Of tiles and stone

Tiles and natural stones at a glance...   CERAMIC TILE Ceramic tile is made with a low fired clay bisque that appears either white or red-brown. It is appropriate for lighter usage areas such as bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes. Kitchen counters can be made with some ceramic tiles, but their durability will not be equal to Porcelain grade tile. Colors can range anywhere on the spectrum, from monochromatic contemorary to a heavily varied handmade look. Many ceramic tiles have a wide variety of embossed and painted decorative options. Ceramic grade tiles are generally not recommended for floors.Ceramic tile sizes typically range from 4" to 8" squares, and popular European rectangular sizes starting at 8" x 12" all the way up to 13" x 40"   PORCELAIN FLOOR TILE Porcelain floor tile has become the industry standard for quality and durability. These tiles will offer the absolute hardest, most durable surface you can use on a floor. Usable for both residential and commercial, these tiles will last the life of a structure in most cases with a minimum of upkeep. Once a rarity, now porcelain tiles are available from all of the top manufacturers, especially tiles coming from Italy. Unglazed versions with special textures are available for use outdoors. Many new 12" and 13" floor tiles are available with kitchen counter trim, making them an extremely durable counter surface.Floor sizes typically range from 12" to 20" PORCELAIN WALL TILE Porcelain wall tile is a very high density, high fired product which has superior durability. The clay bisque is a light grey in color. These tiles are appropriate for kitchen counters, shower walls, backsplashes, etc. The glazes on the porcelain tiles are known for a higher range of color variation, giving a rich, custom look. Porcelain tile is also frost-proof, so it can be used in swimming pools and fountains as well as on outdoor cooktops. Finishes can range from glossy smooth to stone rough. Porcelain wall tiles typically range from 1"to 6" QUARRY TILE Quarry tiles are dense, unglazed tiles that are well suited to outdoor applications. They typically are earthtone colors of terracotta-reds, browns, and greys. They are perfect for patios and walkways as well as commercial floors where a non-slip surface is needed. Quarry tile comes in sizes ranging from 6" to 12".  MARBLE Marble is a natural, metamorphic stone composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. As with most stones, natural color variations are part of it's beauty. It is a relatively soft stone and should not be used in applications where it will be in continuous contact with staining agents, such as in a kitchen. Polished marble cannot withstand any exposure to acids such as citric acid from lemon juice. If exposed, it will etch and loose it's shine. Marble is most appropriate for formal, lightly used floors but it is always in great demand for bathrooms and fireplaces. Not normally for exterior use. Honed marble is an increasingly popular material for floors due to it's better wear properties, warmer feel and less slick surface compared to polished. 12" and 18" are common sizes for honed marble. METAL TILES Metal tiles are relatively new to the tile market. They are typically used as accent tiles, mixed in with other types of tile or stone. The tiles tend to have a relief or raised pattern set into them. Metal inlays in a kitchen backsplash are a great way to add another design element as well as a unique way to tie in with metal appliances and cabinet knobs. These tiles work especially well with tumbled and antique stone. Some metal tiles can be used for floor inlays. A natural pewter or nickel look is the most popular, but finishes range from old world rustic iron to stainless steel contemporary.  TRAVERTINES Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs, formed from calcium carbonate. These stones typically have pronounced directional veining which can be accentuated (vein-cut) or more muted (cross-cut) depending on the desired effect. Typically available in a honed or antiqued finish, the stone can have a look anywhere from contemporary to old-world. Travertine is widely used for flooring, shower walls, fireplaces and kitchen backsplashes. Square sizes range from 12” to 24”, while rectangular shapes and interlocking patterns are also available. LIMESTONE Limestone is a stone composed largely of calcite and /or aragonite. Since it is a sedimentary rock, fossils of marine organisms are commonly seen in the surface. Almost always in a honed finish, limestone is used for flooring, showers and fireplaces. More subtle in color and variation than the typical marble, limestone colors are normally warmer beige hues or softer grays and greens. Selected limestone colors are available in a tumbled finish for a rugged look. As with any natural stone, limestone should be sealed after installation. Sizes are normally 12” 16” or 24” squares or 12” x 24” rectangles. GRANITE Granite is a very hard crystalline volcanic rock that can withstand much more abuse than marble. It is appropriate for kitchen counters, floors, bathrooms, etc. The polished surface of the stone can be used in high use residential counters with minimal upkeep. Like all stones, granite should be sealed after installation to minimize the risk of a stain occurring. SLATE Slates are composed of layers or rock, sometimes showing great color variations from layer to layer. Slate is a very porous stone that must be sealed for any interior application. The material has a natural clefted (textured) surface which makes it a very non-slip surface. It can be used for floors, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, etc. Slate makes an excellent exterior material. TUMBLED STONE Tumbled stone is marble, travertine, limestone or slate that is cut and then tumbled to achieve a very rustic, old-world appearance. They can range in size from 2" to 16". 4" tumbled marble is extremely popular for kitchen backsplashes, especially with granite countertops. Tumbled stones also make very durable, non-slip floors. All tumbled stones should be sealed with a high quality sealer. INLAID STONE Inlaid stone mosaics are created by combining marble or limestone into intricate decorative patterns. They are normally produced using a high pressure water jet cutting system which can create delicate curves not obtainable with normal sheet mounted mosaics. The pieces are then assembled by hand to a backing that holds them all together, simplifying installation. Final finishing includes filling the tight seems and sealing the entire stone surface. The surface finish is normally honed rather than polished. The finished result is a look unlike any other type of stone border. This material has become very popular for kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces and bathrooms. Floor medallions are perfect to create a grand entryway into your home.  Decorative border sizes range from 2" to 6" in width, 10" to 15" in length. Inserts range from 2" to 5". Floor medallions range from 50" to 72" in diameter. GLASS TILES Glass tiles have become more and more popular every year. The translucent quality of glass give it an entirely different look than ceramic tile or stone. The styles range from old world rustic to clean contemporary. It can be used for an entire wall, or inserted as an accent row or inlay with other tile or stone. Because glass is frost proof it can also be used for exterior applications such as pool or fountains. Sizes range from 5/8" to 12 www.symphony.com.mt

Good to keep in mind if you are considering timber for your home

If you are considering using timber in your home, here are some tips to keep in mind which should make the process easier and which will ensure a longer lifespan for the product!

• Timber flooring is normally seasoned or kiln dried to an average moisture content of between ten and 15 per cent. However, there are many local factors that will influence that moisture content once the timber is in place.
• Timber takes up or gives off moisture, depending on the temperature and relative humidity. This is why natural shrinkage and expansion takes place as it tries to equalize with it's surroundings.
• Changes in moisture content of timber are most evident during long dry or wet conditions. But you local environment can also have a big influence.
• Concrete needs to be fully cured before your new timber floor can be installed over the top. 4 to 6 months is usually the time needed for a new concrete floor to be fully cured. Before installation of your new timber floor can proceed, a moisture test MUST be done.
• Good ventilation under your floor is important. Not enough cross ventilation or damp soil conditions from poor drainage can cause problems.
• Air conditioning will normally reduce the moisture content of your home and may cause gaps in the floor underneath the vents.
• Windows, large glass areas and skylights can create hothouse conditions with high temperatures and low moisture. These can contribute to board shrinkage. Excessive direct sunlight can cause colour changes to your floor
• Before the timber arrives, make sure you have suitable storage within the house, as it needs to acclimatise to your home conditions.

Ideally, you should always consult your local timber supplier and installer for peace of mind. 

Ref: Symphony Design House

Why should you consider timber in your home

Why use timber?

Timber is strong and lightweight: Having a natural high strength fiber composite, timber can support trees that can grow as high as 100 meters: A comparison with steel and concrete shows that radiata pine structural timber, for example, has a strength-to-weight ration 20% higher than structural steel and four to five times better than unreinforced concrete in compression.

Timber is easy to work with and install. It is easy to lift, cut, plan, drill and join, plus lightweight timber framing methods allow easy installation of additional fibre or foil insulation

Timber is versatile. It allows for a large variety of design forms and finishes. What's more, timber framed houses can be easily added to or modified

Timber is a good insulator. Timber itself is a natural insulator due to air pockets within its cellular structure.
As an insulator timber is 15 times better than masonry, 400 times better than steel; and 1770 times better than aluminium.

Timber is a healthy building material. It is easy to keep clean and it helps maintain an optimum humidity balance. It also helps a room warm up more quickly

Timber is safe
Timber holds low toxicity for indoor air quality and it does not conduct electricity. It also has high fire resistance and noncombustible lining protect timber frames. The contents of a house are the major hazard in building fires, and this it true regardless of the building materials.

Timber is durable. Good design detailing and specification ensures timber structures that last for lifetimes and thanks to modern timber preservatives enhance natural durability

Timber is innovative. Modern engineered timber products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glue laminated timer (gulam) can be manufactured to meet specific structural requirements

Timber is energy efficient. Its light-weight timber frames allow easy installation of insulation and its low thermal conductivity minimises thermal bridging. Timber windows are more thermally efficient as they do not form ‘thermal-bridges’ between the cold air outside and warm air inside (and vice versa in summer). Timber windows can be easily repaired,supplied in a number of colours and built to a wide range of designs.

Timber is naturally beautiful. It offers a large range of colour, grain and texture makes timber visually attractive and nice to touch

Producing timber generates very few pollutants compared to other building products. For example:

• it takes eight times less energy to produce a tonne of timber than it does a tonne of steel and a staggering 46 times less energy than a tonne of aluminium?
• a wood beam requires 10 times less energy to make than the equivalent steel beam.
• wood window frames use 50 times less energy to make than aluminum window frames.
• one study has indicated that timber can store up to 15 times the amount of carbon that is released during its manufacture.
• The average timber house frame stores around 10 tonnes of carbon. In Queensland we build around 45,000 houses each year. If all of those houses were timber framed we could reduce our annual carbon footprint plus store an additional 450,000 tonnes of carbon.
• Making the decision to use timber in construction will assist in offsetting the world’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

A decision to use timber to complete an environmentally friendly building project delivers “green” benefits “from seed to sawdust”. The timber you select has already helped remove CO2 from the atmosphere and has enhanced soil and water quality as a growing tree. Its milling process has used far less energy than other building product manufacturing processes. As part of your building, the timber locks away carbon gasses as solid carbon.

And when the time for renovation or demolition comes, future generations will be thankful that the timber you chose can be reused, recycled or disposed of with little environmental impact.

Contributed by: Symphony Design House

Reference: www.timberqueensland.com.au, www.symphony.com.mt