Why do people choose natural stone tiles?
Do natural stone tiles require maintenance?
What are tiles composed of?
Are there specific stones better suited to different locations – such as the kitchen?
Are there fashions in tiles?
Are mosaics popular?
How can I be sure that the colour and veining characteristics of the natural stone I specify will be what I want?
Will a large tile make my room look bigger?
Can wall tiles be used on the floor?
Can floor tiles be used on the wall?
Can I tile over existing tiles?
What preparation is required for tiling?
Is the right adhesive important?
How does an impregnator help to protect natural stone from staining?
Is it possible to tile onto a wooden floor?
How do I calculate the quantity of tiles that I need to order?
Can underfloor heating be used with tiles?
Why do people choose natural stone tiles?
Stone is natural, strong and understated. Natural stone tiles are versatile, hygienic and extremely durable. They are available in so many styles, colours and finishes that they have become integral features in any interior design scheme. See our range of natural stone tiles.
The beauty of stone is subtle, but the wondrous effect of its beauty will leave you and your friends speechless.
top
Do natural stone tiles require maintenance?
The durability of stone is superior to that of almost all the alternative materials on the market.
All stone and terracotta installations need a certain degree of maintenance. Normal maintenance requirements are similar to wood floors or carpet where routine sweeping or vacuuming is done to remove dirt. Stone surfaces should be resealed when water no longer beads on the surface. The frequency of resealing will depend on traffic and use. Stone, as a natural product, will age and patina over time adding to its beauty and character.
Sealing stone is strongly suggested as it will create a barrier between the stone and dirt and stains. Any staining agent that comes into contact with the stone should be removed immediately. Sealant and cleaner should be included on every stone order.
Sealant is easy to apply. Use a sponge brush, paint brush, or roller to spread it evenly over the surface of the stone. Traffic and use will effect the need to reseal a surface but resealing annually may be a safe time frame.
When purchasing natural stone materials, it is important to establish exactly what maintenance is required and which products need to be used. The supplier should provide you with this information when making your purchase. The use of a floor mat in entrance areas protects the tiles from abrasive dirt and grit.
top
What are tiles composed of?
Stone tiles can be made from many kinds of rocks – limestone, marble, sandstone, schist and slate. The colour and textures of each rock can vary from region to region.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock, formed by the consolidation of sea shells and is usually light in colour.
Marble is a metamorphic rock, which was once limestone, but was put under great heat and pressure. Marble encompasses a vast spectrum of colours from white to black, with mineral veining generally contrasting with base stone colour.
Sandstone is a coarse-grained sedimentary rock formed by compressed sand, commonly characterised by its granular surface.
Schist is a dense metamorphic crystalline rock, and ranges in colour from light pearl grey to dark gold.
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that characteristically splits into broad sheets, and offers a diverse range of colours and textures.
Travertine is usually a cream or reddish colour. It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs. It contains lots of holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone.
Terracotta tiles were invented through the lack of natural stone and offers a traditional flooring alternative. Modern kilns have now replaced the old-fashioned sun-baking process in most terracotta producing countries.
See our range of natural stone tiles.
Ceramic tiles are primarily made up of clays, quartziferous sands, glass substances and other materials. These materials are mixed with water and fired at high temperatures. With glazed ceramic tiles, usually the colour of the tile is on the surface, with the remainder of the tile being known as the biscuit.
Porcelain tiles are full bodied tiles. They are resistant to frost, chemical damage, abrasion, heavy loads and fire. Historically, they have been used more in commercial projects.
top
Are there specific stones better suited to different locations – such as the kitchen?
At The Stone Warehouse, we believe nothing to be impossible. The best way for us to advise you is via a personal consultation. We can discuss your wishes and needs with you, and assess the project area. Please contact us to arrange a consultation.
top
Are there fashions in tiles?
Soft, natural tones continue to be extremely popular, as are minimalist styles. Amongst the strong colours that are currently in vogue are mochas, coffees and dark greys. See our range of natural stone tiles.
top
Are mosaics popular?
Mosaics continue to increase in popularity with new varieties becoming available including natural stone pebbles, stainless steel mosaics and iridescent glass mosaics. They are very decorative features and can be combined with plain tiles to create mirror frames and borders. Mosaics are an ideal material for tiling curved surfaces such as pillars.
top
How can I be sure that the colour and veining characteristics of the natural stone I specify will be what I want?
That depends on a number of factors. The best way would be to inspect as much material as you need to make you feel comfortable. We suggest that what is most important is that you have a supplier who you can trust, and who is willing and able to communicate the stone's variation. Always view full size tiles, and not specify a stone purely from a small chip. Sometimes it is important that the supplier provide samples showing variation, which can be used to communicate the potential colour range. In general, we believe that it is important for designers and architects to understand that stone, as a natural material, is beautiful because of its variation, and that trying to control mother nature can be difficult, and sometimes, impossible.
top
Will a large tile make my room look bigger?
Generally, a small tile will give the impression of more space whereas a large tile needs a bigger area to show it off properly. The colour and finish of the tile as well as the shape of the room also need to be considered. However, it really is a question of personal preference. Exploration of these options are part of our service to you. Contact us for a personal consultation.
top
Can wall tiles be used on the floor?
Generally, wall tiles cannot be used on the floor. However, some manufacturers now produce wall tiles that can be used on floors. It is always best to ask an expert.
top
Can floor tiles be used on the wall?
Yes, floor tiles are commonly used on walls. However, some large tiles may be too heavy for the wall to which they are being fixed. Therefore, it is important to discuss this with an expert when purchasing the tiles as special adhesive may be required or the tile may be unsuitable.
top
Can I tile over existing tiles?
Yes, you can tile over existing tiles provided they are not loose and don't have any cracks. The surface of the existing tiles must be clean, level and free of grease and a special flexible adhesive must be used. If the existing tiles are glazed, scratch the surface first to provide grip for the adhesive to bond to. Tiling onto old floor tiles may affect doors and saddle boards.
top
What preparation is required for tiling?
The surface should be solid, smooth, level and free from dust and grit.
The Stone Warehouse supplies and fits natural stone tiles.
top
Is the right adhesive important?
It is absolutely vital that the correct adhesive is used. It is as important as choosing the right tile as different surfaces require different adhesives.
top
How does an impregnator help to protect natural stone from staining?
The solid part of silicone impregnators are microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to the crevices inside the stone. These balls of silicone are negatively charged, which means they repel each other so that they cannot combine in one big ball of silicone. Once they are attached to the stone, these balls become a permanent part of the stone, and give out a magnetic charge, which creates an invisible "umbrella" between the balls. These microscopic umbrellas act as shields when a much larger drop of liquid lands on them. They hold the liquid up, and prevent it from penetrating the stone.
The liquid part of the impregnator, is usually either mineral or water based, and acts as the carrier that brings the silicone to the stone and has it penetrate deep into the stone. The most effective impregnators use mineral spirits and have the smallest particles of silicone.
top
Is it possible to tile onto a wooden
floor?
Yes. However, there are some precautions which must be taken. The wooden floor must be overlayed with at least WBP grade plywood. Marine ply is best. It must have a minimum thickness of 19mm, screwed down (not nailed) at 150mm spaces. This should be fitted by a professional carpenter. All timber surfaces should be primed on the under side and on all edges. Powdered adhesive with a latex additive must be used when tiling onto plywood. In certain cases, it may be possible to tile directly onto timber using a 2-part fast-flex adhesive. This must be checked with a professional tiler.
top
How do I calculate the quantity
of tiles that I need to order?
All areas to be tiled should be measured length by breadth and an allowance of eight to ten percent should be made for cutting and wastage.
top
Can underfloor heating be used with
tiles?
Underfloor heating is an ideal, inexpensive heating system when using ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles. Natural stone tiles are great conductors of heat.
Special adhesives are required for use with underfloor heating.
top
HOME | OUR SERVICES | PRODUCT RANGE | FAQs | PAST PROJECTS | CONTACT US
|
