Ask Us A Question
By integrating our operations and service with our customers totally, we aim to help our customers differentiate themselves with our unique and competitive natural stone products.
Natural Stone
What is Natural Stone?
“Natural Stone” refers to a number of products quarried from the earth, used over many thousands of years as building materials and decorative enhancements. These products include Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Adoquin, Onyx, and others. They are more than just rocks – natural stone is hand selected from the best, most consistent sources for durability and beauty.
Who needs natural stone in the USA?
In past eras, Natural Stone has mainly been used for large-scale construction and in formal applications such as churches and government buildings. It has also been used for road construction and monuments. For residential construction, wood and brick have been the traditional choice. However, there has been a growing trend in recent years to use Natural Stone in residential construction for both structural and decorative use. Popular applications include entryways, atriums, bathrooms, fireplaces, floors, countertops, and many other surfaces.
Why should I use natural stone in my home?
Natural stone is prized its distinctive beauty and the sense of peaceful tranquility it creates, but there are also many practical benefits to using Natural Stone in your home. Natural Stone products are more durable than many artificial products, often lasting for decades with very little maintenance. With Natural Stone there are no worries about exposure to harmful chemicals in the home or released into the environment during production or disposal. Why invest time and money into a look-alike? Natural Stone is the real thing that the artificial products try to emulate.
What are the different kinds of natural stone?
Natural Stone products include Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone and Onyx.
Granite
For maintenance-free elegance and durability, granite is unmatched. Its incredible strength and density makes granite the perfect choice for massive structural work – walls, monuments and supports. Though it is the hardest of structural stones, the amazing variety of mineral-rich colors and natural patterns gives it ornamental value as well. Granite products are ideal for flooring, countertops, vanities and decorative exterior applications.
Marble
Prized for its timeless style, texture and high-gloss polish along with a rich palette of beautiful colors, marble has a place anywhere in the home. Available in solids or dramatic veined varieties, marble may be carved or sculpted in many ways, making it one of the most versatile decorative stones. Often seen as a symbol of luxury, modern technology brings beautiful marble products even to budget-conscious homeowners.
Serpentine Marble
Also referred to as Verde Antique, Serpentine Marble is a dramatic green color with strong white veining.
Slate
Formed over thousands of years of sedimentary deposit and compression, slate splits naturally into beautifully textured layers. The various shades of slate products – brown, yellow, dark gray, pink, lavender and more – may even occur within the same piece of stone. Durable and stain-resistant, slate products are often used for flooring, cladding and landscaping.
Quartz
Shimmering and sparkling with tiny quartz crystals, Quartz is a rock similar to slate with a medium grained texture and incredible durability. Differing mineral content creates many color variations, from the sedate white, gray or beige to more adventurous shades of purple and pink. Quartzite is widely used for wall veneers and decorative tiles. A naturally non-skid texture makes it a perfect candidate for flooring indoors and out, including areas with heavy traffic and exposure to the elements.
Sandstone
With a uniform texture, an appealing variety of colors and finishes, and weather resistant durability, it’s easy to see why sandstone products have been used for thousands of years for walls, floors, and pavers. As with other types of rock, its variations result from differing mineral composition – there’s a sandstone product to match any décor.
Limestone
The muted, soft tones of limestone are perfect for today’s casual and comfortable lifestyles. Available in hues of soft beige and tan, either polished or honed, limestone products are ideal for bathrooms, fireplaces, countertops and flooring in low-traffic, informal areas.
Travertine
Valued for its banded, pitted “distressed” appearance, travertine adds rich, distinctive character to a variety of indoor and outdoor building projects. Its patterns and veining effects were formed by hot spring water percolating through underground limestone. When used for interior applications, travertine is often filled with cement, grout or resin and sealed to create a smooth, stain-resistant surface.
Shell Stone
Shell Stone is a sedimentary stone similar to limestone, with many small shells embedded and visible upon its surface.
Onyx
A translucent stone with a glossy, polished surface, onyx is composed of crystalline silica and closely related to agate, a semi-precious stone. Often found in caves, onyx is formed by the slow flow of cold, carbonated spring water. Onyx is available in pastel shades of yellow, brown, green, orange, and white.
Cantera Stone
Cantera is a sedimentary stone that comes from the riverbeds of Mexico. It is used extensively for architectural columns, moldings, and for pavement tiles.
How do natural stone ties differ from ceramic tiles?
The most important difference is this – Natural Stone is a product of nature, and Ceramics are man-made. Most man-made materials cannot compare in durability to natural ones. While damaged ceramic tiles usually need replacing, natural stone usually needs minimal restoration if stained or scratched. Other differences are explained below:
CERAMIC
- Homogenous composition
- Low absorbency, thin and lightweight, corrugated backing
- Acid resistant
- Have only one plain finish and practically no edge finishes.
- The sizes in ceramics are restricted and patterns are very uniform and geometric.
NATURAL STONE
- Unique composition
- Differs from category to category
- Acid sensitivity varies from stone to stone.
- Have a whole spectrum of finishes like Polished, Honed, Antiquated, Tumbled, Leather, Rugged (Split face, River Rough, River Wash, Flamed) and more.
- Different types of edges like beveled, bull-nosed etc. are possible.
- No size restriction. Available in huge slabs as large as 125′ X 75′ or in small tumbled mosaic pieces of 1”x 1”. Natural, random patterns are found in Natural Stones.
Where in my home can I use natural stone?
Natural Stone can be used on nearly every surface both inside and outside the home, including floors, kitchen countertops, vanity tops, bathrooms, patios, walkways, fireplaces, facades, wall cladding, and garden landscaping.
Why is granite preferred for kitchen/bar countertops?
Countertops in kitchens and bar areas are often exposed to acidic substances such as lemon, vinegar, alcohol, and tomato sauce. Knives, dishes, pots and pans, and other implements may cause scratching of lesser materials. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones – the feldspar content keeps it water resistant, and the silicates it contains won’t react with acid. These properties help Granite resist staining and retain its fine luster over a longer period of time than ceramic tiles or other stones.
Although Marble is commonly requested for countertops in bars and kitchens, marble’s high carbonate content makes it vulnerable to acidic substances.
Why are limestones and travertines preferred for family or living rooms?
The family or living room in a home is a place for peace and relaxation, and the soft, muted tones and textures of limestone or travertine are the perfect touch. Available in shades of beige, tan, yellow and gold and processed with a tumbled or antiqued texture, limestone complements all types of furniture and upholstery.
Why is marble preferred for bathrooms and fireplaces?
Homeowners often enjoy bathrooms with bold colors and smooth, flowing patterns. Marble is the perfect choice for this application due to its wide spectrum of available colors. It also lends itself well to carved patterns and details, creating both traditional and artistic designs. While kitchen countertops are often exposed to acidic substances, bathroom countertops are more likely to be exposed to alkaline products, which do not react with Marble.
Why is slate preferred for patios or atriums?
The earth tones and rustic look of slate create a comfortable, natural look that is right at home with exterior landscaping and interior garden designs. Slate is naturally slip resistant, even when wet, and is much less likely to show dust and dirt than polished granite or marble. It’s also relatively low priced, which makes it a great choice for large, informal areas.
Where do natural stones come from?
Natural stones are quarried directly from the earth’s crust, and every piece is unique. The only processing they need is shaping into various forms, sizes and finishes.
Why are most natural stones imported?
Sources of natural stone with desirable qualities are found all over the world, in many different locations. Some sources are better than others due to the stones’ appearance, hardness, and other qualities. Therefore, stone may be quarried in China, India, Africa, South America, and some does come from within United States borders.
Cost of processing is also a factor. Since natural stone has been used as a building material for thousands of years in many locations overseas, those areas have a long-established system for quarrying and processing these stones which is efficient and economical.
What is the quality difference in stone from different countries?
Natural stone from different areas contains a varying mix of mineral deposits and rock formations. For example, the mineral Mica may be found more frequently in some areas, which means that the rock from that location will contain bigger shiny crystals than we would find in places where less Mica is found. Some countries quarry more limestone than granite. Therefore, stone from certain places may be better suited for one application than another. Natural stone qualities and characteristics differ due to geological formations, not geographical boundaries.
Why can some stone not be used for exterior applications?
Some types of stone are better suited for interior applications than exterior because they cannot withstand harsh weather extremes and may crack, crumble, or fade. Also, stones with naturally slip-resistant surfaces are better for outdoor walkways or patios than those with smooth, polished surfaces. Some multicolored slates bleed color upon contact with water.
Do granite slabs or granite tiles emit harmful radiation?
Granite tiles and slabs for commercial and residential applications do not emit harmful radiation. For more information, consult the Marble Institute of America’s website.
Stone Availability
How long does it take to get stone?
Many popular items are readily available from current stock. Others may take 90 to 120 days for delivery.
Can I order a designer's stone with a particular color/look/feel?
Since stone is a natural product, it is not possible to order a specific stone.
Stone Size and Thickness
What are typical stone sizes?
- Standard stone tile sizes include squares of 4”, 6”, 8”, 12”, 16”, 18”, and 24”.
- Standard thickness for 12” square tiles is 3/8”.
- Standard thickness for 16”-24” square tiles varies from 0.5” – 0.75”.
- Slab sizes vary from 104”x70” to 125”x80”.
- Smaller sizes are available as well.
- Thickness of slabs is generally —————
- Slates and Quartzites are produced in nominal sizes, not exact sizes – a 12” square tile may actually measure 11.87” square.
How can I decide which size are appropriate?
Tile size is a personal choice, but should be proportionate to the size of the room. Smaller spaces should use smaller tiles in order to make the most of the stone’s color and other qualities.
What thickness is used for kitchen countertops?
The thickness of a kitchen countertop is generally either 0.75” or 1.25”. In the eastern U.S. the larger thickness is preferred, and western consumers prefer the thinner.
How do granite countertops differ from Corian countertops?
Granite is a natural stone, and Corian is a man-made material. As a plastic-based material, Corian is more prone to scratching, deformation and loss of finish due to heat. Granite is more durable, easy to maintain, resistant to scratches and stains – and much more appealing to the eye. Granite is available in a wider range of colors than Corian, and costs less as well.
What is thickness tolerance for different types of stone?
Thickness tolerance varies from stone to stone. Slates generally have a tolerance of 0.38”, and granite tiles have a tolerance of 0.06″.
What is stone pattern?
A combination of different sizes may be placed together to create a pattern, which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the stone installation – and is very trendy!
Stone Care and Maintenance
What care and maintenance of the stone products are recommended?
Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain. Clean stone floors with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone. Natural stone should be sealed after installation and every one to two years thereafter, depending on its application.
What is an impregnator sealer? does it help stone?
Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to crevices inside the stone. These balls become a permanent part of the stone, and act as a waterproof shield.
How often do I need to apply penetrating sealer to my natural stone surface?
There is no set rule on how often to seal your natural stone. Sealing can be as frequent as six months for higher traffic areas on marble, slate, travertine, and limestone or every couple of years for granite countertops. Also some sealers provide for only a single application every ten years. Please review the guidelines for each individual sealer.
Why does granite need to be sealed?
All natural stone including marble and granite, must be properly sealed to protect against staining. Without proper and regular sealing, granite and other natural stones are porous and can absorb spilled substances and leave unsightly stains and marks.
What can I use to seal natural stone and tile and where can I buy it?
A sealer that penetrates and protects natural stone and tile can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store.
How do I remove ring marks and other stains from marble, granite, travertine and other natural stone surfaces?
If your marble tiles, travertine tiles or granite countertops have a stain, consult a restoration professional. A Poultice kit is another stain removal option, this product can be found at most home improvement stores.
What can I use to clean travertine, marble or granite tiles and slabs?
Neutral cleaners are needed to clean natural stone tiles. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should be avoided as they can open the pours of the natural stone and change the color of the surface.
How can I enhance the color of travertine?
Adding depth and shine to travertine tiles can be accomplished through the application of enhancing sealers made specifically for travertine tile. Enhancing sealers are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.
How can I fill the natural voids and holes in travertine tile if I want a smoother surface?
Part of the beauty of travertine tilles, is the natural composition causes small voids and holes. If however, you want a smoother surface, the best way to fill the holes is to use a sanded grout in a color as close to the travertine as possible.
Do I need to seal porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tile does not need to be sealed. However, it is recommended that the grout be sealed or a pre-sealed grout used.
Do I need to seal glass mosaic tiles?
The tiles themselves do not need to be sealed; however the grout should be sealed to prevent stains. Because of the amount of grout and the small size of the mosaic tiles, it is easier to seal the entire surface or use a pre-sealed grout.
“Natural Stone” refers to a number of products quarried from the earth, used over many thousands of years as building materials and decorative enhancements. These products include Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Adoquin, Onyx, and others. They are more than just rocks – natural stone is hand selected from the best, most consistent sources for durability and beauty.
Who needs natural stone in the USA
In past eras, Natural Stone has mainly been used for large-scale construction and in formal applications such as churches and government buildings. It has also been used for road construction and monuments. For residential construction, wood and brick have been the traditional choice. However, there has been a growing trend in recent years to use Natural Stone in residential construction for both structural and decorative use. Popular applications include entryways, atriums, bathrooms, fireplaces, floors, countertops, and many other surfaces.
Why should I use natural stone in my home?
Natural stone is prized its distinctive beauty and the sense of peaceful tranquility it creates, but there are also many practical benefits to using Natural Stone in your home. Natural Stone products are more durable than many artificial products, often lasting for decades with very little maintenance. With Natural Stone there are no worries about exposure to harmful chemicals in the home or released into the environment during production or disposal. Why invest time and money into a look-alike? Natural Stone is the real thing that the artificial products try to emulate.
What are the different kinds of natiral stone?
Natural Stone products include Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone and Onyx.
Granite
For maintenance-free elegance and durability, granite is unmatched. Its incredible strength and density makes granite the perfect choice for massive structural work – walls, monuments and supports. Though it is the hardest of structural stones, the amazing variety of mineral-rich colors and natural patterns gives it ornamental value as well. Granite products are ideal for flooring, countertops, vanities and decorative exterior applications.
Marble
Prized for its timeless style, texture and high-gloss polish along with a rich palette of beautiful colors, marble has a place anywhere in the home. Available in solids or dramatic veined varieties, marble may be carved or sculpted in many ways, making it one of the most versatile decorative stones. Often seen as a symbol of luxury, modern technology brings beautiful marble products even to budget-conscious homeowners.
Serpentine Marble
Also referred to as Verde Antique, Serpentine Marble is a dramatic green color with strong white veining.
Slate
Formed over thousands of years of sedimentary deposit and compression, slate splits naturally into beautifully textured layers. The various shades of slate products – brown, yellow, dark gray, pink, lavender and more – may even occur within the same piece of stone. Durable and stain-resistant, slate products are often used for flooring, cladding and landscaping.
Quartz
Shimmering and sparkling with tiny quartz crystals, Quartz is a rock similar to slate with a medium grained texture and incredible durability. Differing mineral content creates many color variations, from the sedate white, gray or beige to more adventurous shades of purple and pink. Quartzite is widely used for wall veneers and decorative tiles. A naturally non-skid texture makes it a perfect candidate for flooring indoors and out, including areas with heavy traffic and exposure to the elements.
Sandstone
With a uniform texture, an appealing variety of colors and finishes, and weather resistant durability, it’s easy to see why sandstone productshave been used for thousands of years for walls, floors, and pavers. As with other types of rock, its variations result from differing mineral composition – there’s a sandstone product to match any décor.
Limestone
The muted, soft tones of limestone are perfect for today’s casual and comfortable lifestyles. Available in hues of soft beige and tan, either polished or honed, limestone products are ideal for bathrooms, fireplaces, countertops and flooring in low-traffic, informal areas.
Travertine
Valued for its banded, pitted “distressed” appearance, travertine adds rich, distinctive character to a variety of indoor and outdoor building projects. Its patterns and veining effects were formed by hot spring water percolating through underground limestone. When used for interior applications, travertine is often filled with cement, grout or resin and sealed to create a smooth, stain-resistant surface.
Shell Stone
Shell Stone is a sedimentary stone similar to limestone, with many small shells embedded and visible upon its surface.
Onyx
A translucent stone with a glossy, polished surface, onyx is composed of crystalline silica and closely related to agate, a semi-precious stone. Often found in caves, onyx is formed by the slow flow of cold, carbonated spring water. Onyx is available in pastel shades of yellow, brown, green, orange, and white.
Cantera Stone
Cantera is a sedimentary stone that comes from the riverbeds of Mexico. It is used extensively for architectural columns, moldings, and for pavement tiles.
How do natural stone ties differ from ceramic tiles
The most important difference is this – Natural Stone is a product of nature, and Ceramics are man-made. Most man-made materials cannot compare in durability to natural ones. While damaged ceramic tiles usually need replacing, natural stone usually needs minimal restoration if stained or scratched. Other differences are explained below:
CERAMIC
Homogenous composition
Low absorbency, thin and lightweight, corrugated backing
Acid resistant
Have only one plain finish and practically no edge finishes.
The sizes in ceramics are restricted and patterns are very uniform and geometric.
NATURAL STONE
Unique composition
Differs from category to category
Acid sensitivity varies from stone to stone.
Have a whole spectrum of finishes like Polished, Honed, Antiquated, Tumbled, Leather, Rugged (Split face, River Rough, River Wash, Flamed) and more. Different types of edges like beveled, bull-nosed etc. are possible.
No size restriction. Available in huge slabs as large as 125′ X 75′ or in small tumbled mosaic pieces of 1”x 1”. Natural, random patterns are found in Natural Stones.
Where in my home can I use natural stone
Natural Stone can be used on nearly every surface both inside and outside the home, including floors, kitchen countertops, vanity tops, bathrooms, patios, walkways, fireplaces, facades, wall cladding, and garden landscaping.
Why is granite preferred for kitchen/bar countertops?
Countertops in kitchens and bar areas are often exposed to acidic substances such as lemon, vinegar, alcohol, and tomato sauce. Knives, dishes, pots and pans, and other implements may cause scratching of lesser materials. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones – the feldspar content keeps it water resistant, and the silicates it contains won’t react with acid. These properties help Granite resist staining and retain its fine luster over a longer period of time than ceramic tiles or other stones.
Although Marble is commonly requested for countertops in bars and kitchens, marble’s high carbonate content makes it vulnerable to acidic substances.
Why are limestones and travertines preferred for family or living rooms
The family or living room in a home is a place for peace and relaxation, and the soft, muted tones and textures of limestone or travertine are the perfect touch. Available in shades of beige, tan, yellow and gold and processed with a tumbled or antiqued texture, limestone complements all types of furniture and upholstery.
Why is marble preferred for bathrooms and fireplaces?
Homeowners often enjoy bathrooms with bold colors and smooth, flowing patterns. Marble is the perfect choice for this application due to its wide spectrum of available colors. It also lends itself well to carved patterns and details, creating both traditional and artistic designs. While kitchen countertops are often exposed to acidic substances, bathroom countertops are more likely to be exposed to alkaline products, which do not react with Marble.
Why is slate preferred for patios or atriums?
The earth tones and rustic look of slate create a comfortable, natural look that is right at home with exterior landscaping and interior garden designs. Slate is naturally slip resistant, even when wet, and is much less likely to show dust and dirt than polished granite or marble. It’s also relatively low priced, which makes it a great choice for large, informal areas.
Where do natural stones come from?
Natural stones are quarried directly from the earth’s crust, and every piece is unique. The only processing they need is shaping into various forms, sizes and finishes.
Why are most natural stones imported?
Sources of natural stone with desirable qualities are found all over the world, in many different locations. Some sources are better than others due to the stones’ appearance, hardness, and other qualities. Therefore, stone may be quarried in China, India, Africa, South America, and some does come from within United States borders.
Cost of processing is also a factor. Since natural stone has been used as a building material for thousands of years in many locations overseas, those areas have a long-established system for quarrying and processing these stones which is efficient and economical.
What is the quality difference in stone from different countries?
Natural stone from different areas contains a varying mix of mineral deposits and rock formations. For example, the mineral Mica may be found more frequently in some areas, which means that the rock from that location will contain bigger shiny crystals than we would find in places where less Mica is found. Some countries quarry more limestone than granite. Therefore, stone from certain places may be better suited for one application than another. Natural stone qualities and characteristics differ due to geological formations, not geographical boundaries.
Why can some stone not be used for exterior applications?
Some types of stone are better suited for interior applications than exterior because they cannot withstand harsh weather extremes and may crack, crumble, or fade. Also, stones with naturally slip-resistant surfaces are better for outdoor walkways or patios than those with smooth, polished surfaces. Some multicolored slates bleed color upon contact with water.
Do granite slabs or granite tiles emit harmful radiation?
Granite tiles and slabs for commercial and residential applications do not emit harmful radiation. For more information, consult the Marble Institute of America’s website.
Stone Availability
How long does it take to get stone?
Many popular items are readily available from current stock. Others may take 90 to 120 days for delivery.
Can I order a designer’s stone with a particular color/look/feel?
Since stone is a natural product, it is not possible to order a specific stone.
Stone Size and Thickness
What are typical stone sizes?
- Standard stone tile sizes include squares of 4”, 6”, 8”, 12”, 16”, 18”, and 24”.
- Standard thickness for 12” square tiles is 3/8”.</li>
- Standard thickness for 16”-24” square tiles varies from 0.5” – 0.75”.
- Slab sizes vary from 104”x70” to 125”x80”.
- Smaller sizes are available as well.
- Thickness of slabs is generally —————
- Slates and Quartzites are produced in nominal sizes, not exact sizes – a 12” square tile may actually measure 11.87” square.
How can I decide which size are appropriate?
Tile size is a personal choice, but should be proportionate to the size of the room. Smaller spaces should use smaller tiles in order to make the most of the stone’s color and other qualities.
What thickness is used for kitchen countertops?
The thickness of a kitchen countertop is generally either 0.75” or 1.25”. In the eastern U.S. the larger thickness is preferred, and western consumers prefer the thinner.
How do granite countertops differ from Corian countertops?
Granite is a natural stone, and Corian is a man-made material. As a plastic-based material, Corian is more prone to scratching, deformation and loss of finish due to heat. Granite is more durable, easy to maintain, resistant to scratches and stains – and much more appealing to the eye. Granite is available in a wider range of colors than Corian, and costs less as well.
What is thickness tolerance for different types of stone?
Thickness tolerance varies from stone to stone. Slates generally have a tolerance of 0.38”, and granite tiles have a tolerance of 0.06″.
What is stone pattern?
A combination of different sizes may be placed together to create a pattern, which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the stone installation – and is very trendy!
Stone Care and Maintenance
What care and maintenance of the stone products are recommended?
Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain. Clean stone floors with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone. Natural stone should be sealed after installation and every one to two years thereafter, depending on its application.
What is an impregnator sealer? does it help stone?
Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to crevices inside the stone. These balls become a permanent part of the stone, and act as a waterproof shield.
How often do I need to apply penetrating sealer to my natural stone surface?
There is no set rule on how often to seal your natural stone. Sealing can be as frequent as six months for higher traffic areas on marble, slate, travertine, and limestone or every couple of years for granite countertops. Also some sealers provide for only a single application every ten years. Please review the guidelines for each individual sealer.
Why does granite need to be sealed?
All natural stone including marble and granite, must be properly sealed to protect againt staining. Without proper and regular sealing, granite and other natural stones are pourous and can absorb spilled substances and leave unsightly stains and marks.
What can I use to seal natural stone and tile and where can I buy it?
A sealer that penetrates and protects natural stone and tile can be purchased at any home improvement or hardware store.
How do I remove ring marks and other stains from marble, granite, travertine and other natural stone surfaces?
If your marble tiles, travertine tiles or granite countertops have a stain, consult a restoration professional. A Poultice kit is another stain removal option, this product can be found at most home improvement stores.
What can I use to clean travertine, marble or granite tiles and slabs?
Neutral cleaners are needed to clean natural stone tiles. Acidic or alkaline cleaners should be avoided as they can open the pours of the natural stone and change the color of the surface.
How can I enhance the color of travertine?
Adding depth and shine to travertine tiles can be accomplished through the application of enhancing sealers made specifically for travertine tile. Enhancing sealers are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.
How can I fill the natural voids and holes in travertine tile if I want a smoother surface?
Part of the beauty of travertine tilles, is the natural composition causes small voids and holes. If however, you want a smoother surface, the best way to fill the holes is to use a sanded grout in a color as close to the travertine as possible.
Do I need to seal porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tile does not need to be sealed. However, it is recommended that the grout be sealed or a pre-sealed grout used.
Do I need to seal glass mosaic tiles?
The tiles themselves do not need to be sealed; however the grout should be sealed to prevent stains. Because of the amount of grout and the small size of the mosaic tiles, it is easier to seal the entire surface or use a pre-sealed grout.