Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Review - Winter 2009

Check out the Winter 2009 edition of the Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Review.

Looking for the past issue? We have those too!

Is it 'green' or greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a term that has been used for over twenty years to deceive consumers into thinking a product is more 'environmentally friendly' than what it really is or what a company's environmental practices really are. Tile is indisputably 'green' in nature, because it is made from minerals, stones and clays from the earth, however, greenwashing still runs rampant through the tile industry. While there have been many successes in the tile industry, environmental claims have been over stated. The most common forms of greenwashing in the tile industry are:

* Inflated recycled content claims without proof.
* Inaccurate information about the manufacturing process.
* Claims that products are LEED approved or recycled without independant certification.

It's important to understand projects, not products, are LEED certified. You need to ask critical questions to ascertain the true eco value of the material.

* Most importantly, is the product independently certified by a third party?
* What is the origin of the raw materials in the tile?
* Does the manufacturer use renewable energy sources? What are their conservation practices?
* What air quality emissions are produced in the manufacture of the tile? Does it have VOCs?
* Do they reclaim any waste material?
* What is the actual recycled content percentage? Is it post-industrial or post-consumer?
* Where is the tile produced and how far does it travel to get to its final installation destination?

Third party verification is the most transparent way to prove a tile's 'green-ness.' These are companies such as Greenguard, Veritas, Greenseal and Scientific Certification Systems. Aside from providing a contribution to the quality of life, verification assures that products are made with resources that have been carefully managed, gives you the personal knowledge that you're doing the right thing. It is important to understand that green building projects have direct & indirect liability based on product selection and without diligence the project certification can be compromised. With all the certified eco-friendly products offered at Kate-Lo Tile & Stone, there is no need to compromise your project's integrity with products that are questionable. Call your sales rep today to find out more about these products.

How to cut large format glass tile

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone always keeps you up on the latest trends in tile and large format glass tile is one of many. Venezia, a large format glass tile that is 12"x24" in dimension, provides a clean, contemporary style that works perfectly in today's kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, bars and more. Cutting large format glass tile can be challenging, so we have provided this video to give you some examples of how to make your tiling project a breeze.

Visit a Kate-Lo Tile & Stone showroom to view our complete line of Venezia Glass, which is available in eight colors, in both gloss and stripe patterns.

3D Slate Mosaics - Now in Stock!

Now in stock in our Plymouth, MN warehouse are beautiful slate mosaics from India.
Pictured to the left, the patterns are as follows:

Tinda (top)
Kayla (top middle)
Europa(bottom middle)
Vertix (bottom)

All are available in Jack Mulitcolor and Kund Multicolor. These 3D mosaics add an unique architectural detail to any installation.

Visit your local Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Showroom to see these styles plus several other styles!

What's your PLAN?

As beautiful as it is functional, Plan Porcelain Stone by Crossville will change the face of hardscape design. A technically advanced porcelain tile, Plan features a palette of sophisticated colors in an array of sizes, shapes and textures created to elevate your outdoor and transitional interior spaces.

At first glance, Plan makes a bold, minimalist statement. A closer look, however, reveals Plan's true personality. A richly textured surface provides aesthetic interest and higher coefficient of friction while metallic micro-crystals infuse the tile with the perfect touch of subtle shimmer.

Resistant to the effects of chemicals and the elements, Plan is ideally suited for exterior applications, no matter what the climate. From swimming pool decks to porches, sunrooms, and summer kitchens, Plan helps you create beautifully carefree outdoor living environments.

Not only does Plan enhance its natural surroundings, it does so in an environmentally friendly manner. Plan has received the European Eco-label for Hard Floor Coverings. This globally trusted mark of green products ensures reduced energy consumption during production, limited emissions to air and water and reduced impact on habitats and natural resources.