Why choose granite?

Granite has been used by man since ancient times as a building material.

How do I maintain my granite?

We offer a line products specifically designed for the care of your granite countertops. Additionally, you may use warm soap and water or mild household cleaning agents. Avoid strong chemicals and solvents. Do not use nail polish remover, permanent markers, inks, oil soaps, furniture cleaners or paint strippers on your countertops.

Will my granite scratch?

Granite countertops are extremely hard surfaces and very resistant to scratching. Only diamonds, sapphires, and topaz are harder, which means granite is extremely durable and able to withstand scratches and long term wear. The top should not be used as a cutting surface.

How do I care for my tile?

One of many great things about ceramic tile is that it requires very little maintenance. To keep your tile looking its best, year after year, here are a few important DOs and DON'Ts.

DOs

  • You should clean your tile with a damp sponge mop, using a small amount of soapless detergent in warm water.
  • If you use a cleaner, make sure it's neutral - non-acidic and non-alkaline.
  • Where soil is more concentrated, use a cleaner made specifically for ceramic tile.

DON'Ts

  • You should not use soap on tile. It leaves a film which dulls the surface and promotes mildew.
  • You should not use an acid or ammonia-based cleaner, because it could affect the color of the grout. Acid-based cleaners will cause polished marble tiles to dull. You should not use bleach or vinegar and water - vinegar is an acid.
  • You should not use steel wool pads or any abrasive on tile or stone. These materials can scratch or dull the surface. Any loose particles of steel left on the grout will cause rust stains.
  • Tile, Grout and Stone require different types of maintenance. For complete details on protecting, cleaning, and solving problems with these surfaces please visit the Aquamix website or visit one of our locations for a complete line of products.

I hear a lot about porcelain tile. Can you tell me more about it?

You may have heard the term porcelain tile. This refers to tiles, which are made from special clays and have been fired at very high temperatures. This process vitrifies the tile, which makes it very hard, like glass. This also makes the tile dense and strong.

There are two main types of porcelain tile. Glazed porcelain and through-bodied porcelain.

Glazed porcelain has a body made of the porcelain material and then a glaze is applied over the surface much like a regular ceramic tile. It is fired in a kiln and the result is a very strong-bodied tile. Many tile manufacturers are switching their production to porcelain bodied tile because for a slightly higher cost, they can produce a superior grade tile.

Through-bodied porcelain does not have a glaze. The clay is pressed and then fired. It may have texture and color applied to the surface before firing but it is still the porcelain material from top to bottom. The result is a strong tile that can withstand extreme surface traffic. There is no glaze that can wear off. If the tile chips, the same or similar color is underneath.

Tile Comparison:

  • Through-bodied Porcelain
  • Strong and Dense Tile
  • Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use
  • Usually Slip Resistant unless polished
  • Superior Scratch & Chip Resistance
  • Similar color throughout if chip occurs
  • Choices may be limited
  • Material should be sealed

Glazed Porcelain:

  • Strong and Dense Tile
  • Freeze/Thaw Stable for Exterior Use
  • Many Choices in Color and Style
  • Superior Stain Resistance
  • Only seal if glaze has been polished
  • Regular Ceramic Tile
  • Average strength & density
  • Acceptable for all indoor residential uses
  • Many Choices in Color and Style
  • Superior Stain Resistance
  • Only seal if glaze has been polished
  • Usually less expensive than porcelain

What about natural stone tile?

Stones of the past seem to be the future!

Stone is a product of nature and its appearance is a result of millions of years of geologic change and mineral composition. Extreme color variations, as well as variations in veining, shade, finish, texture, strength, hardness and density are all characteristics of natural stone. Some stones may contain a resin filler to fill in the natural fissures or pits in the stone's surface. Special care is required for maintaining natural stone. Check with a local sales representative regarding the special needs for your stone selection. With proper care, its beauty will last a lifetime.

Granite:

  • (Igneous Rock) Granite began as liquid magma in the earth's core and is comprised mainly of quartz, feldspar, mica and other minerals. It's high compressive strength, hardness and durability make it an ideal choice for flooring and counter tops as well as exterior applications.

Marble & Onyx:

  • (Metamorphic Rock) Marble is formed from Limestone that has been heated by the earth's core and changed into a crystalline structure. It is valued for its rich, beautiful colors and unique veining.

Limestone:

  • (Sedimentary Rock) Limestone is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate and is the result of millions of years of sea shells and bones of sea creatures settling on the ocean floor. You can sometimes notice the fossils when examined closely.

Travertine:

  • (Sedimentary Rock) Travertine began as Limestone and is a result of hot springs in the earth's core. After the water evaporated, the layers of dissolved limestone and minerals gave the stone its banded appearance. The characteristic holes in the stone are a result from gas bubbles which evaporate and form crystals in the cavities. These cavities are sometimes left as is for a more rustic & antique look or filled with a tinted epoxy and honed for a more solid surface effect.

Slate:

  • (Metamorphic) Slate is formed from compressed layers of the sedimentary rock shale that can be split to reveal beautiful colors and textured surfaces. Slate can be split and left with its natural cleft surface or gauged for a more consistent thickness.

Antiqued:

  • This can mean different things to different manufacturers.
  • The surface is usually brushed or honed with different pads, creating an old look.
  • Sometimes the surface is acid washed, exposing a dimpled surface (this works especially well with travertine).
  • The edges tend to have a chipped or tumbled look. Basically the stone looks like it's been around a while.

Brushed:

  • Wire brushes are used on the surface to create an undulated look.

Chiseled:

  • There are various methods used to produce this look, but basically the edges come out chipped. Generally the surface of the tile is honed or brushed.

Honed:

  • A matte surface is created similar to polishing, minus the last few pads.

Polished:

  • Pads are used to create a glossy sheen on the surface of the stone.

Tumbled:

  • Stones are put in a big cylinder and tumbled with other stones and smaller stones to create a rounded edge and softer finish.
  • Length of time in the "Tumbler" determines how rounded the edges are.
  • Softer stones, such as travertine, tend to have a more rounded edge than harder stones, such as marble.