Granite Tile
- Igneous rock formed by volcanic action
- Made up of quartz, feldspar & mica
- Hardest, most durable stone
- Withstands heat, scratches & stains (great for kitchens)
- Less porous than marble but still requires regular sealing
Slate Tile
- Metamorphic (like marble); formed by ocean or river sediments being compressed & heated by earth’s crust
- Earthy tones in every piece: browns, greys, blacks & blues
- Fairly rough anti-slip traction, but can also be polished
- A seal can be applied for a wet or dry look without build-up
- Can retain heat making it a great choice in colder climates
- Very soft & porous requiring sealant to avoid stains
Travertine Tile
- Limestone formed inside of hot springs
- Full of tiny holes caused by vapours escaping; holes must be filled with epoxy to maintain structural integrity
- Ranges in colour from cream to dark brown, red or gold
- Typically honed or tumbled (usually not dense enough to handle polishing)
Limestone Tile
- Sedimentary rock made mostly of calcite
- Can vary from almost pure white with very little veining& variation to black with gold, brown, pink or red accents
- Fossilized snail shells, leaves & insects are often present
- Typically honed or tumbled but can also be polished
- Very soft & porous requiring sealant to avoid stains
Marble Tile
- Metamorphic stone (result of pressure & heat over millions of Yrs)
- Typically polished or honed
- Somewhat susceptible to damage from acids or staining
- Must be cleaned & sealed every 9-12 months
- Comes in many natural colour & pattern variances
Porcelain Tile
- Made from porcelain clays
- More dense and impervious than ceramic tile
- Can be used anywhere in the home (even high traffic areas or outdoors)
- Frost resistant
- Harder than ceramic and natural tiles (granite, etc.)
Ceramic Tile
- Made from red or white clay, sand & other natural materials, finished with glaze
- Available in many sizes, colours & finishes
- Most commonly used for wall tiles, backsplashes, etc
- Easy care & maintenance
- Most affordable tile
