Creative Tile

Our blog has moved!

2010-12-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

We're keeping everything on here for archival sake, but you can find our new blog at:

www.creativetilesc.com/blog1

Make your vision a reality!

Jacket Drive Extended

2010-10-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Our L.I.C.S. jacket drive has been extended through

Monday, 15 November.

While pulling out Winter clothes, clean out your old, gently used jackets (child through adult sizes) and drop them off at one of our three locations: Lexington, West Columbia, or Northeast.

2010-10-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Backsplash designed by Mr. and Mrs. Mondello
Jeffrey Court - Fire and Ice (quartz)
Mirage glass - Galaxy Series

New Products and a Jacket Drive

2010-10-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

In benefit of Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS), we are holding a jacket drive now through the end of October..EXTENDED THROUGH 15 NOVEMBER! Please clean out your closets and bring your gently used donations by any one of our stores: Lexington, West Columbia, or Northeast.

Creative Tile has gone wild! Check out our latest, textured tile from TFO. Samples are available for your viewing at each location. We think it's awesome!

2010-09-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Robertson master bath
Designed by Mr. & Mrs. Robertson with help from their
son, Ben.

Olympus 14x14, TFO mixed pyramids.

2010-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

2010-09-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

Zielinski Backsplash

Jeffrey Court - Fire and Ice brick

Installed by Nuno Felix Tile Away

corson remodel

2010-08-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

2010-08-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! In-stock travertine on sale $2.99 sf!

2010-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Our own Becca Bertok painted this beautiful mural.

Designed by Lynn of Devine Designs and installed by Justin Robertson of Stone Works. Great Job it turned out fantastic!

Shown: Bolero Glass, 4x4 Ivory Travertine, and MPM Metal Decos.

2010-07-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

We now carry Mirage Glass!!
This collection will make all your guests

Ohhh and Ahh!

Backsplash Installations by Precision Tile Company

2010-07-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Give us a call for Precision Tile Company's contact information!

Cool products on clearance!

2010-07-01T06:33:00.000-07:00

We have some neat products in-stock, in limited quantities, that are up to 30% off normal retail! Check it out:

1. Gold-Beige split-faced travertine mosaic...perfect for a kitchen backsplash! 46sf in stock. $13.58/sf...regularly $17.98/sf. No minimum purchase required. No returns on clearance items.

2. Aglon Bubble glass...it's really more bronzey than what you see in the picture below. Glass tiles are tricky to photograph! Everyone that comes in the showroom and sees this on the front counter says, "Wow!" It really has an amazing depth to it! Great for a kitchen backsplash or a bathroom accent. 29sf in stock. $17.58/sf...regularly $22.95/sf. No minimum purchase required. No returns on clearnace items. Items can be viewed at any of our locations, although the materials are in-stock at West Columbia. Given a day or two, we can deliver these materials to Lexington or Northeast for pick up there. :)

New tile and a new visitor

2010-06-24T06:44:00.001-07:00

Have you seen our latest print ad? It features a beautiful new 5/8" glass from Medici Mosaics...

And just yesterday, we got a sample in! You're looking at Medici Mosaics Reflections in "Lava". We think it's just awesome! We also have some other new items from Medici, A&S Marble and Granite, and Jeffrey Court.

Apparently, word of the new sample(s) got out fast, and we had an eager new client stop by to check it out. We were completely taken with this little guy who hung out for awhile yesterday afternoon on our back store window. :)

lexington hours

2010-06-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Creative Tile will be making a few changes this month due to some recent announcements. We would like to congratulate Sally and Corey who are getting married next Saturday, June 26th and wish them the best of luck in Atlanta. Becca will also be leaving us July 2nd, to take a marketing job downtown, working with alternative fuel vehicles (which if you know Becca is right up her alley). They will be greatly missed here at Creative. In other news we'd like to welcome Mary Hendricks to the team, she is working at the West Columbia location, stop in and meet her.

Starting June 22nd Kim will be moving to the Northeast store and Danielle will be moving to the Lexington store. Lexington's new hours will be Tuesday-Thursday 9-6, Friday 9-5, and Saturday 10-2.

Training

2010-06-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Avaire is coming to Creative Tile to do a free in-house training session on their new interlocking floating floor! This is the floor of the future; fast, easy, and beautiful porcelain tile. There will be plenty of food and beverages for everyone. We hope to see you there!!

Garden Window

2010-06-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Have you seen what we're working on? We've designed a "Garden Window" at the West Columbia store to showcase some of our glass tile. Danielle and Becca made some mosaics in addition to using whole sheets of glass. It's not quite done, and the floor still has to go in, in front of it, but it's getting there! :)

Creative Tile in Afghanistan

2010-06-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

Becca's friend and AWESOME Massage Therapist, Sherry Morrison, who works at Elante Day Spa in Lexington, had a client two weeks ago who was on her way to Afghanistan. The young woman is a Combat Medic. She stopped by for a massage before being deployed the following day. Sherry asked her what sort of items she needs while in Afghanistan, and on the top of the list was chapstick. So, Sherry pulled all of the Creative Tile chapsticks out of the bowl we had set up at Elante for advertising and is sending them to Afghanistan.

We think it's pretty awesome! Thank you Sherry for supporting our Troops, and we're proud that we had a side hand in it. We'll make sure you get some more chapsticks to send over seas!

PeNina Soaps and Goodies

2010-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you kindly to Jessica King of PeNina Elements for giving us two bars of her lovely, handmade soaps to finish dressing up one of our shower displays. Lots of customers ask what the niche is for so we put some soap in there to show it off! :)

Jessica uses only natural ingredients in her soaps which she makes at her home in the Midlands. She also does candles, chapsticks, lotions, bath bombs, etc. Our designers are big fans! To contact Jessica about purchasing some of her items, contact her at: Penina5@live.com

Thanks again Jessica! :)

Let's get Creative!

2010-05-28T05:41:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when our staff gets inspired (or bored). :) Below is an outdoor table that Danielle Fabris, our newest designer, has laid out for her back patio. She has yet to set or grout it, but we think it looks pretty awesome! The mosaic is made using travertine, glass, and slate. Stop by to welcome Danielle to South Carolina! She recently moved here from Ohio where she worked at The Tile Store outside of Cincinnati. She is currently training in West Columbia but will soon be working at our new Lexington store at 703 N. Lake Dr. (on Hyw's 378/6, across from Lexington Middle School).

The mosaic below is a picture of Ahab, designer Becca Bertok's one-legged Finch who recently passed away. She lived a good six year life, and will be missed! Becca made this mosaic out of 1x1 Bisazza glass and 12" Crema Marfil Marble. Plans are now that it will be installed at the kitchen in the Lexington store.

As you can see, our staff lives up to our name! Creative Tile! Stop by today to let us help you Make your vision a reality!

Holiday Information:

Our Lexington and Northeast stores will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 29 May for the holiday weekend. West Columbia will be closed Monday, 31 May. All stores will reopen at their regular hours on Tuesday, 1 June. We hope you have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

All gave some, Some gave all. Thank you kindly to our family and friends who have served and to all current and former soldiers.

Fann Glass Vanity

2010-05-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here we have a beautiful new Master Bath vanity installed at the Fann's home by Nuno Felix (call for contact information). The homeowner selected a 1x1 Tesoro blend glass in blues and clears. Design by Becca Bertok.

Watson Household

2010-05-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Designed by Becca for her parents, the new kitchen countertops, backsplash, and Master shower work well in their rural farmhouse. Installation by Mike Funderburk; for contact information, call the West Columbia store at 796.4861.

The kitchen features 3cm Sapphire Blue granite, Giallo Reale Venezian-finish 4" travertine and 1x1 Medici Genoa glass.

The Master Bath tub surround features 13" Capri Classico and 5/8" Honey Onyx polished mosaic.

West Columbia showroom remodel

2010-05-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Have you seen all the changes were making at our West Columbia store?

Country and Noce travertine checkerboard with a custom border designed by Danielle and Becca in our natural stone area:

Our new in-stock 20" Athena Olympus in Scott's office:

New in-stock 20" Athena Sparta in our breakroom:

Hardwood-look-porcelain:

Floating cork flooring in our designer's area:

New floors in our vignette area:

We have lots going on at all three locations! Stop in today for information on any of the tiles you see here and to have us design your next project. We look forward to working with you!

Lake Murray Magazine cruise

2010-05-14T05:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you kindly to Jason Stegall of The State Newspaper for inviting us along on Lake Murray Magazine's Spirit of Lake Murray cruise last night!

(L-R) Creative Tile designers: Danielle, Becca, Becky, and Athena

Creative Headboards

2010-05-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

A tile headboard? Well, of course! Designer Jennifer Freeman of Columbia (The Naked Window) created this headboard for a recent client using leather, coconut tile, and oval crackled glass tiles. We think it looks lovely! :)

For more information on the tile and to receive Jennifer's contact information, give us a call!

For a good cause...

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Becky and Scott Heron, owners of Creative Tile, participated in Canoeing for Kids' Raft-a-Rama this past Saturday on the Saluda River.

Canoeing for Kids raises money to offer paddling trips for underprivileged children. To learn more about them, click here.

Lexington Store Grand Opening party pics

2010-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for joining us and the HBA Remodeler's Council last night at the Grand Opening of our new Lexington store at 703 N. Lake Dr. across from Lexington Middle School. We had a grand time!

Vaughn Backsplash

2010-04-26T06:03:00.001-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn selected a beautiful 1x1 8mm brown/garnet glass for their backsplash. With a little guidance, Mr. Vaughn installed it himself this past weekend. We think it looks great! :)

FOR SALE

2010-04-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

Originally used as a display at our West Columbia showroom, we are ready to sell this beautiful, REAL marble fireplace surround. It has some scratches on the hearth and mantel but is still quite pretty. Regularly sold for approximately $3,000.00, we are selling it for $495.00. Call Becca, Becky, or Scott at the West Columbia store for more information. 796.4861

Dyer Home

2010-04-13T07:03:00.001-07:00

Designed by Mrs. Dyer and Creative Tile's Becca Bertok, the tile work for this new home was almost a year-and-a-half in the making. The Dyer family was looking for a classy and minimalistic approach to the tile designs, which I think we achieved nicely.

Construction was completed by Kaufman Builders, and the tile work was done by Hoover's Flooring. Call Creative Tile for contact information for the persons listed.

The Master Bath features a 2x4 polished Antik Onyx border and Chocolate Travertine rope, Opera Aida porcelain, dots of 2" Cafe Emperador marble, and Crema Marfil marble slabs.

The whole house, excluding the bedrooms, features 17" Opera Aida porcelain flooring which Creative Tile imports from Argentina. You can see in the photo below that Aida offers a calm and beautiful neutral palette, resembling an Ivory Travertine.

Natural Autumn Slate was installed on the porches in a Versaille pattern.

The additional bathrooms were all similarly designed using a classic art deco staple, 3x6 gloss white subway tile, and a handful of 5/8" mosaics. The study bath, below, features 5/8" Mosaico Onyx.

Both girls' baths, one pink and one blue, feature 5/8" Mosaico Opera.

The gameroom bar features Opera Aida on the floor and Ubatuba countertops.

The gameroom bath has a mixture of 1x1 Nazca Mosaic, a beautiful mix of slate, glass, and copper, Aida Harlequin on the shower floor, 10" Landscapes Meadow porcelain on the main floor and shower walls.

The home's kitchen, and certainly the show piece of the design, was designed in a circular fashion.

On the backsplash, we used a 2" honed and filled Ivory Travertine, to allow for the curve of the wall, along with a travertine and metal border and Durango Travertine pencil. Ubatuba countertops were fabricated to follow the radius.

The area behind the range features 4x8 honed and filled Ivory Travertine and Noce Travertine harlequin and rope with 1x1 metal dots.

It's fun taking a home design from this...

and this...

to this...

Winters Master Bath

2010-04-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Designed by Mr. and Mrs. Winters and Creative Tile's Becca Bertok, this Master Bath recently underwent an ADA Remodel making it much more accessible to the home owners. Walls were torn out to create a roll-in shower and a larger turning radius.

However, form did not follow function. Not only is the bath easier to use, it's also much prettier! :o) Remodel work by Nino Colarossi of C & G Services and tile installation by Galen Sutphin. The original ADA Remodel plans were drawn up by Wayne Rogers of Catalyst Architects, and Miss Judy Norman faux painted the walls. Call Creative Tile to receive contact information for the persons listed.

The bathroom features Creative Tile's Athena Sparta Porcelain, tumbled Dark Emperador Marble, and tumbled Espresso Travertine.

Before...

After...

Mark your Calendar!

2010-04-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

The social event of April 2010 is just around the corner!

Mark your calendar to join us Monday, 26 April at 5:30pm, in conjunction with the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia, for the GRAND OPENING of our Lexington store at 703 North Lake Dr.

We're having a Salsa party with Fajitas, Queso Blanco, and cocktails. Dancing is optional! ;) Please plan to attend whether you're leaving a showroom or coming off a job site. We want you to see you!

For more details, contact Becca Bertok at the West Columbia showroom at 796-4861 and RSVP to becca@creativetilesc.com

Our new Lexington store, which opened for business Thursday, 1 April, is located between Gold's Gym and Scott's Furniture on Hwy 378 in Lexington, directly across from Lexington Middle School:

703 North Lake Dr. / Lexington, SC 29072 / 808-0555 tel / 796-4867 fax

Hours: T-Th 10am-6pm / Fri 10am-5pm / Sat 10am-2pm

Thank you!

2010-03-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

Thank you kindly for contributing to our materials drive for Children's Chance of Irmo. Your help made our drive a big success, as you can see...

Our 3'x4'x30" crate is positively overflowing. Someone even brought a child's bicycle!

Because we have such a large donation, Children's Chance is scheduling a day and time with us later this week to have the crate picked up and taken to their storage unit for sorting. Therefore, you may have a day or two to bring us your items if you haven't yet done so, but please let's get those items here before the close of business tomorrow!

Thank you again for your kind donations to Children's Chance and Palmetto Thrift Store! We appreciate it, as I know they will! :)

Benefit Zig

2010-03-01T07:10:00.000-08:00

With one week behind us, we have 3/4 of a crate filled with donations. Thank you! Thank you! We have two more weeks until we'll deliver everything to Palmetto's Thrift Store in Irmo, to benefit Children's Chance. Please bring us your gently used clothing and household items before 5pm next Friday, 12 March. As a reminder, click here for a list of acceptable donations.

Thank you so much to all of you who have already stopped by to donate! :-D We really appreciate it!

Look for Children's Chance's mascot, Zig the Pig, at these locations.

Benefiting Children's Chance of Irmo

2010-02-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

It's Spring Cleaning time!

Declutter your house and benefit Irmo's Children's Chance, for South Carolina families battling pediatric cancer. Bring your gently used items to either Creative Tile location by Friday, 12 March. Click here for a list of acceptable donations. We will deliver items to Palmetto's Thrift Store on Saturday, 13 March. Fifty percent of Palmetto's Thrift Store's profits go directly to Children's Chance.

From Children's Chance's web site:

Children’s Chance was formed on September 25, 1996 by two mothers who had daughters battling cancer. The organization was started to fill in gaps among the current services provided for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Children’s Chance & our Ambassador Zig the Pig exist to assist children with cancer and their families throughout the state of South Carolina with non medical needs. Children’s Chance raises money to fund a variety of programs to meet the financial, emotional, and psychological needs of the pediatric cancer patient and their families.

Children's Chance is the only statewide non-profit organization that assists families solely with non-medical needs such as paying mortgages and electric bills and providing families with gas, food, and grocery cards!

So, clean out your closets and bring us your items by 5pm on Friday, 12 March.

Creative Tile in West Columbia:
149 Queen Pkwy.
(Exit 111B/US 1 on I-26, first left onto the frontage road, Chris Dr.)

Creative Tile in Northeast Columbia:
841-B Sparkleberry Ln.
(At the corner of Spakleberry and Clemson Roads, behind CVS)

Creative Tile will soon be opening a showroom in downtown Lexington, in the old Gold Rush building on Hwy. 378, across from Lexington Middle School. This showroom will not be open in time to collect donations for our 12 March deadline, but do plan to visit us there later this Spring!

For more information, contact Becca Bertok or Becky Heron at the West Columbia store 803.796.4861

Sis Master Bath

2010-02-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

Designed by Becca Bertok, of our West Columbia store, with Mr. and Mrs. Sis, this Master Bath floor and tub surround feature 14" and 7" Ilva Tosca, 7" Ilva Aida, 4" Ivory Cast Resin decos, 1/2x12 Sparta Travertine pencils, and 5/8" Dark Emperador and Glass Mosaic with Light Smoke Grout. Galen Sutphin completed the installation.

Bornstein Bathroom

2010-02-03T10:15:00.001-08:00

Designed by Kim Wagener, of our Northeast store, with the Bornsteins, this bath features Earth Stacked Slate, a multi-colored pebble shower floor, granite countertops, and 14" Ilva Carmen on the main floor.

Happy New Year

2009-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a lovely Christmas! The West Columbia store reopened this morning at 7:30am, and the Northeast showroom will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, 29 December, at 10am.

As for our adjusted store hours this week:

West Columbia will close at Noon on New Year's Eve

Northeast will close at or around 2pm (please call)

The West Columbia store will reopen Monday, 4 January at 7:30am, and the Northeast store will reopen Saturday, 2 January and stay open only 10am-1pm that day. They will resume a normal schedule on Tuesday, 5 January, opening at 10am.

As a reminder, our regular business hours are:

West Columbia (showroom and warehouse), Monday-Thursday 7:30am to 6pm and

Friday 7:30am to 5pm

Northeast (showroom only), Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Christmas Hours

2009-12-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS HOURS:
The West Columbia store will be closing at noon on Christmas Eve.

The Northeast showroom will be closing no later than 2pm on Christmas Eve (please call).

West Columbia will reopen Monday, 28 December at 7:30am and

Northeast will reopen at 10am on Tuesday, 29 December.

We hope you have a wonderful and safe Christmas holiday with your family and friends!

What? Don't you have garland on your tree made of Poly Cord Strapping and mosaic tiles? ;o)

Progress Report

2009-12-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

We're happy to report that our West Columbia showroom renovation is progressing nicely.

Scott's office has been moved to allow for more room on the showroom floor...

One of the shop bays has been closed in and tiled over with slate to build office space...

And, we've been working on some minor things too like re-sealing our granite countertops, cleaning and repairing our samples, etc. Can you see the difference in the granite below? Some granites, like this Lido Venetian Granite countertop, benefit from enhancing sealers. The lighter portion of the granite on the left hand side of the photo below has not been enhanced, whereas the darker portion has. It really looks a lot better. Stop by to see our work today!!

Showroom Redesign Contest

2009-11-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

It has begun! Have you picked up your packet yet? Creative Tile's West Columbia Showroom Redesign Contest began Sunday, 1 November and ends Monday, 30 November. All Midlands residents are eligible to enter, including employees and contractors of Creative Tile and Precision Tile. The prizes are: $500 to first place and $250 to second. Click the page below for more details, and stop by either showroom to pick up a packet. Can't make it in to see us? Send an email to Becca, and she'll forward a packet to you. We do suggest, however, that you make time to visit the West Columbia showroom to get a better understanding of the layout and what you have to work with in the contest. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

Schluter Systems Roundtable and Demonstration this Friday!

2009-10-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

Nadeau

2009-10-16T06:16:00.001-07:00

Our newest tile line, on display at the West Columbia store, comes from Nadeau who specializes in unusual and high-end natural stone mosaics. Even though some of these may be cost prohibitive installed as a full kitchen backsplash, we could easily work one of them in as a framed panel, creating a beautiful centerpiece. Remember, we can fit all budgets and job sizes from a simple laundry room floor to a whole house. These new products from Nadeau, available only at Creative Tile, are on the cutting edge of today's tile industry and are certainly worth a look!

This one looks to me like the scales of a dragon's back...I can see it used in a kitchen similar to Brantley Manor's on Lake Murray; heavy, dark wood, stained glass windows, crests of arms, etc. Reminiscent of the stories of Katherine of Aragon's youth, this design looks like the walls of a Moorish castle. Dainty and beautiful: Crema Marfil and Dark Emperador Daisies... As seen in Camelot... I like this one because of its clean look. "It's Creative Tile! They've gone plaid!" (I'll mail a 10% off coupon to whomever can place that quote, my family notwithstanding. ;) Look at this though! Can you believe they've made a plaid mosaic?! It's beautiful! The plaid mosaic (left) uses a combination of five different marbles and strips of North Dark Green Slate. The mosaic on the right is made using Honey Onyx and Dark Emperador marble. M.C. Escher, eat your heart out! Clean marble polka dots, perfect for a little girl's bath!

Come visit us today to see all of our new products, designs, and ideas! ~Becca

Stone mosaics and more...

2009-10-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

Some of the tile reps are getting a jump on our showroom remodel and are bringing us new products. It's been like Christmas here this week unwrapping items from Nadeau, Arley, A&S Marble, and more! Here's a sampling of some of the new items, and I'll get more posted later today. ~Becca

Textured glass approved for use on the floor: I like the one on the right. It reminds me of a bird's nest! :)Bisazza glass mosaicsThe Ilva Athena line is our newest Argentine import. A solid, rectified porcelain, the manufacturers have developed a way to keep the pattern on the tiles from repeating, giving the Athena line a true, random Travertine look.

Ilva Athena OlympusIlva Athena Sparta

More textured glassThe Happy House series My new favorite from the Happy House line: I love this blue and think the planks would be absolutely beautiful installed in a brick pattern in a foyer, mudroom, or master bath floor!

Honey and Cream Onyx chair rails, broken stacked mosaics, pencils, and more: Dark Brown Onyx Red and White Onyx New Marble basketweaves, herringbones, and listellos!

New products, new showroom...

2009-10-15T05:44:00.001-07:00

Work has begun to improve Creative Tile's West Columbia showroom. Although plans are underway to host a Showroom Redesign Contest starting 1 November, the guys have already begun to move the administration office to allow more space for vignettes and tile racks...

HBAGC Table Top Night 2009

2009-10-09T06:55:00.001-07:00

Celebrating Oktoberfest, the HBAGC hosted its annual Table Top Night at Seawell's in Columbia. Going along with the German theme, we featured Schluter Systems products...

1. Becca made houses, hopefully resembling German Timberframe homes, using Ditra, Kerdi, and tile...2. Becky (left) stands in our Bavarian themed booth...

3. Bin Wilcenski of the HBAGC...

4. Alan Clayton, of The Home Improvement Guide, stopped by for a visit...
Although Becca did dress in her finest Bavarian apparel, she managed to escape being photographed! :) It was a nice evening to visit with colleagues and reintroduce the Schluter System to Columbia contractors.

Definition of the day...

2009-10-09T06:17:00.000-07:00

Coming from a question we had yesterday:

(From Wikipedia.com) Terracotta, Terra cotta or Terra-cotta (Italian: "baked earth",[1] from the Latin terra cocta) is a clay-based unglazed ceramic[2]. Its uses include vessels, water & waste water pipes and surface embellishment in building construction, along with sculpture such as the Terracotta Army and Greek terracotta figurines. The term is also used to refer to items made out of this material and to its natural, brownish orange color, which varies considerably. In archaeology and art history, "terracotta" is often used of objects not made on a potter's wheel, such as figurines, where objects made on the wheel from the same material, possibly even by the same person, are called pottery; the choice of term depending on the type of object rather than the material. Plain unglazed pottery is often also called terracotta.

In our little corner of the world here at Creative Tile, Terra Cotta can refer to Solistone's Handmade Terra Cotta Collection (shown above) or Zumpano's Mexican Saltillo. Both are clay based tiles, unglazed in many cases, and sunset-orange in color; perfect for creating your own wine cellar grotto, sun porch, Spanish-influenced foyer, or Mexican-styled kitchen!

Pat Phillip's fireplace... she did it herself!

2009-10-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

HBA Table Top Night

2009-09-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

Join us next Thursday evening, 8 October, at Seawell's in Columbia for the HBAGC's annual Table Top Night. This year, the evening's theme is Oktoberfest, hence the German styled house models below made out of Schluter Systems' Ditra and Kerdi products and some of our left over tile. :) We will be featuring Schluter Systems products and advising contractors on installation of these items. We look forward to seeing you!!

It's Cookout Time Again!

2009-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's cookout time again...or this time sub sandwich time! Join us tomorrow, Friday, 25 September at 5:30 at our West Columbia location!

Desert Sage Quartzite Shower

2009-09-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Designed and installed by Lex Kisteneff. Shower features: 12" Desert sage tile, offset pattern, with a tumbled broken border in the same material and bone grout.

Fun on Fridays

2009-09-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

Haven't joined us yet at one of our Fridays After Five events? That's OK...we'll have more! :) Join us the last Friday of every month to talk with installers, contractors, and our designers. In August, we displayed and demonstrated our newly stocked Tuscan Leveling System for natural stone tiles. We always have burgers or barbecue, chips, cold beer, and fixin's. We're trying to line up some educational instruction from companies such as Schluter Systems, but in general, our cookouts are simply a chance for friends and colleagues to get together, discuss business, and relax. Plan to join us Friday, 25 September at our West Columbia location starting at 5:30pm.

Fridays After Five

2009-07-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Join us this Friday, 31 July at 5:30pm at our West Columbia location for a cookout!

Anyone is welcome to attend, and we invite designers, salespeople, homeowners, and builders alike to learn more about tile, speak with experienced tile installers, and brainstorm with our designers on upcoming projects! It's not all just tile either...come to relax, let us cook you dinner, and have a drink. Now, more than ever, networking benefits all of us in the home industry, and that is the real purpose behind our get togethers. Come meet your peers, trade business cards, and relax!! Perhaps you'll gain some new customers, if not certainly a night off from cooking! :)

For more information, call 803-796-4861 or visit us at either of our locations.

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, 16 July!

2009-07-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

To get your ticket, click on the thumbnail below and print out. We hope to see you there!

Hayes Backasplash

2009-07-07T06:39:00.001-07:00

Hayes Backsplash featuring 2x4 Classic Travertine. Designed by Athena Roumeliotes.

Fridays After Five Cookout #2

2009-06-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Our last cookout was a HUGE success so we're doing it again. Join us Friday, 26 June from 5:30-8:30pm for a cookout...burgers, hot dogs, beer, tile talk, and more!

149 Queen Pkwy., West Columbia

For directions or more information, call 803.796.4861

KitchenAid Display

2009-06-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Below are photos of the latest new backsplash in the Ferguson Showroom on Farrow Rd. featuring Medici Glamour Bangle glass tiles. Designed by Becca Bertok of Creative Tile and Cynthia Lancaster and Meredith Elliott of Ferguson. Installation by David Bleiler.

Fridays After Five

2009-05-26T07:58:00.001-07:00

Join us this Friday, 29 May at 5:30pm at the West Columbia facility for a cookout!

This event is geared toward installers but anyone interested in increasing their tile/design knowledge is welcome to attend. No training seminar is scheduled, just join us for some free food, free drink, and talk.

149 Queen Pkwy. off Chris Dr. in West Columbia. 803.796.4861

Cinderella Project

2009-05-13T05:28:00.001-07:00

Bring your old prom/bridesmaid gowns (all sizes and styles accepted) by either Creative Tile location by Friday, 22 May for donation to the Cinderella Project of the Midlands!

West Columbia store hours: 7:30-6 Mon-Thurs. and Fridays 7:30-5

Northeast store hours: 10-5 Tues-Sat

Trailer Theft

2009-05-05T08:34:00.001-07:00

Though I would have liked to start the morning with a newsletter to post here, I am unfortunately writing this to let you know that one of our steel dump trailers was stolen on Saturday, 2 May at 12:30pm from our West Columbia location at 149 Queen Pkwy., off Chris Dr. I've attached photos from one of our security cameras. Both the truck and trailer are rather distinctive. The truck is a 1988-91 Ford F-series, missing its tailgate, and has notable window covers on the extended cab windows. Two black males were involved. A trailer was also stolen from the lot behind us over the weekend, but there is no information as to the description of the vehicle or the men/women involved in that incident.

We have filed a report with Lexington County, and we will be posting flyers in our immediate area and with CMC Recyclers. If you have any information or see the truck and trailer on your daily drive, please call us at: 796-4861. Or, you can contact the Lexington County Sheriff's Office at: 785-8230

Natural stones in bathrooms...

2009-04-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Natural stone is a beautiful addition to any bathroom whether it's on the countertop, floor, or walls. Cared for properly, it will last forever! People are often scared of natural stone because it will stain, scratch, weather, etc. However, did you know that Michaelangelo's David stood outside for more than 300 years (with poor grade marble), and well, he still looks pretty good...so do the walls and mosaics of Pompeii, the columns of the Athenian Temple, and the tower of Pisa (despite its angle). Marble, travertine, and limestone are easy to care for, as long as you use the proper cleaning products. These stones are composed of calcium carbonate which is easily susceptible to acidic products, and whatever you do, never use CLR on a soft natural stone. CLR stands for Calcium Lime Remover, and if your stone is composed of calcium, well, you get the idea. Acidic products such as certain foods and cleaning products can etch the stone. Therefore, you must use a pH neutral cleaner. It's best to find a product that is specifically formulated for natural stone such as DuPont's StoneTech Professional cleaning and restoration products. StoneTech is available for purchase at both Creative Tile locations, and if you need to find out more about their products and how to care for natural stone, visit www.stonetechpro.com or the Marble Institute of America at www.marble-institute.com. If you have natural stone anywhere in your home, it's a good idea to keep all pH-neutral cleaning products on hand so that another family member or cleaning person cannot accidentally grab a bleach or ammonia bottle and ruin your beautiful installation.

Natural stones are no more difficult to care for than a fine wood, and as long as you have the proper cleaning products, they'll offer you no trouble at all. We regularly recommend and install natural stone showers, floors, and countertops in bathrooms, not only in customers homes but our own as well, and as you can see below, and the results are stunning!

Granite is also applicable to bathrooms but is most often used on countertops alone due to its slippery nature when wet. However, it is much more durable than your softer marbles, travertines, and limestones, as discussed above, and is not as difficult to care for...more on that in the next installment. :)

Luna Blend Travertine with 5/8" Dune Carrara Mosaic and an Ivory Pencil.

12" Crema Marfil Marble and Mosaic.

Ivory Travertine

Bacagli Blend Travertine with Dune Vetra Mosaico Hielo glass mosaics.

Fun with glass...

2009-04-15T10:28:00.001-07:00

Beck Master Bath

2009-04-13T10:34:00.001-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Beck wanted a serene, monochromatic master bath. Becca aided them in choosing 18" Luna Blend Travertine, Ivory Kerdrai Tumbled Mosaic, and a Noce Pencil. The Becks are very happy with the way their project has turned out and were glad they chose travertine...a classic and enduring material.

More from Ferguson

2009-04-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ferguson's Thermador vignette features 2cm Blue Pearl Granite on the countertops, black cabinets, and Solistone's Piano Glass on the backsplash. Designed by Becca Bertok of Creative Tile and Meredith Elliott and Cynthia Lancaster of Ferguson. Installation by Precision Tile.

Pardon Our Dust!

2009-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

Pardon our dust!

We are currently updating our West Columbia showroom to better reflect new styles and series. The first floor section we've completed features the Ilva Landscapes Meadow series in 3 sizes (10x10, 10x20, and 20x20). We'll be doing some more demolition and installation but we're still here and ready to serve you! The West Columbia store is open Mon-Thurs 7:30-6 and Fridays 7:30-5.

We're also updating our in-stock items so the prices and available sizes are easily found. We're at the beginning of a complete remodel in order to make the West Columbia showroom more efficient and customer friendly. If you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear them! Otherwise, stop by to see what we've done and check out some new samples!

We have some beautiful, new stone and glass mosaics, and with the owner's upcoming trip to the Coverings Tradeshow in Chicago, we expect to have even more new and cutting edge items by the beginning of May!

Home Show

2009-03-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for joining us at a very successful Spring Home and Garden show! Did you see our booth featured on the front page of The State this morning?

We were very busy Saturday and Sunday and gave away lots of buckets, cups, green scrubbies, and information! We were also very excited to win a Blue Ribbon from the HBAGC for best booth in the Ellison building!

If you came by to see us, follow-up by visiting one of our conveniently located showrooms. We offer FREE in-store design services and inexpensive in-home design.

Ferguson Wolf Vignette

2009-02-24T10:52:00.001-08:00

The Wolf Kitchen Vignette at the Ferguson Showroom on Farrow Rd. features 4x4 Scabos Travertine, Vyara Night granite countertops, and sage cabinets.

Email down

2009-02-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

Have you tried to reach us? We're still here! In the process of switching to our new web host, we've had some problems on their end establishing our email. They're working on it, and we expect to have it resolved by the end of the day today, Monday, 23 Feb. In the mean time, you can always reach us by phone! In West Columbia at 803-796-4861 and in the Northeast at 803-865-2750. At least our new web site is up and running. :) Check it out: www.creativetilesc.com

New web site

2009-02-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Our web site and email are temporarily down as we redirect our name servers to a newly designed site. We hope the new site will better serve you with more information, a square footage calculator, comprehensive product list, a technical section, and much more! Our site should return to normal at: http://www.creativetilesc.com/ in the next 48 hours. Thank you for your patience! You can reach us by phone any time at 803-796-4861 (W. Cola.) or 803-865-2750 (N.E.).

2009-02-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

Creative backsplash by Bob Richardson using etched and painted tiles by Stone Art.

Below, metal 1x2 tiles by Daltile.

Example of a tiled kitchen countertop using 12 x 12 squares of Uba Tuba granite. Installed by Bob Richardson.

2009-02-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

4 x 4 tumbled bisanthe travertine backsplash with glass accents. Installed by Bob Richardson.

Sukovich Kitchen

2009-02-16T08:22:00.001-08:00

The Sukoviches wanted a soft look on the backsplash to complement their Corian tops and Golden Ray granite bar. We selected a 4" Tumbled Espressor travertine with 2" Bronze decos.

Scott Heron resumes ownership

2009-02-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

After a two year hiatus, Scott Heron has resumed ownership of Creative Tile.
Now celebrating their Tenth Anniversary, Creative Tile offers a wide selection of porcelain, ceramic, glass, mosaics, cork flooring, natural stones, granite countertops, and more. They also offer all of the design knowledge, installation supplies, and education necessary for installers and homeowners alike.
Scott has brought on some new products and will soon begin offering monthly educational seminars for the community and tile installation professionals. He’s excited to rejoin Creative Tile and looks forward to continuing his 27 year tile career with a solid team of professionals dedicated to serving the Midlands’ remodel and new construction needs.
For more on Creative Tile, visit either convenient location: In West Columbia at 149 Queen Pkwy. off Chris Dr., 803-796-4861 or in the Northeast at 841 Sparkleberry Ln. at the corner of Sparkleberry Ln. and Clemson Rd., 803-865-2750. Or, visit us on-line at http://www.creativetilesc.com/ and check out our new design blog at http://www.creativetile.blogspot.com/.

Glass Tiles

2009-01-30T12:29:00.001-08:00

This bathroom features an all glass tile vanity and shower. No one will forget the originality in use of materials and color is this teenager's bathroom. All designed by Megan Smith, Creative Tile's Interior Designer.

Smith Kitchen

2009-01-30T07:22:00.001-08:00

Updating a kitchen is easy with materials from Creative Tile. Megan & Eric added a "punch" of color with Penta Gold Granite countertops. The backsplash of North Dark Green Slate and Recylcled Glass is a perfect compliment and was the basis for the color design. Megan Smith, interior designer for Creative Tile, designed the kitchen to be a comfortable gathering spot for friends and family.

Heron Residence

2009-01-30T05:09:00.000-08:00

Flat panel, quartered oak cabinets with a whitewash finish. 12x12 Champagne Limestone on the floor of the master bath with Desert Dream granite vanities.

USI's Safari marble mosaic on the backsplash.

Flat panel, quartered Cherry cabinets. Glass countertops. 18x36 Bacagli Blend travertine on the floor of the kitchen and throughout the main living area. Designed by the homeowners, Scott and Becky Heron, and Guy Sullivan of Avanti Interior Design (803-376-1020). Cabinets by JK Interiors of Columbia, SC (803-924-0240). Tile from Creative Tile and installation by Precision Tile (803-796-4863).

Johnson Home

2009-01-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Johnson and her installer, Mike Funderburk (803-664-0707), were very excited with the way the baths and backsplash turned out. The areas were designed by the homeowner and Becca Bertok of Creative Tile.

Mrs. Johnson and her husband were going for a sophisticated 1950's style in the baths.

Ferguson (Farrow Rd.) Electrolux Vignette

2009-01-20T05:52:00.000-08:00

This is the Electrolux vignette (pre appliance installation) at Ferguson's Farrow Rd. location designed by Becca Bertok and Ferguson's Meredith Elliott and Cynthia Lancaster. It features Medici Pantheon Matchstick Glass and 3x6 Equipe Crackle subway tile.

This is the first of several vignettes Creative Tile is helping to design for Ferguson, and we will post completed installation photos as we receive them.

Meredith and Cynthia were going for a Chespeake Bay look, and I think we nailed it!

Tile installation by Scott Heron of Precision Tile Company, West Columbia, 803-796-4863.

2009-01-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

Shots of the West Columbia showroom and warehouse...

2009-01-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our new blog! Bear with us as we learn this new system...We will do our best to keep you updated on design trends, our latest projects, and store happenings.

Mark your calendar and join us for Desserts and Designers on Tuesday, 27 January starting at 5pm at our northeast store (841 Sparkleberry Ln., Ste. 2, Columbia).

Come shake off those Winter greys with some chocolate, wine, and design! Speak to our designers and Pam McPeak, ASID, of Southern Places Design, Inc., while browsing our tile selection. Peruse designer clothing at Max and Prissy's and enjoy dessert from Solstice.

We hope to see you there!

Happy Tiles!

2009-01-14T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hey from the Tile Lady!

Click here.