Select Natural Stone Tile the Easy Way!
1. First let’s review some basic types of natural stone tile and their characteristics. Then come on in and we will help you find just the right natural stone for your new fireplace, shower, countertops and backsplashes!
For areas that have contact with hands, liquids, food, etc., every natural stone tile needs to be resealed about once per year, sometimes more often in wet areas. You’ll know it’s time to seal the tile if liquids are soaking in rather than beading on the surface. One of our Portland showroom natural stone experts would be happy to help you understand more clearly what to expect from natural stone in your application. Be aware that if the stone you choose has veining or variation it will not align from tile to tile. Also, if you select the same stone in both slab and tile format the two will not match since they will be from different batches and perhaps even different quarries.
Natural Stone Tile for Countertops and Backsplashes
Granite Tile
Granite’s claim to fame is durability— which is why it is widely used in commercial applications for flooring and even exterior walls. Granite is highly scratch-, stain- and heat- resistant. The variance in granite tile has a wide range depending on the stone. Some granite is fairly predictable from lot to lot, while other granite varies from tile to tile within the same lot!
Ledgerstone Panels
Ledgerstone lends texture to fireplace surrounds, feature walls and low-use backsplashes. Ledgerstone is unique in that each panel has multiple pieces of stone tightly mounted together, the panels fit into each other to give the appearance of individually stacked stones, it typically does not require grout and some products also carry corner pieces and coordinating tile that can be use on floors and fireplace hearths.
Limestone Tile
Limestone tile makes it easy to incorporate a connection to nature in your home with neutral earthy colors ranging from cream, gold, gray and green to brown. Many limestone tile varieties also provide opportunity for discovery… look closely at the granular texture and you may find fossils and shells imbedded in your stone! The most common finish for limestone tile is honed. Some specialty limestone tile products are available textured or polished.
Marble Tile
From the striking black and white visual of Nero Marquina to classic white and gray Carrara marble, this stone has unique beauty and strength that has been used extensively for sculptures and building material for thousands of years. Whether polished or honed, marble tile is more susceptible to acids than some other stones and will patina over time.
Slate Tile
Slate tile is available in several finishes— clefted, tumbled and honed. A natural clefted surface lends a rustic feel and will create some “lippage” or height variance from tile to tile. Tumbled slate is similar to clefted but with softened edges and less severe texture. Honed slate tile is characterized by a smooth surface and dull sheen. Slate tile’s natural color palette includes charcoal, green, gold, purple, rust, multi-color and more. Using a color-enhancing sealer on slate tile will bring out the richness of the natural colors.
Travertine Tile
Travertine tile has been used for centuries around the world and can range in color from creamy, tan, or gray all the way to rusty brown. Due to its formation, travertine tiles are quite porous and have naturally occurring depressions. Travertine tiles can be sold either “filled” or “unfilled”. Whether filled at the factory or by the tile installer on site, these depressions, or holes, can be more susceptible to damage than the stone itself and may need to be refilled over time. Travertine tile is widely available in a honed finish, and oftentimes tumbled finishes are offered in smaller sizes.
You can trust Macadam!
Our Brands Include:
- American Olean
- Arizona
- Bedrosians
- Daltile
- Emser
- Florida Tile
- Intrepid
- Jeffrey Court
- Pental
- Statements
- Surface Art
- United Tile
- Z Collection
- …and more
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Macadam Floor and Design offers an extensive selection of flooring, countertops and window coverings for your next project.
