Stone mosaic tiles can be used on walls and floors
Stone mosaic tile is a popular and very attractive way to decorate your home since stone mosaic tiles can be used on both walls and floors, depending on the type of material you choose. There is also the option of stone effect tiles which is cheaper but does not really give the same class and style to a room as the real thing.
As you shop for natural stone tiles, these are the factors that you should question retailers about such as;
Absorption rating
The absorption rating refers to how porous a given material is. The more absorbent it is, the more susceptible it will be to stains, as well as cracking damage in freezing conditions.
There are 4 levels of absorption that a tile can have;
Choosing the right stone flooring and stone floor tiles depends on a number of factors.
Marble vs. Granite
The choice between marble and granite depends on the aesthetic effect you want to achieve and how much use or abuse the stone will be subjected to. Although both are natural stones and quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. The greatest difference between granite and marbles lies in their porosity, softness and durability.
Marble
This stone is among the most elegant and luxurious of stones. Marble's beauty will last for generations and is versatile enough for use throughout the home in such places as fireplace surrounds, ornamental furnishings, walls, flooring, and bathrooms. Marble especially stands out in the bath. It can be applied on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring.
Given that marble is more susceptible to staining by many foods, spilled liquids and other household materials, we do not recommend their use for kitchen countertops. Softer and more porous than granite, marble is more suitable for less-trafficked, formal areas.
Granite
Born from molten magma, granite is a much more durable and functional stone than marble. Granite's crystalline structure is far more resistant to abrasions, staining and discoloration than most marbles. Denser and stronger than all natural stones, granite is an excellent choice for high traffic areas where class and style is desired such as stone bathroom tiles. Granite feels at home in a country farm house as well as a modern high rise. The variety of colours and textures are traits that set granite apart from the rest. This remarkable stone is ideal for kitchen countertops, accent islands, bar tops, dining tables, and flooring.
As you shop for natural stone tiles, these are the factors that you should question retailers about such as;
Absorption rating
The absorption rating refers to how porous a given material is. The more absorbent it is, the more susceptible it will be to stains, as well as cracking damage in freezing conditions.
There are 4 levels of absorption that a tile can have;
- Non-vitreous: This is the highest absorption level. In most cases non-vitreous tiles should not be used in any damp environment.
- Semi-vitreous: While these tiles are less absorbent, the more liquid they are exposed to, the more maintenance they will require.
- Vitreous: This is the standard absorption level for flooring tiles and these materials are generally considered appropriate for most low to mid traffic indoor and outdoor applications.
- Impervious: These materials are resistant to the absorption of liquids and thus will be easier to maintain. They are often used in high traffic commercial applications.
Choosing the right stone flooring and stone floor tiles depends on a number of factors.
Marble vs. Granite
The choice between marble and granite depends on the aesthetic effect you want to achieve and how much use or abuse the stone will be subjected to. Although both are natural stones and quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. The greatest difference between granite and marbles lies in their porosity, softness and durability.
Marble
This stone is among the most elegant and luxurious of stones. Marble's beauty will last for generations and is versatile enough for use throughout the home in such places as fireplace surrounds, ornamental furnishings, walls, flooring, and bathrooms. Marble especially stands out in the bath. It can be applied on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring.
Given that marble is more susceptible to staining by many foods, spilled liquids and other household materials, we do not recommend their use for kitchen countertops. Softer and more porous than granite, marble is more suitable for less-trafficked, formal areas.
Granite
Born from molten magma, granite is a much more durable and functional stone than marble. Granite's crystalline structure is far more resistant to abrasions, staining and discoloration than most marbles. Denser and stronger than all natural stones, granite is an excellent choice for high traffic areas where class and style is desired such as stone bathroom tiles. Granite feels at home in a country farm house as well as a modern high rise. The variety of colours and textures are traits that set granite apart from the rest. This remarkable stone is ideal for kitchen countertops, accent islands, bar tops, dining tables, and flooring.
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