The Tile Guys, Inc.

We Know Tile.
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Campbell Kitchen
Caine Shower
Shaw Bathroom
Coulier Residence
Pelican Builders
Mike Brown Master Bath
M.I.L. Bath
Small Balcony
Super Shower!
Morlando Tub
Spiral with Style
Hopscotch Kitchen
Turco Master Bath
Morlando Master Bath
This was a fun project.  Fun because we were given the liberty to come up with a design that would enhance the unique architecture of the space.  Because of the radius tub and the octagon tray ceiling, we bounced a few ideas around.  We finally decided to create a sunburst, with the rays extending from the tub, to points in the floor directly beneath the outer-most points of the octagonal tray ceiling above the tub.  With a plumb bob, we found the spots on the floor where the rays were to come to a point.  Once that was done, we tried a few different configurations for the rays themselves.  We ultimately decided to use a larger tile in the rays, foregoing smaller pieces, so that we could keep all the grout joints crisp.  We installed the field tile first, then carefully installed the rays one-at-a-time until all were in place.  The marble strips used to band the rays matched the granite used for the counter tops, so we chose to incorporate the same stone into the 3"x3" mosaic used on the tub.  Finally, we completed the installation with epoxy grout, to make sure it looks great for its many years of use.

Morlando Master Bath


Design Ideas
 
Tile and stone can be challenging to design with if you are not familiar with how they are installed.  Here are some tips for designing patterns for your project.
  1. Try to select materials that are the same thickness.  This is especially important for floor installations.
  2. Patterns look best when they are symmetrical.  Work from the center then out to make the design look balanced.
  3. Prepare the surface to be tiled so that it is smooth and flat.  A level surface is best, but flat is just as important.
  4. Have fun trying different things.  Try combining different materials for texture and color variety.  Glass and stone, even in small amounts, can make a design "Pop".
 


Announcements
It's official!!! Mike Ploplis, President of The Tile Guys, Inc., is now officially a Certified Tile Installer.  On October 20-21, 2009, Mike demonstrated to evaluators from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) that he indeed had the skills and knowledge to be considered a Certified Tile Installer (CTI) by passing both a written and practical exam over two days.
 
 
 
Mike is the first tile installer to be certified in Rowan County, North Carolina!  Congratulations, Mike!