Types of Stone
Marble
Marble is one of the most beautiful types of stone in the entire world and has been used to create incredible buildings and monuments. Marble is a natural, soft and porous stone with inherent variations, creating a unique project. Marble is known for the beauty and elegance that it creates through the veining and color variations.
Recommended Uses:
- Interiors
- Low-traffic areas (bathrooms/showers)
- Floors or walls
- Fireplaces
- Bathroom vanities
Type of Marble:
- Polished marble goes through a process to create a shiny surface.
- Honed marble is finished with a polishing process done by hand or machine to create a smooth surface.
- Tumbled marble is placed into a tumbler at the factory to rough up the edges and create a rustic look.
Maintenance:
- Clean marble with a dust mop and a neutral cleaner.
- Use a sealer specifically for marble to prevent absorption into the stone and staining. A Tile Outlet representative can show you the proper Black Diamond cleaning product.
- Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.
*Not all Tile Outlet Always In Stock® locations carry all products mentioned; please visit your local showroom for entire selection.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful natural stone with a vast array of colors. Each piece of slate has unique character, creating a one-of-a-kind project for interior and exterior surfaces. Slate is a porous material with the capability to absorb liquids, so it always needs to be sealed.
Tile Outlet Always In Stock® locations carry two types of sealers for slate. One will not change the color of the slate, while the “wet look” sealer will enhance the color and add shine to the slate.
Recommend Uses:
- Interiors
- Exteriors
- Floors or Walls
- Backsplashes
Types of Slate:
- Gauged (calibrated) slate is cut into uniform thickness for its uniqueness. Tile Outlet does not import any ungauged slate because it can cause installation problems.
- Honed slate is finished with the polishing process done by hand or machine, creating a smooth surface.
- Tumbled slate is placed into a tumbler at the factory to rough up the edges and create a rustic look.
Maintenance:
- Clean slate with a dust mop and a neutral cleaner. A Tile Outlet representative can show you to the proper Black Diamond cleaning product.
- Use a penetrating sealer to prevent absorption into the stone and stain.
- Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.
*Not all Tile Outlet Always In Stock® locations carry all products mentioned; please visit your local showroom for entire selection.
Travertine
Travertine is a beautiful natural stone that began as a limestone and through a process of thousands of years changed through heating and cooling into a travertine. The variations in the color of the stone create a unique project. This product is typically found in high-end homes and creates an environment that is very eye pleasing. Travertine has natural voids, which are either purchased unfilled or filled.
Recommend Uses:
- Interiors
- Exteriors
- Floors or Walls
- Backsplashes
Types of Travertine:
- Tumbled travertine has rounded edges and corners.
- Filled travertine has natural holes filled with an epoxy, residue or mortar.
- Unfilled travertine has natural holes that were left unfilled. These are typically filled in the grouting process.
- Honed travertine is finished with a polishing process done by hand or machine to create a smooth surface.
Maintenance:
- Clean travertine with a dust mop and a neutral cleaner.
- Use a penetrating sealer to prevent absorption into the stone and staining. A Tile Outlet representative can show you to the proper Black Diamond cleaning product.
- Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.
*Not all Tile Outlet Always In Stock® locations carry all products mentioned; please visit your local showroom for entire selection.
Granite
Granite is the earth’s second hardest mineral, making it a durable building product. It has beautiful, natural color variations and a uniqueness that is created with each piece. Granite is typically a speckled stone, although it can be directional creating an added beauty. As a result of the hardness and natural composition, Granite serves many functions.
Recommend Uses:
- Interiors
- Exteriors
- Floors or Walls
- Countertops
- Backsplashes
Types of Granite:
Polished granite goes through a process to create a shiny surface, which gives the rock a vibrant look.
Maintenance:
- Clean the product with a neutral cleaner. A Tile Outlet representative can show you the proper Black Diamond cleaning product.
- Use a penetrating sealer annually to prevent absorption into the stone and staining.
- Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners.
