike other flooring types, tile is completely inhospitable to bacteria. That means no mold or mildew, and a healthier home for you and your little drummer. Photo courtesy of Florida Tile Tuscan Villa

Ease of Mind with Easy Cleaning: 

Homeowners will quickly discover that cleaning tile floors is quick and easy. With four easy tips, you can successfully clean your floors week to week for a pristine, long-lasting clean:

• Tip No. One: Sweep and Mop Your Floors Every Couple of Days

In order to care for your tile floors, you will want to sweep away dirt and debris every couple of days. Additionally, you will want to buy a wet mop to remove any leftover and remaining debris from the surface. When using a mop, be sure to switch out the water often and only use water that is clean and clear. We recommend checking with your manufacturer for the best cleaner to mix with your water.

• Tip No. Two: Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals and Cleaners Regularly

When using a cleaner on your floors, we recommend checking with your manufacturer for the best cleaner to mix with your water. You will want to avoid using harsh cleaners on a regular basis due to their ability to break down sealers that may be present in the grout.

• Tip No. Three: Do Not Leave Cleaners, Soap or Detergent on the Surface

It is important to rinse away any cleaners, soaps, or detergents with clean, clear water. A buildup of these products can present a duller surface that is easier to dirty.

• Tip No. Four: Use Nylon or Plastic Scrubbers

You will want to keep nylon or plastic scrubbers nearby for cleaning purposes. These products help clean and care for your floors without scratching the surface.

Still not convinced that tile floors are the perfect option for you? Be sure to check back for our final post in this series where we will dig deeper in tile’s heritage and why our ancestors loved this material for their building projects. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit a Conestoga Tile showroom near you.

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