NATURAL STONE | STYLES

Choosing the perfect tile for your home or business can be a challenge.  Understanding the different styles available will help you in this decision, as will our experienced sales team at Okanagan Hardwood Flooring & Tile.  Here is a brief overview of the different styles available:

SLATE:

• Vibrant colours, unique textures, variations in batches.

• Formed from compressed sedimentary layers.

• Resistant to fading, scratches and stain resistant.

• Seal regularly, minimal maintenance; natural slip resistance.

• Layout prior to installation for desired pattern.

• Used indoors and out, for many different applications.

 MARBLE:

• A luxurious stone, makes a beautiful statement.

• Formed from metamorphic rock, created by limestone deposits.

• Distinctive large veins and a wide variety of colours.

• Layout prior to installation for desired pattern.

• Can be sealed to prevent scratches or damage from acids.

• Requires special care and maintenance as it is a softer stone.

 GRANITE:

• Beautiful and long lasting

• Formed from igneous rock.

• Distinctive and varied appearance.

• Extremely hard and fairly resistant to acids; a strong and resilient stone.

• Easy to maintain.

TRAVERTINE:

• Very popular natural stone, unique texture.

• A sedimentary rock that is a form of limestone.

• Beautiful range of beige and ivory colours.

• Durable and can be sealed.

• Options vary from rustic looks to clean and refined.

• Used equally for flooring and wall treatments.

QUARTZITE:

• Contains more than 90% quartz, a wonderful alternative to marble.

• Formed from the metamorphosis of sandstone.

• Extremely hard and durable, heat and scratch resistant.

• Has a smooth, glass-like appearance.

• Iron oxides pattern quartzite with pink, red, or brown streaks.

• Tiles range from one-half to one inch thick.

LIMESTONE:

• Rich in colour and lightweight, soft muted tones in ivories, whites, sage, grey and graphite.

• Formed from sedimentary rock.

• Some varieties have dramatic colours and distinct veining.

• Varied degrees of hardness due to its granular composition.

• Can be used for flooring, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes as well as outdoor surfaces.

• Performs well in high-traffic areas, easy maintenance.

ONYX:

• A form of quartz.

• Naturally beautiful translucent stone, unique contrasting colours run through.

• A fragile stone, produced with a backing to give it strength.

• Variation in colour in batches; layout tiles before installation for desired pattern.

• Seal to prevent absorption of moisture.