Marble:
Marble is a metamorphic rock. It was once limestone, but over time, the combination
of intense heat and pressure caused the limestone to re-crystallize. Some foreign
substances often entered the stone during this process creating an infinite variety
of colors, asters and veining. No two pieces of marble are exactly the same.
Marble is the most elegant and luxurious stone. It's beauty lasts for generations.
It is ideal for baths, showers, flooring, decks and almost any surface.
Granite:
Granite is an igneous rock. At one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. Unlike lava however, granite never reached the surface. It remained trapped inside where it slowly cooled and crystallized, resulting in a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in color from blacks, browns, grays, reds and pinks. Granite is striking and very durable. It is ideal for kitchens, counters, bar tops, dining tables and more.
Limestone:
Limestone is a sandy sedimentary rock formed closer to the earth's surface
and
often captures fossilized plant and animal life. Similar to marble and granite,
limestone is processed for a wide range of interior and exterior building applications,
including floor tiles, wall tiles, vanities & other surfaces, fireplaces, columns,
balustrades, water tables, steps, thresholds & windowsills.
Limestone can be polished to a high gloss finish, but is more commonly known
for its honed (matte), tumbled (antique or acid washed) and natural (split face
or rough) finishes, typically in more neutral tones.
Travertine:
Travertine, mostly known for its porosity, is comprised primarily of calcium
carbonate. Slabs and tiles are cut from blocks with the veining (regular cut)
or across the veining (cross-cut). This stone is marketed as is… with the holes for a more rustic & antique look. Sometimes, the holes will be filled with a tinted epoxy and hone or polish the surface to achieve a solid surface effect. The stone is used in a wide range of interior and exterior building applications, including floor tiles, wall tiles, vanities & other surfaces, fireplaces, columns, balustrades, water tables, steps, thresholds & windowsills.
Slate:
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, smooth-surfaced layers. The most common building applications for this material are floor, wall and roof tiles as well as fireplace surrounds. Tiles can be split and cut-to-size with only the natural cleft surface, or manufacturers will add value by calibrating the material to ensure a consistent thickness throughout the piece.
Ceramic & Porcelain
Ceramic & Porcelain tiles are hard, brittle, heat-resistant products that are manufactured by firing clay and other materials. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile fired from pure white clay to generate a translucent effect. The patterns of these products attempt to emulate the look of natural stone products; the prices are typically less expensive; and the color range is very consistent due to the man-made nature of the product. As a result, ceramic & porcelain
tiles are an excellent alternative for the value-oriented buyer. Primary applications
include floor and wall tiles, along with trim and transition (corner, wall to
floor, etc.) pieces.
