What's New at Kate-Lo Tile and Stone

New web site!

2009-07-02T12:24:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time in coming, but hopefully worth the wait. The new web site is here. With new product galleries, and easier navigation, we are sure you will love the new site. Thanks for visiting!

Need help installing Ditra?

2009-04-06T13:45:00.005-05:00

Check out this great video from Schulter with tips on installing Ditra.

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone celebrates its 35th anniversary

2009-01-22T16:13:00.002-06:00

A new year is a time of reflection and renewal. It is a time when we fondly remember the past and look forward to the days ahead. 2009 is especially sentimental for Kate-Lo Tile & Stone as we embark on our 35th anniversary.

In 1964, Kate-Lo was formed as a Minnesota corporation by a group of private investors in the construction industry. The name Kate-Lo came from combining the first names of two partners wives, Kathleen (Kate) and Lois.

Within a year, Bill LeVahn joined Kate-Lo, with the intention to import and sell Japanese ceramic tile to distributors. Operations moved to Bill's home in Robbinsdale, MN, where it would remain until 1974. During this time, distribution was increased from three states to twenty.

Kate-Lo Minnesota was incorporated in 1974 with 13 employees to distribute tile and related products locally. They moved their warehouse and corporate headquarters to Brooklyn Park that same year. The emphasis was placed on providing beautiful showrooms and large stocking inventories for the local construction industry. In the coming years, they would expand their operations to include showrooms throughout the Twin Cities Metro. The employees bought out the original investors with an employee stock ownership plan in 1987.

Four years later, Olympia Tile, one of the largest tile distributors in North America, purchased Kate-Lo from the employees. This was a fantastic opportunity for Kate-Lo to expand not only its product line, but also its reputation in the U.S. market.

In the last decade, we have opened new branches in Des Moines, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. We continue to have several showrooms in the Metro, including Plymouth, Burnsville and Oakdale including an Outlet Center located in our Headquarters in Plymouth.

During the past 35 years, we have seen many changes. The sheer scope and breadth of tile that is available from around the world has changed dramatically, due to ever-evolving technologies in the tile industry. There have been times when we have seen economic downturns to booming construction business. It has been an honor to be a respected leader in our industry and to be a key service partner for our clients.

Here's looking to the next 35 years.

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Review - Winter 2009

2008-12-17T16:37:00.005-06:00

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?

2008-11-13T13:50:00.006-06:00

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

2008-11-04T15:12:00.008-06:00

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!

2008-10-23T14:09:00.007-05:00

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

2008-10-13T15:47:00.005-05:00

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.

Modern Mythology by Crossville

2008-09-30T16:18:00.005-05:00

Bringing to mind the artistry and luxurious opulence of a bygone era, Modern Mythology by Crossville is a collection of natural stone mosaics and decorative trims designed to transform everyday rooms into magnificent spaces.

Intricate designs inspired by the classics have been recreated in a fusion of colors, shapes and textures reflective of the rich tapestry of modern life. From the soft, subtle hues of travertine to the casual warmth of multi-hued slate and the polished elegance of black and white marble, Modern Mythology by Crossville offers everything you need to create a beautiful backdrop of living.

Recommended Usage
Modern Mythology stone is recommended for interior and exterior walls. It is recommended for interior floors with the exception of the split stone mosaics, chair rails and half rounds. Modern Mythology is not suitable for the lining of pools, fountains or spas.

See it at a Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Showroom today!

Color Blox EC from Crossville

2008-09-18T09:38:00.002-05:00

Featuring the most popular colors from Crossville's most popular series, Color Blox EC has a recycled content of 20 percent. Large format sizes, rectified edges and plank shapes make Color Blox EC the ideal green design solution.

Kate-Lo introduces Echo Glass by Crossville

2008-08-27T15:35:00.003-05:00

Crafted by artisans using centuries-old techniques, Echo Recycled Glass captures, refracts, and bends light in a manner reminiscent of sunlight playing on water. Its luminous color palette comprises 15 luxuriant shades created by Barbara Schirmeister, one of the industry’s most esteemed color experts.

With a recycled content of 10 to 100 percent, depending on color, Echo Recycled Glass, is an exquisite addition to Crossville’s collection of third-party certified recycled products, which include EcoCycle and Color Blox EC. Used alone or in conjunction with Crossville’s other recycled products, Echo Recycled Glass is a beautifully green alternative.

Coming soon to a Kate-Lo Tile & Stone showroom near you!

TREND Q - Recycled Stone Agglomerate - Ecological, Functional & Beautiful

2008-08-22T10:06:00.007-05:00

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is pleased to offer a new line of recycled stone and glass agglomerate called Q. Produced by Trend USA, Q, is scratch, heat, stain and water resistant and is strong enough for any surface application for both residential and commercial use.

Inspired by the calm beauty found in nature the new colors are evocative of organic hues ranging from the robin's egg blue, to stalks of wheat and mustard blossoms. The collection of 49 Trend Q colors contain up to 72% post consumer recycled content integrated with glass from recycled beer, gin, and water bottles, copper infused Aventurina and mother of pearl to add sparkle and depth. Trend Q, available from 12" tiles to custom size panels, works on any surface-floors, countertops, walls, even furniture. The flexible 1/4" thin material makes it a perfect choice for remodeling, as it can be installed over existing surfaces making demolition and waste obsolete.

Manufactured in the United States, Trend Q is designed to offer an ecologically conscious product with the critical characteristics necessary to contribute to LEED certification.

For more information about Trend Q please call #1.866.508.7363 or visit http://www.trendgroup-usa.com/

Kate-Lo introduces Green Tech from Ergon

2008-06-10T15:07:00.009-05:00

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is please to announce the addition of Ergon's new line of porcelain tile called Green Tech. Made from 40% post-industrial recycled material, this product has been independantly certified and contributes to satisfying MR 4.1 & MR 4.2 LEED Green Building rating system. As with all Ergon products, this series features their consistent high-quality and an unsurpassed beauty.

Please contact your sales rep at Kate-Lo Tile & Stone for more information.

Shade Variation in Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

2008-03-12T09:41:00.003-06:00

Did you know that the tile industry has a standard it uses to determine the shade variation of man-made tile? Man-made tile has the ability to be nearly as random as a natural product or very consistent from piece to piece. Here is a quick chart to help you understand shade variation.

Installing large format granite tile countertops

2007-12-03T16:31:00.000-06:00

If you have been wondering how to install granite tile for your counters, take a look at our installation tip page for EZ Tops. EZ Tops are a large-format granite tile with pre-finished edges making installation easy for you. Coming in an 18"x26" size, they allow for a much more seamless appearance than a standard 12"x12" granite tile.

Crossville's Glass Blox and Breast Cancer Awareness

2007-10-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Crossville, Inc. has joined forces with Common Cause, an organization which has been established to unite the furnishings industry in the battle against breast cancer. A percentage of all sales of their new Glass Blox series is donated to Common Cause to help people in the industry who are affected by breast cancer. People who working, have children and household responsibilities that do not go away just because breast cancer strikes. Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is honored to be an industry partner of Crossville and is now showing the Glass Blox series. To find out more information about Crossville's commitment to fight breast cancer, visit: http://www.crossvilleinc.com/ads/cure_ad.html

Integral Slant Base

2007-10-12T11:11:00.001-05:00

In the next couple of weeks we will be bringing into stock a couple of new items. The first is Integral Slant Base (ISB) from Innovative Tile Systems. ISB is the perfect sanitary base solution for every installation. It is an extruded PVC profile, which allows you to use cut pieces of the tile you are installing to create a seamless and stylish transition from floor to wall. For more information, download the PDF brochure to see how ISB can work for you! http://www.katelotile.com/files/ISB-CompleteFiles-10122007.pdf

Also, in our line of Corian thresholds and accessories, we are bringing in three new colors: Bronze, Suede and Fawn to the 1/2"x36" threshold, 1/2"x72" threshold, 1/2"x8" shampoo shelf and 1/2"x16" shower seat.

Kate-Lo Tile & Stone Review

2007-06-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Keep updated with our quarterly newsletter. Find past issues here.

EZ TOPS - Real Granite Countertops

2007-05-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

Have you always wanted a granite kitchen or bathroom countertop, but didn't think you could afford it? Think again. Our granite EZ TOPS give you the luxurious look of a real slab granite countertop, but for a fraction of the cost.

These mini-slabs are 18" x 26" pieces of granite tile that allow you to create a granite tile countertop with minimal grout lines. Perfect in kitchens, bathrooms, powder rooms and more.

Visit our EZ TOPS page for more information.