Over the past couple of years, porcelain tile has become a hugely popular flooring material all over the world, and with good reason. Easily sanitized and maintained — traits that in the pandemic era have emerged as more important than ever — it’s considered a responsible and healthy flooring choice.

“Porcelain tile is really easy to keep clean, because each tile is glazed on the surface and solid underneath,” says Jon Xie, manager of Rui Building Supply. “Additionally, since it’s non-porous, porcelain tile is resistant to the growth of mold, bacteria and mildew. It’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t retain odors. It’s incredibly durable and can be made in an endless variety of colors and styles.”

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A lightly soiled tiled floor can be swept and damp-mopped with hot water. For deep cleaning, mopping with a quarter cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of water works just fine.

Tiles are also ideal for exterior applications, which have become more popular than ever as homeowners find myriad ways to extend their living spaces into their backyards. They’ve built lanais and barbecue pits, fountains and pools, outdoor kitchens and more, creating spaces for entertaining, dining, exercising, playtime and leisure.

“And tile’s great for outdoor showers, which are really popular with surfers, divers, avid gardeners and anybody who spends a lot of time in the sun,” Xie adds.

NEED HELP WITH INSTALLATION?

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Though porcelain tile is incredibly easy to maintain, its installation can be a bit intimidating for even the most seasoned and ambitious do-it-yourself homeowners.

Modern porcelain tiles, many larger than ever, are installed for the long term with complex adhesives whose use requires skill and dexterity. The process demands determination, physical labor and careful attention to detail.

“If you shop for tile and find you need assistance with your project, our sister company, Rui Construction, can help,” says Xie. “We’re a one-stop shop and we’re very flexible!”

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Located on Sand Island Access Road in Honolulu, Rui Building Supply’s main showroom offers a wide variety of porcelain tile and much more. Look for cabinets and cupboards; manufactured quartz countertops; showers and vanities; apothecary cabinets; chrome and bronze towel racks, bars and rings; sinks and basins in porcelain and glass; classic and contemporary LED lights; and vinyl plank flooring in a dozen shades.

Contact Rui Construction for new builds, rebuilds, renovations and everything in between. And, when you’re ready to shop for materials, visit Rui Building Supply, Rui Construction’s sister company, at 155 Sand Island Access Road in Honolulu. The showroom is open 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

RUI CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING SUPPLY INC.
CONTACT 808-848-8820
ADDRESS 155 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu
WEB ruisupplyandconstruction.com