Elegant Ceramic Bath Installed by Carolinat Tile and Stoneworks

Ceramic Tile And Versatility

Ceramic tile has been used for years and is often the most preferred choice in home bathrooms, kitchens and other areas.  The reasons are pretty obvious.  With a professional installation of ceramic tile, the surface will remain highly durable for the long term. It is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance work.  It is also very versatile in the number of design options it provides.  Unique patterns and inlays are easily purchased and used

You have many options in flooring including natural stones like limestone, marble and travertine.  Yet, ceramic tile installation is still the most sought after by both new homeowners and long time homeowners.  Because ceramic is so dense and strong, it really does take a beating and keeps giving.  It doesn’t absorb harmful chemicals and offers many tile design options including great patterns.

Style choices include antique, rustic, modern and classic.  You’ll find options that look like other materials as well such as ceramic tile that looks like marble or looks like wood.  Granite, slate, and terracotta are other style choices to choose from.  Then, add features it.  For example, you can create a mosaic or use glass and metal within the design.  Whole, lined, chipped, edge designs and much more are all options you have with ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile also is used in various applications.  You can use it for floors, walls, outdoors, indoors, in showers, as your kitchen backsplash and even near your pool.  In terms of costs, these are varied.  You can find inexpensive low quality tiling for as low as $4 a square foot (though it’s often better to go with a middle of the road cost for quality.)  Some are as high as even $14 to $15 a square foot.  Always use a professional installer for ceramic tile because the durability and look of the tiling is going to be much better with a professional.

Strength and Scratch Resistence of Marble

While some marble can be very hard and vitreous, like granite or ceramic tile, much marble can be easily scratched and stained.

Because of its tendency to stain and scratch, using marble countertops in kitchens is not always the most practical choice.  Yet, many people like to use marble countertops for their bathroom.

However, with proper sealing and maintenance, marble can be made to work for countertops. Often, homeowners look at this issue holistically: marble’s attractive appearance and value as a property value generator may outweigh the practical concerns.

So, marble is often a good choice for walls. But if you’re installing it on floors you need to make sure that it is resilient enough to withstand foot traffic.

The Colors of Marble

Marble is limestone that has been pressed by the earth’s pressure to produce a hard substance of crystals and beautiful lines and colors. Marble can have nearly any coloring, from blacks to white, and with a number of fantastic colors in between such as green and pink.

Grout Choices for Marble Floors

If you are installing lighter colored marble, you will want to use grout that is of a matching color or lighter in color. With most natural stone, you do not want to use dark or gray colored grout because such grout detracts from the beauty of the marble. A floor made of 12 inch square tiles, with just the right shading of grout, can take on the appearance of a single slab of marble instead of individual tiles—provided, that is the look you are aiming for.

Installation of Marble

Think twice before installing your own marble tile. Natural stone is a difficult medium to work with, and that is why there have been professionals for thousands of years who specialize precisely in this. One problem is that marble is so expensive: you really do not want to make any mistakes.

But as with any kind of tiling work, the real work concerns those pieces that must be cut. Any pieces that can be installed full size are easy enough to work with. In fact, marble counters (not floors) can be installed simply with silicone caulk squeezed onto the countertop sub strata: much easier than working with thinset mortar.

At the very least, if you are cutting your own marble you will need to buy or rent what is called a wet saw. Your ordinary Skilsaw will not be able to take on the job.

Marble Shower

Marble Showers Exude Elegance

The installation of marble showers in any home will greatly improve the impression of that home.  It will increase the value of the space and help to define the character and   style of the space.  When looking for options in marble showers, consider the style you like.  This could be in color choices or intricate pattern designs.  There are a good number of options to choose from available to you.

Marble and tile installers take all the worry out of the process of getting your tiling done.  First, meet with them to determine the style, color and overall budget you have.  Talk about the patterns you’ve seen and liked.  Then, allow them to design the perfect marble showers for your home.  This reduces the amount of design frustration you’ll have, but also gives you the flexibility to look at all products available to you.

As you consider the benefits of using marble in your bathroom remodeling project, consider custom designed marble showers.  Hire a professional marble tile installer to do the design work for you, which will give you more options and a professional level finish.  Also, many contractors have contacts to help you get the best pricing available on the marble.

Marble showers are highly durable.  Like ceramic tile, marble showers are able to withstand countless uses.  Additionally, they are easily maintained, again, much like ceramic tile is.  With a marble shower in your home, you may find taking a shower very enticing.  Yet, as alluring as they are, marble showers are practical because they are so durable and long lasting.

Granite

Thinking About Granite?

Walk into any new home and the countertops in their kitchen are granite.  Its likely because granite has become one of the most stylish choices for a home today.  You don’t have to use granite, but the benefits of doing so are many.  Before you call an installer for granite in your home, know a bit about this material.  Learn how it will work in your home.

Granite is a natural stone that is readily durable and strong.  Of course, it may also be one of the best in terms of beauty.  You’ll have plenty of options because each piece of granite is unique.  It is one of the oldest stones you’ll find available to you, and gives any space that luxurious feel.  Some types of granite are striking and very attention drawing.  Others are subdued and help to blend well in a softer kitchen design, for example.

Granite is affordable when compared to other natural stone products like marble.  It also is easier to maintain than marble is as it doesn’t etch as easily.  There are fewer things you’ll need to do to keep it looking good, too.  Throwing your keys on it, moving appliances on it or otherwise abusing the granite won’t really hurt it.

Using granite for your kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation is a good choice.  It will add class and value to any space.  Do have it professionally installed.  Granite installation is not expensive, but it is highly beneficial to insuring no problems are found in the materials.

Carolina Tile & Stoneworks

Tile and Stone Crafters

Welcome to the home page of Carolina Tile and Stoneworks.  If you are wanting to renovate your kitchen or if your bathroom could use a facelift, then you are in the right place.

The marble and tile crafters of Carolina Tile & Stoneworks have been beautifying homes in the Triangle since the 1990s. Our marble and tile installers specialize in the design and installation of stone and tile for residential applications utilizing:

Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Granite, Porcelain, Glass Tile, Blue Stone, Ceramic and other natural stone

» Some of these applications include

Marble Floors, Marble Showers, Tile Showers, Backsplashes, Tub Surrounds, Countertops, Steam Rooms, Wainscoting, Chimneys, Fireplace Surrounds, Steps, Walks, & Patios

Trusting in the marble and tile installers you hire is important.  Quality contractors will have your project looking fantastic and better than you planned it to look.  For your next kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation, count on these professionals.

The professionals at Carolina Tile and Stoneworks are tile and marble Installers in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill and greater Triangle Area of North Carolina

Marble Floors:  Adding Elegance and Value

Marble floors make a statement to anyone that sees them.  Although marble has been used for hundreds of years in flooring, today’s products are unique in their design.  Not only are there more options when it comes to marble floors today, but it is also one of the best ways to add value to a home.  Yet, the most important thing you can do when choosing marble flooring is to look for the highest quality marble installer.  The installation process can be difficult and may not always work for the weekend warrior.

Marble floors are excellent choices for various areas of the home.  They are natural stone which brings an element of nature into the home creating instant appeal.  Additionally, maintaining newer products is not as difficult as it used to be.  They mistakenly are thought of as being difficult to keep clean, but marble is actually quite stain resistant.

The method of installing marble floors in a home has become easier.  Now, marble is put in as tiled, much like the installation of ceramic tile.  You can be as creative with colors, intricate inlays and much more.  The more complex the project becomes, the more beautiful it can be.  Yet, a clean slate of marble looks amazing as well.

Marble floors add charm, elegance and value to a home.  They help the home to stand apart from others.  Hire a professional marble floor installer to do the work for you.  They’ll make sure the job is done correctly and looks amazing the first time.

Tile & Glass Shower installed by Carolina Tile and Stoneworks

Installing Tile Showers For Maximum Benefit

On home improvement shows, it looks very easy to install tile showers on your own.  If you have the skill, and the tools to do the job, it will be challenging, but it can be done.  Believe it or not, it can be done faster and for less of a cost, sometimes, if you hire a professional ceramic tile installer.  Not only do they have the skill to get the job done correctly, but they also have the experience to handle problems that arise.  Additionally, they have access to wholesale pricing so you’ll save money in some situations.

Tile showers can be done in a number of materials.  The most common and least expensive are ceramic tiles.  They add excellent durability and easy care to your shower.  For those looking for a higher end option, consider installing tile showers made from marble or travertine.  They offer the same durability as ceramic, but offer a much higher aesthetic appeal to them.  Marble or other types of materials are higher priced but they often help improve the value of your home due to their increased value.

Plenty of problems can become evident during a tile shower installation, which is why you need to plan in advance.  Having a trusted professional to help with the installation is essential.  Walls may not be straight, tiles may need to be cut and damaged drywall or piping could ruin the entire project if handled incorrectly.  If you plan to do the work yourself, plan for these problems to avoid costly mistakes later.

Installing tile showers in your home will make the bathroom more comfortable and elegant.  Choose the right patterns and colors to help your bathroom truly be inspiring.

Marble for your Bathroom Renovation

When you call your bathroom renovation installer, have him or her custom design a fabulous bathroom that includes a variety of natural stone.  Natural stone options are many.  You could use marble on your floors for a very luxurious feel or go with granite countertops for a striking appeal.  When using stones in the bathroom, you do need to consider several things, including durability and absorption of water.

One of the best overall products for the bathroom renovation will be marble.  Your marble installer can design custom flooring for you.  Marble adds a great look and value to the space. Yet, marble damages if it is not installed properly, or if not taken care of.  Other options for flooring include travertine and limestone, though both are softer natural stones.

Next, look to the bathroom shower and tub for your bathroom renovation.  For a lesser expensive choice, choose ceramic tile which definitely gives you options.  You don’t have to settle for plain white tiles any longer.  You can accent the space with glass tiles as well, adding a pattern or texture to the space.

Our marble installers can help you to create a very unique style within the bathroom.  Use a mixture of great options including natural stones in unique colors or textures.  Doing so will make the bathroom more appealing, with a natural luxury to it that is inviting and relaxing.  It’s always a great investment and adds a lot of value to the home.  Start your bathroom renovation today by calling on professional installers.

What Is Limestone And Does It Fit Into Your Style?

Limestone is a very unique natural stone.  It does work in many homes.  When used, it creates a very peaceful, serene environment because of its natural beauty but soft appearance.  It is also very neutral and works well in virtually any design it is placed in.

Limestone can be prepared in various ways.  It can have a flamed surface finish which will transform it into something more rustic.  Or, it can be polished, which will help it fit into a more modern design.  Tumbled limestone is also popular for installations because it looks aged.

When using limestone, you do need to make sure it is the right product for you.  Like other natural stones including marble and travertine, it can etch when acid like products touch it.  Vinegar and lemons, for example will react with the stone and cause an etching in the stone.  Some types of limestone are very soft, which means using them in a kitchen renovation isn’t always a good idea.  In addition, some are porous which means they can easily absorb liquids.  To avoid this problem, have the limestone sealed by professional limestone installers.

Limestone fits into many homes and businesses.  It is used for the walls and flooring, for example, in just about every application that ceramic tile is used.  Installing limestone in sinks or other areas of the kitchen is possible, assuming the right type of stone is selected and the installation (and especially the sealing) is done by a professional.

Limestone works great for fireplaces, or as the kitchen backsplash behind your cooking surface.  It gives off a unique early tone which is why so many people are attracted to using it regularly in their homes.

What You Should Know About Travertine

Travertine became one of the most sought after luxury types of products to be used in homes.  This is so because of the look that it offers to the home.  Travertine is very delicate and soft wherever it is placed.  It helps to create the illusion of more space, too.  For example, purchasing some types of travertine will give you that natural stone look of classic tumbled stone.  A variety of finishes and colors give you flexibility to use it throughout your décor.

Travertine is a natural stone.  It is formed from limestone.  In some situations, the small naturally occurring holes are filled in which gives the travertine a more finished look.  You don’t have to do this, though, as it looks more natural when the pits are kept the way they are.  If you do go with travertine for your kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation, do consider filling in these pits.  Doing so will make the stone easier to care for and it will increase its durability considerably.

Speaking of durability, there are some things to really contemplate here with travertine.  Acids like those that are found in citrus fruit, tomatoes or even alcohol can cause etch marks to appear in the stone.  You will need to know how hard the stone is before purchasing it (with a denser material being a far better choice.)  Travertine varies widely in the density and hardness it has.

There is no doubt that adding travertine to your home is an excellent investment.  It will add luxury and value to the home.  Yet, this soft stone should be installed and treated properly by a professional.  Have a professional install travertine in your home.  Then maintain it as directed and it will keep its beauty in the long term.