stone: Articles tagged with “stone”

There are many types and textures of stone tile available today. There are six basic surface textures available.

Tile inlay is used mostly to create geometric or figurative designs. The combination of ultra high-pressure water jets and a computer guidance system cuts pieces so precisely that almost any design can be achieved.

The delicate colors of stone can often be altered by the improper use of cleaning chemicals, mopping with dirty solution, or using chemicals that are not designed for stone care. Sunlight can also fade the color of natural minerals.

This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing stone tile.

Stone is one of the most durable of all floorings. When properly installed, it should last the lifetime of a house. This toughness combined with the natural beauty of stone makes it the material of choice where quality and character are important considerations. Stone is just what its name implies: quarried slate, limestone, flagstone, granite, or marble.

Brick is made of fired clay and comes in hundreds of different colors. It can be one of the higher-priced exterior finishes; however, many home owners like it because it's water repellant, easy to maintain and less expensive in the long run. Brick masonry should last 100 years, with the first 25 years free of maintenance. The most common maintenance is repairing loose joints between bricks.

When installed correctly, slate is often considered to be the most durable and permanent roofing material available. In addition, its natural beauty is timeless. Slate roof structures have many positive qualities. Durability, low maintenance and resistance to fire and staining have made this natural material desirable to many. If maintained properly, the majority of slate roofs can be repaired as they have the capability to last a lifetime. Slate is a natural stone and it does have the potential to break or crack. If this should happen, repairs will be needed to prevent a leak or other structural problem.

This information can help clarify and answer some questions about installing loose fill paving.

Q: Can you advise a paint for a stone pillar at the entrance to our drive? The previous paint has flaked off.

Installing brick, stone or concrete requires precision and a great deal of preparation. Most masonry projects need ground leveling or site preparation in addition to strict attention to ensuring the masonry is installed level and evenly. When planning a masonry project, it is best to hire a professional.

When it comes to masonry choices, the three most popular are slump stone, new brick and manufactured used brick.

Although landscape design involves many practical facets, the artistic side of many professional designers can create an enriching environment that appeals to all the senses. The sight of changing colors, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the scent of roses outside the window, the comfort of having a quiet place to relax with a friend or just sit and watch the kids play all help to make your place feel like home.

If you are retired, travel frequently, or simply don't enjoy doing yard work, a small, low maintenance patio is a good solution for you. Small doesn't have to mean dull and uninteresting. A well-designed patio, no matter how small, can be a fun escape from indoors.

Q: I want to keep my cultured marble countertops because they are in good condition, but I want to change the color from tan to white. What kind of a contractor does this?

Masonry is probably the oldest of the building trades. Civilizations have used stone, adobe and brick to build homes, temples, forts, walls, bridges and roads. In many basic ways the skills and tools have not changed over the centuries.