TILE
PORCELAIN
The primary ingredient of true porcelain tile is finely ground, dust-like sand. Unlike ceramic, processing of the porcelain involves pressure and extremely high temperatures resulting in very dense, glass-like material with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent.
Ceramic
Ceramic is made primarily of clay mixed with various minerals and water. Since ceramic material is porous, the top surface is usually sealed with a glaze, referred to as the design layer since it determines the tile’s finished color, design and texture.
Slate
Slate is actually metamorphic rock, composed of clay and shale. It is formed by movements of the earth’s surface under great heat and pressure over centuries. It is dense, fine grained, and layered. It can be used as indoor and outdoor flooring, counter top, siding. No two slate tiles are exactly alike in that they are a product of nature.
Marble
Marble, like slate is a metamorphic rock composed mostly of calcite with distinguishing veining. It is used for floors, fireplaces, bathrooms, generally polished or honed (grinding that produces a non-reflective surface). As with slate, no two tiles are exactly alike in that they are natural products.
Granite
Granite, the hardest natural stone, is an igneous rock, usually medium to coarsely crystiline, pink to dark gray and even black in color. It is dense, with minimal pores, distinguished by salt and pepper grain structure. It is used as flooring, decorative wall covering, and countertops.
Our Vendors for ceramic floors and countertops include The Vatican Gallery, EnserTiles and The Bella Cerra Ceramic Collection.