STONE TILES
Stone flooring refers to the use of natural or engineered stone tiles to create a durable, elegant, and timeless floor covering. It is a high-end option known for its natural beauty and resilience, though it also comes with specific maintenance and cost considerations
Common types of stone flooring
Limestone: Known for its earthy, natural appearance, limestone is a versatile choice that can bring rustic charm or a sense of luxury to a space. Some varieties, like travertine, are formed from mineral deposits and have distinctive porous features.
Slate: A hard and dense stone formed from volcanic ash or clay, slate naturally splits into thin, textured sheets. It is a durable choice for high-traffic areas and comes in darker, dramatic colors, often with a unique riven or textured surface.
Marble: Famous for its luxurious and elegant look, marble is a metamorphic rock that comes in a variety of mesmerizing colors and vein patterns. It can be polished to a glass-like smoothness and adds a "wow" factor to kitchens and bathrooms.
Granite: A coarse-grained, hard stone formed from magma, granite is one of the most durable natural stone options. It features a vast array of colors and textures.
Sandstone: A hard-wearing natural stone made of compacted sand grains. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing a seamless transition.
PROS
Highly durable: Can withstand heavy foot traffic and, with proper maintenance, can last for many decades.
Timeless aesthetic: The unique, natural patterns and textures of stone are one-of-a-kind and don't go out of style.
Hygienic and low-maintenance: Its dense, non-porous surface is easy to clean and does not harbor dust or allergens. Regular sealing and cleaning will keep it in good condition.
Excellent for underfloor heating: Stone is a great conductor and retainer of heat, making it an ideal surface for underfloor heating systems.
Increases property value: Due to its luxurious appeal and longevity, stone flooring can add to a home's market value.
CONS
High cost: Stone flooring is one of the more expensive options for both materials and professional installation.
Can feel cold: It can be cold underfoot in cooler climates, though it pairs well with underfloor heating.
Requires sealing: Many natural stones are porous and need to be sealed regularly to protect against water and stains.
.Can be unforgiving: The hard surface can be uncomfortable for standing for long periods and can make dropped items more likely to break.
Susceptible to scratches and stains: Softer stones like marble and limestone can scratch or etch if exposed to acidic substances.
STONE & PORCELAIN TILES
FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE
UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS
BESPOKE DESIGNS
Porcelain tiles are made from natural clay and minerals like kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, which are mixed, powdered, pressed into shape, printed with designs, and then fired at high temperatures (around 1200°C) in a kiln, making them very hard, dense, and durable. After firing and cooling, they are polished and cut into their final form.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Material Preparation:
Fine, high-quality clay mixed with minerals like kaolin, feldspar, and quartz are ground into a fine powder.
2. Mixing:
The powdered materials are thoroughly mixed together with water and color pigments to create a slurry.
3. Pressing:
This mixture is then spray-dried to form fine granules, which are placed into molds and pressed under high pressure to create the basic tile shape.
4. Decoration:
The pressed tiles are then decorated, often using advanced digital inkjet printers to apply various patterns and textures, and a protective glaze is applied for moisture resistance.
5. Firing:
The tiles are fired in a large kiln at very high temperatures, around 1200°C. This process removes all remaining moisture, turning the soft clay into a hard, dense, and non-porous material.
6. Cooling and Finishing:
After being fired, the tiles are allowed to cool before being polished, cut to their final shape, and sorted for quality control
PORCELAIN TILES
