Professional Documents
Culture Documents
AS A FLOORING MATERIAL
What is Marble?
Marble originated as limestone, but over time, intense heat and pressure caused the
limestone to be crystallized. During this metamorphisism, other minerals were
introduced producing rich colors and veining. Common uses for marble include
fireplaces, interior flooring as well as limited uses for countertops and tabletops
What is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary stone layered and formed from the skeletons and shells of
sea creatures. Limestone varies in color ranging from gray to beiges/browns, while some
shades of yellow to pink are available. Common uses of limestone are interior and
exterior paving as well as limited uses for countertops.
What is Slate?
Slate is a fine grained, metamorphic stone derived from sedimentary rocks. Slate can be
multi shaded or uniform in color, available in shades of green, purple, black, gray or dark
red. Common uses of slate include fireplace facings, interior and exterior paving as well
as limited uses for countertops.
What is Schist?
Schist is medium grade metamorphic rock, formed by the
metamorphosis of mudstone / shale, or some types of igneous
rock. It has been subjected to higher temperatures and
pressures. The resulting material is coarser and more distinct
than that of slate due to the higher degree of crystallization of
mica minerals. Larger crystals are formed, and it is often
referred to as schistosity. These larger crystals reflect light so
that schist often have a high lustre and shine. Due to the more
extreme formation conditions, schists often show complex
folding patterns. There are many varieties of schist and they are
named for the dominant mineral comprising the rock. Common
uses for Schist include fireplaces, shower walls as well as
limited uses for countertops and tabletops.
Travertine Tiles
Natural travertine tiles come in a range of
different colours, textures and finishes,
there really is something to suit all projects
and stay within budget.
Characteristics
• Cost
The cost of any stone depends on its intrinsic valuation in the quarry, the cost of
quarrying and dressing, and the cost of transportation from the quarry to the site
of the structure.
• Durability
Natural stone is far less able to withstand a conflagration than the artificial
compositions such as brick, concrete, and terracotta. Granite, so popularly
considered the type of durability, is especially affected. Limestone and marble
will be utterly spoiled, at least in appearance if not structurally, by a hot fire.
Sandstone is the least affected of the natural stones.
•Appearance
The presence of iron oxide in a stone will sometimes cause a deterioration in
appearance by the formation of a reddish stain on the outer surface. It usually
happens, however, that a stone whose strength and durability are satisfactory will
have a sufficiently good appearance, unless in high-grade architectural work, where
it is considered essential that a certain color or appearance shall be obtained.
The advantages
•Durability
Natural stone will not fade or wear over time; in fact it looks better with age.
•Natural Color
The vibrancy and life of natural stone cannot be captured by any painted product.
•Every Stone is Unique
Natural stone has its own unique characteristics; no two stones are exactly alike
because it is not made from a mould
•Cost Effective
At K2 Stone, we list our natural stone profiles at prices that are competitive with
artificial stone products – and invite you to compare.
•Workability
Natural stone can be shaped, trimmed and chiseled to take on any specifications
without losing any coloration or effect.
•Easy Maintenace
Natural stone can be pressure washed without consequence; whereas manufactured
products would be destroyed.
The disadavantages
• Stone is expensive.
• Stone floors can be cold
•Wet stone can be slippery
•Stone’s strength can make falls more dangerous
Active kids and older people with more fragile bones are
both at risk for potentially damaging falls on stone floors.
China and glassware are also more likely to break when
dropped on a stone floor.
•Stone is really heavy
Stone flooring requires skilled installation, along with a
substrate that can handle the additional weight. It is
crucial to check with a pro before purchasing stone
flooring to make sure you will be able to install it where
you want