Natural stone has been used for thousands of years. It has always been valued as a finishing material for its durability, versatility and beauty. Quality stone tiles age like a fine wine with a soft dignified grace, developing a patina over the years. Stone tiles make outstanding floor material for all interior areas. They can also be used for kitchen splashes, tub surrounds and shower enclosures. They also complement beautifully with our collection of hand made tiles, especially when a different color is desired for the wall areas.
The tiles we carry are made to our specifications from first quality blocks of stone. We carry a range of colors, sizes and finishes, from very small mosaics to larger formats, from the rustic to the refined. We are constantly developing new ideas and discovering new stones to add to the collection.
Travertine, marble and limestone are products of nature. Consequently, they will exhibit color variation, veining and crystal formation. These characteristics are what give natural stone its vitality and charm.
Stone is an extremely durable material. For this reason a quality installation should last indefinitely. The stone factory that produces our tiles utilizes all the marble residue from cutting the tiles to produce other manufactured stone products. The water in the factory is re-circulated so there is as little waste as possible. We are constantly trying to improve packaging methods to utilize as small amount of material as possible, while still protecting the tiles.
Here is a thumbnail definition of the different types of stone we carry:
LIMESTONE is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral calcite from the shells left by marine organisms. A characteristic of limestone is the presence of fossils from very old sea shells.
TRAVERTINE is essentially a limestone that has crystallized through the addition of heat and pressure. It contains crystals that give the stone vitality. Travertine has been used as a building stone for thousands of years. The Roman colosseum and the Getty museum both incorporated travertine in the structure.
INSTALLATION is best handled by an experienced tile setter. We recommend a grout color similar to the color of the stone. When in doubt, test the grout on a spare tile.
SEALING of the stone and grout is done 3-4 days after the installation has been completed. We recommend Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold which will last for many years before needing to be re-applied. This sealer will not alter the color of the stone. If a deeper color is desired, then Aquamix Enrich 'N' Seal is recommended. If you are unsure which type you prefer, test some pieces before sealing the entire area.
MAINTENANCE is easy and basic. Sweep, use a damp mop or sponge moistened with Aquamix Concentrated Tile Cleaner and water. If there is a heavy build-up of soap in a shower enclosure, a small amount of Aquamix Nano Scrub works extremely well. Put your feet up and enjoy!