An antique floor tile — often made from stone, cast stone and cement — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect antique floor tile — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available.
Full Answer
What are floor tiles made of in the 1950s?
IN the 1950's manufacturers changed to use of synthetic organic resins and solvents made of vegetable or petroleum pitches. These new synthetic binders permitted manufacture of lighter colored, brighter floor tiles in a wider range of colors.
What are ceramic tiles made of?
Ceramic Ceramic tiles are made from clay materials that are quarried and turned into a mold. Different manufacturing methods of ceramic tile include dry pressing, extruding, and slush mold. The tile is formed when the slightly wet mixture is extruded and poured into a specified shape before getting hardened in a kiln at very high temperatures.
What do you need to know about historic floor tiles?
It includes an explanation of the various kinds of historic floor tiles used in the United States and how they were made. General guidance is given on preservation treatments, focusing on maintenance, and, when necessary, selective replacement of damaged floor tiles.
What are the different types of floor tiles?
1 Ceramic Tile. ... 2 Porcelain Tile. ... 3 Glass Tile. ... 4 Cement Tile. ... 5 Marble Tile. ... 6 Mosaic Tile. ... 7 Granite Tile. ... 8 Limestone Tile. ... 9 Travertine Tile. ... 10 Quarry Tile. ... 11 Metal Tile. ... 12 Resin Tile. ...
Are old floor tiles made of asbestos?
Does flooring contain asbestos? Flooring, including sheet vinyl, floor tiles and any associated paper-like backing, adhesive or glue, can contain asbestos. Asbestos was added during the production of flooring to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability.
Do old ceramic tiles contain asbestos?
Ceramic floor and wall tile produced in North America would not be expected to contain asbestos. However you may find asbestos in some tile grouts and thinset tile mastics and possibly in hand-made tiles made as part of an art project using art clay.
How do I know if I have asbestos flooring?
How to Identify Asbestos in FlooringYour home was built before 1980.The flooring looks oily, greasy, or discolored.You have 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch floor tiles.The flooring adhesive is black.
When did they stop making asbestos floor tiles?
1986If you are in North America, manufacturers stopped using asbestos in flooring products by 1986. In any case, if the older flooring is covered by a new layer of vinyl floor it poses no asbestos risk.
How can you tell if old tile is asbestos?
The definitive way to find out if tiles contain asbestos is to have them tested. You can either engage an asbestos remediation expert or obtain a test kit—for which you'll remove a flooring sample to mail to an asbestos-testing lab.
When did they stop using lead in tile?
The Good Morning America report said that by 1995, the manufacturers of porcelain bathtubs they contacted had all discontinued using lead in their glazes or were about to end the practice.
What happens if you breathe in asbestos once?
It is possible to develop an illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural effusions or lung cancer after a one-time exposure to asbestos if the exposure was significant enough to lead to asbestos particles lodging in the body's tissues. The 9/11 attack is a common example.
What type of flooring contains asbestos?
Asbestos floor tiles came in two main varieties: vinyl tiles and asphalt tiles. The mineral was incorporated for strength, heat resistance and durability. Vinyl and asphalt asbestos tiles could contain up to 70% asbestos by weight. Other types of flooring may also contain asbestos.
Should you buy a house with asbestos tiles?
The bottom line is this: home buyers should be aware of asbestos in the homes they are thinking about buying, but they should not pass on a house because it contains asbestos products. As long as the asbestos is not damaged or is handled by a professional, you should not have to worry about toxic asbestos exposure.
Does all old linoleum contain asbestos?
Linoleum is an all-natural floor covering composed of dried linseed oil, wood dust, cork and jute, and it doesn't contain asbestos.
What was the original floor covering made of?
Prior to the development of linoleum sheet flooring, floor coverings were made of painted canvas. According to Rosato, "The original resilient floor coverings were developed during the latter part of the Nineteenth Century by Frederick Walton.
What flooring material has come into use in the last 250 years?
Below we include (for now) flooring materials that have come into popular use in the last 250 years. Some basic flooring materials and floor coverings such as stone, slate, brick, carpets and tapestry have a much older history.
How many square yards of asphalt floor tile were sold in 1946?
At the end of World War II and combined with the reduction in military consumption of the product, asphalt floor tile sales increased to about 12% of the flooring market (1946), selling 41 million square yards. By 1949 the post-war construction boom led to asphalt floor tile sales of 61 million square yards.
What kind of flooring was used in 1975?
Lillie there were many different types of flooring installed in homes around the world in 1975 ranging from dirt or stone through ceramic tile, marble, wood, carpeting, vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl tile flooring.
What is an asphalt tile?
Asphalt floor tiles are 9" square (or other sized) tiles which used asphalt as the main binding material. the original asphalt tiles were produced only in dark colors because asphalt was a main ingredient.
When was Pergo laminate flooring first made?
Pergo™ laminate flooring, for example, was developed by Pergo AB, a Swedish company founded around 1890 as a vinegar manufacturer. Product development for Pergo laminate flooring began in 1977 and was first brought to the market in 1984. Pergo laminate flooring was first sold in the U.S. in 1994.
When was asbestos flooring made?
Vinyl asbestos floor tiles were produced from approximately 1954 to 1980. Early vinyl asbestos flooring was made in 9" x9" floor tiles, and also sold as decorative or accent solid color strips, typically 1" wide by 24" long.
Why are my floor tiles stained?
The tiles may appear stained or oily. Over time, asphalt—which was a main ingredient in asbestos tiles—can degrade and cause the tiles to look grimy or discolored in spots. Some of the flooring tiles have come off and you see thick black adhesive underneath.
When did asbestos start to be found in floor tiles?
If floor tiles were installed between 1920 and 1960, there’s a good chance they contain asbestos because most flooring tiles manufactured during this period did. If the tiles were installed between 1960 and 1980, there’s a slight chance they contain asbestos. The flooring tiles are 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch squares.
Can asbestos floor tiles be disturbed?
Asbestos floor tiles will not release toxic fibers and pose a health risk unless they are disturbed. Sanding, sawing, drilling, or tearing the tiles out, however, can release fibers into the air where they can be inhaled, so caution should be taken to not disturb them.
Can you put tile over asbestos?
New vinyl, laminate flooring, hardwood, engineered floating flooring, and carpeting can all be successfully installed over asbestos tiles. Even ceramic, slate, and stone tiles can be installed on top, as long as a fiber-cement backer is installed first.
Can you leave asbestos in a tile floor?
The only instances where you can’t leave asbestos floor tiles in place is if you intend to refinish the wood flooring beneath or otherwise disturb the tile during a remodel. Aside from that, some homeowners simply aren’t comfortable having asbestos tiles remain even if they pose no health risk.
What are the different types of tile?
If you’ve never taken on a tiling project before, you might be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular, but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few. To make it even more confusing, not every type of tile works for every job.
What is quarry tile made of?
Quarry tile is made from ground minerals, like feldspar, clay, and shale, that are ground together then baked at over 2000 degrees.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
The other most common type of tile is porcelain, which differs from ceramic tile. “The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood—and without any of the maintenance,” Castellano says. “You get the same elegant finish without any of the upkeep or weathering. In addition, as it’s an all-purpose tile, it comes in a variety of designs, colors, and styles to allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can even be used outdoors, as it will not freeze, fade, or crack.” Other applications for porcelain tile include bath or kitchen tile, high-traffic areas, and kitchen backsplashes.
What is mosaic tile?
Mosaic tiles give you a chance to flex your creative interior design muscles since it comes in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and even materials. “Mosaic tiles work best on wall applications when an accent is needed. I recommend using them sparingly,” Morgan says. She also notes that, depending on the type of tile you choose, mosaic can look dated quickly. Keep that in mind as you select not just the tile, but the space where it will be installed.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
Granite is a natural stone that has a similar look and feel to marble because of its natural flecks, though there are some notable differences. “Granite has been overused and tends to look like a cheaper alternative,” Morgan says. That’s partly because it actually often is the cheaper alternative, which is nothing to balk at if you’re on a budget. Morgan recommends using granite tiles in a laundry room or other secondary space where performance and lower cost are your top priority.
Is resin tile water resistant?
“Resin tiles are a great solution to combine styles you want, ” Boylen says. “These tiles look great and are water-resistant. Plus, they are perfect for the DIYer since you can make you own tile patterns. The 3D patterns are also popular with resin and it can imitate the look of water and stones.”
Is marble tile expensive?
Though costly, marble tile adds an instant touch of elegance and refinement to any room. “If you’re looking to add beauty to any kitchen or bath, laying down marble tiles immediately upgrades the space,” Castellano says. “It also delivers texture and depth, as it’s either patterned or veined. You’ll never have the same piece.”
What is the percentage of olde wood flooring?
Whether you're building a rustic cabin retreat or renovating a modern urban dwelling, Olde Wood's 100-percent reclaimed hardwood flooring can help you create an enduring space that's as unique as your taste.
What is aged wood?
Harvested decades and even centuries ago from slow-growth, virgin timber, aged wood offers an authentic and exceptionally tight wood grain with a rich, naturally weathered color and patina that cannot be duplicated today .
What is refurbished wood flooring?
Typically, when people talk about refurbishing a wood floor, they’re talking about restoring the appearance of an existing wood floor. However, the term has mixed meanings, and some people use the phrase “refurbished wood floors” to describe what we generally refer to as reclaimed wood flooring.
What are the characteristics of wood?
Each wood species has distinct characteristics, whether it’s the grain pattern, the coloring, the texture, or the knots and swirls that give wood its unique charm. No matter which wood species you choose, you’ll enjoy a craftsmanship that can only be achieved by Nature and our artisans working together.
When did asbestos flooring end?
While asbestos-containing flooring production in the U.S. pretty much ended in the early 1980's, I have indeed had reports of asbestos-containing floor tiles or sheet flooring installed a few years after that time, probably by installers using new old-stock flooring materials.
Can self adhesive floor tiles contain asbestos?
Possibly yes; some self-adhesive floor tiles contained asbestos in the tile backer. But without matching the floor tile to a known-asbestos-containing photo index one cannot say for sure without performing a lab test for asbestos content.
What is tile flooring made of?
Made from a variety of materials, such as stone and clay, each type of tile flooring has its own unique characteristics.
How are ceramic tiles made?
Different manufacturing methods of ceramic tile include dry pressing, extruding, and slush mold. The tile is formed when the slightly wet mixture is extruded and poured into a specified shape before getting hardened in a kiln at very high temperatures.
What is a vitrified tile?
These flooring tiles are a cheaper alternative to granite or marble and often used outdoors due to their high frost and water resistance. Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay, silica and quartz.
What is the best tile for high traffic areas?
Sandstone Tiles. Sandstone is another natural choice when it comes to tile flooring. Just as its name implies, sandstone looks similar to the desert and beach with colors that range from tan to brown and red. Sandstone tiles are highly durable and ideal for high traffic areas.
Why do people prefer vinyl tile?
Because of their water-resistant properties, many homeowners prefer vinyl tiles instead of ceramic or wood. The characteristics of vinyl tile floor consist of multiple layers that go all the way through to the material’s backing. So even if the first or second layers wear away, the rest of the tile will remain intact.
How thick is a vinyl tile?
The most common vinyl tile thickness is 9 inches by 9 inches or 12 inches by 12 inches. These tiles are much easier to install than most other synthetic tiles, plus they replicate the look of ceramic or wood. Because of their water-resistant properties, many homeowners prefer vinyl tiles instead of ceramic or wood.
What is the best stain resistant tile?
Glass. Glass tiles have excellent stain-resistant qualities that make them stand out. For example, if you spill red wine or coffee on the tiles, they can easily get wiped up using lemon and vinegar. These tiles come in almost every size imaginable with many different shapes, such as rectangles and squares.
Flooring Materials as Indicators of Building Age
- List & History Resilient Floor Coverings Used in buildings
Resilient floor coverings include organic flooring materials such as asphalt tile, cork tile, linoleum, rubber flooring, vinyl tile, vinyl sheet flooring. [Click to enlarge any image] Article Contents 1. FLOORING MATERIAL AGE 1.1. ASPHALT & ASPHALT ASBESTOS FLOOR TILES 1.2. CORK FLO…
Asphalt Tile Flooring as An Indicator of Building Age - 1920 - 1974
- In 1920 asphalt roofing manufacturers, who had been using asphalt and fiber binders to make asphalt roofing shingles for some time, tried to develop a rigid product that could be a substitute for (more costly) slate roofing. The material did not perform acceptably as a roof covering, but it led to the development of asphalt floor tiles. Asphalt floor tiles are 9" square (or other sized) tile…
Cork Floor Tiles Or Cork Planks as An Indicator of Building Age
- Cork floors, real cork flooring, were and are a wood product made out of cork from the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) native to Mediterranean countries, primarily Spain and Portugal. The bark of the cork oak is or was harvested once every nine or ten years, without injuring the tree. The epitome of a resilient floor, cork flooring can compress up to...
Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles as An Indicator of Building Age - 1954 - 1983
- Asphalt-based flooring as it was originally produced used heavy asphalt products which meant that the floor tiles could be made in dark colors only. Soon after asphalt-asbestos floor tiles were marketed manufacturers heard from their buyers that consumers wanted lighter floor tiles and tiles of varying color and pattern. Organic resin vinyl increased in popularity for this reason, but s…
Non-Resilient Floors Used in Buildings
- Examples of non-resilient flooring used in buildings include 1. Ceramic Tile Floors 2. Concrete Floors including stained, colored, textured, or specially-finished concrete floor surfaces 3. Wood Floors including strip wood flooring and parquet floors
Wood Floors Used in Buildings - Indicators of Building Age
- The list of flooring types by wood species, widths, thickness, edge types (square, shiplap, tongue & groove), and the history and age of the use of these products in buildings is enormous. Here we collect and provide photographs of a collection of wood flooring types as an aid to flooring restorers, preservationists, and inspectors wishing to determine the age of a building and its mat…
Age of Flooring Materials Based on Eras of Common Usage
- Below we include (for now) flooring materials that have come into popular use in the last 250 years. Some basic flooring materials and floor coverings such as stone, slate, brick, carpets and tapestry have a much older history. This table is incomplete as there were thousands of flooring designs and models; contributions or comments welcomed (CONTACT) - Ed.