Natural Stone comes from three basic kinds of rock:
- Sedimentary, from which we get travertine and limestone;
- Igneous from which we get granite;
- Metamorphic from which we get slate and marble.
All natural stone tiles require sealing.
- Travertine is crystallised limestone. It has a lot of surface pitting due to its honeycomb structure. The pits of travertine can be filled with resin or grout to give the tile a solid surface. If left unfilled the surface is much more textured.
- Limestone is “young” marble and is formed from seashells and sediment. One can expect a certain amount of surface pitting and edge chipping. It is best used in bathrooms, dining rooms, and hallways.
- Sandstone is made up of loose grains of quartz sand that are rough in texture. Sandstone is very porous despite being a very hard tile and must be thoroughly sealed.
- Granite is the hardest of all flooring applications. It is nearly as hard and durable as a diamond. High gloss finishes will resist scratching and etching making it a perfect choice for the kitchen floors.
- Marble is crystalised limestone. It is soft enough to be sculpted with simple tools but hard enough to last many lifetimes. Marble carries with it the history of Rome and Greece and provides a sense of sophistication to any room.
- Slate is comprised of clay, quartz, and shale. It is very dense and can be used for floors, walls, and roofs. Slate is water resistant and is therefore great for exterior applications such as patios and swimming pools.
- Manufactured Stone is made from natural stone chips that are bonded together. These products offer the natural look of stone but are stain and scratch resistant, provide consistency and strength and are practically maintenance free. No sealing is required.