My name is Bob Summit, and along with my brother Sam, and my dog Loki, we would like to welcome you to our website. I hope you find it useful in giving you a look at the potential of ceramic tile or stone for your project. We will do whatever it takes to earn your business and your trust. You have our word on it!
Our family, our store, our story...
My brother and I went into business together with the goal of providing a resource for homeowners and contractors that specialized in ceramic tile and stone. That's it. No carpeting, no wood, no distractions. We would be the experts and have the selection and low prices no home store, carpet store, or designer could touch. Since 1986 Ceramic Tile Center has been the South Sound's choice. Looking for a store with a great in stock selection? No problem. Looking for a quick special order? No problem. Looking for closeouts and liquidations? No problem! Use our expertise in design and installation, to make your job look like a million bucks! We care about your project, and whether you are a first time do-it-yourselfer or seasoned pro, we want to help you find that perfect tile or natural stone.
Design a Room
Try this link from one of our most trusted brands, Dal Tile. You will be able to pick and choose different tiles and stones and see how they might look together in patterns you choose. It's actually pretty neat! This will give you some ideas. When you come into our store, we'll go further to show you how and where to start, and show you everything you'll need.
Tile Estimator
Want to get an idea of how much floor tile you'll need for a job? This tool offered by the National Tile Contractors of America web site is fantastic! Plug in your room's layout, and instantly, you'll come up with an idea of square footage and materials needed. Then, come into our store and we will explain how a pro might approach your project to make your instalation more cost effective and efficient. We'll also be able to give you tips on how you can add something simple to you design to make your job look like a million bucks!
Tile Manufacturing Process
Ever wonder how ceramic tile is made? This video is one of the best we found that gives a simple explanation of the amazing process.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile: What's the Difference?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are made from basicaly the same clay materials. Porcelain tiles are fired at a much hotter temperature, which makes them harder and denser. This means they are less porous than ceramics making them ideal for anywhere, even outdoors. When a porous tile is placed outdoors, water will get absorbed. When a freeze comes along, that tile or its glaze will then crack. In the Northwest, this is a major problem, which is why we recommend only tiles rated for our climate to be layed outdoors.
When Sam and I first started in the business, we featured maybe a dozen manufacturers, who mostly made ceramic tile. Back then, porcelain tiles were expensive to manufacture. But things have sure changed. Porcelain tiles are made in so many different sizes, and are now priced comparatively with ceramics. Porcelains also feature textures, colors and shades that were unheard of back then.
You may be wondering, with all the advantages of porcelain, why even buy a ceramic at all anymore. Because of the lower firing and softer bodies, ceramic lines can offer more decorative and unique pieces as well as different trim shapes that might be required for an application.
Natural Stone: God's Design for Every Piece
Few things can make a home more stunning than natural stone. It used to be a feature only seen in the most expensive homes. But new quarry discoveries, increased competition, and improvements in technology have now made stone an affordable option. We have granite squares starting under $3.00 per square foot and always feature at least seven colors in stock. Granite, with its hard surfaces is perfect for kitchen counters or entry floors. We also stock several colors of travertine, a stone from Turkey or Mexico, whose beauty is perfect as a backsplash with granite, or as a wall or floor tile anywhere. And we can't forget slate, which we also stock in several colors. Slate is perfect for floors or walls, and can even go outdoors. And if you don't see what you like in stock, no problem. We have dozens of colors of granite, travertine, slate, marble, quartz or even limestone that we can quickly special order!
Choice is a Good Thing
A beautiful tile bathroom doesn't have to cost a fortune. We have litterally hundreds domestic and imported ceramic and porcelain tiles, specially designed for bathroom walls to choose from in a multitude of colors and styles. And of course, there's natural stone, in which each piece of tile is a creation of God. We can show you the many sizes and options available, and explain the differences in quality and price, so you can make an educated decision that's right for you. We have wall tiles starting at under a dollar a square foot. We even have kits already made up with the right amount of tile and trims, that include glue, grout and even soap dishes and sealers... everything you'll need to do the job right.
Add Value
In today's tough times, you need every edge to add value to your biggest investment. Few things can do it better than a beautifully remodeled kitchen.
We can teach you different ways to do it right, and show you all the options of colors, and sizes of natural stones, as well as glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles. We can show you the proper way to install anything so your project lasts a lifetime.
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