Materials
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile is made with a low fired clay bisque that appears either white or red-brown. It is appropriate for lighter usage areas such as bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. Kitchen counters can be made with some ceramic tiles, but
their durability will not be equal to Porcelain grade tile. Colors can range anywhere on the spectrum, from monochromatic contemorary to a heavily varied handmade look. Many ceramic tiles have a wide variety of embossed and painted
decorative options. Ceramic grade tiles are generally not recommended for floors.
Porcelain tile
Porcelain floor tile has become the industry standard for quality and durability. These tiles will offer the absolute hardest, most durable surface you can use on a floor, but are also commonly used for wall applications. Used in both
residential and commercial settings, porcelains are also some of the easiest products to maintain requiring very little upkeep. Designs go anywhere from natural stone looks, to sleek contemporary, to hardwood floor styles and beyond.
Porcelains are also frost proof, so many are designed for outdoor applications. The majority of our porcelains are made in Italy, featuring unrivaled manufacturing quality combined with latest in glazing technology. As with most
tiles today, rectangular shapes dominate.
Terra Cotta tiles
Quarry tiles are dense, unglazed tiles that are well suited to outdoor applications. They typically are earthtone colors of terracotta-reds, browns, and greys. They are perfect for patios and walkways as well as commercial floors where
a non-slip surface is needed.
Quartz Countertop
Caesarstone is the original quartz solid-surface manufacturer, produced in more than 40 colors. Nonporous, stain, scratch and heat resistant and backed by a residential lifetime warranty, it is an ideal surface for kitchen &
bathroom counters. Unlike real stone, Caesarstone never has to be sealed, and does not have the acid sensitivity of marble or limestone. Styles range from soft, natural stone looks to sleek contemporary colors.
Marble
Marble is a natural, metamorphic stone composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. As with most stones, natural color variations are part of it's beauty. It is a relatively soft stone and should not be used in applications where
it will be in continuous contact with staining agents, such as in a kitchen. Polished marble cannot withstand any exposure to acids such as citric acid from lemon juice. If exposed, it will etch and loose it's shine.
Marble
is most appropriate for formal, lightly used floors but it is always in great demand for bathrooms and fireplaces. Not normally for exterior use.
Honed marble is an increasingly popular material for floors due to it's
better wear properties, warmer feel and less slick surface compared to polished.
Metal tiles
Metal tiles are typically used as accent tiles, mixed in with other types of tile or stone. The tiles tend to have a relief or raised pattern set into them. Metal inlays in a kitchen backsplash are a great way to add another design
element as well as a unique way to tie in with metal appliances and cabinet knobs. These tiles work especially well with tumbled and antique stone. Some metal tiles can be used for floor inlays. A natural pewter or nickel look
is the most popular, but finishes range from old world rustic iron to stainless steel contemporary.
Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs, formed from calcium carbonate. These stones typically have pronounced directional veining which can be accentuated (vein-cut) or more muted (cross-cut)
depending on the desired effect. Typically available in a honed or antiqued finish, the stone can have a look anywhere from contemporary to old-world. Travertine is widely used for flooring, shower walls, fireplaces and kitchen
backsplashes.
Limestone
Limestone is a stone composed largely of calcite and /or aragonite. Since it is a sedimentary rock, fossils of marine organisms are commonly seen in the surface. Almost always in a honed finish, limestone is used for flooring, showers
and fireplaces. More subtle in color and variation than the typical marble, limestone colors are normally warmer beige hues or softer grays and greens. Selected limestone colors are available in a tumbled finish for a rugged look.
As with any natural stone, limestone should be sealed after installation.
Stone Mosaics
Stone mosaics are created by combining marble or limestone into intricate decorative patterns. They are normally produced using a high pressure water jet cutting system which can create delicate curves not obtainable with normal sheet
mounted mosaics. The pieces are then assembled by hand to a backing that holds them all together, simplifying installation. Final finishing includes filling the tight seems and sealing the entire stone surface. The surface finish
is normally honed rather than polished. The finished result is a look unlike any other type of stone border. This material has become very popular for kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces and bathrooms.
Glass tiles
Glass tiles have become more and more popular every year. The translucent quality of glass give it an entirely different look than ceramic tile or stone. The styles range from old world rustic to clean contemporary. It can be used
for an entire wall, or inserted as an accent row or inlay with other tile or stone. Because glass is frost proof it can also be used for exterior applications such as pool or fountains.