Granite
An excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors, and other heavily used surfaces. Quarried from deep within the earth, this porous volcanic rock has long enjoyed use as an exterior cladding and pavement material. Its inherent strength, abrasion resistance and superior weathering durability are likely to keep it one of the preeminent material selections available to today’s architects. Although extremely hardwearing, Granite is not impervious to staining. Stains can be removed from Granite but generally need to be performed by a professional at quite the cost.
Limestone
Featuring their soft earth tones, decorators integrating these stones into their design have great flexibility in selecting complimentary colors for other interior elements. Since these stones are some of the softer varieties of natural stone materials, they have long been a popular choice for intricately carved features and moldings, as well as statuary. More subtle in color and variation than the typical marble, limestone colors are normally warmer beige hues or softer grays and greens. (Limited colors available in our Versailles Pattern)
Marble
Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and windowsills. Marble with its inherent warmth, adds a sophisticated element to the area in which it is installed. Its naturally random appearance, engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a premium choice for table tops, wall claddings, wainscot, and vanity tops. Many marbles are well suited for wet area application, which extends the versatility of this material to include tub decks and showers.
Onyx
Onyx is often confused with marbles, yet it is a significantly different rock type. Onyx is a sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. This formation method results in the cryptocrystalline construction of the rock fabric, and it is the size and uniformity of these crystals that contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties. While vulnerable to chemical and abrasive attack, the decorative appeal of onyx is perhaps unsurpassed by any other material.
Slate
Slate is a fine-grained rock which reveals a textured and rustic appearance. A traditional use of slate was the laboratory table top in chemistry labs. That application alone should serve as a great testimonial to the chemical resistance of the materials. Slate tiles are non-porous and much more stain resistant, making it a better choice in kitchens. Slate Tiles are available in a great variety of hues, generally in darker colors such as shades of black and gray, maroons, rusts and greens. Slate makes an excellent exterior material.
Travertine
Travertine is formed by subterranean springs, underground rivers, and other water sources. These water sources carry mineral elements such as calcium carbonate that build up over long periods of time in the same way stalactites and stalagmites in caves are formed. The resultant stone is a smooth and very hard substance further characterized by its porous surface. These pores are the result of gases escaping as the travertine is formed. By the time it is quarried, travertine is naturally beautiful – a smooth, dense stone that exhibits a notable creamy color that evokes a certain old-world refinement. (Available in our Versailles Pattern)