This material was originally deposited as soft sediments being laid down as beds under water by a variety of chemical, biological, and physical processes. Over millions of years the sediments were buried, compressed and became cemented by precipitation from mineral waters contained therein. The majority of limestones are composed of calcium carbonate. Dolomite limestones are chemically magnesium carbonate. Limestone that has a porosity of 5% and takes a full polish is termed hard limestone (i.e. travertine). Primarily used for flooring and bathroom vanities. Limestone is softer than igneous rocks such as granite, nevertheless it shares a timeless and monumental quality that is common to all types of stones. Limestone can have numerous fossil impressions that are well preserved. If a piece of stone has various shell or animal like impressions in it, there is a good chance it is limestone. Limestone tile makes a unique decorative statement in a variety of settings, and for a variety of uses too.
There are so many different materials to choose from when it comes to flooring, so why choose granet tile? To begin with, Limestone tile is a natural material that is millions of years old. Popular in the medieval period for the construction of castles, forts, and cathedrals (many of which stand today), limestone has been a workhorse in a reliable building material for thousands of years. Rugged, durable, yet with a refined beauty all of its own, limestone tile is gaining in popularity as flooring, and for use in exterior facades, lending an old-world appeal to residences and commercial property much in the same way as its close cousin travertine tile does. Limestone comes in various colors but most are shades of brown or tan, some leaning towards gray and red. All shades seem to fall into the earth tone color range. Limestone is becoming increasingly popular in the West and Southwest and also because of its natural earth-tone colors that coordinate in any environment. Limestone is used to produce magnificent kitchen countertops, limestone bathroom vanities, tile floors, stairs, limestone wall tile and even columns.
Cons for Using Limestone Tile
Limestone requires some care and attention in order to maintain its original appearance. Many stone tiles including limestone are porous in nature, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation, staining, deterioration, etc. Special impregnating or penatrating sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. We always apply sealers to any limestone applications. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth clean up most spills. Limestone is especially susceptible to damage from citric acids, alcohols, and oils. Vinegar is acidic and will leave a dull spot on limestone. Avoid the following acidic materials from coming in contact with your limestone: Vinegar, lemon, tomato and tomato sauce, bleach, coffee, urine, vomit, tile cleaners, X-14, toilet bowl cleaners, and cleaners with lemon. Let the professionals at Creative Tile assist you in choosing the proper products for cleaning and maintaining limestone. With proper care, your limestone's beauty will last for generations.
Creative Tile is a innovative San Diego based company fully equipped to handle all phases of Limestone, Stone and Ceramic Tile Installations as well as polishing and sealing, residential or commercial. We have been serving San Diego County and Temecula since 1999 and pride ourselves in providing personalized, professional service to achieve a top quality product, on time and within the budget specified. Whether you are considering remoldling your kitchen or bathroom or just looking to update you home, there are so many options and different materials to choose from. The tile experts at Creative Tile can offer expert advice on installation of interior or exterior custom flooring, countertops, back spalshes, fireplaces, showers, kitchens, bathrooms, balconies and more. Get a custom Free Quote today!