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Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Stone
Natural stone makes an excellent flooring choice for any room. Before you shop, take a look at frequently asked questions.
Learn about natural stone, natural stone basics, natural stone gallery, natural stone installation, and natural stone care and maintenance.
To make natural stone tiles, large blocks of stone are first removed from rock quarries and then cut into slabs. These slabs are cut even further to create individual tiles. Natural stone tiles are not manufactured; they are made from materials quarried from the earth. Because there is natural variation between different types of stone, there is also variation in the characteristics and appearance of individual tiles, depending on the type of stone used and the pattern of rock from which it was cut. Each tile is absolutely unique.
Manufactured stone, also known as “agglomerate stone,” is a synthetic material. It’s created by mixing natural stone chips with a binding agent, such as cement, epoxy resins, or polyester. This mixture creates an extremely hard, durable material.
Yes – when it comes to the finish on stone tiles, there are many options. Different finishes can give entirely different looks to the same piece of stone. Your local Floor Store can show you examples of various stone finishes, including polished, honed, split-faced, tumbled, and more.
Stone tile generally comes in standard sizes: 12”x12”, 13”x13”, 16”x16”, and 18”x18.”
Stone tiles come with two basic edge types. A bull-nosed edge is one that has a curved or rounded edge that has been polished. A straight edge, also polished, is a 90 degree tile edge.
Natural stone is a versatile product and can be installed in most rooms inside and outside the home. Because different stones have different properties, some types are preferred in specific settings. For instance, slate may be preferred for a patio or atrium, whereas travertine may be preferred for a family room or living room. If you aren’t sure what stone option would work best for you, feel free to contact your local Floor Store and an associate or design professional can walk you through the pros and cons of different products.
