In the erratic world of real estate, few things never go out of style such as stone. Yes, stone. Whether they're set into paths, gardens, patios and even around swimming pools, stones are timelessly elegant. And the loveliest thing about stones is that they are subtle in their beauty; we don't usually notice them unless someone points them out for us.
Natural tiles are ancient, people of long ago have been using it for their homes. Natural stone is not only beautiful to look at, it can also make a room look richer, vibrant, and warm, simply because it invokes an aura of nature.
Natural Quality.
You'll be amazed to find out that natural stone will probably last longer than your house itself. When properly installed, it is heavy duty, resilient, and should take all forms of wear and tear. This permanence, combined with its natural beauty, makes quality and character important considerations in choosing natural stone. Buying inferior cheap stone may cost you more in the end since you'll be forced to keep repairing or replacing them when they get damaged.
Choices of Stone.
Quarried or reconstituted stone is available in so many forms these days to suit all kinds of taste and budget--from natural stone right through to reconstituted stone using glass and ceramics.
Aurio, Ceramic, Crystallino, Glass Mosaic , Limestone, Marble, Porcelain Vitrified, Rock Solid, Nowadays, reconstituted stones are made to be scratch-resistant, stain-proof, and even heat-proof. Another thing to look for is its non-skid surface, which is suitable for elderly people who are more prone to falls.
Installing Stone.
Because tile and stone floors are heavy and intolerant of movement, they generally are applied over a tough, firm base to prevent cracking. Wooden sub-floors are usually reinforced with a layer of cement backer board or plywood, and for even more sturdy applications, a professional tiler may install a mortar bed.
Grout matters.
Grout is that mixture of cement that goes in between bathroom tiles or stone. For a fresh look, simply updating the grout makes all the difference. Ask your tiler to take extra care in applying grout. Fine and thin grout lines make the tiles look delicate while thicker grout lines make for a more rural and ?earthy? appearance.
Gloss.
Higher gloss (polished) tiles are contemporary whereas heavily grooved and rough give an aged, worn look.
Illusions.
Give a room a more spacious feel with light-colored natural stone; conversely, if you want a cosier and smaller feel, go for a darker shade.
So many wonderful tiles are available so don't be afraid to choose and experiment. The choice is yours. Remember that this is your new home, and you're making it stand out from everyone else's. No matter what you natural stone you use in your home, rest assured that you won't regret it.
