PCC Blog

Whole-Home Tile: How to Choose Tile for Every Room That Actually Works Together

PCC Tile — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:50:28 GMT

Tiling a whole home is exciting, until you're standing in three different showrooms holding samples that all looked great individually and somehow look terrible together.

It happens more than you'd think. And it's almost always avoidable.

Here's how to approach whole-home tile selection the right way, so every room feels intentional, and the whole house feels like it belongs together.

Start With One Anchor Tile

Every cohesive home has an anchor or one tile that everything else responds to. Usually, this is your main living area or entry floor. It's the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Choose this tile first. Don't fall in love with a bathroom floor tile and try to build backward from there. It almost never works.

Once your anchor is chosen, every other tile decision gets easier because you have a reference point.

Think in Zones, Not Rooms

Your home isn't a collection of isolated spaces; it's a series of connected zones. The way tile flows from your entry into your living room, down the hall, and into the kitchen matters more than most people realize.

A good rule of thumb: tiles that are visible from each other should be related. That doesn't mean identical, but it means they should share something. A finish, a tone, a vein pattern, a format. Something that says "we belong in the same house."

Spaces that are completely separate, such as a master bath behind a closed door or a laundry room at the end of a hall,, have more freedom. That's where you can take a swing with something more expressive.

Don't Try to Match. Coordinate

Here's where most whole-home projects go sideways: people try to match tiles instead of coordinating them.

Matching is hard. Tile runs change, dye lots shift, and even the same product can look different in different lighting. Trying to match creates a situation where things look almost right, which is somehow worse than looking intentionally different.

Coordinating is easier and looks better. Choose tiles in the same color family, similar undertones, or complementary formats. A warm wood-look plank in the living room pairs beautifully with a warm-toned large format in the kitchen. They don't match, but they belong together.

Use Format and Finish to Create Visual Hierarchy

Tile size and finish do a lot of work in a whole-home design. As a general guide:

Large format tile (24x48, 24x24) works well in open, connected areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and hallways. Fewer grout lines make spaces feel bigger and more seamless.
Medium format (12x24, 12x12) is versatile and transitions well between spaces.
Mosaic and small format belong in showers and as accents, not across entire floors (unless that's a very intentional design choice).

For finish: matte and satin finishes are the workhorses of whole-home design. They're forgiving with foot traffic, hide everyday wear, and photograph beautifully. Polished tile is stunning in a shower or as an accent, but across a whole home, it shows every footprint.

The Grout Color Rule Nobody Talks About

Grout is part of your design, whether you want it to be or not. Across a whole home, your grout color decisions add up fast.

Matching grout to your tile creates a seamless look, which is great for large-format, modern spaces. Contrasting grout (think white tile, dark grout) adds graphic interest, but it's going to be a dominant feature. In high-traffic areas, medium-toned grout is the most practical because it hides dirt without demanding attention.

Whatever you choose, be consistent across connected areas. Switching grout colors from room to room without a clear reason is one of those things that bothers people, even when they can't articulate why.

What to Do If You're Only Renovating Part of the House

If you're updating a few rooms and keeping existing tile elsewhere, don't try to match what you have. It's nearly impossible because styles get discontinued, and even the same tile can look different over time.

Instead, choose something that complements your existing floors rather than imitates them. A different format or finish in the new spaces actually looks more intentional than a close-but-not-quite match. We help homeowners navigate this all the time, and it's easier than it sounds once you have the right samples in front of you.

See It All Come Together in Person

Whole-home tile selection is a lot to hold in your head at once. Most people find it much easier when they can lay samples out side by side and see how they interact in real light, not on a screen.

That's exactly what our showrooms in Cape Coral and Fort Myers are for. Bring your floor plan, any existing samples, and a few inspiration photos. We'll help you put together a palette that makes sense for the whole house — not just individual rooms.

Schedule your appointment — Cape Coral Showroom

Schedule your appointment — Fort Myers Showroom

What Goes Under Your Tile? The Foundation Most Homeowners Forget

PCC Tile — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:50:19 GMT

Your tile choices get all the attention, and they should. But what's underneath your tile matters just as much as what's on top. If you get the substrate wrong, even the most beautiful tile can crack, loosen, or fail within a few years.

The good news: you don't need to be a contractor to understand this stuff. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what substrates are, why they matter, and what questions to ask before your project starts.

What Is a Substrate, Anyway?

A substrate is whatever surface your tile gets bonded to. It could be cement board, drywall, plywood, an existing concrete slab, or even old tile (in some cases). The substrate is the foundation, and like any foundation, if it's not stable, nothing built on top of it will last.

A good substrate needs to be:

Flat - even small dips or humps cause hollow spots under the tile
Rigid - flex leads to cracked grout and loose tiles over time
Moisture-resistant - especially critical in bathrooms, showers, and kitchens
Properly bonded to the subfloor or framing - so it doesn't move

The Most Common Substrates

Cement Board (Hardiebacker, Durock, Wonderboard)

This is the gold standard for wet areas like showers, bathroom floors, around tubs. Cement board doesn't swell, warp, or break down when it gets wet. It won't grow mold. It's heavy and a little harder to cut, but there's a reason tile setters reach for it first in any wet application.

Best for: Shower walls, bathroom floors, kitchen backsplash areas near sinks

Schluter KERDI / Tile-Ready Shower Systems

You might hear your contractor mention KERDI board or a Schluter system. These are waterproofing membranes and pre-sloped shower systems designed specifically for tile. They're lightweight, genuinely waterproof (not just water-resistant), and they eliminate one of the biggest failure points in shower builds, which is water getting behind the tile.

If you're doing a full shower renovation, it's worth asking your contractor about this system. It costs a bit more upfront, but it protects your investment for decades.

Best for: Shower walls and floors, especially in custom or high-end builds

Drywall (Regular and "Green Board")

Here's a common point of confusion: regular drywall is not appropriate for tile in wet areas. It'll eventually absorb moisture, swell, and fail. You might have heard of "green board", which is the moisture-resistant version, but this still isn't waterproof. It's okay for low-humidity areas like a powder room or dry backsplash walls, but not for showers or anywhere that gets direct water contact.

Best for: Dry areas only such as accent walls, fireplace surrounds, dry backsplash sections

Concrete Slab

If you're tiling directly over a concrete slab (common in Florida), you've got a naturally rigid, stable surface, which is great. The main concerns are moisture vapor coming up through the slab and whether the surface is level. A moisture test and any needed leveling compound are typically done before tile goes down.

Best for: First-floor and slab-on-grade applications throughout the home

Existing Tile

Tiling over existing tile is possible, and sometimes practical, but there are necessary conditions. The existing tile needs to be fully adhered (no hollow spots or loose tiles), the floor can't have too much height added, and the new tile needs something to bond to. Some contractors prefer to demo first. Others tile over in the right conditions.

Our take: Ask your contractor whether your specific situation is a good candidate. Don't assume either way.

Best for: Situations where demo is impractical and existing tile is in solid condition

Plywood Subfloor

Wood-framed floors (common in second-story bathrooms and older Florida homes) have a plywood subfloor underneath. Wood naturally has some flex, and tile doesn't love flex. The fix is usually adding a layer of cement board on top of the plywood, or using an uncoupling membrane like Schluter DITRA, which absorbs the slight movement wood subfloors have without cracking your tile above.

Best for: Wood-framed construction, with added cement board or uncoupling membrane

Why Florida Is Different

Southwest Florida has some specific substrate considerations worth knowing:

Moisture and humidity. Even spaces that aren't "wet rooms" see more humidity than most of the country. Vapor barriers, proper waterproofing, and mold-resistant substrates matter more here than they might in a dry climate.

Slab construction is the norm. Most Cape Coral and Fort Myers homes are built on concrete slabs, which simplifies some substrate decisions, but moisture testing is still a smart step before new tile goes down.

Older homes. If your home is from the '80s or '90s, you might have original tile that's been there for 30+ years. Before deciding whether to tile over or demo, it's worth checking what's underneath and what condition it's in.

What You Don't Need to Figure Out Alone

Here's the honest answer: substrate decisions are mostly your contractor's call. Your job as the homeowner is to understand enough to ask the right questions and to make sure whoever you hire is thinking about these things.

Questions worth asking your contractor:

What substrate are you using in my shower, and is it waterproof?
Is my subfloor stable enough for large-format tile?
Do I need a moisture barrier before tile goes down?
Are there any existing conditions I should know about?

And when you come into our showroom to pick out your tile, bring those answers with you. It helps us make sure what you love will work for how it's being built.

The Tile Part Is Still the Fun Part

Substrates are the unglamorous side of tile work, but understanding the basics helps you have better conversations with your contractor and protects your investment long-term.

Now that you've got the foundation covered, literally, let's talk about the part everyone actually looks forward to.

Browse our tile collections →

What Is Rectified Tile and Does It Actually Matter for Your Project?

PCC Tile — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:50:06 GMT

Tile shopping comes with its own vocabulary. "Rectified" shows up in product specs constantly, usually without explanation. Here's what it actually means, and whether it should factor into your decision.

The Simple Explanation

Every tile comes out of the kiln slightly imperfect. The edges aren't perfectly straight. The dimensions vary slightly from tile to tile, sometimes by a millimeter or two. For most applications, that's totally fine. Tile setters have been working around natural size variation for centuries.

Rectified tile takes an extra step: after firing, each tile is precision-cut (ground down) on all four edges to exact dimensions. The result is a tile with perfectly straight, uniform edges and near-zero size variation across the entire batch.

That's it. Rectified just means machine-finished edges with very tight tolerances.

Why It Matters: The Grout Joint

The real-world impact of rectified tile shows up in your grout lines.

Because rectified tiles are so consistent in size, they can be set with very thin grout joints, sometimes as narrow as 1/16 of an inch. This creates that seamless, continuous look you see in high-end bathrooms and modern kitchens, where the grout almost disappears.

Non-rectified tile needs wider grout joints, typically 1/8 inch or more, to account for the natural size variation between tiles. The grout line does real work: it absorbs the slight differences and keeps everything looking even.

Neither approach is wrong. They just produce different visual results.

When Rectified Tile Is Worth It

Large-format tile. This is the big one. When you're working with 24×48 or 24×24 tiles, even small size variations become noticeable across a wide run of tile. Rectified large-format tile keeps those long grout lines razor-thin and consistent. It's practically the standard for large-format applications now.

Continuous patterns. If your tile has a pattern or veining that's meant to flow from one tile to the next, like a book-matched marble look, rectified edges allow for much tighter alignment. The pattern reads as one uninterrupted surface instead of a series of tiles.

Minimal, modern aesthetics. The whole point of going rectified is often visual: you want the tile to look like one continuous surface. Thin grout joints contribute to that sleek, seamless look more than almost any other factor.

Floor-to-wall continuity. Using the same tile on the floor and shower wall (a popular move in spa-style bathrooms) looks significantly better when grout lines align. Rectified tile makes that alignment achievable.

When It's Not Necessary

Subway tile and smaller formats. The classic 3×6 subway tile? Non-rectified is perfectly standard and completely appropriate. The wider grout joint is part of the aesthetic because it's how subway tile has always looked, and it works.

Rustic, handmade, or textured styles. Some tile is intentionally imperfect. For Encaustic cement tiles, handcrafted ceramics, and tumbled stone, the variation is the charm. Rectified edges would undercut the whole point.

Budget-conscious projects. Rectified tile typically costs more to produce, which means it costs more to buy. If you're tiling a laundry room or a modest bathroom renovation, the visual payoff of razor-thin grout lines probably doesn't justify the price difference.

One Thing to Know Before You Commit

Rectified tile with very thin grout joints requires a flatter, more precisely prepared substrate. The narrower the joint, the less room there is to hide imperfections in the floor or wall underneath. This is worth a conversation with your contractor, especially for floor applications on wood-framed construction, which naturally has more flex.

If your substrate prep isn't dialed in, the tile will tell on it.

The Bottom Line

Rectified tile isn't better or worse than non-rectified. It's a tool for a specific visual outcome, like thin grout lines, seamless surfaces, or precise pattern alignment.

If you're planning large-format tile, a modern bathroom build, or any application where the grout line disappearing is part of the design goal, yes, it matters. Look for rectified.

If you're doing classic subway, a casual backsplash, or anything with intentional texture and variation, non-rectified is fine. Don't pay extra for something that won't show up in the finished result.

Still not sure which direction your project should go? That's exactly the kind of question we sort out in the showroom. Bring your inspiration photos and we'll point you in the right direction.

Browse tile options →

What Tile Size Actually Does to a Room, and How to Choose the Right One

PCC Tile — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:49:57 GMT

Tile size isn't just a practical spec. It's a design decision that changes how a room looks, how big it feels, and how much maintenance it takes to keep clean. Here's what's actually happening when you go bigger, or smaller, and how to think about it for your specific space.

Bigger Tile Makes Rooms Feel Larger

This is the one most people have heard, and it's true, with some nuance.

Large-format tile (think 24×48, 24×24, or even 12×24) creates fewer grout lines across a surface. Fewer grout lines means less visual interruption. Fewer interruptions mean the eye reads the floor or wall as one continuous surface rather than a grid of individual pieces. The room feels more open, more expansive, more cohesive.

This is especially effective in open floor plans, which are common in Southwest Florida homes, where tile runs through multiple connected spaces without a break. One continuous surface across a kitchen, dining area, and living room reads as significantly larger than the same space tiled in smaller format with more grout lines cutting through it.

The caveat: Large tile needs a flat, well-prepared substrate. The bigger the tile, the less forgiving it is of dips or humps in the floor underneath. This is a conversation to have with your contractor before you fall in love with a 24×48.

Smaller Tile Adds Visual Texture and Detail

Smaller formats such as mosaics, 4×4, and classic 3×6 subway, do the opposite. They add visual texture, pattern, and detail to a surface. More grout lines mean more rhythm, more movement, more character.

This isn't a weakness. It's a tool.

A pebble mosaic shower floor. A penny tile backsplash. A basketweave pattern in a powder room. These work precisely because of the tile-to-grout ratio. The smaller the tile, the more the pattern takes over, and in the right space, that's exactly the point.

Small-format tile is also the practical choice for shower floors, where the pitch toward the drain requires more flexibility than a large tile can provide. More grout lines also mean better traction. Function and design working together.

Tile Shape Changes the Perceived Direction of a Space

Size isn't the only variable. Shape matters too, and it's one of the most underused design tools in a renovation.

Horizontal layouts make walls and floors feel wider. A subway tile laid in a standard horizontal brick pattern stretches the eye sideways, useful in narrow bathrooms or galley kitchens.

Vertical layouts pull the eye upward, making ceilings feel taller. The same subway tile stacked vertically in a shower can make a standard 8-foot ceiling feel significantly more generous.

Diagonal layouts add energy and movement. They also visually expand a space because the diagonal line is longer than the horizontal or vertical, so the eye travels farther across the same square footage.

Large plank formats (like wood-look tile in a 9×48 or 8×47) laid lengthwise along a room make that room feel longer. Laid perpendicular to the longest wall, they make the room feel wider. Same tile, completely different spatial effect.

Grout Line Width Is Part of the Equation

Tile size directly affects your grout joint, and your grout joint is part of the finished look whether you think about it or not.

Large rectified tile can go down to near-invisible grout lines (1/16 inch), creating that seamless stone-slab effect. Standard tile typically calls for 1/8 inch or more. Mosaic tile often has 1/16 inch joints built into the mesh backing.

A wider grout line emphasizes the grid pattern and makes individual tiles more visible. A thinner grout line lets the tile surface dominate. Neither is wrong; they just produce different results.

One practical note: wider grout lines are easier to maintain in some ways (more flexible, less likely to crack) and harder in others (more surface area to keep clean). Narrow grout lines look sleeker but require a flatter substrate and more precise setting.

How to Think About This for Your Home

A few questions worth considering before you commit to a tile size:

How does this space connect to adjacent rooms? If your new floor tile will meet existing tile or flooring in a visible transition, the scale relationship between the two matters. A dramatic size jump can look jarring. A complementary size (not matching, but harmonious) looks intentional.

How much natural light does the room get? Larger, lighter-toned tiles amplify light and openness. Smaller, busier patterns in a dark room can feel heavy. Florida homes with good natural light can handle more dramatic choices, but it's worth seeing a sample in your actual space before deciding.

What's the square footage? Very large tile in a very small room can feel overwhelming — like furniture that's too big for the space. As a general rule, your tile shouldn't be larger than roughly one-third of the room's shortest dimension. A 24×24 tile in a 5×8 bathroom works. A 24×48 in the same space is a tighter call.

What's the maintenance reality? Large tile means fewer grout lines to clean. If that's a priority, and in a busy Florida household it often is, a bigger format is worth factoring in for that reason alone.

The Right Size Is the One That Works for Your Space

There's no universal answer. A sprawling open-plan living area and a compact guest bathroom have completely different needs, even if the same homeowner is choosing tile for both.

What we do know: tile size is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost design decisions you can make. Choosing a slightly larger format costs a little more per square foot in some cases, but it changes the entire feel of a room.

Come in with your room dimensions, some photos, and whatever inspiration you've collected. We'll pull samples at a few different scales and show you exactly what the difference looks like side by side.

Browse large-format tile →

Browse floor tile →

The Right Order to Select Bathroom Tile

PCC Tile — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:49:47 GMT

Most people walk into a tile showroom and start with whatever catches their eye. That's not wrong because inspiration has to start somewhere. But when it comes time to actually make decisions, the order you select tile in has a bigger impact on the outcome than most people realize.

Get the sequence right and every decision flows naturally from the last one. Get it wrong and you're backtracking, second-guessing, and trying to make pieces fit that were never meant to go together.

Here's the order we walk our customers through, and why it works.

Start With the Bathroom Floor

The bathroom floor is your largest surface and your anchor. Everything else in the room will be evaluated against it, so it needs to come first.

This isn't just a design principle; it's practical. Floor tile has the most constraints of any surface in the bathroom. It needs to be slip-resistant. It needs to handle traffic. The finish matters (matte and satin hold up better underfoot than polished). The scale needs to work with the room's square footage. Starting here means you're making your most constrained decision first, with the most options still available to you.

Once your floor tile is chosen, you have a reference point. Every subsequent decision becomes a question of "does this work with the floor?" instead of "does this work with everything else I haven't chosen yet?"

Then Choose Your Shower Wall Tile

With the floor locked in, shower walls are next.

The relationship between your bathroom floor and shower walls is the most visible design pairing in the room. They don't need to match. In fact, matching them exactly can feel flat and uninspired. But they need to speak the same design language.

A few approaches that work well:

Same tile, different finish. Use a polished version of your floor tile on the shower walls for a clean, spa-like look. The shared material creates cohesion; the finish difference adds dimension. This is one of the most popular combinations we see.

Complementary tones. If your floor is warm-toned, pull a warm-toned wall tile that coordinates without being identical. If your floor is cool and neutral, a slightly contrasting wall tile adds interest without clashing.

Scale shift. A large-format floor tile paired with a different-scale wall tile such as subway, stacked, or plank, creates visual layering. The change in format reads as intentional design rather than mismatch.

What to avoid: choosing shower walls without your floor tile in hand. You'll either end up with two tiles that technically coordinate but feel disconnected, or you'll spend a lot of time second-guessing.

Finish With the Shower Floor

The shower floor is last, and that's actually a good thing. By this point, your two biggest decisions are made, and the shower floor becomes your opportunity to add personality.

Shower floors almost always use smaller-format tile. The pitch toward the drain requires mosaic-scale pieces that can follow the slope without lippage. But what reads as a functional constraint is actually a design advantage: the shower floor is the one place in a bathroom where pattern, texture, and color can go a little bolder without overwhelming the room.

Popular options:

Hexagon mosaic: geometric, modern, works with almost everything
Pebble tile: organic, spa-like, adds natural texture
Basketweave: classic, timeless, pairs especially well with subway wall tile
Square mosaic: clean and versatile, easy to coordinate

The practical benefit of smaller tile here: more grout lines mean better traction. The design benefit: this is your accent moment. Use it.

One pro tip worth knowing: it's easier to find a shower floor mosaic that complements a wall tile you love than to work backward. That's the whole reason this step comes last.

Why This Order Works

The logic is simple: start with the most constrained decision and work toward the most flexible one.

Your bathroom floor has the most requirements — traffic, finish, scale, slip resistance. Your shower walls have fewer constraints but need to relate to the floor. Your shower floor has the fewest constraints and the most room for creativity.

Each decision narrows the field for the next one in a useful way. By the time you're choosing a shower floor mosaic, you're not starting from scratch — you're choosing from a curated set of options that you already know will work.

Compare that to the alternative: falling in love with a shower floor mosaic first, then trying to build an entire bathroom around it. You'll spend three times as long, reconsider everything twice, and still wonder if it all goes together.

A Few Things to Bring When You Come In

The order of selection is the framework. These are the materials that make it work:

Your countertop sample — if your vanity countertop is already chosen or existing, it needs to inform the floor selection. Stone countertops especially.

Cabinet color or sample — light cabinets, dark cabinets, and wood-tone cabinets each push the floor decision in different directions.

Plumbing fixture finish — brushed nickel, matte black, chrome. Your metal trim and edge pieces should coordinate with these, so knowing the finish helps us point you toward the right options.

Photos of the space — dimensions, natural light, existing elements that are staying. The more we can see, the faster we can narrow things down.

Your inspiration images — Pinterest board, magazine tears, screenshots. Even if you can't articulate what you want, a pattern in what you've saved usually tells us everything we need to know.

One Room, Three Decisions

A full bathroom tile selection sounds overwhelming. In practice, once you have the right framework, it's three decisions made in the right order, each one building on the last.

That's exactly what our appointments are designed for. We set aside dedicated time, pull samples based on what you bring in, and walk through the sequence together. Most customers leave with a clear direction in a single visit.

Browse bathroom floor tile →

Browse wall tile →

Browse mosaic tile →

3 Tile Trends Taking Over Cape Coral and Fort Myers Homes in 2026

PCC Tile — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:14:14 GMT

Spring is the perfect time to hit reset. Whether you're mid-renovation, planning a project, or just getting inspired, knowing what's trending makes the whole process easier and way more fun.

We just brought in a fresh round of stock, and three trends in particular are worth knowing about. Here's what's catching everyone's eye right now.

Modern Wood Look: Warmer, Cleaner, and More Refined Than Ever

Wood-look tile has been a Southwest Florida staple for years — and it's not going anywhere. But the look is evolving. Today's homeowners are gravitating toward cleaner visuals, softer grain movement, and less visual noise. The result is a floor that still feels warm and natural, but with a more architectural, contemporary edge.

It pairs beautifully with almost anything: light cabinetry, natural stone countertops, coastal-inspired palettes. And unlike real wood, it handles Florida humidity without a second thought.

Two of our new arrivals doing this really well:

Accent Walls: Showers and Living Rooms Are Having a Moment

Accent walls have officially moved beyond paint. In showers, homeowners are using bold texture, dimensional tile, and oversized patterns to turn a functional space into a genuine design feature. In living rooms, the same idea is showing up around fireplaces and media walls — tile that adds depth, movement, and real architectural interest.

The appeal is practical too: tile is durable, low-maintenance, and creates a focal point that actually lasts.

A few of our newest accent options:

Kyndal Marquetry 24x48
Cosmos Grafite 12x24 (great for fireplace surrounds)
Toabago Pearl 12x24
Wood Grey Ledgerstone 10x24

Terrazzo and Deco Patterned Tile: Personality Without the Chaos

Deco tile is having a well-deserved moment. These patterned tiles blend soft pattern with livable design — they're bold enough to make a statement, but grounded enough that they don't overwhelm a space.

In Southwest Florida, they work especially well in coastal-inspired homes. Think: kitchen backsplash, laundry room floor, powder room accent. The patterns feel curated and intentional, not trendy-for-five-minutes.

Browse Deco Patterned Tile

Ready to see them in person? Come visit us in Cape Coral or Fort Myers, and we'll pull samples and help you figure out what works for your space. No pressure, just good advice.

Or use our room visualizer to start exploring from home: Try Roomvo

Shop Luxury Vinyl Planks at PCC Tile

PCC Tile — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:15:00 GMT

Luxury Vinyl Planking is a synthetic flooring material made with layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), resins and stone. This product is meant to mimic natural wood with high resolution images printed on the surface and a textured feel. Furthermore, LVP products have a tongue and grooved edging, creating an interlocking click system. Additionally, all vinyl products have either a built in rubber or cork backing-providing cushion and support. Most vinyl planking products are 100% waterproof so it is suitable for all areas of a home or commercial building. Overall, LVP is a hard-surface, easy to install flooring option.

Important Product Specs to Know

Wear Layer– This measures the top layer that protects the design and color layer from wear and tear. It is measured in mils- usually ranging from 6-28 mils. Overall, 12 mil is suitable for residential applications with moderate traffic and pets. While 20 mil is applicable to commercial areas with high traffic.

Thickness- The thickness measures the width of the plank itself, which will indicate its durability. Furthermore, it is measured in millimeters, typically ranging from 2-8mm. For residential purposes 4-5 millimeters is recommended while commercial requires 5.5 or higher.

What are the Benefits of Using Luxury Vinyl?

Quick Installation- The ease of installation is what draws many people to this flooring product. It can be placed over existing tiles or concrete with little to no prep necessary.

Appearance– Luxury vinyl is easily identifiable by its sleek and authentic look. Many homeowners love the zero grout lines provided by this material compared to standard tiles.

Cost Effective- The pricing of the material is comparable to that of other flooring options such as porcelain, ceramic or carpet. However, the savings are in the installation process. With little setting materials, time, and tools needed it is a much more cost efficient flooring option.

Water Resistant- LVP is 100% waterproof, meaning that water will not harm the product itself. Thus, it can be placed in areas where natural wood would not be recommended: Bathrooms, kitchens, and wash rooms. *However it is not recommended to have the product fully submerged- as moisture could potentially seep through the product affecting the substrate.

Comfort- Vinyl Plank is notorious for providing a more cushioned and flexible feel compared to other hard surfaced floors. The flexibility and nature of the product feels softer when walking and standing.

How Do I Install LVP and What Do I need?

Many homeowners decide to take on this project themselves due to the simplicity with little setting materials or experience needed. First the majority of tools and supplies you will need are all common tools you probably already own!

Tools

Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring
Moisture Barrier*
Moisture gauge
Tape measure
Utility knife or vinyl cutter
Rubber mallet
Tapping block
Level
Jigsaw or handsaw (for intricate cuts)

*Moisture barrier is strongly recommended to ensure that moisture from your substrate does not seep through causing gaps, separations, or lifting.

Prepping Process

Now you can start the preparation process which includes thoroughly cleaning the subfloor to ensure it is dry and level. Additionally, you will need to remove the baseboards while you are installing and then reinstall them on top of the flooring once finished. In some cases this step is unnecessary, you will just need to leave a gap from the subfloor and baseboard to allow the flooring to go underneath and expand over time. The final step would be to plan your layout. Such as the direction you want the planks to run. Typically, planks are laid parallel to the longest wall or front entrance.

Install

Finally you will be ready to install. Start in a corner and lay the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall. To install click-lock vinyl plank flooring, start by fitting the first row together like a puzzle, ensuring a 1/4-inch gap between the wall for expansion, which will be covered by baseboards. When cutting the planks, use a straight edge and a utility knife to score both sides before snapping the piece along the score line for a clean cut. For the second row and beyond, stagger the joints by approximately six inches to ensure a proper and visually appealing installation.

Watch this Step by Step video for more Information!

Luxury Vinyl Planks and Materials at PCC

If you decide LVP is the right flooring choice for you- PCC Tile has your back! We have a large selection of in stock and special order options- with varying color ranges and sizes to fit any of your flooring needs. View all PCC Vinyl options.

Grout and Tile Setting Materials for Sale

PCC Tile — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 06:45:00 GMT

Setting Materials Stocked at PCC Tile

At PCC tile our commitment to aiding in your tiling project goes beyond supplying quality tile- That is why we offer a wide array of setting materials and grout supplies to help you finish any job. Furthermore, we carry only the most respected brands in the tile industry and stand by all of our products knowing that your project will hold the test of time. Including: Proflex, TEC, DensSheild, GoBoard, and Troxell,

Grout

Grout is one of the most important elements in a tile job. That’s why in both of our Cape Coral and Fort Myers locations we stock and sell the TEC Accucolor Grout available in multiple finishes and a large selection of colors. Finishes include: Sanded, Un-sanded and a special sanded Power grout which comes with a premixed sealer additive.

Our grout is available in a spectrum of colors, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to complement or contrast with your selected tiles. Beyond the aesthetics our grout is also highly durable, color-consistent and smooth. Overall, making it perfect for walls, floors, wet, exterior, interior, and highly trafficked areas.

Tips for Application

For floor applications or areas with a joint size ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 inch, we recommend using TEC Sanded, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Any area with a smaller joint of a 1/32 to 1/16 inch is recommend to use TEC Unsanded to ensure flexibility and no cracking. Additionally, the Power grout is uniquely formulated with a dense and sealer enhanced base that makes it stain resistant and provides a guarantee of no efflorescence on floors and walls.

Sanded Tec Accucolor: Product Info

Unsanded Tec Accucolor: Product info

Power Grout Tec Accucolor: Product Info

Caulk

We also stock TEC color matched Siliconized Caulk, to match perfectly to any TEC grout selection. Available in sanded and unsanded.

Thinset

We carry various types of thinset for any tiling scenario- pools, tile over tile, indoor, outdoor, floor, and wall applications. Available from both Proflex and Tec

Backerboard

Building a shower? Shower wall backer board is a crucial step in tile installation as it provides a stable and moisture-resistant surface, ensuring a clean and strong base for a tiled shower. Thus, we offer multiple different types of material that will aid in this process. We offer the traditional Cement Durock Board which is a dense, water-durable compacted cement sheet. Additionally, we also offer a more lightweight option that provides the same waterproofing benefits with ease. GoBoard and DensSheild are both proprietary coated fiber glass mats made for tile installations of walls, showers, and ceilings. In addition to their lightweight- it is easy to cut with a standard utility knife with no crumbling or disintegrating.

Floor Mud

Floor mud is used to build up or slope the surface you plan on tiling- typically used in shower pans. At PCC we offer Tec Unmodified Floor Mud and Proflex Cement Base

Clips and Wedges

PCC also offers various clip and wedge systems to ensure a flat, and even tiled surface from different brands depending on your personal preference. Available in sizes from 1/8th- 1/32nd providing a consistent sized grout joint. Carrying Troxell, Tuscan, Forpac, and Barbosa

Tools

Once you decide what materials you need to do the job your also going to need reliable tools to lay down and secure the product. We have every product you’ll need! Trowels, grout floats, buckets, spacers, sponges, screws, fasteners, mixers, scrapers, blades. and more!

In addition to the convenience of finding everything you need under one roof, our commitment to excellence extends to our customer service. If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing the right setting materials for your project, our knowledgeable team is ready to help. Visit PCCTile.com for more!

Remodels: Affordable Tile Trends in Cape Coral and Fort Myers

PCC Tile — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:45:00 GMT

Current Tile Trends for your Home Remodel

At PCC Tile, we see hundreds of kitchen and bath remodels, so let us help you with yours. New wall tile, floor tile, or back-splash kitchen tiles will drastically enhance any space. Thus, with the combination of our in-stock and special order selection- you can create endless remodel designs. Our large selection ensures limitless room transformations. In addition to our selection, our knowledgeable staff and large showroom makes it easy to create a design and buy tile all in one place!

Get some tile remodel ideas and see what tiles we have for sale below!

Modern Inspired Tile Remodels

Modern remodels in Southwest Florida are gaining popularity, reflecting a shift toward sleek designs and functional spaces. As new homeowners are seeking simplicity and sophistication, favoring the minimalist, yet bold look offered by modern designs.

Thus, in shower remodels, opt for a pristine, light, polished wall tile – the larger the better. Then pair it with a geometrical and structural shower floor such as polished marble hexagons or sleek pebble floor mosaic. Likewise, a modern kitchen back splash should follow the same guidelines – simple and sleek. Use a one-toned ceramic, glass, or porcelain wall tile with an interesting shape, such as elongated hexagons, pickets, or narrow rectangles, to create a dynamic yet lush look.

Get The Look Using These Tiles

Concrete Look Porcelain tile 12×24, 24×24 or 24×48
Glossy Monochromatic Backsplash Tile
Polished 12×24 or 24×48 Marble Wall Tile

Coastal Inspired Tile Remodels

The Coastal look is one that comes natural to homes in Southwest Florida. The Coastal aesthetic involves light and airy colors with a touch of fun. Therefore in tile remodels, homeowners aim to replace old, dull tile with more vibrant and ocean-like tiles and mosaics.

Including tiles such as sea-inspired glass, weathered wood-look porcelain, and natural pebble mosaics that mimic those coastal textures and colors. For example, in showers, consider soft blue or teal subway tile for the walls paired with a neutral pebble flooring. And in your back splash area try to include these same color schemes and varying textures with either a glass mosaic mixed with stone or a more simpler blue or tan themed subway tile. Overall, the coastal color palettes of soft blues, greens, and sandy neutrals complete the beachy vibe.

Get The Look Using These Tiles

Neutral and Weathered Wood-look Porcelain Plank Tile
Blue Themed Wall Tile
Natural Pebble Stone Mosaics

Mediterranean Inspired Tile Remodels

Mediterranean styled homes encapsulate the warmth and charm reminiscent of the coastal regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, this design trend emphasizes a fusion of influences from Southern Europe, showcasing a timeless and inviting aesthetic with dynamic shapes and patterns. Furthermore, tiles and fixtures play a crucial role in achieving the distinctive Mediterranean look, with warm stone-like square tiles, paired with intricate mosaic patterns, and ornate porcelain tiles evoking the traditional craftsmanship found in the architecture of countries like Italy and Spain.

Get The Look Using These Tiles

Large Format Stone-Look Tile 12×24, 24×24 or 24×48
Patterned Porcelain tile 6×6 or 8×8
Polished, Tumbled, or Honed Marble Mosaics

Find All Products Shown Linked Below

Carenza bianco polished 12×24 Aspen gris wood-look 8×24 Black tear drop marble mosaic 12×12 Harlequin white wall tile 4×8 Panda white polished 24×48 Grey and White stone hex mosaic 12×12 Artico white matte 12×24 Mud light green glossy 3×12 Craft light greige 8×48 Roxy turquoise 4×16 Origin blue matte 12×24 Black lantern marble mosaic 12×12 Slate gold 12×24 Gemini black patterned tile 6×6

At PCC Tile we offer all the tile you need to complete your renovation at a good price. We locally sell affordable and discounted porcelain, ceramic, stone and marble. As our extensive selection includes a variety of styles and finishes to suit diverse tastes, whether you’re aiming for a Modern, Coastal, or Mediterranean look. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on providing quality tiles for sale that not only enhance the visual appeal of your space but also offer durability and longevity, ensuring your renovation stands the test of time. Explore our collections today to discover the perfect tiles for your project, all at unbeatable prices and quality. Come Visit Our Store Today!

Coastal inspiration

Modern Inspiration

View more at PCCTile.com

New 4×16 Roxy Subway/Backsplash Tile

PCC Tile — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 20:15:00 GMT

Roxy Gray 4×16

If you find the walls of your kitchen or bathroom boring and dull, it’s time to decorate with new look. Get carried away by the imagination, taste and ideas that we bring you with Roxy, a collection inspired by the latest trends in wallpaper.

View 4×16 Roxy Grey on Manufacturer Page

Roxy Turquoise 4×16

View 4×16 Roxy Grey on Manufacturer’s Page

Roxy Blue 4×16

View 4×16 Roxy Blue on Manufacturer’s Page

Roxy White 4×16

View 4×16 Roxy White on Manufacturer Page