It really is a personal choice. Both natural stone and ceramic tiles have their benefits, limitations and appeal. We love real stone for its long life, its warmth, the fact that it is natural and doesn’t contain any chemicals and for its timeless beauty (it can be rejuvenated to increase its luster, unlike a ceramic tile). Generally yes! Though the better quality "stone-look" ceramic tiles are similarly priced.

Yes, the grout will always continually have to be replaced if not sealed, and when sealer is applied the luster will also be restored and a much longer life.

We recommend sealing your natural stone to help prevent staining. Regular cleaning and immediately blotting up spilled liquids will keep your natural stone looking beautiful for years to come. Clean your natural stone with warm water and a non-abrasive, clear, non-acidic cleaner. For more information about natural stone care, please visit the resource section of our website.

Yes they can, providing (1) an appropriate adhesive is used and (2) joints are properly taped to prevent tiles lying above the seams from cracking.

Yes, you can use our tiles and mouldings to get a natural stone countertop. With minimal grout joints, it will be like natural stone countertop at the quarter price of solid countertop.

Yes and no. If the tiles are in a "working" area where water or other liquid is likely to be splashed against it (e.g. Behind the sink, behind the stove) then it is recommended to grout the tiles using the caulking method described in the installation literature. If the tiles are in a purely cosmetic area ? then there is no reason to grout the tiles except for aesthetics.

The products are cast in moulds using a technique process that replicates existing colours and textures with meticulous detail. Each colour and texture has its own blend of ingredients producing the look and feel of natural Stone.

Flush Sinks in Granite Top - Granite counter top sink cutouts are not as I ordered. I ordered the sink cutouts on counter tops made for our kitchen to be made FLUSH with the sink bowls.The sink manufacturer specified this on the prep sink cutout for accessories but not on the two bowl sink. I ordered the two bowl to be flush as well to match.They had both sinks in house and I provided them detailed drawings for reference.The tops were delivered with a 3/16 reveal on both sinks.

For practical reasons tiles need to be grouted. This doesn't detract from the over all visual impact as the panel is designed taking account of the grout joints. Hand made tiles are more irregular in shape than machine made tiles and therefore require a larger grout joint. (So a rustic hand made tile would not be suitable for a geometric design.

A solution of warm water and white vinegar. (Up to about 1 part vinegar and 1 part water). In more severe cases you may use Sulfamic Acid Cleaner.

A.Again, this is a matter of choice and the look you prefer. Honed stone can usually be butt jointed (tight to each other) with very little grout showing if you want to see less grout or a grid pattern; tumbled stone usually has a 1/8" to 1/4" grout joint which will show off the edges more.

Maple flooring is made in 2 common widths, 1-1/2" and 2-1/4", and 2 thicknesses, 33/32" and 25/32". The thicker profile, 33/32", is being specified less often due to cost, and also because the theoretical increase in life span of 1-inch thick maple flooring has been called into question by the MFMA. In fact, the MFMA has sent a position paper to Architects urging them to avoid specifying it, calling it a waste of natural resources.

Cast stone is a man-made material. Cements and aggregates are combined and molded into a variety of building products for use as pavements, walling, and ornament. It deteriorates in the same way as concrete. Natural stone is millions of years old, formed in the earth under enormous pressure. Although it costs more initially, It is more durable than cast stone and is a wise investment in the long term.

Natural stone is produced by mother nature, while engineered stone is man made. Natural stone mainly comes from quaries where the stone is cut out of the Earth. Engineered stone is composed of crushed natural stone bound together by acrylics.

We base that statement on the fact that UniBond PVA is the only PVA to be independently audited and rigorously tested at least twice a year. It is the only PVA to hold BS Kitemarks and BBA Certification in the UK. Yes, you may remember using PVA as a child at school. It is safe to use hence schools often use it within their art departments for young children to use.

With closed joint (or butt-jointed) installation, adjacent tiles are in contact. The thickness of the joint is minimal so it has a very low visual impact. Installation is quick since each tile placed in position provides an immediate reference for the subsequent tile. But this is where the advantages end. The risks (which correspond to the advantages of open joint installation) are certainly more significant.

For the initial cleaning, wipe the tiles off after you have removed excess grout by drawing float diagonally across tiles at a 90 degree angle. Simply wring out a damp sponge thoroughly and wipe tiles using a circular motion. For final cleaning/haze removal, allow grout to cure for 24 hours.

Natural stone is nature's timeless art. It lends strength to its surroundings by evoking a classic and unique feeling. It invites luxury into your home while still being affordable.