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Stone Types
- Granite: One of the hardest and densest of all
natural stone. Next to the diamond it is the hardest
of the natural stones.
- Resists staining and scratching better than
any other natural stone
- Beautiful in foyers, bathrooms, libraries or
kitchens or as an accent with other natural stones
- Made up of mainly quartz, feldspar and mica
- Mother nature produces a variety of rich colors
each with their own distinctive characteristics
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Granite |
- Marble: Marble is crystallized limestone that
comes in many different color variations and usually
displays a veining pattern that adds to its uniqueness.
Marble is a timeless addition to any home, bearing the
signs and marks of history from thousands of years. Marble
is more porous than granite, making it more susceptible
to staining and therefore is more suitable for foyers,
bathrooms, fireplaces, studies or libraries.
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Marble |
- Limestone: This stone has a more subtle look
and is often offered in a "honed" or matte finish. This
stone will require preventative maintenance over time,
as it is very porous.
- A softer stone that is very porous
- Created by the accumulation of organic materials
such as shells and coral.
- May not be suitable for all areas in the home
because it will stain easily
- Should be sealed to protect the stone's natural
beauty
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Limestone |
- Travertine: Unique looking due to the "fill
process". In its original form, Travertine has thousands
of holes running through it. These holes are filled and
then the stone is polished. The stone polishes to a high
sheen and the fill areas remain dull creating a beautiful
floor. Like Limestone, this stone will require preventative
maintenance over time, due to its porosity.
- From the limestone family-so it shares some
similar characteristics such as being soft and
porous
- Comprised of layers of mineral composites that
cool and crystallize into travertine
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Travertine |
- Slate: This rustic-looking stone has become
increasing popular over the years. Comes in various colors
and shades. Can also be used in outdoor installations.
- The most dramatic of variations
- Warm and earthy
- Extremely durable
- Rich reds, oranges and golds to mauve, lavender,
green, blue, black, rust, brown
- Beautiful in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, anywhere
in the home
- All slate has a natural clefting along the surface
which give this stone its unique textural look
of layers.
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Slate |
- Tumbled Stone: Has an antique look. They come
in many sizes and are many times used in borders or decorative
strips.
- Old world look that is recreated through modern
means
- Marble, travertine and limestone that are tumbled
and distressed to evoke a timeworn look of stone
from centuries past
- Used in accent strips, mosaics, chair rails,
smaller sizes such as 1x1, 4x4, 6x6
- A design element that is rustic and elegant
at the same time
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Tumbled Stone |
Tile Sizes
- Typical floor tile sizes are: 12"x12", 16"x16", and 18"x18".
- Tumbled Stone is also available in smaller sizes such as
4"x4"and 8"x8" and even smaller in many of the intricate decorative
borders.
Tumbled Stone Deco
Natural Characteristics
- It's important to remember that natural stone is a product
of Mother Nature. No two pieces of natural stone tile will
look the same. Veining and crystallization are natural characteristics
of the stone, not imperfections.
- Different stones are have different levels of hardness and
porosity and are best for different uses. Be sure to ask your
design consultant about which stone is right for the different
areas in your home depending on whether it is a wet area, like
a bath or a high traffic area such as a kitchen.
Veining in Marble |
Marble |
Selecting Grout
- Natural Stone grout lines are typically done with unsanded
grout and usually much thinner than ceramic tile installations.
- Design Options-grout can match, contrast or coordinate with
your stone tile. Remember grout will outline each tile creating
a visual picture frame. If you want the grout to be less noticeable,
select a grout that is close in color to the stone. A contrasting
grout color either darker or lighter will enhance the appearance
of the grout lines creating a checkerboard effect.
- Grout darkens as it ages so sealing is recommended
- Remember that grout colors can change slightly from the
sample in the design center to the grout installed in your
home based on the temperature and humidity when the tile is
installed.
The Value of Upgrading
- You will have a wider selection of types, sizes and colors.
- You will have access to more durable types of stones.
- Decorative options such as accent strips, mosaics, patterns
etc.
- A timeless finish that brings value to any home.
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Slate |
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