2012

Using natural stone in your kitchen means a few obvious advantages, from a strong and durable surface to an elegant look. But not all materials are quite equal, and picking the right one for your kitchen counter can involve making some decisions about what you need your kitchen to do.

One of the advantages of using natural stone tiles is their resistance to stains and moisture, but that doesn’t happen automatically. And even the most durable tiles depend on the grout that holds them together, so the best way to keep your bathroom looking great is with a little care and maintenance.

First, it’s important to have a good sealer. Any stone is somewhat porous, which can allow a variety of liquids to work their way in and leave unsightly stains. That can be fixed by applying a coat of protective sealer that fills in the pores and leaves your natural stone tiles ready for whatever you throw at them.

Once the stone is properly sealed, caring for it will be easy. Just make sure you have the right product for the type of stone you’re using and the cleaning you need to do.

In general, a specialized cleaner should be free of bleach, ammonia, or other ingredients that could break down your sealer and damage the stone. But the variety of colors and patterns that can help natural stone tiles fit in so many different aesthetics means that not all stones are created equal, so keep the nature of your own tiles in mind. Some products, like the Restore™ acidic cleaner, can easily remove hard water deposits or soap scum to give your tiles a pristine look, but shouldn’t be used on dyed granite or concrete or other acid-sensitive stones.

You can find some guidelines about the best cleaners to use, along with a list of products, on the Marble and Granite website. And once you have the right cleaners, all you need is a little patience. To clean out mold or mildew, for instance, apply the mold and mildew cleaner to the tiles, then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off the area. If the mildew isn’t gone, just repeat the process.

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Decorating your bathroom with natural stone tiles can help to set a great aesthetic for your home, combining an elegant design with durable materials. Getting that results, and helping your stone tiles looking pristine, just calls for a little attention to detail.

If you’re looking for a great source of natural stone, it can pay to recycle. From a new vanity top to materials for tile flooring, using a whole new slab can be costly and unnecessary. A lot of the time, remnants can give you the same excellent materials, at a cost that’s hard to beat.

All home renovation projects, regardless of size, have one thing in common – a budget.
Probably the biggest factor in decision making, the budget will determine more about the final product than personal preference. Fortunately, if you have your heart set on a new stone, marble or granite countertop – your budget needn’t have the final say.
Marble and Granite, Inc. is the place to find an incredible assortment of top quality stone products in a wide range of prices – so your design preferences and your budget can work together to give you the kitchen you want at a price you can afford.

1. Where will this tile be installed? Will it be installed as flooring, walls or a backsplash? 
2. How will this tile be used? Will it be exposed to high-traffic or will it serve as a low-traffic decorative accent? 
3. What is your tile surface budget? Don't forget to consider cost of installation. 

Slate tile has "an air of prestige and a reputation of longevity," as HGTV describes. Formed from miniscule fragments of silt and clay compacted by high temperature and pressure, slate makes for a refined and versatile tile surface that is dependable and low maintenance.