Using Mexican Tile Outdoors in Cold or Warm Climates

There is nothing like having beautiful and inviting tiled outdoor spaces around your home. Have you dreamed of using beautiful, colorful Mexican tile in your swimming pool, spa or fountain but are afraid to because you live in a cold climate that freezes and thaws in the winter months? Or perhaps you would love to create an inviting outdoor kitchen, barbecue, stair risers or patio space using Mexican tile, but have the same fears.

Use ceramic Mexican tile for outdoor projects in warm climates and porcelain Mexican tile for cold climates.

What you need to know:

1. Ceramic Mexican tiles are fired at high temperatures and are absolutely fine for swimming pools and fountains in mild climates where there is no danger of freezing. Again, don’t be misled by claims of tile being “frost-proof”.  Even ceramic tile will over time, absorb water and if allowed to then freeze, it will crack.  It will NOT crack if it does not freeze.  Only porcelain tiles should be used in climates with frost risk.  Our entire Ceramic Especial Collection can be made into Porcelain.

2. Porcelain Mexican tile are fired to extremely high temperatures to achieve a truly waterproof tile. Porcelain is not affected by freezing temperatures and can be used in any outdoor tile project including swimming pools, spas and fountains. Expect to pay more for a porcelain tile, the peace of mind is well worth the price.  Some colors and very finely detailed designs don’t translate well into porcelain.   You also cannot get a matte finish in porcelain. What you DO get is beautiful outdoor tile and peace of mind.

Think of all the ways you can enhance your outdoor living spaces with bright, exciting Mexican Tile!  Here is an example of front door trim using Mexican tile.  Also consider planters, window trim, patio walls and more.

Call Mexican Tile Designs today for more ideas and free design help: 970385-7273, or email info@mexicantiledesigns.com

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4 Simple Tips for Using Mexican Tile in New Construction or Remodeling Projects

Are you building a new home or remodeling an existing home? NOW is the time to start thinking about tile! You don’t want to compromise on your dream design because a harried contractor is running out of time!

Mexican Tile Designs has an enormous inventory of solid and decorative tile, trim tile, murals and sinks in stock, but if you are planning to use tile throughout your home perhaps including: a kitchen counter and backsplash, bathroom counters, backsplashes and tub/shower surrounds, stair risers, wainscoting, window trim, door trim or other decorative features; it is best to start planning well in advance.

Here are 4 simple tips:

1.   Not all tiles are created equal:

Mexican tile is hand made in small batches. Often times when we order tile throughout the year, there are slight variations in the color and finish. This can become a challenge when tiling a large area. There could be small variations in the tile if they do not come in the same batch shipment. Our advice is to order all of your tile for large areas at one time. This ensures consistency with the tiles.

2.     It is best to let your design “sink in”:

We’re not talking about the tile around your beautiful Mexican sink…we’re talking about the design. Give yourself plenty of time to do all the design planning necessary to fully realize your vision. Then once you come up with your design, you should take a little time to think about how it will look and feel. Environmental conditions like sunshine and seasons can change the appearance and mood of your design. Get advice from your contractor and the experts at Mexican Tile Designs. Our design staff has helped 100’s of homeowners, restaurants, five star hotels and even celebrities with their tiling projects.

3.   Delays cost money:

One of the biggest challenges contractors face is timing a project. Delays in materials can throw a wrench in the process and cost significant amounts of money and delays in your schedule. Make sure to order your tile well in advance of the date it is needed on-site. Work with your contractor to make sure the materials arrive when they need them. Better that your tile is at our warehouse ready to ship than waiting for our Mexico suppliers to make it.

4.   Order a few extra tile:

It is industry practice is to order 5-10% more tile than actual dimensions may require in order to accommodate cutting and any incidental breakage. This is especially true of Traditional red clay Talavera tile. When using ceramic tile, 2-5% extra is usually sufficient. It’s also a good ide to put a few tiles of each color and design safely aside in a cupboard or closet on the rare chance one later breaks. It may be hard to replicate that tile years or decades later!

Best of all, we offer significant discounts for multi-room or whole house projects! Call for details.

 Benefits of Planning Your Tile Installation 

*Ensure that the tile you want is available when you need it

*Save money on quantity discounts: additional discounts for whole house/multi-room orders!

*Save money with direct & pallet shipping

*Free expert design advice from our world-class experts in tile

Are you ready to begin? Call us today to start planning the home of your dreams! Phone toll free : 866-320-1628, email: info@mexicantiledesigns.com