Some tiles can be identified by the types of clays or glazes used. Two other methods which can be used to identify tiles are through initials, or a name or logo on the tile's back; or through the key patterns found on the backs of many tiles.
Ordering Custom-Made Tiles
Some companies specialize in creating matching tiles based on the samples you provide. While this option can be more expensive, it often yields the closest match to your original tiles.
TilesView brings a whole basket of benefits when it comes to floor tile identification. This is a powerful app capable of revolutionizing the way consumers, contractors, and designers explore and select their tiles. So, your whole tile selection process proves to be more efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding.
As the production process became more advanced and efficient, the tiles became thinner and thinner. Thanks to that, we can use the thickness of the tile as a good indication of its age. A very thick tile is often late 16th century or early 17th century, whether a thinner can be dated around 1650 or 1700.
Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring, so chips may reveal a different color underneath. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic.
Some tiles can be identified by the types of clays or glazes used. Two other methods which can be used to identify tiles are through initials, or a name or logo on the tile's back; or through the key patterns found on the backs of many tiles.
The same body of tile may be used for many different styles. If the manufacturer of the tile is a major manufacturer then normally their name is impressed on the back of the tile.
1950s kitchen style focused on mosaic tile that was all the rage. Small rectangles and squares were used to create unique patterns. Some homeowners in the 1950s would use a single color to create the mosaic tile pattern while others would bring in a pop of color every so often to create depth.
Asbestos in Flooring. Asbestos was used in flooring until as recently as 1997. Nearly every component of flooring contained asbestos, including tiles, sheet flooring, adhesives, and underlayment. Asbestos flooring threatens human health when it becomes damaged or worn.
Tile Mate Tracker
The Bluetooth tracker for keys, bags & more. New for 2024 - send a discreet SOS alert. Find your phone — even when silenced. Up to 3-year battery life. Works with iOS® and Android™
Place a drop of water on the tile and observe how long it takes to absorb. Quality tiles have low water absorption rates, enhancing durability. Surface Hardness: Scratch the surface with a sharp object to test the hardness. High-quality tiles resist scratches, ensuring longevity in high-traffic areas.
With Shaw's Floorvana color matching app, you can now capture and connect your inspiration with the perfect flooring for all of your rooms through patent-pending color matching technology. Get our free color matching app to use wherever inspiration strikes.
Interactive Tile Visualizer
This easy-to-use tool allows you to select the perfect tile for your space. Through a high-quality virtual experience, you can preview Best Tile products, customize your space to fit your unique needs, and visualize your tile selections in realistic interior settings.
To mix and match tile shapes effectively, start with a cohesive colour palette and balance bold patterns with subtle backgrounds. Combine large and small tiles to create visual interest and use border tiles for smooth transitions. Use geometric or mosaic patterns to add depth.
Antique tiles were hand crafted due to the lack of machinery to handle the job. Therefore, every tile will not be exactly alike. Carefully examine different tiles and notice any slight differences like the size and design composition as a clear indicator as to the authenticity of your supposed antique tile.
Hexagonal tiles were popular in bathrooms and hallways, with a mixture of simple designs, where others would feature large rows of solid colour. Checkerboard tiles are the perfect additional feature in a kitchen floor, pairing contrasting colours such as black and white, blue, and yellow, green and beige.
The 1970s were well known for their bright green, turquoise, yellow, orange, and brown tiles. A 70s kitchen in any home across America would feel groovy as soon as you walked into it.
Most tiles will have an identifying marker to determine the manufacturer. Positively identifying the manufacturer is tremendously helpful when attempting to locate a specific tile.
Visit Local Tile Stores
Follow these steps: Bring Samples: Take your photographs and any available information to local tile stores. Knowledgeable staff can often assist in finding similar options. Request Swatches: If possible, request swatches or small samples of tiles that closely resemble your existing ones.
A porcelain tile should feel denser than a similar ceramic one and have consistent color throughout the tile. A water penetration test is the best way to tell the difference. If a tile soaked in water absorbs five percent or less of the water, it is most likely porcelain.
The Tile has a QR code on the back
Scan the QR code with your mobile device camera. If the owner of the Tile has marked it as lost and entered their contact information, it will show so you can coordinate the return of the Tile and lost item.
Tile does not have real-time location monitoring such as GPS. Your Tile uses Bluetooth technology to make a connection with the Tile app on your device. It works within a certain range (100-500 feet) and is best reserved for items such as a wallet, pet leash, luggage, or keys.
Once you have the square footage of the space and the size of the tiles, you can calculate the number of tiles you'll need. This is simply the square footage of the space divided by the area of each tile.