YES! Installing stainless steel tile is similar to installing regular tile, with a few notable exceptions. In many ways, stainless is easier than stone or ceramic tile. Many people choose to install our tile tightly together. This way, you do not need spacers and will not have to grout. Not grouting will shorten the job by at least two days. You have to let regular tile cure before grouting, then the grout has to cure before sealing. You skip those steps if you choose not to grout. If you are using the standard hardboard backer, the tile is installed with a construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) instead of Thinset. You apply the adhesive using a standard caulk gun, directly to the back of the tile, and press it on the wall. Cutting metal is probably the most challenging part of the process. However, if you are comfortable cutting regular tile with a wet saw, you should have no problem mastering stainless tiles. There will be less waste as well. You will not crack our tiles, but you may have a bad cut or two. Typically, we do not recommend getting a lot of extra tiles (10% to 20% for a regular tile project). So if you are moderately skilled and have the right tools, this project is well within the capability of many homeowners. We are just a call away and enjoy working with our customers to achieve a great result.

For more information, please visit KAIYAO.

We also have two installation guides available here: How To Install and here: Installation Guide

When the tile is formed, it creates a void on the back of the tile.  By applying a backer inside this void, the tile gains added rigidity and provides a suitable surface to bond to the substrate.  The hardboard is the standard backer and works great in most situations.  It is not affected by occasional splashings, like behind a sink.  We use a 3/16" thick hardboard which stays mostly hidden by the the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge.  It has the lowest profile, as it makes a tile that is about ¼” thick.  It installs easily using a construction adhesive similar to Liquid Nails.

If you are going to use the tile in an area that gets soaked frequently, like in a shower or outside, you will need to use the Fiberock backer.  It works great in areas that see a lot of moisture. Because it is a little thicker and makes a tile that is about 3/8” thick, it is sometimes chosen when mixing stainless tiles with other types of tile, such as stone, ceramic or glass, to better match their thickness. However, because Fiberock is thicker, it does protrude from the back side of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's factory edge. It is typically installed with Thinset, like regular tile.

To summarize, the hardboard backer is 3/16" thick, makes a 1/4" thick tile, and stays mostly hidden behind the tile's fully-formed factory edge. It's our most popular backer and is used in most situations. The Fiberock backer is 1/4" thick, makes a 3/8" thick tile, and because it's thicker, it does protrude from the backside of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge.

More information on our backers is available here: Tile Backing Options

We only use U.S. produced stainless steel. Our steel is a ferritic stainless (430 series) that offers a wide range of properties that make it suitable for decorative and functional walls and backsplashes. It is one of the most common stainless steels used for decorative and functional purposes (like commercial sinks, outdoor gas grills, architectural trim, etc.) There is an ongoing debate on what type of stainless steel is best for a backsplash. The two most common types of stainless are 300 series and 400 series. While the 300 series offers slightly better corrosion resistance (primarily because of its nickel content), 400 series offers excellent corrosion resistance and we have never had a complaint of corrosion with our standard 430 stainless. It has a couple of other advantages that make 430 stainless our choice. It is a little less expensive because it uses molybdenum for corrosion resistance and ours is annealed to further improve corrosion resistance. 300 series is more expensive because nickel is not a raw material that the United States is a significant producer. Because the nickel is imported from competitor countries (like Russia and China), it adds to the cost of production and comes with a political cost. A further benefit of 430 series steel is that magnets will stick to it. That makes sticking your menus and notes on the backsplash with a magnet possible, just like on your refrigerator (also usually made with 430 series stainless).

The PVC film that is on the face of the tile serves an important function during production, shipping, and installation. It protects the brushed finish of the tile and reduces the chance of nicks and scratches. It is recommended that the film is left on until after the tile is installed. Once the tile is adhered to the wall and cured, the PVC can be peeled off. There will be a little adhesive residue on the tile and it will need to be cleaned. We recommend a cleaner and polish combination like Sheila Shine, which we carry on our website. However, there are many other products available to you locally. There is a discussion on our blog with great tips on cleaning and a good list of products.

Before leaving this topic, I want to mention that the PVC film can be a little tedious, but it really works well to protect the tile. Prior to adhering the tile, we recommend that you begin peeling the film off all sides and just leave the face covered. This will make peeling the PVC off easier. Some people report good results with peeling the PVC while installing and use extra care to avoid scratching the tile. If you are going to grout the tile, you definitely want the PVC clear of the joints so that you don’t ruin the grout when peeling or get the film trapped in the joint. Also, instead of floating the grout, you may consider using a grout bag with a thin bead tip to apply the grout directly to the joint and smooth with a wet finger. In any case, you want to avoid using a sanded grout, unless absolutely necessary.

There are several ways to cut stainless steel tile. First, the primary concern while cutting stainless steel is to avoid generating a lot of heat that may discolor the steel. Until recently, we have recommended that tile is cut with a tile wet saw with a diamond blade. That is still a very acceptable method to cut tile; however, there is a method we found recently that is easier and less expensive. Stainless can be cut using a band saw or jig saw using a fine-toothed blade with 17 or more teeth to the inch. The trick is getting a straight cut and protecting the tile. There are two relatively new products that solve these issues. First, Rockwell has a tool called Blade Runner X2 that is essentially a small tabletop tool that has a jigsaw blade mounted from underneath the table. The upper end of the blade is supported between two rollers. This tool was purchased on Amazon and delivered to our shop for right around $100. Jigsaw blades are cheap while diamond blades used on wet saws are not. This tool could pay for itself the first time it is used. There is also a table made by a company in Germany (Neutechnik) that you can mount your jigsaw on, with the same advantages as the Rockwell tool. We are in the process of evaluating both tools and will provide more information and instructions in the near future. Meanwhile, the tile wet saw works well for straight cuts. When you have to notch a tile (like around an outlet), you can make the straight cuts with the wet saw and the inside cuts with an abrasive cutoff wheel in a Dremel rotary tool.

We have posted a video on YouTube that shows several methods for cutting stainless steel tile:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel floor tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Yes, we enjoy working with you to help you get the best result possible for your project. In the future, we will be offering videos to address some of the more common layout issues. In general, work to create a design and layout that fits your space best. A couple key considerations are: 1) how the pattern fits within openings and 2) how the tiles end, both in corners and the ends of the pattern. By fitting in an opening, we are talking typically space above the stove and below the vent or microwave, and the area above the sink. If possible, we want the pattern to be symmetrical in these spaces. By that, we mean that the pattern is centered within the spaces. After that, we want to see how the tile will end in the corners and on the sides. On small walls, it is good to make both sides end with the same size tile (symmetrical). Also, we don’t want to see a pattern end with just a sliver of a tile. The very small tile will be distracting. When the tile is to continue around a corner, experiment with how that transition is best made. There are two good methods. One is to make it a continuation of the pattern around the corner. Let’s say we are using 4”X8” tile and when we reach the corner, we have to cut a tile to 6 inches to fit. Take the 2-inch leftover and turn the corner with it. This makes for a nice flow. Another option is to make the opposite walls mirror each other. So in the above example, if you finish with a 6-inch tile, make the next wall start with a 6-inch tile. Both patterns will be symmetrical and produce a contiguous look. With any type of tile that you install, it is not likely that every consideration will be accommodated. In that case, you choose the most visible element to make right and the least visible element will require some compromise.

Pros and Cons of Metal Tile: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

If you're seeking a flooring or wall surface that stands out from the crowd, metal tile might be exactly what you're looking for. Its striking blend of durability, modern style, and remarkable versatility makes it a compelling choice for homeowners and business owners alike. With options ranging from sleek stainless steel to the warmth of copper or bronze, metal tile opens a world of design possibilities.
 

However, before you fully commit to this unique material for your Brentwood, TN, home or business, it's essential to weigh its impressive benefits against its potential drawbacks. Understanding the full picture is key to making an informed decision that ensures long-term satisfaction.
 

Let's delve into the pros and cons of metal tile and explore whether this eye-catching material is the perfect fit for your next renovation!
 

Pros of Metal Tile
 

• Extreme Durability: Metal is tough! It stands up to heavy foot traffic, scratches, dents, moisture, and everyday wear and tear better than many traditional tile options. This makes metal tile a wise choice for busy kitchens, mudrooms, and bathrooms in Brentwood homes, as well as commercial spaces.
• Eye-Catching Aesthetics: With its reflective finish and array of colors and textures, metal tile adds a touch of sophistication and modernity. Options range from sleek stainless steel to warm copper and everything in between!
• Versatile Applications: Metal tile shines on walls, floors, backsplashes, ceilings, and even outdoors! It's a truly multifaceted material that lends itself to creative installations.
• Easy Maintenance: Unlike porous materials, metal resists stains and spills. Clean-up is a breeze, particularly important in areas prone to messes.
• Long Lifespan: With proper care, metal tile can last for decades, making it a worthwhile investment for your Brentwood home or business.

Cons of Metal Tile
 

• Cost: High-quality metal tile can be more expensive than ceramic or porcelain tile. However, the long-term durability may make it a cost-effective choice over time.
• Potential for Denting: Softer metals like copper or aluminum are more prone to denting under heavy impact. This is more a consideration for flooring than wall applications.
• Noise: Metal tile can amplify sound, especially in large, open spaces. Acoustic underlayment might be needed in some settings.
• Cooler Underfoot: Metal tile can feel cold to the touch, especially in colder climates. Using radiant floor heating or rugs can mitigate this.
• Installation: Metal tile can be trickier to install than some traditional tiles, often requiring specialized cutting tools and techniques.

Is Metal Tile the Right Choice for You?

The decision depends on your priorities, budget, and the application. Consider these questions:
 

• Where will the tile be installed? Metal is perfect for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas but might be too noisy for bedrooms.
• What's your budget? If cost is a major factor, explore different metal types to find the best fit.
• Do you want a low-maintenance surface? Metal tile offers easy cleaning but some softer metals may require polishing to remove oxidation.
• What design aesthetic are you envisioning? Metal tile ranges from rustic to ultra-modern.

Metal Tile Trends for Brentwood Homes and Businesses
 

• Warm Metals: Copper, brass, and bronze are trending, adding warmth and richness to kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial lobbies.
• Mixed Metals: Pairing different metal tones creates a visually dynamic and luxurious look.
• Large-Format Tiles: Oversized metal tiles offer a contemporary flair and minimize grout lines.
• Textured Finishes: Hammered, brushed, and patterned metals add dimension and tactile appeal.

At Floorz, proudly serving Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, Nolensville, and Spring Hill, TN, we know an informed decision leads to lasting satisfaction. Metal tile offers exceptional durability, undeniable style, and incredible design versatility. While it comes with some trade-offs, understanding both the pros and the cons is key to making the perfect decision for your Brentwood, TN, home or business.
 

Ready to explore the exciting world of metal tile? Visit our expansive showroom today! We offer a vast selection of metal tile options, and our knowledgeable team will guide you through everything from design to installation. Let us transform your spaces with the beauty and durability of metal tile! Contact us today!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit steel flooring panels.