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.

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.

Natural Stone

Using Natural Stone In Home Projects

Natural stone is not only an attractive option for your home’s textures, but it is also a very practical choice.  Choosing the right type of stone for your home is the more difficult decision.  The only reason it is difficult is because there are several good options to consider.  When looking at each of these, determine which is going to give you the best look for the area, the best durability as well as be the best for your budget.

• Limestone:  Limestone is attractive in an earthy, subtle way.  It works great for flooring, kitchen islands and even for pool decks and paving. Avoid using it where it will be damaged though, such as kitchen countertops.  This soft stone needs care.

• Marble:  This natural stone is the most beautiful, in most situations, but is also at the top of the price list.  It also needs to be cared for properly which means keeping it sealed and protected from etching.  Marble is excellent for flooring, fountains, and the surround of your fireplace and bathroom renovations.  While it is okay for use in kitchen countertops, use there should be limited.

• Travertine: This is another option for you in natural stone that gives a warm glow to the surrounding area.  It too is going to need to protection from acids and sharp objects because it is a soft stone.  It works well for accessories, fireplace surrounds and sinks and floors.

• Granite:  Granite is just as beautiful as marble, but less expensive and more durable.  You’ll find great color and style choices in this natural stone.  Yet, it can be used in kitchen countertops regularly because it is so durable.  You don’t have to seal most granite.

These are just a few of the natural stones you have available to you.  Choose the best one for your surrounding but remember that you aren’t limited in color or design.  It is always beneficial to use a professional to install natural stone in your home.

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.

Granite countertops offer a lot of character and class in any location they are placed in.  If you are doing a kitchen renovation, you may be considering their use.  While you don’t have to use them, they are definitely considered the preferred choice today.  They come in a variety of styles and colors, are durable and strong and they are relatively easy to install through a professional.

One reason to consider granite countertops over other choices is their ease of maintenance.  You can easily put these in place and not have to worry about them.  Not all granite countertops need to be sealed, but even if they do, the process is pretty straightforward.  Then, you can nearly abuse these countertops and they won’t scratch.  They don’t etch as much from acids, either.

Another benefit of using granite for your kitchen remodeling is the color options.  These natural stones offer various colors including light yellows and even white, to deep red tones, greens, blues and even browns.  As you consider your color choices, also consider the texture.  Since these are natural stones, their color is often depicted by their texture.  Granites may also be speckled or they could have veining in them like marble does.

In terms of affordability, granite counter tops are more affordable than other natural stones, especially marble.  Yet, they give off that same quality and character that marble does.  Have them professionally installed for the best results.  Installing granite counter tops can be difficult without some experience.  Once in place, though, caring for your countertops will be simple.

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.