Once you’ve decided how to use natural stone flooring tile like marble, travertine or limestone in your home, you’ll need to narrow down the specifics to determine what kind of natural stone floor tile you’ll need. Natural stone tiles have many varieties and forms. By understanding the terms associated with stone tile, you can find the exact stone you need for your project.
Finishes
Natural stone tile comes in several finishes, each with its own distinct look and feel. The finish you choose will impact the overall style of your project.
1) Polished
The stone tile is smoothed and polished until it has a shiny and reflective surface.
2) Honed
This one is flat and smooth. Honed natural stone tile is matte with little to no shine. This is the most popular finish for interior travertine projects, also very popular for marble projects for bathrooms and wet areas.
3) Brushed
Slightly rough texture and matte finish together, brushed stone tile has an antique look. Brushed natural stone floor and wall tile ideal for outdoor projects.
4) Tumbled
This one is the most popular natural stone finish for outdoor paver flooring projects such as pool decks, patios, and drive ways. Because of its rough edges and worn appearance, tumbled natural stones travertine, marble and limestones are usually found in outdoor projects with their highly textured surface.
Tile vs. Pavers
If you start a project with natural stone, you have to decide between using stone tile or stone pavers. The main difference between natural stone tile and natural stone paver is the thickness of the product. Natural stone floor or wall tiles are typically ½ inch thick, but travertine, marble or limestone pavers are at least 1¼ inches thick.
Another point which is affect your decision between using tile or pavers for your project where you’re apply the stone tile and why. We can explain it with an example; pavers are a better option for outdoor use in areas that are exposed to the sun, wind, rain and all the other weather conditions. That’s why pavers are typically sealed to prevent damage or any other affects from out to go in thru the stone. Natural stone pavers can install on sand set for outdoor projects. Some tumbled finish tiles also can be nice for outdoor projects but for this the base has to be concrete otherwise tile can be harder to install and may not stand up to harsh outdoor conditions. So tiles would be break easily because of its thickness.
Tile is the most popular choice for indoor projects because of its slim size. However, as we mentioned before, natural stone floor tile can be used both interior and exterior, including projects with swimming pool tile and pool coping. When using natural stone tile exterior, that is important to use tiles that no thinner than ½ inch.
