Get COOL with our new White Oak Marble 12"x24"
*We are now stocking this material in Salt Lake City. It comes either honed or polished. If you're looking for an accent piece, take a look at our Bamboo Gray Glass Mosaic pictured above.
Thanks for visiting! Check our old posts frequently to see new pictures of material! (Please excuse our web dust. We are continously rebuilding the site.)
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions About Marble
What areas are most appropriate for marble installation?
Marble is an extremely versatile natural stone, used in high traffic areas like commercial foyers and hallways, as well as in residential kitchens. Cultures across the globe have trusted marble for centuries as flooring, wall tile, and other surfaces to last. Although marble is susceptible to acidic substances and metal abrasion, it will look great for years, given that a cleaning and maintenance regimen is incorporated to make sure it retains its original look. Sealing the surface of marble with an impregnator can help to do this, and to make maintenance a much easier job.
Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
We do not recommend the use of marble as kitchen counters because marbles polished surfaces are more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, ketchup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction, which will remove the polish. Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite.
Marble is, however, sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts.
What is etching?
Etching happens when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble or limestone surface. This causes a chemical reaction, which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed marble or limestone. Green marbles, such as the "jades" from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids.
What’s the best way to clean marble?
The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn’t use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.
One of the best ways to keep marble clean is to incorporate removal of dirt, grit, and other materials that are tracked in from outdoors. Many of these substances can cause minute scratches on the surface of your marble which can become noticeable over time. So, it’s best to make sure that the surface of the marble is clear with a damp cloth, soft broom, or vacuum as regularly as you can.
Clean up liquid spills immediately, particularly if they are acidic in nature. Fruit juice is particularly problematic, as is coffee and red wine, because of their tendency to stain. Even if you’ve sealed your marble, it’s a good idea not to take any chances. Clear spills right away. Don’t use bleach, vinegar, or any harsh acidic-based cleaners as these will degrade the surface of your marble over time.
Will your samples match my order?
Samples are a great way of finding out if the marble you’re interested in is what you’re really looking for. But, because there will always be variation in terms of both color and surface pattern, a sample should be viewed in the broadest terms only. This means that the colors you see in your sample is a very general guide as to how the marble in your order will look. A sample can give you ideas about textures, weight, and durability before you buy. We do pull all our samples directly from our stock to ensure the best color variation possible. We have almost all our natural stone products in stock.
I see cracks in the surface of this marble sample- Is this a sub-par material? Is it still safe to use?
Crack-like patterns in marble are a natural feature of marble and other natural stone. One way to make sure that your marble will stand up to foot traffic and moisture is to make sure it’s sealed. Otherwise, what is referred to as the veining in marble tile is due to the various minerals that have become trapped in the body of the marble over millions of years, formed by underground water sources. This accounts for what appears to be liquid-like patterns which makes marble tile such an attractive addition to a property.
Are sealers really necessary?
Absolutely. Marble is a porous material, which means that any liquids which spill onto the surface tend to leech into the body of the marble. This can negatively affect how your marble will look over time. A sealer, or an impregnator as it is also known, can make sure that any materials remain on the surface of the marble, until you clean it off, of course. This is the best way to make sure that your marble retains its original look for as long as possible. Talk to your local outlet about which products to use and how long to leave them before sealing your marble again. Always read the labels of the products you buy, take safety precautions where necessary, and follow instructions carefully.
What’s the best way to remove stains?
When a stain is unavoidable, taking steps to remove stains from marble tile is a fairly simple procedure. The same reason marble is susceptible to staining is the same reason it’s a straightforward process to remove them – marble is porous. A procedure called ‘poulticing’ is a great way to remove stains by literally drawing the stain up from your marble and into another material – a mixture of a reducing agent soaked into a cloth or papertowels is the most basic variety of poultice. The best methods should always be measured against the kind of stain you’ve got. Once again, the best source of knowledge on this is your local DIY retailer who can advise on what procedure to use on what types of materials which have stained your marble.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Antique Blend Versailles
Antique Blend Versailles is our new Versailles Pattern!
Courtesy of Joaquin via The Tub Doctor
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tumbled Ivory and Noce Versailles and 12"
Tumbled Ivory and Noce Versailles Pattern and 12"
Ivory Tumbled Versailles Pattern
Tumbled Noce Versailles
Tumbled Noce 12"
Ivory 12" Tumbled
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
FAQ About Travertine
Frequently Asked Questions About Travertine
What is Travertine?
Travertine (Pronounced Trav-er-teen) is a natural stone material that is also called: Onyx Marble, Mexican Marble, Egyptian Alabaster, Travertine Marble (marble is a close cousin), Travertine Limestone (limestone is a close cousin), and Oriental Alabaster. Travertine is generally developed from thousands of years of mineral deposits from natural springs (especially hot springs.) Many of the veins and colors in Travertine come from various iron compounds or other organic "impurities." This material can range in colors from Whites to Creams, Yellows to Oranges to Reds, Grays, and Dark Browns. Travertine has various craters and depressions (ie pits and holes) during its development which can be filled with grout after installation.This material is quarried all over the world, but the main countries that distribute Travertine are Turkey, Mexico, Italy, China, India, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and Greece. We import almost all our stone directly from Turkey. This material can come in several different finishes such as: Honed, Polished, Chiseled, Filled, Unfilled, Tumbled, Straight Edged, and also Brushed. You can also grind and sand down the material like you would a wood floor to get finished edges.
Travertine (Pronounced Trav-er-teen) is a natural stone material that is also called: Onyx Marble, Mexican Marble, Egyptian Alabaster, Travertine Marble (marble is a close cousin), Travertine Limestone (limestone is a close cousin), and Oriental Alabaster. Travertine is generally developed from thousands of years of mineral deposits from natural springs (especially hot springs.) Many of the veins and colors in Travertine come from various iron compounds or other organic "impurities." This material can range in colors from Whites to Creams, Yellows to Oranges to Reds, Grays, and Dark Browns. Travertine has various craters and depressions (ie pits and holes) during its development which can be filled with grout after installation.This material is quarried all over the world, but the main countries that distribute Travertine are Turkey, Mexico, Italy, China, India, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, and Greece. We import almost all our stone directly from Turkey. This material can come in several different finishes such as: Honed, Polished, Chiseled, Filled, Unfilled, Tumbled, Straight Edged, and also Brushed. You can also grind and sand down the material like you would a wood floor to get finished edges.
How do I care for Travertine?
Routine maintentance of travertine is simply regular washing using pH neutral detergents like a weak solution of clear dish soap/ non-oil based solution/detergent and warm water. We recommend vacuuming the Travertine on the floor or sweeping on a weekly basis to minimize the build up of sand particle and grit, which combined with people walking on the surface can damage and scrape the tile. We also recommend dust mopping and protecting the floors with Damp mops can leave residues on the surface of the tile, and so the mop needs to be cleaned and dried before use on Travertine. We also recommend for tile in general to mop with clean water after cleaning with detergent. If water marks develop, they can be buffed out with a dry towel.
Acid based liquids such as wine and fruit juices rich in vitamin C can score the surface of Traverinte if left ot stand after spilling. In such cases rub the area with a fine grade sandpaper and then reseal that spot. That same concept can be applied to large scratches and scuffs. Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on natural stone. Don't use cleaners that contain acids like bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, and tub & shower cleaners. Don't use abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub or any dry cleaners like Ajax.
Periodically, every two to five years with normal daily use, travertine should be resealed. Damp or wet areas like shower and tub areas should have a squeegee used on the walls daily and should be resealed more frequently than other areas. Resealing clean travertine is extremely easy, and requires no more skill than being able to wipe a cloth or roll a paint roller dampened with sealer across the material and left to dry. Please follow all manufacturer inscructions on sealing products and use in a well ventilated area. Please also make sure that the type of sealer provides the finish that you desire whether it is matte or enhanced by testing sample pieces or a small corner of your material that is less noticable.
Routine maintentance of travertine is simply regular washing using pH neutral detergents like a weak solution of clear dish soap/ non-oil based solution/detergent and warm water. We recommend vacuuming the Travertine on the floor or sweeping on a weekly basis to minimize the build up of sand particle and grit, which combined with people walking on the surface can damage and scrape the tile. We also recommend dust mopping and protecting the floors with Damp mops can leave residues on the surface of the tile, and so the mop needs to be cleaned and dried before use on Travertine. We also recommend for tile in general to mop with clean water after cleaning with detergent. If water marks develop, they can be buffed out with a dry towel.
Acid based liquids such as wine and fruit juices rich in vitamin C can score the surface of Traverinte if left ot stand after spilling. In such cases rub the area with a fine grade sandpaper and then reseal that spot. That same concept can be applied to large scratches and scuffs. Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on natural stone. Don't use cleaners that contain acids like bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, and tub & shower cleaners. Don't use abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub or any dry cleaners like Ajax.
Periodically, every two to five years with normal daily use, travertine should be resealed. Damp or wet areas like shower and tub areas should have a squeegee used on the walls daily and should be resealed more frequently than other areas. Resealing clean travertine is extremely easy, and requires no more skill than being able to wipe a cloth or roll a paint roller dampened with sealer across the material and left to dry. Please follow all manufacturer inscructions on sealing products and use in a well ventilated area. Please also make sure that the type of sealer provides the finish that you desire whether it is matte or enhanced by testing sample pieces or a small corner of your material that is less noticable.
How durable is Travertine?
Being a stone, travertine is more hard wearing than most floor materials but is still susceptible to damage if not treated correctly. Travertine has been used for many buildings since ancient times and is still used as exterior and interior material for many modern buidlings and homes. It is also usable as a paver in patios and gardens. Travertine is also a favorite for fireplaces, tabletops, and countertops.
Being a stone, travertine is more hard wearing than most floor materials but is still susceptible to damage if not treated correctly. Travertine has been used for many buildings since ancient times and is still used as exterior and interior material for many modern buidlings and homes. It is also usable as a paver in patios and gardens. Travertine is also a favorite for fireplaces, tabletops, and countertops.
How can you tell what the quality is of a Travertine?
Travertine is divided into five visual classifications. As with other natural stone proucts such as diamonds and precious stones, the value of travertine is based on the visual appeal, availability, and rare qualities of the stone.
Stone with a commercial rating are divided into two categories- we will call them A and B.
A "B" Quality of commercial stone does not have calibration (surface finish) and sizing is not within acceptable standards. In addition- the surface finish may be extremely inconsistent, and may contain saw marks. Fill holes can be moderate to very large and color variation may be inconsisitent.
An "A" Quality commercial stone may include a broad or unique color range, unusual mineral deposits and/or a moderate to large amount and size of fill. Class "A" commercial tiles will be of uniform thickness, squareness, and size, but may have some variation in finish and fill color.
Classic Quality tile will be of a consistent size to allow 1/8" joint or less. Classic Travertine will have a moderate amount and size of fill. Classic tiles are sorted within a defined color range with minimal mineral deposits.
First Quality Travertine tile is sorted to have minimal to moderate fill and color variations within a defined range. First quality tiles have virtually no unusual mineral deposits and they are precision sized for 1/8" or less grout joints and ease of installtion.
Premium Quality Travertine is so designated because of its rare qualities. This means that there are very few and/ or very small fill holes. The color range is well define. The factory finish is of the highest quality. When placed next to other qualities of travertine these qualities are easily discerned. Precision sized for 1/8 or less grout joint.
**Please note that most of our travertine will range in quality from "A" Quality up to Premium Quality**
Why does Travertine vary so much in price?
Travertine is divided into five visual classifications. As with other natural stone proucts such as diamonds and precious stones, the value of travertine is based on the visual appeal, availability, and rare qualities of the stone.
Stone with a commercial rating are divided into two categories- we will call them A and B.
A "B" Quality of commercial stone does not have calibration (surface finish) and sizing is not within acceptable standards. In addition- the surface finish may be extremely inconsistent, and may contain saw marks. Fill holes can be moderate to very large and color variation may be inconsisitent.
An "A" Quality commercial stone may include a broad or unique color range, unusual mineral deposits and/or a moderate to large amount and size of fill. Class "A" commercial tiles will be of uniform thickness, squareness, and size, but may have some variation in finish and fill color.
Classic Quality tile will be of a consistent size to allow 1/8" joint or less. Classic Travertine will have a moderate amount and size of fill. Classic tiles are sorted within a defined color range with minimal mineral deposits.
First Quality Travertine tile is sorted to have minimal to moderate fill and color variations within a defined range. First quality tiles have virtually no unusual mineral deposits and they are precision sized for 1/8" or less grout joints and ease of installtion.
Premium Quality Travertine is so designated because of its rare qualities. This means that there are very few and/ or very small fill holes. The color range is well define. The factory finish is of the highest quality. When placed next to other qualities of travertine these qualities are easily discerned. Precision sized for 1/8 or less grout joint.
**Please note that most of our travertine will range in quality from "A" Quality up to Premium Quality**
Why does Travertine vary so much in price?
Pricing varies mostly on its visual appeal, availibility, and rare qualities. This can range anywhere from the quality of the stone to the color. For example, our Travertine with more holes and fill will generally cost much less than our Travertine that has less holes and fill. Silver Travertine will be much more expensive and less available due to the rare color scheme. Our Turko is much more common in color and has much more fill and will be more economical in price. The pricing can also vary depending on the finish(es). It is much more expensive to get a large piece of tumbled Travertine because it is more labor intensive to produce.
How do I install Travertine?
To see the bottom section on our Patterns and Installation page click here.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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