Nothing is more appealing than a tile countertop in a kitchen or bathroom. It just conveys a certain element of class. Take, for instance, the ceramic tile collection by TerraGreen Ceramics, Inc. They create their products using a sophisticated system called glass fusion. This process combines recycled glass and minerals to create an entirely new ceramic material with a distinctive look and feel. The body of the tile contains over 55 percent waste glass (windows, mirrors, and post-consumer glass like bottles and jars). The rest of the tile is made of nonmetallic minerals such as special clays, feldspar, sand, and silica. The manufacturing process is designed to have no negative impact on the environment, or the employees.

Because of the handwork involved during the manufacturing process, no two tiles are exactly alike. This is especially noticeable in the TerraClassic line, due to the hand-rubbing each tile gets before firing. In the TerraTraffic line, the color isn't applied to the surface. It's consistent through the entire body, and the surface isn't as glossy. They also offer custom colors for both lines. There are textured surfaces available for skid-resistant applications. The only way to really appreciate the beauty of these tiles is to see and handle them yourself.

TerraGreen offers a full line of tiles for just about any type of application, residential or commercial, for countertops, flooring or walls. Install the tiles as you would any other tile installation. Note, however, that this tile is dense, so it's important to use the proper cutting tools. Use a tile saw with water and a diamond blade for a cleaner cut. If you have a minimal number of cuts, then the Makita Cordless Cutter will come in handy (Figure 10-14). It's a 9.6V 3³/₈-inch cordless saw designed to cut glass and ceramic, available with a diamond blade and refillable water coolant bottle. If you plan to use the tool a lot, consider having an extra battery on hand.

Photo Courtesy of: Makita U.S.A., Inc.

Figure 10-14 Makita cordless saw Model 4190D

The following manhours assume a crew of one installing 4 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 6 inch tiles. They don't include labor for surface preparation.

Allow for installing the tile with organic adhesive and grout:

• For countertop installation: 0.180 manhours per square foot.

• For floor installation: 0.110 manhours per square foot.

• For wall installation: 0.131 manhours per square foot.

• Trim pieces, including bullnose, sink rail or cap, quarter round or bead, and base: 0.0385 manhours per linear foot.

• Trim pieces (bullnose corner only): 0.0195 manhours each.

Allow for installing the tile in a conventional mortar bed with grout:

• For countertop installation: 0.352 manhours per square foot.

• For floor installation: 0.210 manhours per square foot.

• For wall installation: 0.270 manhours per square foot.

• Trim pieces, including bullnose, sink rail or cap, quarter round or bead, and base: 0.077 manhours per linear foot.

• Trim pieces (bullnose corner only): 0.039 manhours each.

Previous | Next

Table of Contents | Chapter Ten | Find a Bookstore