TILE
MANUFACTURED
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic made of a very fine mixture of clays and minerals similar to those found in fine dinnerware. These special
clays allow porcelain tile to be fired at temperatures even higher than ceramic tile, typically exceeding 2,400°F. The higher
temperature results in a very dense tile. And the denser a tile, the better it resists moisture.
Porcelain Tile Facts:
- resistant to stains, odors, bacteria, and scratches
- denser and harder than most other tile
- highly stain and water resistant
- naturally hygienic with easy to clean surfaces that can be smooth, textured, or polished
- beautiful and durable, both in the home or in commercial applications
NATURAL
Slate Tile
The rugged good looks and versatility of slate tile allows them to play a wide range of roles. Their mood can be rustic and casual or sleek and
contemporary. These metamorphic rocks work equally well for floors, hearths and fireplaces, backsplashes, counters, and patios. They are extremely durable, slip
resistant, and stain resistant (more so with a penetrating sealer). They also retain and radiate heat (for use in passive solar homes). The true elegance of
slate lies in their colors, from solid hues like black, multicolour red, green, grey, to mottled and mixed tones that resemble earthy abstract
watercolours. The calibrated tiles are available with classic natural split surface or with honed surface (smooth & matt).
Travertine Tile
Porosity and little stratification give travertine tile outstanding mechanical strength, which in turn allows it to withstand the elements for centuries.
It is ideal for pavements, walls, and floor coverings even if they are subjected to constant wear. Travertine is a type of marble that was widely used by the Etruscans
and also by the Romans, to whom it owes its Latin name "Lapis Tibutrinus". It also has good workability and is widely used in both indoor and outdoor architectual
applications. Whenever the goal is to create an architectual quality image and offers unsurpassed esthetic and technical features.
Tumbled Marble Tile
For an extremely durable, non-slip floor, tumbled marble is a good choice . It is used as accent pieces in gardens, ponds, kitchen backsplashes, pathways,
and entryways. It can also be used in fountains, borders in bathrooms, and for custom tile.
Marble and Granite Tile
Some marbles and granites
are availalbe in tile thickness. Marble and granite stone is honed to the standard tile thickness to incorporate porcelain as accents that can be used
in floors and backsplashes applications.
SEALERS
Sealing your natural stone surfaces are essential. Sealers are normally only recommended for very porous ceramic tile and stone to minimize staining
and to make it easier to maintain the product. With caution, sealers can be applied to more dense ceramic tile or stone, such as porcelain tile
or granite stone. It is normally recommended to use breathable sealers on stone, and surface sealers are normally only used on very porous unglazed tile such as
Mexican Pavers.
Sealers can be used on more dense material to minimize staining, to minimize getting dirty from use and to make it easier to clean. Sealers can act as a bond breaker so
dirt doesn't readily attach and is easy to remove. Generally speaking the "penetrating type of sealer" works best on most products, but there are exceptions. Be sure to
seal the porous grout as you seal the tile or stone to provide stain protection and easier maintenance. The penetrating type of sealers normally don't change the color of
the tile or stone. It is important to not apply any more sealer than what can be readily absorbed. If there is excess sealer left on the surface after several minutes, then
it should be wiped off with an absorbing lint free type of cloth. Above all, always follow the sealer manufacturers' directions.
Porcelain Tile
is resistant to stains, odors, bacteria, and scratches. Beautiful and durable in both in home and commercial applications.
Slate Tiles
They are extremely durable, slip resistant, stain resistant (a penetrating sealer makes them more so). They also retain and radiate heat (for use in passive solar homes).
Travertine Tile
is ideal for pavements, walls and floor coverings, even if they are subjected to constant wear.
Tumbled Marble Tile
is is used as accent pieces in gardens, ponds and many other locations, kitchen backsplashes, pathways and entryways.
Marble Granite Tile
is used used in floors and backsplashes applications.