Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Natural Stone Tiles

2017-09-22T09:16:06Z

Roccia: Protected "Natural Stone Tiles" ([edit=author] (indefinite))

[[File:Natural stone tiles.jpg]]

= Introduction =

Natural stone tiles have been used for interior design purposes for a very long time, and they used to be the material of choice for castles, towers, and other ancient structures. These tiles remain popular today due to their ability to withstand time’s wear and tear – while retaining their aesthetics.

Natural stone can be found in many households across the world and offers a distinctive feel to the home, as each tile is unique, and is likely to be sustainable and eco-friendly.

= Types of Natural Stone Tiles =

There are a wealth of different types of natural stone tiles to choose from for both commercial and residential properties, all of which provide different aesthetics and add value to the home. The ability to choose from such a vast selection allows homeowners, contractors, architects and interior designers to create great aesthetics and style.

Natural stone options include:

* Marble
* Serpentine Marble
* Granite
* Limestone
* Travertine
* Slate
* Sandstone
* Onyx
* Shell Stone
* Quartz

= Benefits of Natural Stone Tiles =

There are many benefits to natural stone tiles, a fact that has contributed to their popularity. Tiling a home or commercial property with natural stone is likely to offer certain advantages, including:

* Durability – natural stone is sturdy and lasts for a very long time; it is a material that will withstand the test of time
* Radiant Heating – one of the benefits of natural stone is how it conducts heat, meaning that underfloor heating systems can become even more efficient with this type of floor.
* Uniqueness – because natural stone forms from nature, it has unique colours and patterns that cannot be replicated, which makes each tile one-of-a-kind.
* Hygiene – natural stone creates surfaces that do not store dust, fur and skin, meaning it is suitable for many applications where hygiene is required or preferred.
* Low Maintenance – these types of tile do not need much in terms of maintenance, as a simple soft brush or mop can easily keep the tiles clean.

= Absorption Rating =

This concept refers to the degree to which a material is porous, with the more absorbent being more susceptible to staining and cracking damage. This rating is divided into different categories that allow you to differentiate between them:

* Non-Vitreous – has the highest absorption levels and should not be installed in damp environments. Sandstone is, perhaps, the most porous of the natural stones.
* Semi-Vitreous – while not as porous as non-vitreous tiles, they will still require maintenance the more they’re exposed to liquids. An example is slate.
* Vitreous – this category refers to natural stone tiles that can be used for many low to mid traffic applications, as they are not as porous, such as travertine and limestone.
* Impervious – natural stone that is impervious to liquids will be easy to maintain and typically chosen for high-traffic commercial uses, like granite, which is relatively waterproof.

= Uses of Natural Stone Tiles =

These types of tile can be found in a variety of commercial and residential properties and applications, mainly in kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, and hallways. The stone flooring creates a larger sense of space, both indoors and outdoors, that opens up an area.

The properties of natural stone allow these tiles to have a high level of versatility as well. They can be installed on many different surfaces, such as walls, floors and splashbacks, making them ideal for many spaces from kitchens to bathrooms.

--[[User:Roccia|Roccia]] 10:15, 22 Sep 2017 (BST)

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Natural Stone Tiles

2017-09-22T09:15:55Z

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2017-09-22T09:13:44Z

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