A Landslide Victory
Thank you to those that participated in the landslide vote for tile here at the Calypso Couple’s beach casa (Casa La Punta Es). After viewing the Blog entry on several computers we realized the colors of the tiles were widely different depending on the monitor and video cards – so tough to make a decision.
And the WINNER is…
But since it was pretty much unanimous color was probably not a limiting factor. The consensus was the other two options were too busy and perhaps dizzying.
In any case with such overwhelming support for Tile Option 3 – we went ahead and ordered it – 14 boxes of some very large (55 X 55 centimeters or 21.5 inches square). Here is some irony. Anita tipped the two delivery hombres that transported the tile from the bed of a huge truck in the road to our driveway. The distance was about 12 feet. I, on the other hand, carried all 14 boxes upstairs to the second level. Thirteen steps and about 40 feet – no tip whatsoever!
Later we returned to Zetuna for trim tile. We wanted a contrasting colored edge running along the long sides of the room. We had samples to take home – but at the last minute we made a decision. We went with Oaxaca Rojo (44 X 44). Cut in half they will provide a burnt orange 22 centimeter border.
Then to Autocad to see if this was all going to work without a tile wet saw to make many cuts. In the salon we recently tiles we had to cut but one tile (nothing short of a miracle that).
The Bedroom Tile Layout
We did go for number three and now have 14 boxes waiting to be laid. We are incorporating a trim tile on the long sides of the room. Our choice (and we almost put it to vote) is a tile called, “Oaxaca Rojo”. The name seems appropriate if nothing else.
A word about porcelain tile these days. During the last decade the tile industry has reinvented the way ceramic tiles are decorated and produced. With the advent of new inkjet printer technology there is no longer a need for screen or roller printing methods. Like screen and roller printing, the image of the design is first scanned, then modified on a computer. However, with digital imaging the design can be almost instantly transferred to an inkjet printing machine, capable of printing any design with any desired color; virtually an infinite possibility of designs on not only flat surfaced tile but relief tile surfaces as well.
This is done by using a print style called Drop on Demand (DoD) and by utilizing a special type of printing device called a piezoelectric print head. With these new tools the printer creates an identical picture of the digital image by propelling tiny drops of ink (measured in pico liters) onto the tile. Because the inkjet machines fit perfectly into the manufacturing process they have been able to improve efficiency and allow for a higher degree of customization by allowing virtually an infinite possibility of design.
And possibly the best part of the new technology is the GREEN FACTOR! With less set-up, less waste and vast speed increase to produce tile this process is a winner.
Tomorrow we start laying tile – pictures and experience report to follow. Stay Tuned!
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ivan