Saturday, June 12th, 2010
The next time our highly plasticized world starts getting you down and you feel an urge to commune with nature, slip off your shoes and walk barefoot on a floor made from natural stone.
Chances are, no matter what type or quality of stone tiles you have used for flooring, it will feel wonderfully cool during the hot summer months and retain warmth during the colder winter months.
Apart from its natural beauty, natural stone also contains no toxins or chemicals which can cause allergies.
But like all natural products, the qualities and features of various stones differ dramatically, so if you want to choose natural stone tiles for your flooring you need to consult an expert to find out which stones work most effectively where.
Let's have a look at how you can incorporate natural stone indoors as a feature.
Slate Tiles
The beauty of slate is in the rich diversity of colours and its durability.
Each piece of slate tiling is like an individual work of art with its variations in tone and texture, ranging from pale greys and pinks to intense greens and blacks. When laid properly in a large space, these variations give a feeling of continuity and tonal flow – much like a painting.
Alternatively, individual slate tiles or small groups can be used to offset or complement a plain stone tile like sandstone on the walls or floors. For example, a cream coloured sandstone with overtones of pink can be highlighted with a small grouping of slate tiles with deeper splashes of pinks and blues, placed on the diagonal .
Like most natural stone products, a sealant improves the quality and durability of slate so it is easy to maintain, easy to keep clean, resistant to chemical spills, won't fade and is impermeable to water.
Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone is a generic name given to a type of natural stone that contains quartzite – the inclusion of quartzite is the only characteristic the various types of sandstone share. Sandstone is obtained from quarries all over the world, so the qualities of sandstone are unique to the region where they are sourced.
Although most designers and homeowners use sandstone for outdoor paving and around traditional chlorinated pool areas, it blends beautifully indoors, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Sandstone is slip resistant and impervious to water (although poor quality sandstone doesn't possess these important qualities).
Sandstone is an incredibly versatile product and is used extensively by architects and designers because of its durability, fire resistance and thermal qualities. Sandstone is generally pale in colour, so it effectively enhances the feeling of light and space when used indoors, particularly in large open plan rooms.
Designers often use a darker natural stone tile like bluestone or quartzite to break up large sections of sandstone or to define a particular area. This effect can look stunning with a little creativity and imagination.
Bluestone
Nothing beats bluestone for its incredible strength and versatility. Not only that, bluestone is an aesthetically beautiful natural stone that is grey in colour but with subtle variation in tone. Surface treatment options make it versatile for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Bluestone with a polished surface has a refined luster under any lighting. Honed bluestone is a softer, low sheen option popular for both indoor floors and walls. Bluestone with a flamed finish is a natural outdoor paving stone.
The best quality bluestone is being used extensively indoors in kitchens, living areas and hallways because it is virtually impervious to water and has a stain resistance. The dark grey tones of bluestone effectively hide dirt, making it a busy homeowner's dream natural stone surface.
Cutting edge designers are now incorporating bluestone into high traffic areas because of its durability and toughness and also because it is so easy to maintain. Nowadays you will see bluestone in honed and polished form used extensively in wine bars, restaurants, hotel lobbies and up-market retail outlets.
Outdoors the natural stone tile of choice is flamed bluestone because of its non-slip characteristics, to say nothing of its luxurious appeal. Garden designers are increasingly using the grey/black tones of bluestone to offset water features and pool surrounds.
The Appeal of Natural Stone
From the sleek lines of steel and glass used in contemporary architecture to the soft decorative features of a federation style home, the inclusion of natural stone complements any environment.
Imagine a stacked stone water feature made with blue-grey slate inside a glass covered portico at the entrance to an architectural masterpiece, or the soft colours of sandstone laid in the entry of an old inner city terrace, or an expansive family room floor tiled in the earthy, ambient tones of limestone.
Natural stone is…well…natural and it glows with life, no matter how or where it's used. In a world burdened by the effects of toxic chemicals and products, doesn't it feel good to experience the look and feel of something that you know has been created by nature? Natural stone was here long before we were and will still be around long after we're gone.
Bellstone is a specialist supplier of premium quality natural stone tiles, pavers & roofing slate to architects, landscape architects, builders, renovators and retailers. Our products are independently tested for quality & durability. For more information or to view our products, visit Outdoor Pavers
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Saturday, May 8th, 2010
Natural stones have become the favourites among the list of materials used for creating tiles all over the world. The reason lies in the aspect of diversity that is visible in the different types of tiles made from different types of natural stones that are present.
The word 'natural' illustrates the central focus of this article which is materialised in the form of natural stones. Irrespective of the type of the natural stone, the tiles that are created are some of the most cherished products in this world.
The demand for tiles made from Natural Stones is quite high and the reason for this is the overall quality in the rampant feature of diversity.
This demand is quite an old one and this is clear when one sets down to have a good look into the history pages of mankind. The wonder known as the pyramid of Giza is one of the good examples of monuments that have been made from Natural Stones. Their durability is also clear in the fact that the pyramid still stands today with having suffered little or no damage at all.
The glaze given when the rays of the sun fall on limestone tiles or marble tiles is one of the beautiful features of natural stone tiles. One of the good examples of natural stones is cobble stones. These stones are not only good looking but they are also fireproofing, tough and extremely durable.
Furthermore, their size enables them to be used in a mixed manner in order to create a floor that exhumes with the beauty that is a result of different surfaces and colours.
The silent pathways around a garden harbour the beauty of silence by virtue of another type of natural stone known as pebble stones. These stones are also used for creating the next level of beauty in fountains.
Hence, Natural stone have a usage in a variety of ways with all those forms being the harbinger of beauty and brilliance in a manner that is unrivalled. The world is still to reap in the full essence of these stones and therefore, the future is full of wonderful slate floors, magnificent pathways and sparkling fountains.
Jason Colling is a renowned writer, who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles , natural stone , kitchen tiles and adhesives.
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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Natural stone is a beautiful tiling material that has some amazing properties that renders added durability and beauty to the stone. Every natural tile is different from artificial tile due to its varied design and texture. Every tile is visually different from its adjacent tile; hence you can utilize their variations to create a unique look for your flooring.
However, you must follow certain steps while installing natural stone tiles in your rooms.
Firstly, you should make sure that the tiled surface is evenly distributed. The surface should not have any dents or spots, since any kind of unevenness can lead to misplacement of tiles in long run. Hence, you should create a uniform base with help of a backer board or plywood. This will support easy installation of the natural stone tiles.
Measure the length and width of the room before purchasing the tiles. You should also make sure that you purchase at least 20% more tiles that required for installation in order to avoid any last minute purchases, since the tiles can get chapped during installation.
You should also determine the style and pattern of the floor layout. If you are bored of the regular check designs, then you can cut the tiles diagonally and combine different colors and patterns to create a unique look for your floors.
Moreover, you should not forget to use a strong adhesive that has high cohesiveness between the tiled surface and natural stone tile. A good adhesive will hold the tile for a longer duration and support minimum replacement of the tiles.
Although, tile installation is quite a simple and easy task but you must be really cautious while installing the tiles on your floor. You should place them neck to neck and cover the gap between consecutive tiles with help of a high quality grout.
However, if you are still skeptical about your installation abilities, then you should appoint a professional help for appropriate installation of the tiles.
Jason Colling is a renowned writer, who has written articles on various interior designing techniques related to floor decor. His articles focus on various uses of porcelain tiles , natural stone , kitchen tiles and adhesives.
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Friday, February 20th, 2009
Porcelain Tiles: These tiles may be one of the most expensive tile options that you will have. One of the advantages of this tile type is its availability in large sizes.
- Magica Perla Collection Tile Sample
- Size: 12x12. Akoya Bone Color.
- Glazed Porcelain Tile.
- THIS IS TILE SAMPLE ONLY. CONTACT US FOR ANY ADITIONAL INFORMATION.
- Sample Tile order quantity is limited to one. SAMPLE SIZE MAY VARY DUE TO AVAILABILITY
Magica Perla 12x12 ceramic tile Akoya Bone MFPK87-N is one of our favorite and most versatile tiles. Favored by many design professions, this tile will bring both beauty and durability to your tiling project. Need tile shipped quickly? Then Choose Magica Perla 12x12 ceramic tile Akoya Bone MFPK87-N from Magica Tile Collection
List Price: $ 1.00
Price: $ 0.99
- 10-inch blade with optimized diamond matrix for cutting tile and porcelain effectively
- Job-specific tool designed for wet applications such as use with a tile saw
- High diamond quality and concentration for fast cuts and superior durability
- Steel core for increased strength, reduced distortion, and reduced vibration
- Tensioned blade core resists wobbling for more accurate cuts
Cut through porcelain and old tile quickly and effectively with the durable DW4762 10-Inch Wet Cutting Continuous Rim Saw Blade. Featuring an optimized cutting matrix and consistent diamond concentration and distribution that results in reliable performance, this blade is a job-specific tool designed for wet applications. Crafted to ensure a the longest possible life and safe, predictable performance, this blade also features a high concentration of diamonds for improved speed, higher quality di
Rating: 
(out of 11 reviews)
List Price: $ 94.36
Price: $ 57.75
- Porcellana Di Rocca Jillian Collection Tile Sample
- Size: 6x6. Saturnia Color.
- Glazed Porcelain Tile.
- THIS IS TILE SAMPLE ONLY. CONTACT US FOR ANY ADITIONAL INFORMATION.
- Sample Tile order quantity is limited to one. SAMPLE SIZE MAY VARY DUE TO AVAILABILITY
Porcellana Di Rocca Jillian 6x6 ceramic tile Saturnia POJI-SA-3 is your choice for a superior tile job. While hundreds of companies produce beautiful tile, this tile will be noticed by all for years to come. Think this tile is great? Then Choose Porcellana Di Rocca Jillian 6x6 ceramic tile Saturnia POJI-SA-3 from Porcellana Di Rocca Tile Collection
List Price: $ 1.00
Price: $ 0.99
- 10-inch 5/8-inch arbor hot dog diamond blade ideal for wet cutting of porcelain, vitreous and ceramic tile
- Premium grade
- Continuous thin rim diamond blade
- 10-inch diameter; 5/8-inch arbor
- Limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty
MK Diamond MK-225 158436 10-inch Hot Dog Wet Cutting Diamond BladeThe MK 10-Inch 5/8-Inch Arbor Hot Dog Diamond Blade is ideal for wet cutting of porcelain, vitreous and ceramic tile. This continuous thin rim diamond blade measures 10 inches in diameter with a 5/8-inch arbor. The premium grade blade comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Rating: 
(out of 7 reviews)
List Price: $ 81.60
Price: Too low to display
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Friday, February 20th, 2009
Beauty and toughness are just a few of the reasons most people would like to have ceramic floor tile in their homes. Yes, the up front cost are higher but the look of the designs, the feel of the texture and the durability of ceramic floor tile make the cost to the homeowner completely worth the time and investment.
Ceramic floor tile is more expensive to purchase but the cost will be worth it if you are planning to sell your home, re-financing or getting a home equity loan. Vinyl or other types of flooring are not always a bad choice but ceramic floor tile will add value to your home and last much longer.
Selecting The Right Stuff
If you are planning to install ceramic floor tile yourself, the shopping process can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Start with selecting a tile with neutral colors. You will be making a large investment so you do not want to select a color or pattern that you do not like after the job is completed.
Ceramic floor tile is made in batches called dye lots. From batch to batch, small differences in the colors can make a big difference in the look of your new floor. Ask your salesperson to check that all of the tiles you are buying has the same dye lot number.
Buy enough tiles to do the job and then some. You will make mistakes when cutting ceramic floor tiles to fit around corners, cabinets and along walls. Even new tiles may have small chips, cracks or blemishes so ask your salesperson about the return policy for defective tiles. Most retailers will refund your money for full, unopened boxes but don’t return all of your tiles. After some years, a few of your tiles may have cracked or chipped and having a few extra tiles of the same pattern and dye lot will keep your ceramic tile floor looking as good as the day you installed it.
You will also need the right tools for installing ceramic floor tile. Tile cutters, nippers and ceramic saws are needed for a professional look to your project. If you are only doing a small area, then consider renting these tools at your local rental shop as this will save you money. If you have a large project or find you enjoy the look of ceramic floor tile and want to do other areas of your home, then the cost of the tools will only be a small part of the total cost of your project.
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
A granite tile is both beautiful and expensive so if you have chosen this particular kind of tile, you should take time to know how to maintain it properly.
Even though granite tiles are known for their durability, a little bit of cleaning here and there can help prolong its endurance. If you use these tiles as a countertop always remember to clean it up after cooking. You can use a wet cloth and a dishwashing liquid to clean it instantly.
Another thing about a granite tile is that it is covered in sealant that gives it shine and protects it from stains. Sealants can be damaged by acids or acidic products such as cleaners, hairspray, perfumes, and toothpaste. It can also be found in foods like juices and vinegar so it is important to clean the tiles right away when these substances spill in its surface. You can use a sponge to soak up the spilled substance first. Do not wipe it right away to prevent the acid from spreading. Also, if there are granules in the spilled substance, remove it carefully to avoid scraping the sealant.
Even if you clean your granite tiles all the time, it is still advisable that you reapply a sealant twice a year. This may change depending on the frequency of usage and acidic spills that a granite tile encounters. Taking these simple reminders to heart can help in preserving the beauty and grandeur of your granite tiles. And since you’ve spent so much for it, might as well try to take good care of it.
- Premium (SELECT) Quality SILVERADO GRAY MARBLE (or SILVER CLOUDS)
- This material has gone through a "tumbling" process to obtain a warm and antique look / feel
- The edges of these mosaic tiles are rounded (worn off) and the surface is antiqued
- These mosaic tiles come mounted on a sturdy mesh for easy and flawless installation
- Sizes (per piece on the entire sheet): 5/8" (Width) X 5/8" (Length) X 3/8" (Thickness)
A stone of sophistication and versatility, Silverado Gray Marble provides a combination of refined marble uniqueness and a beautiful set of contemporary desgin elements. The stone's subtle blending of silver and white tones with some highlights of gold makes it an ideal choice for any desing medium: floors, walls, bathrooms, counters and backsplashes.
Premium (SELECT) Quality SILVERADO GRAY MARBLE (or SILVER CLOUDS)
MESH-MOUNTED MOSAIC TILES (TUMBLED)
This material has gone through a "tumbling
List Price: $ 25.00
Price: $ 9.75
Minimum Order: 420/sq ft - Cabot is the result of skillful granite production from granite-rich centers around the world, distributed from American locations on the west coast. With a choice of naturally decorative colors and patterns, granite tile installation is made easy due to each Cabot granite tile being gauged and calibrated to precision. Each tile is polished on one side to create the pristine and refined effects you expect from premium granite tile or flamed for a more even colored, sli
Price:
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US $29.99
