Natural and Composite Marble Tiles

When one thinks of marble, one tends to visualise majestic structures such as the Taj Mahal or the statues of Ancient Greece or Rome hewn from the creamy white rock. Marble has been used for millennia by stone masons as it's easy to work with and can be polished beautifully, giving many of the ancient statues an almost lifelike glow. Although very often white or near white, it comes in a variety of colours and hues ranging from green to yellow, purple to pink and red to brown. These colour variations coupled with the interlocking crystalline swirls of this material make it a highly desirable stone and its use for wall and floor tiles has been common for centuries.

These days, marble tiles are commonly made from composite; being marble dust bound with resin and one of the most popular is 'dark emperador marble tiles'. Although natural marble tiles are readily available, they are usually more expensive. I must point out though to us laymen, you'd struggle to tell the difference as natural marble, being a metamorphic rock is already a naturally occurring 'composite' of older stones. For example, cappuccino tiles are cut from natural marble and are also manufactured as composite tiles, yet visually, the two are virtually identical.

Composite marble, or artificial marble is also commonly used for marble bathtubs, shower trays and other bathroom fixtures where natural marble would be prohibitively expensive. In the case of a marble bathtub, for example, the weight of water once filled may easily cause weaknesses within the natural stone to give way, resulting in a hugely expensive pile of broken marble. In such cases, composite marble is used as its load bearing qualities in complex structures such as a bathtub, shower tray or wash basin are far superior to natural marble, yet it retains the same aesthetic qualities as its natural cousin.

Dark emperador marble tiles are sourced from both China and Spain. Its deep brown hue contrasts beautifully with the pale crystalline veins which criss cross its surface. Being one of the darker marble tiles makes it ideal for large bathrooms and kitchens where white marble would give the illusion of too much space. If dark tiles are not to your taste, then consider something in the mid range such as cappuccino marble tiles (also known as beige!). These feature the same crystalline veins yet set against a middling tone makes them easier on the eye than the stark white or darker tiles. Whatever colour you choose, having your walls and floors clad in marble gives a warmth and timeless elegance which is hard to match.

5 Reasons Why Manufactured Stone Is Becoming So Popular   Installing Cultured Stones   

Black Slate Tiles - The Beauty Of Black

Whether it is a residential complex or commercial building, black slate tiles are the best. These slabs as the name suggest are black in color but this black color is shiny and it looks very beautiful. This slate flooring is simply perfect for stairs, entrance way and garden path. You can also use these slabs to decorate your fireplace, porch, terrace and balcony. If you are thinking that how can a black flooring can enhance the look and feel of your home then you visit malls and other public places to see how architects and interior designers have decorated these buildings with black slabs.

Granite is a popular stone but it is very expensive and for this reason average homeowners avoid using granite. Black slate tiles resemble granite in many ways. These slabs, if installed correctly, look like granite. The good thing about these slabs is that they are as hard wearing as granite. Also they have excellent water resistance power and they can also bear scratches from bulky objects like refrigerator, furniture and piano. These features make slate slabs just perfect for use on worktops, countertops, and kitchen floor and backsplash wall. This flooring can be used as a substitute for expensive granite slabs.

If you can use your creativity then you can produce amazing checkerboard design with black slate tiles and white marble pieces. If you want to decorate an all black floor and wall then you can do so by using glittering white grout. Set the black flooring on the surface and grout it with glittering white grout. It will look like you have made white border for black slabs. You can also use yellow or red grout but white grout lines will be perfect for black floor or wall. Make sure that you use high quality grout and it is set properly in the space left between the slabs.

The beauty of black slate tiles is that they are convenient to install and easy to maintain. These slabs are maintenance free as they remain unaffected from dirt, dust and even the caustic and acidic liquids. You can use them on your bathroom floor and shower wall without any apprehension. Since these slabs are anti-skid, you will find no problem in walking over them with wet feet. Bathroom floor should be sealed for added protection from water and these slabs are no exception for this rule. If home renovation is in your mind then consider remodeling your dwelling with this black flooring.

5 Reasons Why Manufactured Stone Is Becoming So Popular   Installing Cultured Stones