48
The real facts about natural stone
There has been a real surge in popularity
in using natural stone tiles in recent years,
no longer is it seen as something that only
the wealthy can afford. With affordable
options in limestone, slate and sandstone,
it is possible to pick up excellent quality
tiles from as little as £13 m2.
When choosing your stone there are
various finishes to consider:-
Despite its popularity, there seem to be a
few misconceptions about working with
natural stone. People who are considering
using stone should not be put off by
stories, which often result from simple
mistakes during installation or lack of
research before a purchase is made.
Riven – offers texture and interest.
Taking the time to obtain samples of the
stone you like, as well as speaking to our in
house experts, visiting our showroom and
getting up close to the tiles are all things
that can help you in making the right
choice.
The raw beauty of Mother Nature
With many options available, there is a
natural stone tile to fit every personal
choice. The majority of people looking
for natural stone understand that
every piece will be unique, it is a natural
material and is something organic and
beautiful. Occasionally though, this is
sometimes overlooked, and it is important
to understand that not every tile will be
uniform in colour and appearance.
Some stones, such as multicolour slate
have an array of colours (ochres, browns
and burnt orange) to give a strong and
dramatic look, whilst others such as a
white limestone will not have as much
variation.
Polished – has a high shine and is
reflective.
Honed – is matte and usually has a silk like
appearance.
There are other finishes available i.e.
brushed, tumbled etc. depending on your
stone choice.
One of the most appealing qualities of
natural stone is the variances in colour,
surface texture and patterning all allowing
for a totally unique product.
The key to success is in the preparation
and aftercare
Just like any natural material, stone tiles
need to be protected and maintained. The
steps taken during fitting and installation
are the key to longevity. It is imperative
that the appropriate adhesives, grouts and
sealers are used for the type of stone you
have and the finish you wish to achieve.
Once your tiles are laid it is vital that
suitable products are used for cleaning
to avoid any issues with your tiles or
protective sealer.
All natural stone needs to be sealed. This
ensures that you protect the stone from
spills that would otherwise seep into and
may cause potential staining. The sealant
forms a protective barrier over the surface
forcing the liquid to ‘bead’ on top of the
surface.
Household cleaning products should be
avoided and never use abrasive cream
cleaners on the stone. The best cleaning
products are those that have been
specifically designed for use with natural
stone. By using these you will not only
preserve the life of your stone tile, but you
will also best ensure that the sealer you
have applied remains intact for longer.
Sealing and maintaining your project is a
very simple process, just a little knowhow,
will keep your stone looking as good as it
did the day it was installed, whether your
stone be in or outdoors.
Plan ahead and be distinctive
With natural stone, knowledge really pays
off. Getting as much knowledge before
you buy can be invaluable. The type
of stone you ultimately choose will be
distinctive and unique to your home.
Take time to decide which type of natural
stone best fits with your home and
lifestyle, as well as working out which size
tile complements your room space.
Working with natural stone is no more
complicated than working with other
types of materials, but the one thing you
will discover is that when it comes to oneof-a-kind beauty, enchanting personality
and timeless style, natural stone is in a
class by itself.
www.mrs-stone-store.com