Frequently Asked Questions

We recommended that you sort and blend the tiles/pavers to ensure an aesthetically pleasing result prior to fixing.

We recommend sealing with a penetrating sealer to allow easier cleaning. Sealing gives you more time to clean up any spills before they could possibly mark your floor.

Vacuum or dust / mop frequently to remove abrasive substances that could scratch the stone. Always use a pH neutral cleaner or slightly alkaline solution.

Marble, travertine and limestone in particular can all be harmed by acidic substances. Avoid acid-based cleaners, vinegar, citrus juices and other acidic substances. Always blot liquid spills immediately then clean with a pH neutral solution.

Metal tips on high heels can damage many floors – not just stone.

It is personal choice. Filled travertine will give you a flush finish across the top of the tile. An unfilled tile may be filled on site with grout but will not be flush – however, the grout lines will match the fill. The fill may pop out over time, especially in high traffic areas, but can be easily repaired.

Depending upon the installation pattern, we recommend adding 10-15% of the total square metres of the project.

No, travertine will not heat up and is a great choice for outdoor surfaces.

Honed marble is generally less slippery than polished marble and is a better choice for a bathroom floor.

Stones that are harder and denser are more difficult and expensive to quarry and process. Quarrying methods vary as well; below ground is more expensive than above ground. Long distance shipping factors into the price.

The larger the stone, the more difficult it is to process, handle, pack, and transport. Larger sizes also tend to have a higher amount of waste.

Honed and polished stones may be refinished once laid.

No. A sealer is designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone. It won’t change the colour or finish.

This is etching. Etching eats away at a polished surface and produces rough dull marks. Mild etching can be removed with a polishing powder.

Natural stone is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Dust and mop floors frequently Clean the surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap Ensure that you thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing Blot up spills immediately Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters or placemats Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners of tub & tile cleaners.

Natural stones are created from elements of the earth – clay, water, sand, minerals. Just as these materials vary in the natural world, the end result of their combination will also produce variations in the surface colour and texture of your tile. These natural colour variations and markings enhance the individuality of each tile and result in a sophisticated but understated design that characterizes each tile. The difference in colour between when you selected the tile in our showroom compared to the colour when viewed in different light is a result of both the surface of the tile, and the reflection off the tile of its environment (lighting, furniture, large fixtures, cabinets, wall colour or furniture). This is why it is so important to see the tile in the desired environment.

There are many finishes and options available. Here are the most widely used: Polished – A high gloss surface. Honed – Smooth with squared edges and without a polished surface. Tumbled – Lightly tumbled to achieve rounded edges and a surface that is not as smooth as honed. Antique Tumbled – Medium tumble edges and surface to achieve a slight rustic look. Cobbled or Distressed – Heavily tumbled edges and surface to achieve an aged or ancient look. Brushed – Acid washed and wire brushed for a smooth textured surface. Flamed – Blow torched for a rough textured surface.

Most certainly it can! The possibilities are endless. You can incorporate natural stones with ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal….anything you can think of, even mixing different types of natural stones together looks amazing!

Go with your heart and try not to analyze your selection too much, Often seeing too much product confuses you, so ask to view the most popular sellers and start from there! Also take into consideration the style of home you have; or the look you prefer, i.e. rustic, contemporary, elegant, traditional. Work within your budget and only ask to see a selection within your budget as it is easy to get carried away when being creative.