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Is Travertine Good For Bathrooms And Showers?

It is famous for its unique appearance, timeless look and versatile pattern and color range. Due to this, travertine is usually more popular for decorating and flooring of bathrooms and showers. However, as it is a porous material, people usually hesitate while going for it and there is a perception that travertine is not good for watery places. You can use travertine in your bathrooms and keep it safe from harm by choosing the right finish and sealer.
How, When And Why You Should Seal Your Marble Or Stone Tile. | Duration 5 Minutes 13 Seconds Opt for the honed travertine tile if sleek and refined is your preference otherwise, you can use the naturally textured and rustic looking tumbled travertine tile. Once the finish has been selected, a good sealer should be used to properly seal the tiles. Thus travertine can easily be used for use in bathrooms if it is installed properly and right finish and sealer is used. Here are some ideas regarding how travertine can be used efficiently in washrooms and showers. You can use them for bathroom and shower flooring, wall decoration, around vanities & bath tubs, sinks and even for bathroom counter tops. It is also weather resistant making it suitable for scalding hot showers in the winter to chilled baths in the summer. The combination of small tiles and mosaic in the shower area looks chic in contrast with the large tiles installed beautifully and professionally in the rest of the bathroom. You can use dark travertine for the bathroom flooring and adorn the sink and shower area with light colored tiles in a different pattern and size. Have your travertine sealed with a good quality sealer? Clean up spills from shampoos, lotions and soaps to avoid the etching of stone’s surface. Avoid general household cleaners, bleach and ammonia as they tend to destroy the appearance of the stone even if it is sealed. How often do you need to seal the tiles in the bathroom? Marble and granite are two popular natural stones which have been in the construction industry for a long time. One of them is travertine which is a magnificent natural stone from the limestone family. Many homeowners are opting for travertine as it is less expensive than marble but provide equally luxurious experience. No matter how small or unusual the space is, you can have the exact sized tile or paver.

Should I Seal My Marble Tile Floor Before Grouting? | Duration 7 Minutes 39 Seconds Travertine is widely used around the globe for decorating bathrooms. First of all, travertine in smooth finish can be slippery if wet, so it is better to avoid placement of such tiles in places like bathrooms and showers. This will provide the adequate protection against the absorbent nature of travertine. Rather it is recommended to use travertine in bathrooms because of the stone’s beauty and long life. Homeowners can easily find the color of their choice within the attractively huge range present in travertine. Mix and match the styles and colors to get the subtle retro look. Add a pop of color with a pretty mosaic in the middle, and you will have a recipe for all things class and elegance. So here are a few tips on how to keep your travertine good as new even in the moist environment of bathrooms. Use a natural stone cleaner after every two weeks for thoroughly cleaning your travertine tiles. Are all the photos examples of travertine tiled bathrooms? According to the frequency of use of the bath, the recommended time is one or two years. One of the most important issues is polishing marble floor in marble using.

Natural Stone Marble Granite Onyx For Bathrooms by marble.com

A deep whirlpool tub sits encased in stone while an enormous hand-carved fireplace casts a warm glow throughout the room. Earning a rightful place of its own, it now finds itself in various locations throug hout the master bath. When the bathtub rests against a wall or is situated in a corner, a backsplash is required and offers the perfect space to play with creative tile layouts. Enhance their sparkle and the overall space with the addition of a gilded chandelier. If steps are necessary to access your tub, be sure to choose a slip-resistant stone finish for added traction and safety. Dress the front edge with a decorative bullnose or ogee trim. Consider the addition of a floating fireplace at the far end of the tub. Be careful, submerging yourself in the warmth of the water and gazing at the flames may put you in a hypnotic state. Considered an absolute must in our hurried society the shower now rivals the tub as the perfect tool for escapism. Imagine wandering into a shower clad entirely in the masculinity of rugged slate. When the look of soft femininity is the goal, a creamy limestone tile in a caramel or ivy tone is ideal. Choose to dress each wall, or the most prominent wall, with a long rectangular frame. Within this field of mosaic, insert a vertical row of three unique tiles. These include the small seat or bench and the recessed niche or exposed shelf. Even the most minuscule of spaces can accept a triangular shaped seat where two walls meet. Typically, they will laminate two pieces of stone together, bullnose the front edge for comfort, and insert the finished piece into the area where the two walls converge. In an oversized shower, the bench seat is appropriate and quite wonderful. For those installing a steam shower, the addition of an incline to the full-length bench will encourage an extended relaxing stay. Your installer may insert a laminated piece of stone where the walls converge and round the edge for a soft effect. Specify a small tile or mosaic on the floor for added traction. Consider laminating pieces of stone together for a dramatic crown molding, chair rail and baseboard effect. Choose the same tile size and pattern on the ceiling as on the shower floor. When installing a steam shower, slant the pitch of the ceiling so that condensation runs down the side walls, in place of annoyingly dripping on your head. The acidity of most shampoos, as well as the onslaught of steam, will eventually take their toll on its pristine shine. Clean, reflective metal stands with cool slabs of pale colored marble are reminiscent of the classic bath. When considering which stone to use for the vanity remember the qualities each type possesses. Granite is the ideal choice if a reflective surface is desired, as chemicals are no threat to its shine. Mosaics and tumbled stone are perfect for the vanity countertop as they will acquire a lovely patina over time. Be practical, some decorative sinks are best left to the powder bath where they don’t meet the daily rituals of grooming. If a decorative trim or mosaic has been chosen for the shower walls and around the tub, it may be introduced here as well. To liven things up, add a decorative accent in each corner and outline the space between the mirror and field tile with a strip of colorful mosaic. An antiquated finish, a honed marble or granite, or a natural-faced slate are all great choices for flooring in the bathroom, offering a secure foothold. If this solution does not appeal to you, placing a tasteful throw rug outside each wet area will suffice. Used primarily by visiting friends and family, this modest-sized bath offers the ideal setting for expressing your individuality.

Marble Carrara Tile Bathroom Part 3 Close Up Look Installing Carrera Marble Tile And Bench Seat | Duration 12 Minutes 53 Seconds Its generally private location eliminates conventional concerns regarding tile selections that may clash with surrounding elements. So be creative, artistic and begin to envision unique ways to impress your guests. Because of this, materials typically avoided may be considered, like those wonderfully delectable polished marbles and mosaics. Tucked away in some obscure corner, there is little chance that you will be basking in the warmth of natural light, so choose mood-enhancing fixtures to complement and balance the room. A rich warm shade may be just the backdrop to convey that feeling of sophistication you’ve been striving for. When confronted with a wall clad in these tiny works of art, one cannot help but glide their fingertips across it. By enveloping an entire room in a single- toned mosaic you can recreate the serene simplicity of a windswept beach. Because of the expense involved in using large quantities of mosaic, your budget restrictions may override your desires. Remember, a little goes a long way in a room of this size and because the volume is scaled down. A handful of dark shiny mosaics scattered across a floor of creamy travertine can be impressive. Ordinarily preset on netted sheets, mosaics are reasonably easy to install. Small custom medallions can also add an elegant touch for a modest investment. Presently struggling to carve out its role as a focal point, this once uninspiring fixture is being thought of in an entirely new perspective. When shopping for a sink, material choices and styles abound at every turn. From round and oval to rectangle and square, shapes will vary from the traditional to the exotic and from the primitive to the ornate. These functional pieces of sculpture are captivating when setting on pedestals or floated above jagged slabs of stone. Placed atop a reflective sheet of glass, they appear to hover in space; the juxtaposition of new and old blending to create a unique dimension. Walls can receive a chest-high wainscoting topped with an intricately carved rope trim or be encased entirely from baseboard to crown molding. If there was something that you were forced to eliminate from the master bath due to budget constraints, reexamine using it on a smaller scale in the powder room. Arches of ornate decorative tile invite you to enter an oversized steam shower built for two. Today’s master suite bathroom is no longer the oversized standard bath of the past, it is now an architecturally stunning hideaway that is looked upon with near reverence. What can add to that experience except to open your eyes and discover yourself surrounded by nature’s beauty? When it stands alone in the center of the room, the tub normally functions as the primary focal point. If an austere appearance is more your style, merely encase the centrally located tub in monochrome slabs of silky smooth limestone or onyx. For instance, when your stone arrives on the job site, take time to cull through the crates to find very unique pieces. In place of large-scale stone tiles, you may want to consider a splash composition of smaller tumbled stones or a field of mosaics. Glimmering mosaics can be breathtaking as they climb the walls and flow over the arch of the ceiling. Do not avoid the addition of these “over the top” ideas, as they are what will set your bath above the rest. Also, a seasoned installer will have a trick or two up his sleeve. Treat these features as a focal point and give them a unique shape or curve. Carry the stone used for the splash up and around the firebox. Taking the ritualistic daily shower should be invigorating not only to the body but the mind and spirit as well. Likened to bathing in the outdoors or a tropical rainforest, you will surely linger in the gentle sprays of water a little longer than usual. The shower seat, as opposed to a bench, is most appropriate for the small walk-in shower. Creating this diminutive seat takes a little ingenuity on the part of the tile setter. Dress up this feature by bowing out the center or enveloping its surface in micro-mosaics. Add a roof window or a low-voltage halogen light to illuminate to the area.

Do It Yourself Projects With Natural Stone | Marble.Com | Duration 4 Minutes 46 Seconds The shelf is configured and installed similar to the seat but on a smaller scale. Add a large stone bench just outside the shower area for drying. When choosing a polished granite for the shower walls, just keep in mind that water spots are magnified on a polished surface. When choosing unfilled travertine for the shower walls, be sure to spray a penetrating sealer with a mold and mildew repellent into all of the open pores. Ornate amaretto or cherry colored cabinets topped with dark marble or granite appear elegant. A retro-fitted antique dresser crowned with a curvaceous slab of limestone will impart a feeling of romance. The toll of daily contact with toothpaste, soaps and other acidic substances will cause the surface of a polished marble to etch and dull over time. Travertine and limestone are suitable choices, but be aware of possible surface etching. Sink options for the vanity range from vessels of stone, glass and metal to porcelain and stainless under-mounts to the standard drop in. After selecting a vanity base and countertop, you will need to consider the backsplash area. The splash area can be as small as four inches or may span the entire area from the countertop to the ceiling, depending on the desired effect. On the other hand, a highly polished stone of any kind is not always wise due to the “slippery when wet” dilemma. This not only keeps you from slipping but will add a distinctive touch to your space as well. Somewhat isolated, it lends itself well to bold and daring statements. Combine all this with its guest-oriented mission and it becomes possible to create unsurpassed elegance without worry. Take a good look at the space you have allotted to function as your powder bath. Because this petite space is generally reserved for guests, it does not suffer from the blatant mistreatment generally associated with the standard bathroom, like wet floors and harsh chemical substances. Forget the adage that small rooms should be light in color; select a palette that appeals to your sense of style. There are no hard-set rules for this bath, so here are just a few ideas you may want to consider. When laid upon the floor, your guests will have to resist the urge to kick off their shoes. The sparkle of highly polished stone mosaics strewn across a backsplash and spilling over a countertop will result in the appearance of a gem-encrusted jewel box. Before settling on your final plans, don’t forget about the floor. Gone is the lackluster sink of the past and in its place has emerged an incredible work of art. Reminiscent of your grandmother’s washbasin, they are capable of successfully achieving numerous and diverse images. When cladding the entire wall surface in stone, visual interest can be added by breaking up the pattern through the use of dimensional trims or strips of contrasting stone. This may be your only opportunity to incorporate those high-end specialty tiles you’ve been drooling over without breaking the bank. Remember, through the simple addition of upgraded or wall mounted faucets, decorative inserts, mosaics or clever pattern arrangements a rich and lavish feeling can be instilled within the room.

Which Sealer Is Right For Your Marble Countertops? by msisurfaces.com

With all the sealing products on the market today, how do you know which to choose for your marble countertops? With this knowledge in mind, you’ll find the entire process a lot easier. While either are fine for use on your marble countertops, water-based is a better choice for indoor applications due to the fumes it gives off during drying and curing time. Topical sealers sit on top of the stone, bonding to its surface. If your marble countertop has a matte or brushed texture, you may use a topical sealer, but this may cause unwanted shine or gloss on the surface. Your sealer should be able to stand up to frequent cleaning, though gentle cleaning products should be used. For generations, homeowners have loved the look and feel of genuine marble in their kitchens, baths, and other rooms as well. This article explains the difference in sealers, basic facts about marble, and the choices you will encounter. This refers to the way that the sealing polymers are distributed on the stone’s surface; either water or a chemical solvent helps distribute it evenly, getting it into the stone’s pores. Penetrating sealers are absorbed by the stone, settling in and sealing the pores to repel moisture and stains. This choice is an easy one for most marble countertops — a topical sealer is not recommended for polished surfaces, as most marble countertops will be. It should also have superior resistance to acids such as citrus juice and vinegar, although keep in mind this is not a guarantee against etching, so clean spills immediately! Above all, it’s important to know that sealing your marble is not a difficult process, so don’t let that discourage you from selecting a gorgeous marble slab!

Using Natural Stone In Showers by thespruce.com

Where it’s not so great is the areas of performance and maintenance. You can certainly use natural stone in a shower, but stick to stone tile or slabs and small grout joints, and choose a slip-resistant surface for shower floors. Slate tile is perhaps the most widely used form of stone in showers. Just make sure to use the right type of slate for showers; some types can flake and deteriorate over time. Choose a high grade of white marble to ensure minimal veining and inclusions, which are vulnerable to damage in the shower environment. If you’ve ever had a conventional tiled shower and experienced the joys of keeping the little (but numerous) grout lines clean and mildew-free, you can imagine what it would be like cleaning a shower that’s basically all grout or at least textured like grout. Grout, like textured stone, is gritty and therefore holds onto all the gunk that flies around in the shower. Pebble, or river rock, floors use round stones, and that means lots and lots of grout. No amount of sealer will keep water, soap, shampoo, or hair out of those crevices—even if it technically protects the surfaces of the stone. The best type and application of sealer depends on the stone, so this is something to learn from your stone supplier. Topical sealers and enhancing sealers generally are discouraged because they can flake off over time or discolor the stone or grout in this wet environment. It looks great on shower walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as on the floor outside the shower. Stone must be sealed regularly, and it can be difficult to clean if it’s highly textured or has wide grout lines. If sealed properly and cleaned regularly, it’s an all-around good performer in this application. White marble is a popular choice for showers because of its light coloring; most people like light colors in bathrooms. Lower grades of marble tend to have more veins and inclusions. Granite, particularly in lighter colors, also works well in showers. This lesson rules out two huge mistakes that people have made with stone in showers: pebble floors and stacked-stone walls. Stacked-stone walls are not only roughly textured, but they’re also completely riddled with nooks and crannies. Typically, a penetrating-type sealer is recommended for stone in showers. Stone sealed with penetrating sealer resists water to some degree, so the water may bead rather than soak in, but the stone still gets wet and simply has to dry out between showers. Shower accidents are often serious and almost always painful.

Hazy Film On New Marble Floor by countertopspecialty.com

It’s next to impossible, though, to completely clean the floor before the grout dries, so it is common for a hazy film to remain. Marble etching can occur from acidic and/or harsh chemicals. However, grout haze (unless very faint) is often a difficult case and requires a specific type of cleaner. Many people (even some in the stone industry) mistakenly believe that all stone must be sealed in all cases no matter what. Understand sealing does nothing to prevent etching (corrosion due to a reaction with acids) of the polish. So, you only want to seal if the marble really needs it and can “take” a sealer. They let the sealer dry on the stone which predictably resulted in a very thick hazy film all over. This is super-fine steel wool that won’t scratch the granite (careful on the marble though since it is softer and scratches easier). If you have haze or dullness after grouting, it is likely from the grout. I did not have any streaking the next day and the marble still looked great before grouting. Sealing it in can trap water and lead the stone to deteriorate. Haze from sealer residue , will generally show once dried and cured. Thus, the haze you currently have is not likely from improper sealing. Mineral spirits likely would have removed a sealer haze that was applied just 24 hours earlier. So, the above product works wonders to remove grout haze as well. Possibly it is sealer haze, but you need to use a stronger solvent. It’s a myth likely due to sealer manufacturers marketing their product and over-simplification of care and maintenance recommendations from those in the stone industry, media, etc. However, there are a lot of stone varieties (including granite, marble, travertine) that are naturally dense and virtually stain-proof without any sealer. Marble that has a “polished” finish is even less absorbent and in many cases is essentially non-absorbent. When a sealer is applied to a polished marble it is highly likely to just sit and dry on the surface and leave a haze. You cannot let a sealer sit and dry on the stone as is often (incorrectly) recommended by installers. Usually this requires the use of a powerful solvent like methylene chloride. Sometimes you get lucky and a little scrubbing with acetone does the job. Actually with polished marble you may not even need to seal it, since polished marble is not very absorbent and doesn’t stain easy. Unfortunately, black marble will show blemishes, scratches, etc. There is a haze on the tile from the install process that needs to be cleaned off before it is sealed. However, removing grout and grout haze from polished marble tile can be a delicate and tricky operation. If truly just a haze, then typically not a problem, but you should carefully sweep up all chunks and other debris prior to removing the grout haze. Nearly all “grout haze removal” products are made with acids and will etch (burn) the marble floor tile ruining the polished finish and leaving it dull. Neither will damage your stone at all and both are very good for cleaning most substances from the surface. Grout haze and hard water deposits are very similar and the above product is super-effective at removing both. Plus, after removing the grout haze you’ll have the best cleaner to use on your shower and/or bathtub! You can easily determine when to seal or not by testing the stone using water to see how absorbent it is. The primary reason to seal is to decrease rate of absorption by the stone. If you try to seal a stone that is not very absorbent, then the sealer will just dry on the surface (and not below the surface in the pores like its supposed to) leaving a dull streaky haze that must be removed using nasty chemicals. Also, considering that you aren’t going to be spilling a lot of coffee, oil or wine in your bathroom, sealing is often useless overkill particularly in the shower/tub surround. I also reapplied sealer t o remove some of the dull spots and that seemed to work. If the surface was shiny and without streaks or anything weird 24 hours after sealing, then no sealer issue. If the marble was absorbent enough, then it could have taken up all the sealer without issue. Also, you should wait at least 2-3 weeks after a installation before sealing a marble tile floor to let all the moisture evaporate first. And polished marble typically has a very low rate of absorption and rarely needs sealing. Although, it appears in this case the sealer was able to absorb and no haze was left. Especially since you tried to clean it using mineral spirits. I installed a floor to ceiling marble bathroom in polished marble. It is true that many stones can benefit from application of a sealer. It does “etch” easily, however, and many mistake “etching” for “staining” and make the incorrect conclusion that “marble stains easy”… Polished marble usually does not need (and cannot even absorb) a sealer. However, the haze can develop from improper application of a sealer as well even on a stone that does need sealing. To remove the haze you’ll need to strip the dried sealer off the surface of the marble tile. The major problem you will encounter is etching from acidic bath products and/or alkaline cleaning products.

Remodel A Bathroom With Marble Mosaic and Limestone Tile by familyhandyman.com

Bathrooms can be broken down into “work zones,” similar to the way kitchens often are. In this bathroom, stone works as the underlying theme to unify three unique spaces. The whirlpool bath area, tucked into a bay window, uses a slab of honed limestone for the deck as well as the backsplash along the walls. Most installers and manufacturers suggest sealing the tiles, then using only warm water or products formulated specifically for stone. It’s what’s beneath it and the way the tile is installed that make the real difference. Cement board was used for the shower seat and lower 2 ft. It involved more visits to the job site, but the project turned out exactly as planned. This prep work can save thousands of dollars in repair and cleanup costs at the end of the project. This, coupled with the fact that stone is a natural product with less-than-predictable coloration, resulted in tile hues that didn’t quite match. This was partially accomplished in the selection of lighting and plumbing fixtures. Elements that might have fought with the feel were kept simple; sinks are undermounted, the oval tub is white and elegantly simple, and recessed lights are unobtrusive and disappear into the ceiling. The cabinets are made of alder, a wood that accepts paint, stain and clear finishes smoothly and evenly. The vertical storage cabinet was finished with multiple coats of a pigmented catalyzed lacquer. A spacious corner shower—complete with tile medallion—includes a fixed shower head on the right and an adjustable handset on the left. It’s a testament to the versatility, workability and beauty of stone as a building product. The shower area features a mosaic marble mural surrounded by honed marble tile for the walls, ceiling, floor and seat. The vanity countertops are likewise crafted from limestone, with a slab of polished granite nested between the two to serve as the makeup tabletop. All the stone, with the exception of the granite slab, is either tumbled or honed for a simple yet rich look. Acidic cleaners can etch and dull natural stone surfaces and damage the grout as well. In many cases a beveled threshold can ease the transition, but to make up the 1-1/2-in. Three different types of tile bases or underlayments were used in this bathroom. The tile contractor preferred using cement board—a tried-and-true standby—to using one of the newer products in areas subje ct to intense moisture or standing water. A tamped base was also used to pitch the shower floor toward the drain from all directions. Open storage nooks incorporated into the “dead space” behind the storage cabinet are accessible from the vanity areas on each side. The fabrics, paints and accessories used in the space helped reinforce the theme. All colors and materials—right down to the fabric on the dressing table chair—were selected before the project began.

How To Pick Travertine For The Bathroom by builddirect.com

This is particularly true in bathrooms where natural stone can be used for flooring, along with other applications such as wall mosaics, vanity tops, and tub surrounds. Many homeowners are choosing it for its elegant character and its attractive range of color variations, venations, and patterns. It just depends on what type of finish you choose and if it’s installed correctly. The reason for this is that travertine is known to be a porous type of natural stone, which leads people to believe that it’s impractical for areas where water is almost always present. Tumble-finished travertine on the other hand has an antiqued appearance that enhances the stone’s natural colors. Take time to find a reputable installer to install travertine in your bathroom, as the key to success of bathroom tiles lies in the installation. Travertine has also been used in bathroom fixtures such as sinks and bath tubs, and you could do your entire bathroom in travertine if so wished. Travertine tile is a great choice for bathrooms not only because of its beauty, but also for its simple maintenance. A squeegee works well enough to remove these stubborn stains. We recently bought a home that has travertine tiles all throughout the bathroom, including the whole shower. The sales rep thought it was ok but the filled surface has me worried. Travertine will work just fine for a shower surround, just be sure to seal the product and continue with the proper upkeep so it stays in good condition. A problem that can occur going this route, is that if all of the grout isn’t cleaned off before it is sealed, the grout will be sealed right into the stone. This option can take quite a bit longer, but does ensure that no grout gets in between the sealant and the tile. He has told my friend that if i am considering travertine, that i need to seal each tile before they are laid. One natural stone that’s particularly popular for bathrooms is travertine. If done properly, you will find that travertine is one of the most suitable stones for bathrooms. These two finishes are ideal for bathrooms because they’re able to withstand spills most likely to occur in bathrooms from makeup and other beauty products. This will prevent the travertine from absorbing water (travertine is a porous stone after all) and make it easier to maintain. The choice of travertine for the bathroom does not end in the floors or walls. Travertine in bathrooms is easy to clean and hardly shows water spots and soap scum – the bane of homeowners everywhere. Is travertine the right stone for your bathroom renovation project? What is safe to use on the tile to remove the dark areas? Is it too late to seal the tiles if they have not been sealed in years? It is necessary to seal the tiles to avoid stains and keep the tile in the best condition as possible. This means that it acts as a barrier between the product and any liquids that are spilt on it. The other option, which the installer is recommending – is sealing the tile first, laying, and then grouting and cleaning. I am considering putting travertine on my bathroom floor and in the shower area and have a friend who knows a tiler. I realise that they need sealing but thought that this would be done after they are laid.

Steps For Sealing A Natural Stone Tile Backsplash by homeguides.sfgate.com

Because the tiles are natural and porous, however, they do require sealing to help prevent staining over time. A well sealed backsplash will bead water up off of its surface; when your stone tiles stop doing this, it is time to reseal them. Make sure the tiles are completely free of any grease, cooking splatters or surface stains. If the tiles darken after washing, allow them to return to their natural color before sealing to let the water evaporate from the pores of the stone. Turn on the kitchen fan or open a window to help eliminate some of the strong fumes many sealers contain. Use broad, overlapping strokes, working from top to bottom to prevent drips. Buff the surface of the stone tiles with a clean cloth to remove the sealer that the stone has not absorbed. If the stone feels tacky to the touch, keep buffing until the tackiness is gone. Color enhancing sealers are topical only and won’t protect your backsplash as well as an impregnating sealer will. These tiles have a natural color variation, and can help protect your walls from grease or water splatters. Ideally the tiles should be sealed prior to grouting, as well as on an ongoing basis, depending on how frequently they are cleaned. Spray stone cleaner on the tiles and buff them clean with a soft cloth. Pour the stone sealer into a bowl or open-mouthed container large enough to dip your brush into. Dip a foam paintbrush into the sealer and paint the sealer onto the backsplash. Work quickly, starting at the tiles you sealed first, and rub in a circular motion until the tiles are dry.

Installing Sealing and Protecting Marble Tile Flooring by thebalancesmb.com

They are buffed to have an earthy and natural-looking finish. You can reinforce your floorboards with another layer of plywood or a cement backer board panel. Check the layout of the marble tile to avoid having a tiny edge on one end of your floor. To keep a symmetrical look, have the starting tile straddle the centerline. If you are applying mortar over seams in the floorboard, apply mesh tape to the seams to avoid cracking. This will ensure that the finished project has an evenly spaced appearance. The sealer will need to be reapplied periodically, recommended every 12 months or so. They provide some level of protection but wear out quickly, especially if applied to high traffic floor tile or busy kitchen countertops. The resulting finish has a polished appearance that will change the look of the natural marble and make the surface slippery when wet. This sealer will not affect the look of the stone upon application. Though this type of sealer will last longer than the topical form, they also need to be reapplied based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every six months to a year. This natural stone sealer will bond to the marble stone slab or marble tile at a molecular level. They come in larger sizes and work well in large areas, such as kitchen/dining room combinations. If needed, move the line away from the center to have equal spaces on both sides. Using this starting point spread the mortar and use a trowel to notch it. After putting each marble tile on the mortar, place a 1/16-inch tile spacer between it and the next tile. The application of a penetrating sealer may require the use of a special cleaner to avoid damaging its protective properties.

What You Should Know About Marble Flooring by diynetwork.com

The diagonally-laid black tile counterbalances the predominance of white in the room. It’s a warm white marble streaked with subtle bands of gray. It’s also one of the softer stones — high heels and dog claws are not marble’s best friends. Orange juice, harsh cleaners and any acidic substances should be cleaned up immediately. The best way to live with marble flooring is to assume that, over time, the floors will develop a unique patina. If you’re looking at classic floor tile for your kitchen, you won’t be disappointed. In addition to marble flooring, carrara often is used for architectural details, such as fireplace surrounds. To help keep it looking beautiful, marble flooring should be refinished every six to 12 months with a quality stone sealer made for marble. Unfortunately, marble also has a well-deserved reputation for staining.

How To Install Natural Stone Tile by familyhandyman.com

Granite is much harder and more durable than marble and limestone, but curves and holes are tougher to cut and require somewhat different techniques. Snap at the line and cut the fiberglass mesh backing, just as you would with drywall. We like to use cement board for areas that have to withstand frequent wetting such as a shower, but other types of tile backers will work as well. Add blocking if necessary to make sure your cement board ends catch at least 1/2 in. Cement board consists of two layers of fiberglass mesh sandwiched around a cement and sand core. You’ll dull your knife blades, so have a few extra handy or buy a special carbide scoring tool that’ll last a lot longer. It’s easiest to make clean hole cutouts or curves with a carbide-grit jigsaw blade and a 1-1/4 in. If the tub isn’t level, find the low point, and start your horizontal guideline from that point. Remember to double-check horizontal and vertical lines to make sure they form true squares. Lay out the end walls so that cut tiles fall in the corner, where they’re less obvious. The two basic rules for layouts are to hide cut edges whenever possible, and to make a layout that looks symmetrical and pleasing to the eye. Stand back every once in a while to look over the wall, and straighten any tiles that seem off. Evenly spread several square feet of thin-set mortar with a 1/4-in. Use white mortar for light-colored stone; darker mortars can darken the stone. Cover the saw base with painter’s tape to avoid scratching the tile. Part of the visual charm of marble is its flaws and fracture lines, but these are also weak points where the stone can easily break, especially at the end of a cut. Keep in mind that you can have a tile store do these cuts for you if you don’t want to attempt them. Use bigger spacers if the grout lines are wider, or tap in nails to keep small tiles from slipping. Polish off the light haze with a dry rag after the grout stiffens. Pull out all the spacers and clean off any mortar on the tile faces or projecting from the grout lines. Mix the grout (with water only for marble) to a smooth peanut butter consistency, and let it sit for the time listed in the directions. Start with a quarter or third of a container, and mix more as you need it. Then scrape the edge of the float diagonally across the tile to remove excess. Rinse the sponge often, but don’t worry about getting the tile perfectly clean yet. Then clean all grout from the corne rs and the joint along the tub. After an hour, polish the haze off the tile with a dry towel. Then wet down the tile and grout lines once a day for the next few days to help the grout cure. Tape them in place overnight until the silicone sets, then caulk around the edges. Prices for natural stone wall tile range from inexpensive to exorbitant, but keep in mind that expensive stone isn’t necessarily better – it’s just less common. You have to use diamond-blade tools only, not the carbide-grit hole saws and jigsaw blades we show here for marble. Tubs are easily chipped and scratched and expensive to repair. Replace it with a dropcloth during tiling, and check frequently in the bottom of the tub for debris that might scratch the finish. Mix a batch of thin-set mortar and cover the tape with one thin coat. Check with your local building inspector for the approved types in your region. And add extra blocking to catch screws from grab bars if you intend to put some up. Score one side to cut the fiberglass mesh, then snap it like drywall. Set the cement board on the tub flange, then screw it to the studs about every 8 in. But in a pinch, you can use the crude, messy method of scoring the front and back of the hole and breaking it out with a hammer. Use regular joint compound in areas that won’t be fully covered by tile. If your tub is perfectly level, draw a level horizontal line at the height of one tile plus 1/8 in. You’ll then have to shave most tiles in the bottom row as you go to maintain the 1/8-in. Any sloppiness with the level at this point will cause headaches later during tiling. Hold to these lines as you work up the walls, and make slight adjustments in the corner tile cuts and grout lines as you go. Pull one off occasionally to make sure you’re getting complete coverage. If mortar oozes out above the tile surface, spread it a little thinner by flattening the angle of the trowel. Marble and natural stone are installed with thin-set mortar mixed with latex additives for better bonding. If the mud skins over and doesn’t adhere, scrape it off and put a fresh batch on. Thin-set mortar doesn’t grab right away; the tiles will slip down if unsupported. Smooth the cut edges of marble with 200-grit wet/dry sandpaper. After the tiles have set for at least a day, the wall is ready to grout. Then coat the marble with a grout remover or tile sealer to prevent staining and to make grout removal easier. Stop after about 15 minutes and clean the grout off the surface with a damp (not wet) tiling sponge, rubbing it in a circular motion. Keep a little grout on hand to fill in air bubbles and voids. Wipe grout into the joint between the trim and drywall to create a finished-looking edge. Some of the grout lines may look a little sloppy—rub the edges with the towel to sharpen the lines. Finally, apply a tile sealer according to manufacturer’s directions. Squeeze caulk into the joints, smooth them, then immediately remove the tape. Caulk starts skinning over within a few minutes, and if you wait too long, the tape will smear caulk on the wall. If you wish, buy soap dishes or towel bars and mount them with silicone at comfortable heights. Finally, install the faucet trim and tub and shower spouts, plug in the tub, and enjoy the fruits of your labor—if you can get in before someone else does!

Insights About Natural Stone by emeraldpearlgranitecountertops.com

The word granite seen as where it comes from its the perfect description of what makes unique this rock. Is your home remodelling project a bargain or a risk? First lets start by defining what and where does this stone comes from. Granite comes from crystalized magma same as quartz but the mix of the amphibole it’s what gives to granite the dark color generally. Since we already went over of some basics of each stone, we would like to make a comparison with the 3 of them.

Natural Stone Maintenance: How To Clean and Take Care Of Your Floors Bathroom Tiles and by granitegalleryinc.com

Never use household cleaning agents on natural stone products. Natural stone tiles are used everywhere: kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and laundry room. Marble lasts for generations if it’s cleaned and maintained carefully. You just need warm water to clean marble on a regular basis. Just fill a spray bottle with sufficient quantity of this mixture and spray it on the stone. Make a paste of a slightly thicker consistency using baking soda and water. Next, spread the paste over the stained area and cover with a plastic wrap. Use a plastic spatula (or anything that won’t scratch the marble surface) to scrape up the paste. Granite is a beautiful addition to your home because it comes in dozens of color variations. Granite is an extremely resilient stone that’s highly resistant to scratches and stains. Only then, you can ensure that it looks great for a long time. For everyday cleaning, just wipe the stone surfaces with water. You can use slate inside as well as outside your home—counters, fireplace, roof, or anywhere else. Slate fireplaces are renowned for their durability and last for decades. You can dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Using a soft-bristled scrub brush, scrub the affected area lightly. Depending on the stain, allow the solution to remain for a few minutes. Allow the cat litter to stay on the stain for up to an hour. If you are desperate to remove the scratches on your stone, contact the manufacturer or the store from which you purchased it. When you purchase slate tiles, ask the dealer whether you can use them on floors. Tell the supplier where you intend to use the slate tiles and they’ll be able to provide you the best tile type possible. Conversely, honed or tumbled travertine is susceptible to stains and needs sealing. Because of this, many suppliers will inform you that travertine isn’t the perfect stone for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Similarly, place your items on coasters on the kitchen countertop to prevent glass rings from etching the travertine surface. Cover the whole area with a plastic wrap and let it stay for 24 to 48 hours. Clean the area with plain water and dry it with a soft cloth. You can use this procedure to remove oil-based stains on granite and marble tiles too. In most cases, a daily cleaning with plain water will suffice. Use rugs and floor mats to safeguard your flooring from grime and dirt. Never use acidic products or cleaners on natural stone surfaces because they damage them. But poor maintenance can mar the beauty and allure of natural stone surfaces. And although natural stone products are durable, they need superlative care to remain at their best. And when you take proper care of natural stone products, they’ll look great for years. Although it’s easy to keep tiles clean, there’ll always be stains and spills in your home that demand special attention. The subtle variati ons in color, vein-like patterns, and uneven spots in marble are due to the presence of other minerals. You must seal marble to prevent staining and scratches. You can use cleaners made specifically for this stone if you are cleaning it after several weeks or months. Before you apply the paste, wet the stained marble surface with water. Lastly, rinse the surface with a cleaning rag or sponge and then dry. This durable natural stone comprises coarse grains of mica, feldspar, quartz, and other minerals. This natural stone presents your home a lasting, unique look. This natural stone is a great material for your kitchen and bathroom areas because it’s naturally antibacterial. Therefore, you must seal granite surfaces and wipe spills instantaneously. Spread this paste uniformly on the stained area and let it remain overnight. Although this natural stone has a flaky appearance, it’s tough and durable. Slate tiles are extremely resistant to scratches, stains and fading. If it’s cared for adequately, slate requires little maintenance. Spray some more solution on the stained area and scrub again. Ensure proper coverage of the stained area by placing the cat litter slightly beyond the stain’s edges. Rinse the area with plain water and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid sanding the slate surface (as many people recommend) because you’ll only ruin the surface. These substances hide the scratch, but they discolor the stone. You’re guaranteed the best solution for your specific slate tiles. This natural stone can be scratched easily as it’s softer than marble. Polished travertine is almost stain proof and doesn’t need sealing. Nevertheless, sealing isn’t bulletproof because it will not prevent stains or etching. If you use travertine for countertops, ensure you place all your items on a tray or decorative mirror in the bathroom. This solution takes out the grime and results in a nice shine. Make a slightly thick paste and cover the stained area to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a plastic spatula to lift this poultice off the travertine surface. Always vacuum or sweep (without a beater bar) before cleaning. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with plain water to remove traces of the cleaning solution. Use felt pads on the base of furniture legs to safeguard floors. Use coasters on countertops to safeguard the stone surface from water rings resulting from glasses sweating. Reseal natural stone countertops regularly to prevent staining. You need to adopt a proper maintenance approach to ensure that your natural stone marvels provide you with lasting utility and esthetics.