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Marble, Stone and Granite Tile
There has been an explosion in the use of natural stone during the past 10 years. Homeowners are beginning to find out that using marble and granite not only makes their homes look great but the surfaces last and increase the marketability.
Both types of stone are formed in different geological circumstances. Marble, a metamorphic rock, begins with a sedimentary rock, limestone, that was formed by the settling of fine granules in water. Time and pressure turned this into travertine and, with more of the same, marble was the end result. Marble is softer than granite but hard enough for most surfaces.
Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock. This type is formed by volcanic activity which mixes different compounds together like mica, feldspar and quartz. The quartz gives granite its hardness.
Marble is great for bathrooms, kitchens and main walkways in the home. However, think twice about using it in foyers as it needs to be sealed to protect it form dirt and salt in the winter. There are many grades and its not worth it in an entranceway.
Granite is impervious to acids, orange juice and other maladies that can stain marble but it can stained if immersed in these substances long enough. It is much better in foyers but make sure that it is sealed with a neutral pH sealer twice a year to prevent any discoloration.
Terrazzo is a composite of marble mixed with acrylic and polished to a beautiful sheen. It requires the same treatment as marble.
Slate: Another metamorphic rock slate is hard but requires sealing.
Common stone sizes are 12" X 12" and they are installed very much like tile.
Flooring Choices
Text by Jennifer Weldon
The flooring in a home takes the most abuse, punishment and day to day activity than any other part of a home. Daily foot traffic, paw traffic, dirt, dust and humidity eventually take its toll on a floor, and replacing the flooring becomes a necessity. Fortunately, there is a multitude of flooring choices available.
If the flooring is wood, refinishing the floors is a viable alternative. Most flooring planks are ¾" thick, allowing for sanding and refinishing. This process will eliminate most scratches and dings and bring luster back to the hardwood floors. You can even select a new floor stain to create an up-to-date look and added depth.
If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s there is a good chance you have an old wood or linoleum floor covered by wall to wall carpeting. This was a popular solution for homeowners in that time period that had grown weary of their wood or linoleum. The carpeting of that time was very stiff and unforgiving; not the plush, soft carpeting you can sink your toes into these days.
Flooring choices today are plentiful and there are many low maintenance floors that also boast longevity. New technologies in installation and products have made the project of floor replacement much easier, as well as less costly. Reputable flooring contractors can provide estimates on replacing your floor with different materials.
Wood has always been and will probably always be a popular flooring choice. Many people associate wood flooring with the dark wood floors of their old school or grandparent's home. But wood flooring has received a facelift. With the variety of colors, grains, plank width and wood types you can create many different looks and match various decors. New urethane finishes also make today's wood flooring much easier to maintain.
Pine wood flooring is softer than the more often used oak or maple floors. But if you are seeking a rustic look, or lodge cabin feel, pine is a great option. You can even find distressed pine finishes or reclaimed pine boards that are refinished to be used again.
In the past tile flooring was only seen in bathrooms or foyers. Tile flooring today is a whole new world, offering various sizes, patterns and materials. Natural stone, granite, marble, travertine, slate and even tiles that look like wood are on the market. Larger 24" tiles are available, as are small 4" tiles, all which can be used to create unique looks. Tile is now being used on shower walls, backsplashes, and throughout the house. A popular flooring choice for bathrooms has been using tiles with an in-floor heating system. Tiles are great heat conductors and facilitate a consistent spread of warmth throughout the floor.
Laminate is a flooring choice that provides the look of wood with less maintenance. Laminate was first produced 15 years ago in Sweden. Today, you can find laminate offerings of every color and style from just about any manufacturer. Easy installation has made it a do-it-yourselfer favorite. Laminate flooring is also known as a floating floor. A slim foam pad is laid on the floor with interlocking laminate planks laid on top. Laminate flooring is actually pressed wood, so it is susceptible to water. For this reason, it is not a good flooring choice for bathrooms. However, you can glue laminate flooring down if you would like to install it in the kitchen.
Engineered hardwood flooring is a stronger flooring choice than laminate flooring. Engineered flooring is manufactured at a factory using plywood covered with a hardwood veneer. You can install engineered flooring as a floating floor or gluing it in place. Engineered flooring also gives you a wide variety of colors and styles since just about any wood can form the veneer. The plywood used as the bottom layer is more resistant to water damage than solid hardwood floors, thus it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. New trends include cork and bamboo which are both very hardy and provide a beautiful finish.
Vinyl flooring emerged after linoleum and is a popular sheet flooring choice. Today, you can even purchase individual "press and place" vinyl flooring tiles. The styles and designs of vinyl flooring are vast and can take on the appearance of tile and stone. Vinyl flooring is a heavy paper product coated with a melamine finish, producing a tough finished product.
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