KITCHEN BACKSPLASH DESIGN IDEAS, CHOOSING THE RIGHT TILE – Part:2

Welcome back today I bring you our final part of this 2 part series covering tile options for your kitchen backsplash materials.

Click here to view  our first part of Kitchen backsplash ideas

Porcelain tiles:

Durable, dense, versatile and water resistant. Porcelain tile is much harder than ceramic tile so it lasts longer and better and will not stain. These tiles are unglazed and allow for more texture and richness. You can also achieve a stone-like look using porcelain tiles yet still have a denser stronger tile since it is not a natural stone tile. It is unbelievable to see how closely porcelain tiles can mimic the look of marble, granite or slate. Porcelain is very easy to maintain and the tiles will retain their beauty and durability for years.

Granite tiles:

Made of natural stone but using tiles is more affordable than using a single custom slab. Granite is as gorgeous as it is durable. It comes in a variety of colors both rich and deep. No two pieces are alike and they come in many different shades so granite tiles will work in any color kitchen. In addition, granite offers incredible endurance, is non-porous and won’t stain.

Glass tiles:

Luminous, beautiful, chic and modern.  Most often utilized for kitchen backsplashes and walls. Glass tiles come in a rainbow of vibrant colors and will add drama and pizzazz to any kitchen. These tiles are unlike any other as they are transparent and light moves through them thus enlarging the space and catching your eye. The glass is reflective and will add a luminous glow to your kitchen. Since glass is impervious to water and won’t stain it is a perfect choice for use near cook tops and sinks. Clean up and maintenance is a breeze; simply wipe down with water.  Glass tiles come in brick, mosaic, large and small tile sizes and offer unlimited color and pattern options making this a great choice for a stunning kitchen backsplash.

Check back soon fore more great tips on Home decorating ideas and Glass Tiles

Glass Tiles Oasis

At Glass Tile Oasis we carry glass tiles in a wide range of colors and styles at  everyday low prices visit our website today at wwww.glasstileoasis.com

 

KITCHEN BACKSPLASH DESIGN IDEAS, CHOOSING THE RIGHT TILE – Part:1

Are you looking to redecorate or spruce up your kitchen? For a small change with a big impact think kitchen backsplashes. A backsplash makes a statement and can help you achieve the look you desire for your kitchen. Your backsplash choice will bring together all the different elements in your kitchen adding that perfect finishing touch. Alternatively it can be the starring factor in itself expressing your creativity and originality. So don’t be shy, go ahead and create your perfect kitchen backsplash –with some research and confidence you’re on your way. Here we present some different choices to get you started.

Ceramic tiles:

Popular, practical and affordable. In addition to the hundreds of choices of colors and patterns, ceramic tiles are also available in many different finishes.  If you are looking to add texture to your kitchen, this can be a good option. If choosing ceramic, make sure the finish of the tile is appropriate for your work space. If it will be near water or spills the tile will need to be glazed so that it is impervious to water. Using ceramic tile will also afford you the opportunity of being able to add your own totally unique touch onto the tiles themselves by painting, stamping or using stickers or decals. You can really use your creativity and originality here and create a backsplash you can call your own.

Stone tiles:

Beautifully natural, rich in color and texture, very durable and easy to maintain. However, stone will cost you –the material is expensive. Here are the many different stone options:

Granite, Marble, Slate – the most popular options. Of the 3, granite is the hardest and comes with a polished surface making it water proof. Marble is less durable than granite and more costly though undisputed for beauty and texture. Slate is softer than marble and needs to be sealed for water penetration (as does marble) but it is also a good choice as it is durable, versatile and offers many different colors and textures.

Brick, Concrete, Sandstone, Travertine and Engineered stone are other stone options. They have a rustic, textured appeal and are very durable. Be sure to see and touch your different stone options to get a feel of the look you are trying to obtain and bear in mind the many different finishes available for stone tiling.

Check back soon for Part 2 of helpful ideas on selecting the right tile for your kitchen backsplash  to help you redecorate your home

untill next time

Style your coveted space

Glass Tiles Oasis

At Glass Tile Oasis we carry glass tiles in a wide range of colors and styles at  everyday low prices visit our website today at wwww.glasstileoasis.com

 

Energize Your Kitchen & Brighten Your Home with Glass Tiles

Celebrate summer by bringing in some of that sunshine-in the form of new tiles of course! You cannot underestimate the change your home will undergo with the simple addition of tiling. Your kitchen can get a sparkling lift with the installation of a new Kitchen backsplash. The right pick of tiles will open and enlarge your current space literally making it more airy and bright. What is a good choice of tiles? Without a doubt, glass tile is the most trendy, current way to go in regards to tiling today. It is beautiful, durable and very chic! A glass tile backsplash will transform your ho-hum kitchen into something spectacular.  If your budget allows you just one kitchen renovation, strongly consider a new backsplash; it’ll make that much of a difference.

So what are glass tile choices you ask?

Well, practically endless-but don’t despair! Here’s a tip on how to select kitchen tiles. First, spend some time perusing kitchen and home decorating magazines to get a feel of what you like-and don’t like. You’ll be surprised on how some colors and designs pull you and how some just do not.

Then, go to the experts. A glass tile website is the perfect place to shop for, and get, exactly what you are looking for. It’s there that you will find all glass tiles clearly categorized for easy and quick browsing- a great shopping experience. Leave the extensive selection up to the glass tile experts who browse the world bringing you the finest at the best prices guaranteed! After you’ve narrowed down your selection you can go ahead and order samples of what you like

At glasstileoasis our glass tile prices are low,low as you can see for yourself when you visit our website. A lot of glass for a great price, now that’s a hot summer feeling!

 

The Coveted Bathroom – Bathroom Design Ideas With Glass Tiles

Looking to transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat?

Here are some bathroom ideas and bathroom tile design pointers to give you some direction.

• Space is often a challenge when it comes to bathroom remodeling. Careful planning and an open mind will help towards maximizing your space and to bring your bathroom to its full potential. Even if your quarters are tight a few simple tricks can effectively enlarge your room.
   
•  Look for tiles that are light colored. Soft colors tend to create an open,bright space. 
   
• Glass bathroom tiles are a good idea as a glass wall tile will reflect and illuminate its surroundings giving off an illusion of a wider area. 
• Current bathroom designs are loaded with glass wall tile both for its stunning visual appeal and for its durability and practicality in high water –traffic spaces. They are especially utilized for shower tile ideas.
• Use mirrors as a space enlarging trick. Get rid of clunky radiators and opt for radiant flooring as a space saving and luxurious option.
• When looking for bathroom tile ideas think of colors and patterns that give off a feeling of tranquility.  Be sure they are pleasing to you and don’t worry about others’ opinions-it is your own private place to relax in.
• Bathroom tile mosaic and natural stone mosaics are beautiful ideas that add detail and can be the finishing touch to a perfect place.

Check back soon for additional tips and helpfull ideas to help you redecorate your bathroom 

untill next time

Style your coveted space

Glass Tiles Oasis

 

swimming pool tiles – Glass Tiles Oasis

Ah summer! The very word conjures up images of sun, lemonade and……. swimming pools! If you just pictured a shimmering aqua oasis of water glittering in the sunlight well, that was the point. The creation of a stunning swimming pool is at your fingertips with glass tile oasis. Glass tiles are the most durable pool tiles out there.  Glass tile pools are resistant to chemical corrosion and are non porous making them a perfect choice for water tiling projects. Utilizing glass tile for pools will translate into your swimming pool keeping its beautiful appearance and durability practically forever. Ok, so we know how practical it is to use tile glass, but that aside, the beauty; the utter work of art a glass pool can be! Glass pool tiles reflect and refract the sunlight creating a mesmerizing and beautiful effect that is truly spectacular. There is good reason that glass tiles are the pool tile of choice now days. With so many glistening colors to choose from, and so many different ways of putting them together; these small sized tiles can turn a swimming pool into a stunning backyard experience. If breathtaking beauty is what you’re looking for in a pool; glass tile is the answer.

Here are a some of our more popular glass pool tiles

Crystile Blue Squares

 

 

 

 

 

Crystile Green Squares

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frosted Aqua Mini Pebbles  Glass Tiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marine Blend

Customer Sample of Marine Blend

 

Home decorating on a Budget in todays economy – (Hint Glass Tiles)

 

  If the thought of home decorating in today’s economy has got you down, cheer up We may have some help full ideas.

There are many ways to save while home decorating on a budget. Budget decorating is definitely a challenge but one that can be met with careful planning. Most importantly, start with a realistic budget and it will be a lot easier to stick to your price. There are many home decorating ideas that can help you decorate on a budget including those decorating on a tight budget. For instance, if you need to redo your kitchen, consider having your current floor scraped or professionally cleaned, it’s a lot cheaper than the cost of a new floor. Also; appliances are expensive, save money by sticking with your existing kitchen appliances.

 If you are challenged by a tight budget-like so many of us are today- but are still dreaming of a new look for your home start with one thing-you’ll be amazed at the transformation.  May I suggest new tiles? Particularly in the kitchen, the heart of your home, a small change with big results!  Backsplash tiles will give your kitchen an instant face lift and won’t break your bank account. If you’re thinking of a glass tile backsplash -so current and beautiful- take a look at the glass tile oasis website. They sell hundreds of glass tiles from glass subway tiles to stunning glass mosaic tiles and everything in between.

At glasstileoasis we know about decorating on a budget-that’s why we offer free shipping on all orders over $250 and free 2^nd day air on all samples! That means if you see something you like, you’ll have the samples in your hands in 2 days- at no cost to you! Besides for their everyday low prices on all tiles, be sure to check out their clearance section for incredible savings on many different styles of glass tiles.  All these savings translate into more money in your pocket and who can’t use that in today’s financial times? 

 

 

Part 4 Do It Your Self / Home Improvement Project Glass Kitchen Tile Backslash

 

This may well be the final installment for our Do it your self glass tiles series view the previous posts here. (Feel free to post comments for additional ideas for this series)

Part 1    Part 2  Part3

 

 

Let’s talk about tools used to cut glass tiles. There are 3 main tools used to cut glass tiles:

 

1. Nippers: Pliers with sharp tips. Nippers are handy for cutting small mosaic tiles, standard glass tiles. Make sure the nippers are new or as good as new.
2. Glass Scoring Knives: For larger straight cuts on standard smooth tiles. Basically, you will be scoring and snapping the tile along the desired place of cutting.
3. Wet saws: Power saws with a water sprayer. Do NOT use the ceramic blade that comes with most wet saws-replace it with a diamond electroplated glass tile blade.

If you will be using a wet saw, you have the option to rent or buy. You may be better off buying a (smaller) tile saw since that will equal the price of renting one for 2 or 3 days.

 To lay the tiles you will need:

Large sheets of cardboard, thinset (tile adhesive), grout, bucket, water, sponge, dry towel, pencil, eraser, 3/16”v-notched trowel, power drill, cement-mixing tool bit and grout float.

Measure the dimensions, transfer them on paper and lay them on a horizontal surface. Then spread thinset onto the wall using the trowel. Spread adhesive directly on the tiles and lay the tile sheets with the paper side out. After 20 minutes, use a damp sponge and warm water to gently wipe down the paper. Make sure the paper is saturated and darkened. After a few minutes, carefully peel off the paper. Wait 24 hours to grout the tiles. Prepare the grout according to manufacturer’s instructions (you will need a drill and mixing bit) and spread the grout using a hard rubber grout float. Let the grout set for 20 minutes then clean off using a dry cloth and following up with a sponge and warm water. (The less water you use, the better). Buff the surface and watch your glass tile backsplash shine!

To see images and detailed instruction on how to create a glass tile backsplash go to http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/colorful-glass-tile-backsplash/index.html

In the mean time if your looking for a large selection of quality glass tile, mosaic glass tile or backsplash tiles at wholesale prices  vist us at www.glasstileoasis.com

 

 

Part 3 Do It Your Self / Home Decoration with Glass Tile

This a follow up post of  our Do it your self glass tile series view the previous posts here

Part 1    Part 2

Here is the third installment

In order to avoid tile installation failures-remember to allow for tile expansion. Because glass tile has a high degree of expansion and contraction, movement of “expansion” joints are a requirement of every installation.

For more indepth on tile installation see www.ntlfloortrends.com

Bathroom glass tiles  today are more often utilized for ornamentation than actual function, and tiles offer limitless design possibilities. For a visual lookand exprt opinion on beautiful  glass tile backsplash ideas visit http://design.hgtv.com/bath/Video_detail.aspx?id=343

If you’re looking to spiff up your lavatory with the hottest trends in glass tile , offers endless colors and styles to choose from. To see different choices of dazzling glass tiles and for beautiful glass ideas go to http://design.hgtv.com/bath/Video_detail.aspx?id=327

In the mean time if your looking for a large selection of quality glass tile, mosaic glass tile or backsplash tiles at wholesale prices  vist us at www.glasstileoasis.com

 

Part 2 Do It Your Self / Home Improvement Project Glass Kitchen Tile Backslash

For those of you who love doing their own home improvement projects, this one is for you! With a little helpfull information and determination you’re on your way to do it yourself tile installation. 

A couple of tiling tips from the pros:

-Always read the installation specifications and follow the manufactures instruction manual exactly. Do not assume all tile installations are all the same-they are not. Follow instructions and you will be successful!

-Glass tile installation is different than it is for other tiles. At the risk of sounding redundant, I repeat: follow instructions exactly.

-when setting glass tiles that are mounted on paper, always keep the paper side up.

-remove the paper backing the same day the tile is installed so that you can make any necessary adjustments to the tiles.

-have patience when grouting glass tiles. Because glass does not absorb moisture, it takes more time for the grout to set.

As you can see, working with tile- especially glass tile-takes patience. However the feeling of satisfaction you get from doing and completing the job yourself cannot be beat! It is fun, rewarding and an experience all on its own.  For more tips and ideas, read the blurbs below and follow the links to each website.

One more thing: don’t let the thought of working with glass tile scare you away.  I have seen such spectacular glass tile backsplash and beautiful glass kitchen tiles – a tile backsplash is stunning and well worth the effort! 

Have fun with your new project and let us know how it turned out!

 

Part 1 Do It Your Self / installation information for Glass Tile Kitchen Backslash

 

A good tile backsplash can bring a kitchen back to life.  If you’re looking to replace or add a new tile backsplash here is what you need to know. Since it will be a small project (quantity wise) you may be able to splurge on exotic or more detailed tile. Keep your options open and be sure the place you purchase your tiles from has a large and extensive collection. Experiment with different colors and sizes. 

 

Once you’ve made the decision on the type of tile to use, you need to look for an installer. If you will be going with glass tile for a backsplash be sure to look for a skilled tile installer. A glass tile kitchen is gorgeous -however glass tile is brittle and can be scratched, so the installer will have to be able to cut expertly and precisely. He needs to be able to pay attention to detail and follow the manufactures instructions explicitly. This will ensure your glass tiles will last longer and will look beautiful for years to come. 

 

If you are considering installing the kitchen tiles yourself, keep in mind there are three parts to installing a kitchen tile backsplash. 
1. Planning the project
2. Installing the backsplash
3. Finishing up.

 

Important quirks to keep in mind

When installing your backsplash tiles, the electrical power to all outlets within the backsplash area should be turned off. For more technical information with Glass tiles  visit at floorstransformed.com

A kitchen tile backsplash will keep walls dry and make them look dramatic. For a great overview on kitchen backsplashes visit www.askthebuilder.com 
Tile cutters are designed to score and snap straight lines in ceramic tiles that have a thin porcelain coating on their surface. For an informative video on how to cut ceramic tiles,  see http://www.floorstransformed.com/

For more on building with glass tiles visit http://www.doityourself.com/stry/stonetilecolors

Hope this helps if you have any additional Ideas for us to consider submit your thoughts below.

 

Happy Tiling

The Glass Tile Team