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Whether you’re working on a shower, backsplash, floor, fireplace surround, or another surface you’re covering with tile, it’s important to choose a tile that will stand up to scuffs, spills, cleaners, and the other factors that can wear on a surface.

Natural stone flooring can add organic warmth and tranquility to any space. From slate and marble to limestone and granite, natural stone tiles add unique personality wherever they’re used. But keep in mind that no two stone types- or tiles- are the same. So be sure to do your homework and know which material is right for your particular project.

With today's infinite stone look-alike products and the overwhelming amount of information on the web, it's easy to become confused when trying to compare marble tiles and ceramic tiles. Natural stones such as marble, granite and slate range in availability (and price) as they are quarried in various locations around the world and imported to the U.S. Ceramic tiles are composed of clay and inorganic materials that are oven dried and glazed. So when is best to spring for the real thing or settle for ceramic? Let's take a look at the facts.

While you can never go wrong with marble tiles in classic shades of black and white, designers and homeowners should consider the other tones and hues of marble tiles that can enhance interiors. For a recent New England Home feature entitled "Trends & Trendmakers," several designers were asked to name the new and old trends that are prevailing in today's interior designs. When it comes to current trends in floors, walls and finishes, these designers concluded that color ins "in." As New England Home writer Paula M. Bodahput it, "Pastels and neutrals will never vanish, but all the pros agree that color is back in a big way."

What do most of the world's most lavish hotel lobbies have in common? Swanky marble tile floors!  A timeless tradition, marble surfaces have been used to exhibit luxury and elegance for thousands of years, beginning with the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Today, marble tile floors are tying together wow-factors like colossal ceilings, spectacular chandeliers and majestic fountains in the most famous hotels and buildings across the globe. From an ABC News feature, here are a few examples of the world's most magnificent hotel lobbies featuring marble tile floors. 

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.