GLASS TILE is one of the most exciting products to sweep the decorating community in recent years.

Though glass has been used as tiles since the 3rd Century BC, glass tiles have become increasingly popular as field and accent tiles. This trend can be attributed to recent technological breakthroughs, as well as the tiles’ inherent properties - in particular their potential to impart intense color and reflect light, while being imperviousness to water.

There are many different varieties available: clear, acid-etched (matte), and painted-back. Since the 1990’s a variety of modern glass tile technologies, including methods to take used glass and recreate it as ‘green’ tiles, has resulted in a resurgence of interest in glass tile as a floor and wall cladding.

Glass is impervious - making it ideal for wet or constantly submerged areas. Most popular are the smaller mosaics usually used for accents or borders within a backsplash or shower and tub surrounds. Glass is now commonly used in kitchens, spas and bathrooms.

Though the cost of the product tends to be high in comparison to ceramic tile, using glass in small areas or amounts as an accent helps to make glass tiles a cost effective solution.

Glass in tile introduces complexities to the installer, as glass is more rigid than ceramic or porcelain tile, so glass tiles break more readily under duress of substrate shifts.

MOSAIC AND ACCENT GLASS TILE

METAL TILES

Metal tiles are a popular new way to add a distinguishing element to walls or floors. They come in a great variety of sizes, metals(to include bronze, brass, stainless steel, aluminum and copper), finishes (such as mirrored, brushed, aged, and Patina), and textures (including flat , modeled, and embossed) making metal tiles versatile and appropriate for any interior décor from Old World to Classic Modern. Metal tiles can be used as an accent tile or border or may be used as field tiles for walls and backsplashes.

Why Metal Tiles?

• One of the main advantages of having metal tiles is that they are very easy to clean as well as maintain.
• Metal field tiles are an extremely cost effective backsplash solution.
• Metal tiles are available in a wide range of color and finish options.
• Metal Tiles are available in recycled material making them environmentally friendly.
• Metal tiles are extremely durable in nature. If they are installed properly and taken proper care of, these tiles might even last for decade.
• Because they are inherently water, allergen, and bacteria resistant, metal tiles are an excellent solution for kitchen purposes.

More and more homeowners are beginning to think outside the box and realize the same old ceramic tile isn't the best option for their kitchen walls. Stainless steel tile is low maintenance, highly resistant to both stain and oxidization. It is one of the most hygienic kitchen materials available. Reasonably-priced, it won't be as cheap as your old ceramic tile, but it probably won't be as expensive as a premium stone tile, either.

Stainless Steel Tile Gauge

Steel gauge refers to the thickness of the metal, the lower the number the thicker the steel. Naturally, a thicker tile will also be more expensive. More than cost, though, the place where you install the steel will probably be the most important factor in determining which gauge to use. 18 or 20 gauge is recommended for stainless steel wall tiles.

What you should know:

• When in contact with water, metal tiles can prove to be quite slippery. This is why they are not recommended to be used for flooring purposes.
• Metal tiles feel very hard as well as cold underfoot. This is another reason why they do not form a popular choice as flooring material.
• Embossed accent tiles tend to be expensive and are typically used sparingly for high impact