Should I Buy Travertine Or Marble Tiles?

Stone flooring comes in many varieties, but two of the most popular are travertine and marble. Homeowners who are considering installing them will want to know the difference between the two, and although marble and travertine are both derived from limestone, each is distinct with its own pros and cons. Understanding the difference will better allow you to decide whether to buy travertine or marble tiles.

Marble and Travertine Differ in Appearance

Marble has a very distinct appearance which makes it easily recognizable. It consists of hard veins which appear in various patterns and colors. While marble may occasionally appear as one color, usually it will display two colors, one which is a streak and another which serves as a background to it, such as a solid white marble tile with black streaks running across it. Marble is known for its smooth texture and will often feature a finish that is polished. Common colors that it will appear in include blue, black, gray, pink and green.

Travertine tiles usually display tones which are both neutral and warm. It looks more natural than marble, and is compatible with numerous interior designs. As far as stone goes, travertine is soft, and because it is also absorbent, it needs multiple sealant layers so that it is protected from debris. Travertine appears in colors which are distinct from marble, such as yellow, gold, beige and red. Unlike marble, which is almost always polished, travertine can have a finish which is honed, saw cut or tumbled.

Marble and Travertine have Different Applications

While both materials are used for flooring their applications are different. For instance, marble is the preferred material in bathrooms, countertops and even walls since it provides a very sharp and elegant look. Marble is also extremely tough, which means that it can withstand a lot of wear from children, pets and foot traffic in general. However, the sealant will need to be redone at least once every year to ensure it doesn’t become worn.

Travertine is preferred in kitchens, ceilings and outdoors. The reason travertine works well outside is because its surface provides a great deal of friction, which means there is a reduced chance of slipping on it. This is very important near swimming pools, but because it can feel rough beneath the feet it is usually sanded a bit. Travertine tiles are also simple to clean; all you need is a damp rag. As with marble it will need to be sealed periodically, usually once a year.

Costs for Marble and Travertine Tiles

The last thing that must be considered is the price tag. Both marble and travertine are considered luxury materials, so the price for both options is steep. However, natural travertine will usually be more expensive than marble that is cultured, whereas natural marble will cost more than natural travertine. The specific price for each will depend on the quality of the stone, and will be measured by square foot. Both travertine and marble are beautiful to look at, comfortable to walk on, but are also hard to lift and carry. Both will require a sealant to prevent scratching, and installation should be performed by a specialist.

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How To Install A Mosaic Tile Backsplash

How To Install A Mosaic Tile Backsplash

Are messy spills and greasy splatters becoming an unsightly nightmare for you? Or are those stain-prone spots behind your kitchen sink becoming more difficult to clean? Well, there is a great solution that you can consider to ease your problems –a mosaic tile backsplash. With the right color combination and the use of beautiful, translucent glass mosaics, the end result can add sparkle and shimmer to your kitchen.

Mosaic tiles comprised of an array of small tiles that form a cohesive and aesthetically appealing collage pattern. It provides a fantastic visual pop to any space they are utilized in and the only limitations you will encounter are only those set by your own creativity. Read on to find out how you can install a mosaic tile backsplash in your kitchen:

Preparations

You should turn off all power to any electrical receptacles on the wall you are tiling. Once done, you can proceed to install a temporary ledger. You will need to lay some scrap cardboard on your counters and against the wall to act as a spacer. Now, affix a piece of lumber between the countertop and wall with drywall screws. This is your ledger. Also, ensure that it's fairly even with the top of the cardboard spacer.

New drywall and other porous surfaces bond well with thinset, but you can still tile over a wall that's painted. You just need to rough up the surface with a sanding sponge (approximately 80-grit). If you are planning to install translucent tiles over brightly-colored walls, you should prime it with a sealer-primer first. This prevents the color from bleeding through the thinset when you sand.

Mark the Layout

Always select an area that's considered a natural focal point. Once you picked that out, mark out the centerline on the ledger with some painter's tape. Next, you can lay out the sheets for the starting area. A general rule of thumb is to leave a 1/8-inch expansion gap at the perimeter. In most cases, you will not be working with a single, large sheet. There are multiple sheets to lay but the process is the same.

Coat, Comb and Smoothen the Thinset

Once the thinset is mixed in a bucket, you can begin applying in the focal-point area first. A fanning motion is a good technique to help you achieve an even thickness of approximately a quarter-inch. Remember to work in small sections as you don't want the thinset to cure or skin over.

Next, you will be combing the thinset with the notched edge of your trowel. Simply hold it at a slight angle to the wall and comb horizontally. Any excess thinset should return to the bucket. The last step of the thinset application requires you to smoothen out the area with a downward motion. You will want to eliminate any notched lines as it will show through translucent tiles.

Tile Installation

When you place the first tile sheet, do so with gentle pressure. You may need to tap it lightly with a hammer too. While adding the tile sheets, you will want to ensure it looks continuous on the wall. Check to make sure that the tile sheets are at a consistent depth. When the tile sheets are pliable enough, you can remove the paper facing. A moist sponge can help loosen the adhesive.

When you install each tile, you should back-butter it with a layer of thinset before pressing it into place. You will want to do this with your fingers wet to prevent adhesive residues from sticking onto your fingers. Next, let everything cure for at least 48 hours.

Grouting and Caulking

Clean the tiles first with a wet sponge and nylon scrub brush before grouting. You should always achieve a uniformed texture for your premixed urethane grout before applying it with an epoxy grout float. Work in small sections until the entire area is covered. You're almost there! Using a caulk gun, apply the contents to the perimeter of the backsplash area. Once done, remove all your prep work, reinstall all your electrical receptacles and you're done.

If you are ready to take on some DIY work, why not start browsing through our inventory of beautiful backsplashtiles to kick off your project?

How To Clean Marble Tiles

If you are looking for intricate tiles that provide a luxurious feel, you can never go wrong with marble tiles. What’s more, variations such as tile mosaic combinations work well to provide a truly unique look for your interior design. While marble is an extremely durable material – the ancient Roman temples can attest to that – you should still take the proper steps to clean it well for retaining its natural luster. Want to keep your marble tile installation in a mint condition? Follow these effective and safe cleaning tips!

Dust Mop and Vacuum

The first thing you should do for cleaning marble tiles is to sweep up small debris and dirt using a dust mop. Make sure that the mop has a fluffy, soft head that can trap dust effectively. Microfiber dust mops will do just fine. When you sweep your marble tiles, you will want to prevent the debris from grinding against the stone surface. Ensure that you mop on a weekly basis, and not let grit and dirt build up. If you allow minute scratches to occur on the surface, it will become noticeable over time.

After this, it’s a good practice to vacuum the floor. While doing so, ensure that the wheels are functioning right and they don't have any rough edges that can scratch your tiles. If your vacuum has any metal attachments, remove them to prevet damage on your beautiful tiles.

Use a Mild and pH Neutral Cleaning Solution

You can wet mop your marble tiles, but ensure that you use a mild cleaning solution that is pH neutral. Acidic substances are known to corrode marble materials, so do avoid using any harsh cleaners. Cleaners that contain vinegar or lemon are a no-no. When you shop at your local hardware store, look for quality cleaners that are suitable for regular use.

When you mop your tiles, you have to wring the mop just enough to avoid sloshing excess water on your floor. In addition, use a dry cloth to wipe down the surfaces to help them dry faster after mopping and prevent water spots from forming.

Throw the Scrubby Sponge Away and Use a Soft Cloth Instead

If you are planning to wipe a small area of your marble tiles by hand, you should never use scrubby sponges that are made out of steel wool. Metal will scratch your marble surfaces! A soft cloth is the perfect alternative for the task at hand.

Clean Up Any Oil-Based Stains, Mold and Organic Material

If your marbles tiles are stained by mold, food or other oil-based products, you should clean the affected area with a cleaning solution, water and a gentle cloth. Check the contents of the cleaning solution and ensure that it has only one of the following: acetone, mineral spirits, ammonia or bleach. You should never combine these substances together as it may produce a lethal gas.

Removing Paint from Your Marble Tiles

If you notice blots of paint on your marble tiles, quickly use a thin blade and some lacquer to gently scrape it off. Take extra care here as you do not want to scratch the natural stone. If you are dealing with thick paint, consider using a commercial-grade paint stripper (heavy liquid) that can be found at local hardware stores to help you rescue your tiles.