Tile
Differences in tile products:
-
Granite is an igneous rock, which was formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma (hot liquid) that was trapped beneath the earth’s surface. Granite is an intrusive rock that consists mainly of feldspar and quartz. Granite is the hardest known material used in commercial and residential applications. It is rated 6.6-8.5 on MOHS hardness scale which is very durable and is weather resistant. Granite can be used anywhere like interior/exterior, counters, walls, fireplaces, shower/ tub/vanities, and flooring. Also it can be used in commercial applications.
-
Marble is formed from limestone by heat and pressure in the earth’s crust. These forces cause the limestone to change in texture and makeup. Marble is a metamorphic rock, which means “changed form”. Marble is mostly made up of calcite. The minerals that result from impurities give marble wide variety of colors. It is rated 2.2 - 5.5 on MOHS hardness scale which means it is very soft. Green and black marbles should not be installed in water areas and is not recommended for food service applications. Polish will not sustain if installed in an exterior application. Marble should be used on the interior such as walls, fireplaces, shower/tub/vanities, and flooring.
-
Slate is a metamorphic rock that is formed below the earth’s surface by changes in the make-up and appearance of shale, a sedimentary rock. Shale consists of clay and fine particles of quartz. Heat from deep in the earth changes some of the clay shale into mica and chlorite. Slate results when pressure created chiefly by mountain forming movements in the earth’s crust squeezes the mica and other minerals into parallel layers. Common colors of slate include grays and blacks to rust and greens. Many slates are multicolored. It also has a layered appearance. It is rated 6.0 on MOHS hardness scale which is very durable. Slate can be used in interior/exterior, walls, fireplaces, shower/tub/vanities, flooring, fountains, and backsplashes.
-
Limestone is made chiefly of calcite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate. It is also thought of as a ‘young’ marble. Limestone was formed at the bottom of oceans and lakes, a sedimentary stone. Limestones have an accumulation of shells, bones, and other calcium rich goods. Common colors range from beige, gray, white which are fairly neutral in color. It is rated 3.0 - 4.0 on MOHS hardness scale which is very soft. Limestone can be used in interior/exterior, walls, fireplaces, shower/tub/vanities, flooring.
-
Travertine is a limestone that has been formed over a long period of time. The product is porous with many visible holes. It is available in colors ranging from ivory to golden brown. The holes may be filled with matching cement, colored epoxy, or polyester resins. Travertine is a sedimentary calciferous stone formed in hot springs. Typically, hot water passes through limestone beds and takes the calcium, from the limestone into suspension and takes that solution to the surface where the water evaporates and leaves the calcium crystals in layers on the surface. Holes or cavities are visible in this stone but may be filled or infilled. It is rated 3.0 - 5.5 on MOHS hardness rating which is moderate strength. Unfilled holes will give more of a rustic appearance while filled holes will give more of a formal look. It can be used interior/exterior, walls, fireplaces, shower/tub/vanities, flooring and backsplashes.
-
Onyx is a translucent stone with a layered appearance. It is similar to travertines which is formed as a result of cold solutions of carbonated water dissolving existing stone and re-depositing into a new stone. Common colors are jade green, warm honey tones, and reds. It is very soft and brittle. It can scratch easy and is beautiful when lighting is installed behind the stone. It can be installed in bathrooms and low traffic areas.
-
Ceramic Tile / Porcelian Tile
Ceramic tile is a mixture of clays, which is shaped and fired at high temperatures and then glazed. Tiles are also rigid and feature a relatively high resistance to shock.
Porcelian tile is defined as a tile made by the dust press method that has a dense body such that water absorption is less than 0.5 percent.
Maintenance and Care
All natural stone should be maintained properly. All finishes of stone, honed, polished or tumbled look beautiful and are very durable when protected and maintained. Sealing all natural stone is highly recommended. It is suggested that a breathable penetrating sealer is applied.
Tips:
- Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly
- Wash with clear water occasionally - if you use a soap make sure it is PH balanced
- Never use vinegar on natural stone
- Never use any cleaners that contain ACID
- Protect stone from sand and grit - use door mats
- Use a rag (string) mop verses a sponge mop - dirt gets pushed into the grout joints with a sponge mop
- Tend to spills quickly - sealer gives you a couple of seconds to clean it up. Sealers do not prevent 100% of damage due to spills
- Never apply wax or acrylics - this will damage the stone
- Use coasters, tablecloths or placemats
-
Be careful with acidic drinks (lemonade, orange juice, etc…) they will etch natural stone
Caring and Cleaning of Natural Stone
Dirt and dust can scratch the natural stone’s surface therefore it is imperative to frequently vacuum or dust mop the stone’s surface to remove abrasive agents.
Natural stone surfaces should be cleaned with a neutral, PH balanced cleanser. Never use a cleaner that contains acid, bleach, vinegar, or lemon juice as these can etch and eventually damage the stone’s surface. It is recommended to only use cleansers specifically designed for cleaning natural stone.
Sealing Natural Stone
Sealing is essential to protect the beauty and ensure the longevity of any natural stone product. A penetrating sealer is highly recommended for polished or honed marble, limestone, tumbled stone, and granite. A stone enhancer sealer may be used to enhance the color of stone.