Help! I’m overwhelmed. I don’t know how to begin my tile project and I need design assistance.
That’s what we are here for! Come into one of our tile showrooms and let our design staff create a unique look for you. There is no charge for our in-store design services! What works best is if you try to come prepared. For instance, bring us pictures of the room as it is, any swatch or sample of something you want to use in the room, or just about anything that inspires you. Also, we encourage you to browse magazines and bring us pictures of rooms that appeal to you so we can get a better feel for the style you are going for. We can take it from there. Appointments are not required but are beneficial to you especially for larger projects.
I hear the terms porcelain tile and ceramic tile used all the time. What is the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile?
This is a very common question. Put simply, the main difference is that ceramic tile is made of one type of clay whereas porcelain tile is made up of a mixture of clays. Porcelain is the newer technology and thought to be more durable. Some porcelains are considered “through body” meaning the color that you see on the top of the tile is carried all the way through the entire tile. So if you were to chip the tile you most likely won’t be able to tell since the color will be the same in the chipped area.
The market is on the porcelain bandwagon and has most people believing that it is a requirement for tile. Don’t fall for all the hype! There are some quality ceramic tiles available with a high industry rating that are also very durable. And vice versa, there are tiles out there labeled porcelain that do not meet quality standards (color lots, gauging etc can be inconsistent). Let our knowledgeable sales staff help define this further for you.
What is meant by a through body porcelain or a porcelain through and through?
Some porcelain tiles are considered “through body” meaning the color that you see on the top of the tile is carried all the way through the entire tile. So if the tile were to chip it most likely won’t be noticeable since the color will appear the same in the chipped area. This type of tile is best for outdoor applications or heavily trafficked floors.
I’m considering redoing my kitchen and bathroom with new floor tile. How much will it cost me?
This is a hard question to answer simply because every situation is different. There is no general rule of thumb out there that can reliably estimate how much a bathroom or kitchen will cost to renovate. It all depends on what the project entails. Obviously a project that requires moving plumbing or rip outs of existing coverings will cost more than if you were just tiling a fresh surface (Fuda Tile does not install tile but can recommend reliable and reasonable contractors in your area). Bring us your visions and rough measurements and we can work out the details from there. At Fuda Tile you can rest assured that we can work within any budget!
I’m in the market for new countertops (kitchen or bathroom). How do I begin the process?
Fuda Tile is a leader in this department! We have been fabricating and installing marble and granite countertops marble for over 40 years. Unlike many other companies, we do NOT outsource your job. All work is done on premises in our Ridgefield, NJ location. Skilled craftsmen will be assigned to your project from measurements to installation. Here’s how the process works: First, come into any of our tile stores and bring with you anything that you have already chosen for your room such as cabinetry, flooring, curtain or wallpaper swatches, etc. This will help us with marble or granite design and color selection. Also, bring with you a rough sketch of the surface area with your own measurements. This will help us to give you an estimate of your job. If you are satisfied with the estimate we ask for a deposit, which allows us to come to your home to take actual measurements and templates. Final pricing will be based on these measurements. We do require that the job be paid in full prior to installation.
Should I see the actual slab of stone I am going to get for my countertop?
Absolutely! Stone is like a work of art. Every piece is entirely different. Certain stones do not vary that much but there are certainly ones that you wouldn’t believe to be the same. You should be 100% certain of the investment you are about to make which is why it’s important to see what you are getting. We have several stone yards you can chose from. Your salesperson will direct you where to go. Don’t forget to ask for a sample so we can help you design a tile backsplash to coordinate with your new countertop!
How do I care for my new granite or marble countertops?
Even though every piece of stone we fabricate for you is sealed in our factory prior to installation, it is still important to protect your investment on your own! We recommend that you use a daily cleaner specifically formulated to clean stone. These will protect the stone’s luster. In our showroom we have several products you can chose from. An alternative would be using very mild soap diluted with plenty of water. Do NOT use anything abrasive or any product containing ammonia or bleach. In addition, we advise you to reseal your granite or marble once a year with a good penetrating sealer. Many products indicate their sealer does not need to be reapplied for many years, but it is our feeling that reapplying once a year as an added precaution will only protect your investment for years to come. See a salesperson for additional guidance.
How to Clean Porcelain & Ceramic Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the easiest to care for! You can feel free to use just about any of your preferred store bought cleaners without fear of ruining your tile. Porcelain and ceramic are both non-porous surfaces so you don’t have to worry about sealing them either. Just follow the manufacturer's directions for any cleanser you choose. An inexpensive yet effective method is using equal parts white vinegar and warm water (only do this occasionally as in once or twice a year - we do not advise you to do this as a daily practice). Always use non-abrasive scrubbers as well like soft cloths or a natural fiber string mop. At times more stringent cleaners or scrubbing implements may sometimes be necessary to clean tile, it is best to start out using the mildest options possible to protect the glaze. Use bleach only as a last resort as it may change the color of your grout.
Natural Stone
Proper maintenance of your natural stone goes hand and hand with a beautiful surface. It is very necessary to preserve and protect your investment so you can enjoy it for many years to come. All stone - granite, marble, slate, onyx, travertine, etc, in all finishes - polished, honed, tumbled, etc., must be sealed periodically and cleaned properly. We recommend silicon sealers and pH balanced stone cleaners. Do NOT use any product containing bleach or ammonia. Do NOT use any abrasive scrubbers. Both may cause damage. Many sealers indicate that one application will last for several years. We advise to reseal every year anyway so you don’t forget and for added protection. The cleaners we recommend are gentle enough to use daily, if needed. Stop by one of our stores for the complete product line or for more information.
Glass Tile
While the installation of glass requires very careful instructions, the care of it is very easy. You can clean glass tile with any household glass cleaner and non-abrasive cloth. It’s that easy!
Grout
Inevitably, your grout is going to get dirty and discolored with time. The good news is that you can help minimize this by applying a protective sealer. While it is a tedious task to apply the solution between all the joints with a special applicator, the grout will look better and preserve better for a longer period of time. It’s important to keep grout protected not only for looks, but damaged grout could lead to damage to tile or the surface underneath it. Newly grouted surfaces need time to cure (up to two weeks) prior to sealing. Cleaning grout is also a tedious task, which requires a brush with stiff bristles and some old fashioned elbow grease. Cleaners formulated specifically for grout as well as the sealers are sold in our showrooms.