Natural Stone vs. Ceramic Tile

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Natural Characteristics
Understand that many natural stones may contain small naturally-occurring cracks (fissures), granite countertops may have some pitting and each stone has it’s own unique characteristics. Cracking and pitting are common complaints heard from consumers who were unaware of these characteristics when they selected natural stone. A common saying in the stone business: “If you want consistency and uniformity, then select porcelain tile”.

Installation Materials
The most common way to install ceramic (or porcelain) tiles is using the thin-set method with a 3/16″ or greater grout joint. Stones are commonly installed using a medium-bed or mud-bed installation with a grout joint 1/16″-3/16″. A thicker setting bed allows the installer to level the product and create a more level installation.

Installation Costs
Natural stone tiles and slabs are generally more expensive to install. This cost is primarily due to the overall difficulty of the installation combined with a tighter grout joint and buyers higher expectation of a flat floor.

Maintenance
If you own a large quantity of stone flooring, you will want to have it deep-cleaned on occasion. Also, most stones require a grout release before installation and a penetrating sealer after installation. A penetrating (or impregnating) sealer needs to be re-applied periodically per manufacturers instructions. Go to manufacturers websites for detailed maintenance instructions (i.e. crossville-ceramics.com, aquamix.com, miraclesealants.com, stonetechpro.com, etc.)

Vapor transmission
All stones breathe. This means they breathe up moisture from the slab and setting materials and they tend to breathe in moisture from external sources as well. This means all stones should be sealed using a penetrating sealer that allows vapor transmission, but inhibits staining. Vapor transmission also means that if you’re using a light stone over a large area, you may want to check the moisture in the slab (hydrostatic pressure) before installation begins. Keep in mind that as moisture passed from the slab to the stone, it’s possible to discolor some lighter stones from within the stone itself.

Frost resistance
Some slates are very frost resistant, which is why slate roofing is used in cold regions. However, other slates are simply not as condensed and will explode like a soda can in a freezer. Most stones are not suitable for outdoor installation in freeze-thaw conditions. Ceramic tiles with an absorption rating of over 3% are not generally suited for outdoor use as well. All porcelains (.5% absorption) have low absorption to be used outdoors, but the COF (Coefficient of Friction) must be suitable as well.

Wear resistance
Granites are the hardest of all natural stones, and there are some stone types that approach the hardness of granite. All polished stones scratch dull, yet some honed stones may be more difficult to clean than polished. A natural (through-body) porcelain tile can be up to 30% harder than granite.

Acid and Stain Resistance
Granites typically have superior resistance against staining. However, many common household products will stain or etch stone, yet most will have little or no effect on ceramic tile. For instance, an ice cold glass of water can etch ring on White Carrara marble. Vinegar, ketchup, mustard, fruit juice or wine will etch many stones. Again, look at sealant manufacturers websites for info on how to minimize (not eliminate) staining and etching.

Natural Stone - Tile and Stone by Villagio

Going All Natural: Pro’s and Con’s of Natural Stone

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Natural stone tiles are distinct and unique. 
You should always view several pieces of the tile that is to be installed before the installation begins. Since it has been created by nature, not only are no two pieces exactly alike, those two pieces may not even be very similar.

The most common natural stone tiles include:
Slate, flagstone (sandstone), marble, granite, travertine and limestone. Each stone has unique characteristics and maintenance requirements.

Generally, you should seal natural stone tile before grouting,
unless you are planning on using the grout color in the stone as a design element.

Most natural stones are not resistant against common household acids (like lemon juice) or oil stains.
Therefore, you should use a penetrating sealer for all natural stones after installation. Follow manufacturers instructions on frequency of re-application.

The advantages of natural stone

– Timeless, unique appearance
– Design capabilities of through-body color material
– Perceived value
– Durable countertops and floors (granite)
– May be re-polished if scratched

The disadvantages of natural stone

– Ongoing re-sealing program is required
– Limited chemical and stain resistance
– Higher installation costs than ceramic tile
– Product received seldom looks like the sample

Selecting Tile - Tile and Stone by Villagio

Tips on Selecting Tile

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Consider the interior environment that you will create

  • Color will make the room look larger or smaller.
  • Size will determine the number of grout joints. Large-unit tiles work equally well in large or small rooms. Smaller tiles are usually intended for smaller rooms or to create a pattern.
  • Direction will create either a visual flow or a distinctive area

To make a room appear – Use

Larger – Light-medium colors or large format tiles

Smaller – Medium-dark colors or small format tiles

Lighter – Light-medium colors

Darker – Medium-dark colors (dark colors work best in rooms with plenty of natural light)

Warmer – “Warm” colors
Cooler – “Cool” colors

Neutral color – Larger tiles with coordinating grout joints or stone tile with thin coordinating grout joints

Color accents – Inset color using field tile or decos

Larger with a visual flow – Using the same tile from room to room

Distinctive rooms and areas – Change the size, the direction or use decos

Caring for Stone - Tile and Stone by Villagio

Caring for Stone

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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. These are recommendations from the Marble Institute of America

Precautions
Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface. Use trivets or placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.

All stone surfaces
Clean stone surfaces with neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Floor surfaces
Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn as the attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface. Bath and other wet areas In the bath or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface.

Vanity top surfaces
Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.

Food preparation areas
In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there is a question, check with the sealer manufacturer.

Outdoor pool & patio areas
In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Do dust mop floors frequently
  • Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
  • Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
  • Do blot up spills immediately
  • Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or areas rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets 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
  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry or soft cleansers .
  • Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas. sealing and maintenance

The Marble Institute of America supplied the above information and also offers a brochure on treating spills and stains on stone surfaces. One free copy is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope to: Marble Institute of America, 30 Eden Alley, Ste 201, Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Caring for Ceramic - Tile and Stone by Villagio

Caring for Ceramic Tile

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Cleaning
All ceramic tiles are stain resistant and require very little maintenance. A basic maintenance program would be to dust mop and spot-mop as necessary, then mop with a cloth-mop and neutral cleaner on a regular basis. However, some tiles will have better dirt hiding capabilities than others, and some will be easier to maintain than others.

Dirt hiding capabilities
Tiles with texture and multiple colors will hide dust and dirt better than tiles with smooth, monochromatic colors.

Slip resistance
A ceramic tile surface is more slip resistant than almost any other flooring surface. However, be aware that an abrasive surface will require an occasional deep cleaning.

Sealing
Glazed ceramic tile floor will never need sealing, waxes or coatings of any kind. Some through body porcelain tiles may; check with the porcelain manufacturer to verify requirements.

Sweeping
Tracked in dirt is abrasive and can damage your floor tile. Sweep floor regularly to prevent loose dust & abrasive particles from scratching your floor. Sweep floor with a dust mop or vacuum sweeper (without a beater brush or bar).

Mopping
Mop floor weekly to maintain appearance using a string or cloth-type mop. Sponge mops can streak your floor and shouldn’t be used. Clear water or neutral pH cleaners are recommended for ceramic tile and grout surfaces. Follow manufacturer instructions on cleaning and rinsing for best results. Protect your investment

– Equip furniture legs with felt floor protectors. Dirt and sand embedded into plastic or wooden legs act as sandpaper as furniture is moved across your floor.
– Place rugs or mats both inside and outside of exterior entryways.
– Place rugs or mats at areas around kitchen sinks and dishwashers to prevent impact damage from dishes and utensils.
– Damaged ceramic tile floor can usually be replaced and restored to original condition if you have extra tile available from your specific shade.
– Purchase several extra pieces to keep on hand for repairs.
– Contact a licensed tile contractor to make the repair.

Never, Never, Never
– Never seal or wax your ceramic tile. These coatings are unnecessary. They will attract and hold dirt on your floor surface.
– Never use vinegar or bleach for regular cleaning. They can adversely affect the tile and grout with continual use. – Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners for ongoing maintenance. They can mar your tile surface if used repeatedly.

Keep this in mind
Your ceramic tile can be maintained with minimal effort. Follow these basic care and maintenance guidelines and your floor will retain its beauty for years to come.