Home Improvement Guide 101

Natural stones bring a beauty into your home that otherwise you can’t find, and many times is chosen to be incorporated by using it as flooring-since it is something that is always seen. Common types of stone used are travertine, limestone, slate, and marble tiles. Of these choices, marble tile is one of the most durable and popular choices. Marble comes from metamorphic rocks, and has been used frequently as the prime choice for sculptures. Also, because of the durability, marble is used in ways such as commercial applications, housing flooring, bathroom floors and back-splashes, kitchen floors and countertops, hallways, and other high traffic areas. Even at only 10 millimeters thick, marble floor tiles are more durable than other man-made flooring options, especially compared to travertine that needs to me at least 3 centimeters thick for flooring in areas of high traffic. It is very common to see marble floor tile in the bathroom and kitchen areas.

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The use of stone is a great way to create a naturally beautiful home. Although there are many different stones that people use as tile, travertine tiles are one such great option. There are many wonderful things about travertine and also some facts to keep in mind for maintenance.

Many don’t know what makes travertine different than other stones. This type of stone is what forms stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves. Modern day technology can create travertine from heating supersaturated alkaline waters. Because of how the stone is formed, it creates pitted holes in its surface. Depending on the type of travertine finish you choose, these holes are either filled or left unfilled. An example of unfilled tile is tumbled travertine tile. This tile is tumbled to round and smooth the edges while the surface is left unfilled, which creates a more rustic look. Travertine tile is most commonly used in patios, garden paths, framing of a fireplace, bathroom showers, and in kitchens. The use of a travertine mosaic tile as a bathroom backsplash or kitchen backsplash is very common and creates a beautiful look. Mosaic tiles are the smaller ones that are great to use as a border to provide a contrast to the larger travertine wall tiles or floor tiles.

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Marble is a natural limestone that is formed over many years through pressure in the ground. The beautiful vein-like patterns that marble tile is known for is due to the type of minerals and the amounts present during formation; different patterns and colors form because of the different minerals. These variations give marble a very distinct quality and look. When marble floor tile is processed it is cut into the individual tiles and because of the way the stone is formed there are variations from tile to tile in pattern and slightly shade. After the stone it cut and polished it is checked for any small fissures in the stone that could affect its structural integrity. These fissures are then filled which helps to ensure the strength of the stone.

Marble has been used for hundreds of years and is seen as a very artistic and beautiful stone. It has been used in the past to make sculptures and monuments as well as flooring. This stone adds a whole new level of elegance and beauty to a home or business.

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Travertine tile is a popular choice in many household projects including bathrooms, flooring, and kitchen tiling projects. Travertine comes in a variety of finishes that enable the customer to pick the best finish for them.

• Tumbled travertine: This type of travertine has a variety of sizes and colors which makes it versatile for a variety of projects.
• Chiseled and brushed travertine: this tile has a very classic look that provides a perfect solution for travertine tile flooring. Its rough edges and brownish tinge provide a versatile look.
• Honed and filled travertine: this type of travertine is ideal for bathroom as well as kitchen. This type of tile has a smooth satin finish where most of the holes are filled during the processing of the stone and therefore requires little maintenance.

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