The use of natural stone as flooring for many years in public spaces and places of worship palaces, royal residences, and grand houses because of its beauty and durability. Typical examples of natural stone are limestone, granite slate, marble, and slate. they're all formed from rock that was quarry-cut. The process of quarrying and carving the stone is a laborious process that for thousands of years was performed by hand. Modern technological advances have made it possible for the process can be automated by using modern equipment and the result of this is that natural stone tiles are significantly cheaper. However, there are traditional craftsmen cutting and polishing the stone by hand.
Stone quarries made of natural stone, ancient and modern, are found across the world from Europe up to India, Asia and North America.
How do Natural Stone Tiles Made?
Large chunks of rock are first extracted from the earth with blasts, or cutting machines, depending on the type and hardness of the rock as well as the location of the rock. The large chunks of rock are cut into smaller slabs of varying thickness using high-speed saws and the slabs are polished using machines to produce different texture surfaces ranging from rough to ultra-smooth. The slabs are cut into a range of smaller sizes, suitable for flooring and walls by using specially water-cooled saws. They are then given a final polish before being ready for the consumer.
Why should you choose Natural Stone?
Natural stone tiles are available in a huge range of styles, colours and finishes ranging from modern contemporary limestone to classic marble or rustic slate and can be used in any kind of interior. They are both beautiful and distinctive because, being a natural material the tiles are not going to be identical so your room could have a unique look of its unique. The finish is particularly important since it creates an Stone Tile Company entirely distinct look with the same stone from an identical quarry.
The most common natural Stone Types Used For Tiles
Travertineis a limestone type with a honeycomb-like structure and numerous surface indentations. These dents may fill with resin to create a smooth surface or left empty for an uneven surface. Colours range from pale creams to deep reddish browns.
Limestoneis created when seashells are buried in sediment. It then over time hardens to sedimentary rock so fossilised shells are a typical feature. The colors range from creamy to golden brown.
Graniteis an igneous rock , which means it is a very hard stone making it extremely durable; it is available in an extensive variety of vibrant colours and is commonly used in homes to create kitchen worktops and flooring.
Marbleis widely known to all of us from the classical architecture from Rome and Greece and the many well-known Italian sculptures. It comes in a range of colors, usually with contrasting veining but the darker marbles are not suitable for use in wet environments due to their porosity.
Slateis composed of quartz, clay, and shale. It is characterized by rustic appearance due to its natural layered look. Since it is resistant to water, it is commonly used for floor tiles but it can also be used for patio tiles and roof tiles.
Natural Stone Finishes
Polishedfor a glossy shine which might require regular maintenance to maintain the shine.
Honedfor a matt or satin finish that will be more resistant scratching and needs little maintenance.
acid-washedfor an aged look that reveals the crystal structure within the stone. It's also extremely scratch-resistant..
Flamedfor a rough texture which is ideal when a non-slip surface is required It iscreated by blowing a torch on the stone until the crystals of the surface explode.
Tumbledfor a smooth but slightly pitted surface with uneven edges for a raw natural finish, which is commonly used for small tiles and ornamental border tiles.
Brushedfor a naturally worn look suitable for restoration work in old buildings. It is created by brushing the tile the surface with metal brushes.
Tile manufacturers now produce porcelain tiles that have a natural stone effect as well as manufactured stone tiles made from natural stone chips that are suspended in resin or cement, but even the highest quality porcelain floor tiles can't compare to the distinctive look as well as feel that natural stone tiles provide.