Sunday, March 21st, 2010
It is considered as a perfect alternative to traditional tiling such as ceramics - DIY Natural Stone Tile remodeling. When you touch these natural panels you immediately feel pure nature in your hands. The following article will describe how by using these nature-made panels you'll be able to remodel any surface at home.
Some basics
Natural Stone Tile redecoration is based on unified naturally polished stones manually sorted and then glued onto a sq/ft mesh backing. The islands of Bali & Sumatra in Indonesia are probably the largest source of these beautiful rock tiles. The fact that this tiling method is so easy and practical enables you to redecorate almost anywhere: Countertops for kitchens and bathrooms, shower floors, all types of backsplashes and walls, wine cellars, and fireplaces.
Main benefits
By now we clearly notice how this unique solution transforms our home design easier:
* Easy to be replaced if needed.
* It can easily be adjusted to very small / narrow surfaces where other fixed size tiles such as conventional ceramic tiles can't.
* Quick & easy installation that doesn't require any special skills or professional background.
Need some good tips?
* Most recommended grout is sanded grout - it is suitable for both internal and external use.
* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix - that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.
* In order to maintain these natural stones properly, it is recommended to apply sealants every two to three years.
We could easily find many other advantages provided by this fun & easy coating technique simply because any average and unprofessional home-maker can do it easily by him/herself.
Conclusion
Natural Stone Tile technique is an excellent choice because after your first successful installation you'll be able to use it on other surfaces at home or in the office much faster and more efficiently. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to keep these tips and advices once you prepare for installation.
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Monday, March 15th, 2010
Natural stone wall and floor tiles can add subtle elegance and make stunning features in your home. These materials were once the preserve of kings, but due to the modernisation of manufacturing processes in recent decades these materials now offer practical, affordable and luxurious solutions for walling and flooring. The four most popular kinds of interior stone tiles are Limestone, Granite, Travertine and Marble.
Limestone is a sedimentary stone which is commonly quarried and used in the UK as a building material, although limestone tiles are imported from many areas worldwide, predominantly India, Israel and Turkey. Limestone Tiles are one of the softest stone tiles and should not be used in any area which receives heavy traffic. The colours of Limestone tiles are mainly earthy tones of greens, blues, greys, creams, beiges and dark browns, Limestone is also a popular stone tile for bathroom areas.
Granite is an igneous rock which can be found all over the world including most of mainland Europe, but granite stone tiles are predominantly imported from India and China. Granite is known for having varying colours and patterns within each variation of the material and it is also known to provide stunning black tiles. Granite stone tiles are often used in contemporary, luxurious environments but they are also being more commonly used in kitchens, where the owner wishes to match their stone tile floor to their kitchen countertops.
Travertine is actually another form of Limestone, but due to its distinctive appearance and nature of the material it is commonly regarded as a unique material. Travertine tiles come in a variety of dark and light, beige and yellow tones. They are also produced to several different finishes including honed, filled, unfilled and tumbled. Travertine tiles have become very popular in recent years for residential kitchens and bathrooms.
Marble starts life as Limestone which is then crystallised by immense heat and pressure. Marble tiles come in a multitude of colours and patterns which are created from the minerals and chemical elements in the stone. Some of the most popular marble tiles are white, many of which originate from Carrara in Italy. Marble tiles are one of the hardest wearing stone tiles and are commonly used in commercial areas such as shopping centres and corporate offices. They are also popular in high-end residential developments which require classical apparel.
To help you choose the perfect stone tiles for your project, order a free sample from the comprehensive selection at UK Tiles.
You can also get some great tips by following the UK Tiles Blog.
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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
Travertine tile is made from natural travertine stone. Natural stones are usually porous and are dotted with tiny holes throughout its surface. Travertine stones are also similar in composition and texture to limestone. Actually, it is classified as a sedimentary rock which puts it in the middle of limestone and marble.
Travertine slabs were formed when the settled calcium deposits from seashells and other bone materials crystallized in the seafloor millions of years ago. Carbon dioxide undulate this deposits when exposed to air and the limestone re-crystallizes. These trapped carbon dioxide gases makes this stone porous while making its surface very hard.
Travertine mineral deposits are abundant in Tivoli, Italy. However, aside from Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Iran are also sources of travertine nowadays. A travertine tile is hewn from huge slabs and blocks of travertine. It is durable and rich in calcium which makes it ideal for both interior and exterior applications. Veining and variation of colors allows a wide range of options in designs and patterns.
Modern travertine comes in different surface finishes, the most popular being honed. Honed tiles are polished to give a smooth matte surface. These polished tiles are the most popular choice for residences.
A travertine tile is available in standard 12”x12” or 18”x18” sizes. Proper attention should be given to its maintenance since travertine tiles are porous. If used in kitchens and bathrooms, it must be treated with sealers for protection.
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