Tile | Frequently Asked Questions

How much will a remodel cost?

HomeAdvisor recommends homeowners use what they call the 5 to 15 percent rule. This suggests the renovation costs should be somewhere between 5 percent and 15 percent of the value of your home’s current market value. It’s finding a balance between spending enough so you can regain the costs back when you eventually sell your home, but it all comes down to your personal comfort level.

What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Ceramic tiles are made of clay, sand, and water and are fired in a kiln. It’s very flexible because it’s easier to cut and less expensive than porcelain. There are many varieties with textured surfaces that can create more depth and texture in your space. 

Porcelain tiles are made of sand-like materials that are fired at very high temperatures. Making it more durable than ceramic. This type of tile is tough and can withstand everyday wear and tear. Porcelain is more resistant to water making it a great choice for bathrooms and shower areas. It’s also less porous and more durable than ceramic which makes it harder to cut.

Porcelain and ceramic can both be used on the floor and walls as long as the specific tile is assessed for floor use. When you work with one of our design specialists, they will be able to help you distinguish the best application and materials for your project.

Is tile flooring waterproof?

Yes, but it depends on the type of tile used as to just how waterproof it is. The least absorbent material is porcelain. Due to its low porosity, it can be used outdoors because water will not absorb into the tile and then crack the tile when it freezes. Ceramic tile has a higher porosity, thus making it slightly less waterproof. This can be sealed with a waterproof sealer to make it less absorbent. Natural stone is the most porous of tile materials, and also the most likely to stain. This is always sold with the recommendation that it must be re-sealed on a regular basis.

Does Hamilton Parker offer tile cutting?

Yes, but this offering has to be approved by our tile team before we proceed. We do have an additional fee for the tile cutting service.

Does Hamilton Parker have an outlet store?

Yes, we have an outlet located at our Delaware location. We offer a large selection of clearance items that will be available every day, while clearance items in Fireplaces, Garage Doors, Masonry, Landscape and Outdoor Living will be subject to varying availability. Stock products will continue to be available in all categories. Sign-up for our email list for more information!

How do I clean and maintain tile? 

We offer a number of cleaning solutions at Hamilton Parker. Mapei and UltraCare are available and in stock. We also offer several heavy-duty options for larger more tougher jobs.

What type of tile maintenance and care should I do? 

Clean your floor with a broom and get rid of any debris. Then use clean water to wash down your flooring. If you need a little extra power use a mild detergent with water. No need for anything with harsh chemicals on a daily or weekly basis. Over time, they could cause breakdown to your floor’s sealer.

What type of tile should be used in an outdoor setting

We recommend using porcelain tile in an outdoor setting. We offer many different style options from concreate looks to marble and patterned tiles for your outdoor space We offer both traditional porcelain, which is about 3/8” thick, as well as the 2cm thick porcelain pavers.

What tile countertops are available?

We offer porcelain countertops from Crossville. This line offers everything from the deepest darks to the brightest whites, from stone to impenetrable concrete looks for your kitchen design.  They are scratch-resistant and offer all the same benefits of any other porcelain tile we offer. No treatments or sealing are needed for these stone looks. Ask one of our experts for more information on this product line.

Is tile flooring eco-friendly?

Yes, it’s the eco-friendliest flooring option available for your home. Tile’s inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling, which helps moderate temperature in your home.