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We at the Tile Emporium currently have our spring sale which ends on the 31st of March.

10% of all tiles in our showroom, including our incredible new line of faux wood effect tiles.

Please come down to our Reigate showroom to check out all of the great products we have on offer.

Make sure to check us out on Facebook to keep up with the current trends and all of our sales and promotions.

You can find us at: 31a Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7AD.      Call us at: 01737 210125.       Email us at: sales@thestonetileemporium.com

We have recently added a range of faux stone cladding tiles to our collection and appear to be very popular.

These tiles are manufactured porcelain and boast advantages over natural stone cladding, such as:

– They are completely water proof and as a result can be used in Bathrooms and areas that their natural stone counterparts cannot.

– They are cheaper.

 

Some of the disadvantages include:

– They are porcelain tiles and therefore patterns are repeated and this may be noticed over large sections of wall.

– They don’t have as many unique striations and discrepancies as their natural stone counterparts do that add to the character of the wall area.

 

If you want to find out more please visit our page on Stone Cladding, or contact us over the phone or via email (all contact information can be found on our website on our contact us page).

Natural stone is used in kitchens, floors, walls, bathrooms, dining rooms, around swimming pools, building foyers, public areas and façades. Since ancient times, stone has been popular for building and decorative purposes.

The reason you want to seal your natural stone floor is to prevent the following things from occurring and ruining your tiles’ finish and look.

Staining: 

This is the most common form of damage. It is the result of oils or other liquids penetrate deeply into the channels within the stone and deposit material that is effectively impossible to remove without destroying the stone.

Salt Attack:

This occurs when salts dissolved in water are carried into the stone. The two most common effects are efflorescence and spalling. Salts that expand on crystallization in capillary gaps can cause surface spalling and can exert considerable expansive forces as its crystals grow.

Acid Attack:

Acid-soluble stone materials such as the calcite (veins) in marble, limestone and travertine, as well as the internal cement that binds the resistant grains in sandstone, react with acidic solutions on contact. Acid erodes the stone, leaving dull marks on polished surfaces. In time it may cause deep pitting, eventually totally obliterating the form. Even mild household acids, including cola, wine, vinegar, lemon juice and milk, can damage vulnerable types of stone. The milder the acid, the longer it takes to etch calcite-based stone; stronger acids can cause irreparable damage in seconds.

Picture Framing:

This occurs when water or grout moves into the edges of the stone to create an unsightly darkening or “frame” affect. Such harm is usually irreversible.

Freeze-thaw Spalling:

This occurs when water freezes in the surface pores. The general term is Frost weathering. The water expands on freezing, causing the stone to spall, crumble, or even to crack through.

There are 3 main types of sealant that can be used for natural stone floors, these are:

Topical sealers
Generally made from polyurethanes or acrylics. These sealers may be effective at stopping stains but, being exposed on the surface of the material, they tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially on high-traffic areas of flooring. This type of sealer will significantly change the look and slip resistance of the surface, especially when it is wet. These sealers are not breathable i.e. do not allow the escape of water vapour and other gases, and are not effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling

Penetrating sealers

The most penetrating sealers use siliconates, fluoro-polymers and siloxanes, which repel liquids. These sealers penetrate the surface of the stone enough to anchor the material to the surface. They are generally longer lasting than topical sealers and often do not substantially alter the look of the stone, but still can change the slip characteristics of the surface and do wear relatively quickly. Penetrating sealers often require the use of special cleaners which both clean and top up the repellent ingredient left on the stone surface. These sealers are often breathable to a certain degree, but do not penetrate deeply enough (generally less than 1mm) to be effective against salt attack, such as efflorescence and spalling.

Impregnating sealers

Uses silanes or modified silanes. These are a type of penetrating sealer, which penetrate deeply into the material, impregnating it with molecules which bond to the capillary pores and repels water and / or oils from within the material. Some modified silane sealers impregnate deeply enough to protect against salt attack, such as efflorescence, spalling, picture framing and freeze-thaw spalling. Some silane stone sealers based on nanotechnology claim to be resistant to UV light and higher pH levels found in new masonry and pointing.[2] A good depth of penetration is also essential for protection from weathering and traffic.

 

 

Slate has become a hugely popular material for tiling purpose and many homeowners have made the most if it’s range of different colours, textures and patterns. Slate can work in all sorts of homes, from kitchens to bathrooms and from older, more traditional builds through to contemporary interior design. So what’s the big appeal with Slate and why has it managed to allure people from a wide variety of different style preferences?

Slate is built from very fine grained rock which consists mostly of tony clay minerals along with microscopic bits of quartz and calcite. This is what creates the unique textural effects with slate. The wavy patterns that you may notice on your slate tiles look beautifully natural and can really emphasise the character of a home, whether it’s a contemporary or period property.

Some of the minerals found in Slate are actually similar or identical to those found in Granite, meaning that the common fear of Slate being reasonably easy to crack is nullified. Granite contains very strong minerals that keep it sturdy and long-lasting. Slate can sometimes contain these minerals as well, so people won’t have to worry about slate being a short-term option.

The wide range of colour that you could stumble upon with Slate is the consequence of trace metals being present, which is the same with stones including Limestone and Marble. These dramatic colours are also emphasised by the way in which Slate is split. The natural layers that are created from the process of splitting Slate exposes the trace metals to the atmosphere which causes a reaction called oxidisation.

So why is it such an appealing form of tiling? Slate is available in all different shapes and sizes so it can be easily customised. Whether its a riven finish your after or something a lot smoother, both traditional and modern homes can really benefit from the stunningly natural beauty that slate conveys.

It’s been a great year for people working on the interior design of their Bathroom and we’ve seen all sorts of trends take centre stage over the last 12 months. From the incorporation of natural elements in to the bathroom through to the delicate finishing touches and minimalistic design ideas, bathrooms have been kitted out to match all sorts of style preferences. So what kind of interior design trends released this year could potentially interest you? Here’s a selection of some of the top bathroom trends from this year.

Furniture

Furnishing has been exploited to the full this year, with the ideal storage units proving to work wonders when it comes to emphasising the space in a kitchen and ridding your space of unwanted clutter. Beautifully furnished wood works perfectly with both contemporary and period design ideas and has proved to be a big hit this year.

Accessorise

People have swayed towards adding their own finishing touches to bathrooms for many years and this year has been no exception. Added features such as lighting effects, polished finishes, unique tiling ideas, mirrors and ornaments are all capable of adding a little bit of personality to your bathroom space.

The Natural Effect

Plants are usually found in the front room or conservatory area in homes but this year bathrooms seem to have got in on the act. Whilst the odd potted plant in your bathroom may not be too much of a surprise, the integration of natural products in bathrooms this year seems to have worked wonders. From natural wood to mosaic tiles, features like these are starting to become the norm in bathrooms across the country.

When we hear the word marble we think shiny, decorative stonework or something with style that really brings out the best of interior design prospects.  The word “marble” actually comes from marmaros, which means shining stone. Pure marble would offer a shiny, whitish finish tough the majority of interior design ideas that use marble will have various minerals added to it, producing a variety of extravagant colours and patterns.

Marble is extremely popular in India and is often used in its natural form in households across the country. There are many genuine advantages of using marble in your home, including their wonderful design and decoration prospects. Its natural patterns are ideal for anyone looking for something unique for their kitchen or bathroom tiling. It’s genuinely spectacular look is an excellent alternative to something like slate. Marble is also very easily cleaned, especially if has an added sealant.

Marble is an extremely tough product which is why you often see entire constructions or buildings made completely of marble. Marble is also one of the most heat resistant types of stone around, making homes during the summer time much cooler than that of buildings made from other forms of stone. This could explain its popularity in Asia and other countries that experience a hot summer.

Here at the Stone Tile Emporium, we make the most of the potential marble has to create a stunning array of marble tiles that are perfect for all sorts of interior design ideas. Contact the Stone Tile Emporium today for more information on our range of stone tiles.

With kitchens being one of the most popular rooms for stone tiling, you can expect your cherished tiles to be affected by the daily kitchen routine. Over time, tiles can become dirtier as a result of frying food nearby and this can lead to long term staining. In addition, your tiles could get ruined before you’ve even had a chance to enjoy them if you haven’t applied an effective sealant beforehand.  Here are a few ways to deal with stone tiles that have attracted stains and gathered dust over the years.

The most effective way of cleaning stone tiles is to use a mop. You can create a solution yourself that will get rid of any stains that have resided for months or even years. First off, equip yourself with a broom and sweep up the dust that has collected on the surface. Use a dustpan for any difficult areas that need to be freed of dust.

The next thing to do is to get a bucket of warm water. Mix the water with a mild detergent or a soapy substance that is intended for cleaning stone. With mop in hand, press it into the bucket of solution and target the areas of the flooring that have accumulated the majority of stains. Mopping helps to get rid of any collected dirt that has gathered in between the tiles themselves. It’s important that you empty the bucket of dirty water so that you aren’t just applying dirty water back on to the tiles.

After mopping, dry the area with a cloth or leave it to rest for an hour or so. The cleaning solution will take effect and those troublesome stains will be gone. It’s as simple as that. Make sure you check that your specific stone tiles, whether it’s marble or limestone flooring, are capable of working well with the solution that you use.

You might have just finished tiling your bathroom walls or wiping over your newly installed floor tiles in the conservatory and realised you’ve got a bunch of spare tiles left over. Before you decide to chuck them in the skip, here are a few alternative uses for stone tiles that might appeal to you.

Coasters

This is a great option if you’ve got some stylish tiles that simply can’t go to waste. Tiles like this can be great for table coasters as they are but you can also fit rubber material underneath to provide solidity. Varnish them for extra longevity.

Borders

You might have a mirror fixed to the wall in your home that looks a bit plain at the moment. Never fear, as a spare set of stone tiles can provide the perfect canvas for a decorative border. Plain tiles can be painted or even sculpted for added effect.

Mosaics

Stone Tile Emporium have a great selection of stone mosaic tiles on offer but if you fancy having a go at it yourself, why not take your spare tiles and become a bit of an artist? Create some pretty mosaics that suit you or loved ones preferences for a great gift idea.

Tabletop

If you’ve got a tabletop without much sparkle or attraction, have a go at painting some designs for a truly unique tabletop. From a small garden surface to a larger living room table, this is a great way to establish your own personal tastes in your home.

Granite is an excellent building material that provides some outstanding interior design opportunities whilst being incredibly sturdy and reliable. It has become one of the most popular building materials in modern construction, from kitchen surfaces through to paving slabs. As a top-rated, small local business, we can tell you some of the notable uses of granite in today’s construction market.

Tiling

Granite tiles are tough and easily cleaned so they can easily resist long term wear and tear. Most people actually focus on the design features of granite when purchasing for their household and granite tiles are no exception. Granite tiles can come in all sorts of natural designs and colours due to the way in which it is formed. They have plenty of decorative uses which is why their reputation as a form of tile is so substantial.

Paving Stones

Not only does granite make a pavement, pathways and garden patios a bit more interesting, it also offers excellent resistance to the general demands of the outdoors. From damaging weather conditions to constant usage, granite is incredibly sturdy for tiling and paving slabs alike.

Statues

Granite can be shaped to create stunning sculptures, whether it’s a memorial statue, garden decorations or a fountain centrepiece. The natural design is formed as a result of small minerals present in the stone itself after molten magma solidifies. Next time you visit the garden centre be sure to consider granite products as they are extremely sturdy against all sorts of weather conditions.

Limestone is a porous rock that has given us the opportunity to build, sculpt and create all sorts of different products thanks to its versatility. As well as providing a more than adequate service when constructed into stone tiles, limestone has many other capabilities thanks to its high calcium content. Here are some of the most notable uses of Limestone, some of which you might be surprised by.

Cooking

Due to limestone’s high calcium count, it has actually been used in cooking in the past to boost the amount of calcium in foods. Bakeries are known to use limestone in many of their cakes and breads to improve their calcium count. You can also find limestone in other condiments such as salt, whilst many farmers will use the high nutritional value of limestone to feed their animals.

Glass

Limestone can be used to create decorative glass when it is heated and mixed with other chemical compounds. It contributes to the sturdiness of the glass, making it a useful product when constructing thick cooking dishes and other kitchen items.

Soil

Limestone often contains prehistoric remains of marine animals, providing it with further nutritional value. This is why it is also used to aid the growth of plants. Plants need a certain amount of nutrients to grow successfully and limestone is the perfect substance to restore the nutritional value of soil. Plants also need a certain pH level and this can also be restored through the addition of limestone.