Sergio's Ceramic Tile Co. countertop and wall tile lines are special collections of glazed ceramic and porcelain tile that come complete with all of the pieces necessary for kitchens and bathrooms. These lines are perfect for floors, walls and countertops.

Ceramic tile is one of the oldest building products known. Ceramics dating back many centuries have been found along the banks of the Tigris River in the Middle East. Once available to only the most affluent, ceramic is still considered one of the most fashionable choices for countertops and walls.

Ceramic tile is derived from mixtures of clay, sand and other natural minerals that are shaped into tile and fired at high temperatures. According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile made by the pressed dust method. The pressed dust method results in a porcelain tile with a density so high that water absorption is less than 0.5%.

Uses
Countertops
Shower and tub surrounds
Light traffic floors and walls
Interior and exterior applications

Why Glazed Ceramic and Porcelain Tile?
Variety: Porcelain and ceramic tile adds value. Because they are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, patterns and textures, they can satisfy almost any design preference.
Durability: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile combine both beauty and durability. These products are durable enough to be used for exterior as well as interior floor applications.
Stain-Resistance: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most stain-resistant building products available.
Color Permanent: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are among the few decorative building products that will not fade or discolor with sunlight.
Dirt-Resistant: Porcelain and ceramic tile are among the easiest of all decorative finishing products to maintain. Soil will simply lie on the surface, permitting quick removal with a dust mop or cleanser.
Hygiene: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are good choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they are sanitary. They are also hypoallergenic, given that odors, mold, mildew, dust, allergens and bacteria do not tend to get trapped within them.
Investment: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are considered permanent products and are listed in the Real Estate Appraisal Guide as building products that increase the value of a home.
Affordability: Thanks to modern technology, glazed ceramic and porcelain tile are now affordable options for most budgets. These products, due to inherent durability and broad applications, are more cost effective than most alternative products.

Special Considerations
Dye Lot: Tile may vary from dye lot to dye lot in size and in color.

Maintenance
While it is not necessary to seal glazed ceramic and porcelain tile, it is always recommended that grout joints be sealed. Emser representatives can recommend appropriate grout sealers

Through-body tile is derived from mixtures of clay, sand and other natural minerals that are shaped into tile and fired at high temperatures. The pressed dust method results in a porcelain tile with a density so high that water absorption is less than 0.5%. Depending on project objectives, porcelain tile may be purchased glazed, unglazed or polished.

Uses
Floors and walls
Countertops
Shower and tub surrounds
Interior and exterior

Why Through-Body Porcelain Tile?
Variety: Porcelain tile adds value. Because it is available in a wide range of sizes, colors, patterns and textures, it can satisfy almost any design preference.
Durability: Porcelain combines both beauty and durability. This product is durable enough to be used for exterior as well as high traffic interior applications.
Stain-Resistance: Porcelain tile is stain-resistant.
Color Permanent: Porcelain tile is one of the few decorative building products that does not tend to fade or discolor with sunlight.
Dirt-Resistant: Porcelain tile is easy to maintain.
Hygiene: Porcelain tile is a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it is sanitary. It is also hypoallergenic, given that odors, mold, mildew, dust, allergens and bacteria do not tend to get trapped within.
Investment: Porcelain tile is listed in the Real Estate Appraisal Guide as a permanent building product that increases the value of a building.
Affordability: Thanks to modern technology, unglazed porcelain tile is now an affordable option for most budgets. Porcelain tile, due to inherent durability and broad applications, is more cost effective than most alternative products.

Special Considerations
Dye Lot: Tile may vary from dye lot to dye lot in size and in color.

Maintenance
While it is not necessary, it is always recommended that unglazed porcelain tile be sealed. Emser representatives can recommend appropriate sealers.

Marble
Known for its beauty and elegance, marble is a timeless classic. Throughout the centuries, it was the material of choice for artists and architects to create magnificent sculptures, monuments, and buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Greek Parthenon. Inspired by such masterpieces of antiquity, architects and designers of today use marble to add an aura of sophistication and splendor to any space.

Marble is a metamorphic limestone. It begins as a sedimentary stone consisting of seashells and the bones of sea creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. Calcium in the sediment combines with carbon dioxide in water to form calcium carbonate. High heat and pressure cause the fossilized materials, along with its original carbonate minerals, to crystallize and transform limestone into marble.

Like fingerprints, no two pieces of marble are exactly alike. Marble varies in color and veining from stone to stone as a result of fissures filled with minerals that are present during the stone’s formation. The naturally occurring variations in marble contribute to its distinctive appeal. Polishing achieves a patina that further enhances the colors of all the trace elements.

Uses
Interior and exterior in non-freeze/thaw environments
Flooring
Fireplaces
Vanities
Shower and tub surrounds

Types
Polished: During production, a facet is put on each crystal at a microscopic level – much as a jeweler would facet a diamond. The resultant smooth surface allows light to refract in and out of the stone in a parallel way. This enhances the visible sheen and gives the appearance of depth and luster.
Honed: Grinding the surface achieves a smooth, non-reflective finish.
Tumbled Surface (ancient stones): An antique look achieved by subjecting the stone to a tumbling process.

Special Considerations
Consider the function of the area involved prior to selection. Marbles range from 5-7.5 on the MOHS hardness scale. (Compare this with granite stones used for landscaping, which range from 8-9 on the MOHS scale).
Green and black colored marbles require a 100% solid epoxy adhesive as they have a tendency to warp from water-based adhesives.
Color variations are common and enhance the natural beauty of marble. Be sure to inspect multiple samples of the stone before selection to ensure satisfaction with colors and patterns.

Maintenance
Do clean with a dust mop and neutral cleaner to remove most dirt.
Do use a penetrating sealer to prevent staining. Because many stones are porous to some degree, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation (rust), spalling, deterioration of dry veins, etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. Emser representatives can recommend appropriate sealers.
Do clean marble with “special stone cleaners”, “pH balanced cleaners” or “neutral base cleaners.”
Do not clean any natural stone with acidic cleaners, including (but not limited to) vinegar or cleaners with “lemon” or “lime” on the label. These products will abrade the polish from the stone. Sealers DO NOT protect polished surfaces from these types of cleaners.

Eye-catching and functional, granite is a speckled stone that ranges in color from absolute black to Bianco Portolo (salt & pepper white) – and every color in between. The natural color variations result from a mixture of minerals, including common materials found in ceramic or porcelain, like feldspar, quartz and mica. Natural irregularities in the interlocked minerals create a beautiful array of kaleidoscopic patterns.

Uses
Interior and exterior
Floors and walls
Interior counter tops
Exterior building facades

Types
Polished: During production, a facet is put on each crystal at a microscopic level– much as a jeweler would facet a diamond. The resulting smooth surface allows light to refract in and out of the stone in a parallel way. This enhances the visible sheen and gives the appearance of depth.
Honed: A smooth, non-reflective finish achieved by using acid to grind the surface (available by special order only).
Flamed (thermal): A rough surface created by applying a direct flame source, such as a blowtorch, and burning off portions of the surface minerals.

Special Considerations
Color variations enhance the natural beauty of the stone. Inspect multiple samples before selection to ensure satisfaction with colors and patterns.

Maintenance
Do clean with a dust mop and neutral cleaner to remove most dirt.
Do use a penetrating sealer to prevent staining. Because many stones are porous to some degree, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation (rust), spalling, deterioration of dry veins, etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. Emser representatives can recommend appropriate sealers.
Do clean natural stones with “special stone cleaners”, “pH balanced cleaners” or “neutral base cleaners.”
Do not clean any natural stone with acidic cleaners, including (but not limited to) vinegar or cleaners with “lemon” or “lime” on the label. These products will abrade the polish from the stone. Sealers DO NOT protect polished surfaces from these types of cleaners.