Methods to Install Stone Cladding

 

 

Most homeowners are looking to enhance their living space by adding stone cladding, and another reason is that it protects both the interior and exterior walls with decorative stones. Stone cladding is durable and helps safeguard your wall against extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. It comes in various colours, textures, shapes, and sizes. The cost to upkeep stone cladding is less, and it is easy to clean. 

 

Direct-Adhered:

In this process, the stone will be cladded on top of your wall by using cement or glue. The direct-adhered technique is less expensive, easy to install and doesn’t require on-site drilling. A cement mortar is formed by combining cement filler powder with a liquid-based additive which is then applied to the back of the stone and the substrate. This method works well in light or thin stone cladding. Since the exterior elements can influence the functioning of the adhesive, this method is mostly used indoors.  

 

Spot Bonding:

In spot bonding, epoxy adhesives are used to clad stones on top of the wall. The epoxy adhesive uses only 10% of the area during installation, which creates a gap between your wall and the stone. This bonding protects your wall from efflorescence and staining because of the minerals present in the water. Sometimes, this spot bonding is used with mechanical anchors to give belts and braces approach to stone cladding for certain applications.

 

Mechanical Bonding:

Since mechanical bonding uses steel brackets, heavy-duty anchors and bolts to support the cladding which is embedded in walls, this will be a better choice for exterior stone cladding. The stones used for cladding should be thick and strong since this fixation involves drilling to attach the stones to the anchors. The mechanical bonding fixation method is one of the safest methods for installing stones which provides a high-level accuracy to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your house. Stainless steel combats corrosion and all weather conditions.

 

Aluminium Backing:

In aluminium backing, the stone to be cladded is mounted on an aluminium panel which is attached to the wall using rubber clips. For an impeccable stone cladding appearance, these panels are interlocked. It is cheaper and supports only lightweight or thin stone cladding.

 

The stone cladding prevents heat loss from inside to outdoors which acts as insulation to your wall. These stones can be used in kitchen backsplash, accent walls, bathroom, exterior walls and even an entire room. If you are looking to upgrade your wall with stone cladding, contact Marble Plus. Looking for Stone cladding in Sydney or Stone cladding in Brisbane Marble Plus helps decorate your wall with a durable and inexpensive stone that stands the test of time. Our immense experience in this industry has helped many clients achieve their desired look within a short time.

 

 

Benefits of using large wall tiles in bathrooms

 

 

Large wall tiles are getting extremely popular nowadays in residential applications. The large wall tiles bring a luxurious touch to your bathroom. The reason for its high demand is the spaciousness it offers, less maintenance and minimal grout lines. A 12” tile would have been regarded as a large format tile ten years ago. But nowadays, a tile is considered a large format tile if any tile is greater than 15”. These tiles come in rectangular and square shapes. Travertine, marble, granite, porcelain and limestone are the preferred choices as it gives an exotic look to the bathroom.

 

Minimal Grout Lines:

The eye-catching design element in large format tile is the less grout area. It provides more coverage which helps in achieving a crisp and unified look. This creates a wallpaper effect because of the minimal grout lines. Large-format tiles will serve as a good alternative for walls instead of wallpaper and paints. Take into consideration the grout joint width between your tiles during installation.

 

Less Maintenance Means Less Cleaning:

Since large format tiles have fewer grout lines, cleaning the tiles will be easy, resulting in less maintenance. Whether it’s a wall or floor tile, grout cleaning is always challenging. Cleaning grout lines has always been a time-consuming process, but that’s not the case in large format tile.

 

Modern Aesthetic Design:

The sleek and contemporary design of these tiles brings an aesthetic look to your bathroom. With the advancements in digital printing technology, the large format porcelain tiles can bring the look of natural stone, concrete, metal, wood or even fabrics. So with a variety of large format tiles, it’s now easy to create a sleek, modern and clean aesthetic look. It makes the bathroom look bigger with the minimal grout lines, which often distracts your eyes. Using large format tiles horizontally in your bathroom creates the illusion of space being wider. Vertically installing large format tiles will give an exaggerated look.

 

Only a Little Time Spent on Installation:

Another great advantage of using large format tiles is, it reduces the installation time. Since the larger porcelain tiles require only a small number of sheets, making it easier to assemble tiles, reducing installation time.

 

Keep these things in mind when you plan to design your bathroom with large format tiles. If you are planning to use large format tile for your bathroom, hire professionals like Marble Plus. With their vast experience in this field, they can guide you through this entire process with no effort. Being Australia’s one of the biggest tile shops in sydney, they know which tiles work best for this design. Please feel  free to talk to our tile suppliers in sydney for more details.

Best tiles for Indoor & outdoor spaces

 

The indoor and outdoor flooring should complement each other to bring out the hidden beauty of a home. The outdoor flooring style is getting more popular these days, so choosing the best outdoor tiles in Brisbane can be a hectic process. So it is essential to know which tiles work best under different conditions before selecting the tiles during renovation or construction of a new home, industry or organisation. When choosing the tiles, one should consider these things, such as durability, appeal, colour, size, maintenance, usage and resistance to water, stains and slipperiness.

 

For Indoor :

 

Mosaic Tiles:

Mosaic tiles add beauty and bring vibrant colour to the house. These tiles usually come in small sizes, which helps bring the impact into this design. Apart from natural stone tiles, such as marble and limestone, porcelain, ceramic and glass, are also used to bring a mosaic pattern. Mosaic tiles come in various finishes, shapes, colours and patterns, which encourages the builders to experiment with endless possibilities of design. One can find these tiles in walls and floors of bathrooms, pools, kitchen and indoor flooring.

 

For Indoor and Outdoor:

 

Porcelain Tiles:

 The durability of porcelain tiles makes them an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Since these tiles are non-porous, they prevent liquid penetration. A damp cloth and detergent water are ample to remove stains, while gentle sweeping is enough to remove debris or dust from the tiles. The absorption rate of porcelain tiles is less than 0.5% which makes it frostproof and never cracks during the cold season. When compared to porcelain tiles used indoors, the porcelain tiles used for outdoor flooring are thicker, and these tiles offer various textures, thereby making them slip-resistant during rainy seasons.

 

 

Natural Stone Tiles:

 Natural stone tiles are suitable in almost any type of indoor or outdoor applications, such as terraces, patios, walkways, driveways, bathrooms, kitchen, etc. These stones come in different colours, such as beige, grey, blue, cream, Nordland black and silver and sizes. The hardness of natural stone withstands heavy foot traffic and extreme climatic conditions if sealed well, and tiles with rough texture make it slip-resistant. The unique natural patterns found in natural stone tiles add a classic and luxurious touch to your house. Marble, granite, bluestone, limestone, travertine, sandstone are the most commonly used natural stones.

 

Choosing the right tile ensures safety for your family and enhances the value of your property. Knowing the drawbacks and benefits of each tile will help you lower your maintenance cost. Marble Plus, a tile shop, supplies a wide variety of high-quality stones and indoor. Looking for Outdoor tiles in Sydney or  outdoor tiles in Brisbane. Our experienced and skilled team members will guide you in every way to enhance both the look and value of your home. 

Are certain tiles more likely to add value to your home?

 

The right type of tiles can add more value to your home, especially natural stones. Its durability helps withstand the test of time, giving an aesthetic appeal. Investing in natural stone for indoors and outdoors design may seem expensive, but it will be a return on investment during resale. People shift to natural stones because of their affordability when compared to the old days. It is necessary to use these natural stones at appropriate places in your home to reap the most benefits. Most tile shops in Brisbane offer a wide variety of natural stones.

 

Kitchen:

The kitchen serves as the focal point of your home, which draws a lot of foot traffic. All the loving memories and fun starts at this place. So, enhance its look by using natural stones for flooring, backsplash and countertops. Honed black granite creates an exotic look, whereas a quartz stone worktop creates a charming look and offers more vibrant colours. Marble complements the overall appearance with its unique vein design that can’t be achieved with other materials. 

 

 

Bathrooms:

The reflections produced in natural stones give a unique beauty to your bathroom. The look of marble in the bathroom creates a luxury and antiquity look and also is highly durable. Though marble comes in different patterns, colours and shapes, the white gives a pristine effect while the darker shades give a bold effect. Quartz will be a good alternative for bathrooms, especially for vanity countertops. Its non-porous nature makes it more durable and prevents the growth of mould and mildew in your bathroom.

 

Outdoors:

Stunning travertine, marble and limestone are the best choices when it comes to outdoors. Since the outdoors face harsh weather conditions, it is necessary to place the right tiles for longevity.  Marble, travertine and limestone can sustain these conditions due to their durability. It stays intact even on high automobile or foot traffic areas. It all suits well in walkways, driveways, pool surrounds, patios and decks, adding a contemporary look to your house structure.

 

The maintenance of natural stones is less because they need only a gentle wipe with water and a soft cloth. With proper upkeep and sealing, the natural stones will stay in their pristine condition. If you need any assistance from a professional Stone tiles Suppliers in Brisbane, contact Marble Plus. With their vast experience in this industry, they can help choose the right natural stone to elevate the beauty and value of your property.

 

About Stone Pavers

 

Stone pavers are the best choice when it comes to paving your outdoor space. For an easily accessible surface in driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks, stone pavers help achieve perfection. The traditional types of patio slabs are made from natural stone materials like limestone, marble, travertine and granite. The variety that natural stones offer blends with your landscape design style. Each stone has its unique characteristics, and a wide variety of  textures, colours or patterns.

 Limestone:

The limestones make a unique beauty because of their unique patina created by traces of fossils, and it is the hardest of all sedimentary rocks. For regions with diverse weather conditions, limestone will be an ideal choice for outdoor spaces. It requires sealant application due to its porous nature. These stones come in beige, buff-grey, blue-black and blue-grey.

 

 

Travertine:

 Travertine tiles blend cordially with your landscape style, contemporary or traditional, by their spectrum of finishes, warm natural hues and sizes. Travertine tiles are used around pools, patios and walkways due to their heat resistance feature. 

 

Marble:

 Marble enhances the surrounding with its luxurious look, which is derived from the metamorphism of limestone. The layers and impurities found on marble are created by pressures giving it a beautiful look. These stones are available in many colours, from white to blues and earth tones.

 

Stone pavers offer a wide range of finish options to bring out the best look. Choose the finishes that suit your yard landscape design.

 

Polished: The glossy finish effect on natural stones emphasizes the crystal and natural colour of the stone. It repels moisture due to its high gloss polish which seals off the porous.

 

Saw-Cut: When compared to the honed finish, this is more slip-resistant. Some saw marks can be noticed on the surface.

 

Honed or Sunblasted: Since it’s less slippery, this is considered the best outdoor alternative to a polished stone patio. The smooth satin finish gives an elegant look but is not shiny.

 

Tumbled: In this method, newly cut stone pavers are rolled to create a well-used texture and patina. People who want an old or classical style architecture can opt for this stone.

 

Antiqued: This finish is for people who are looking for reclaimed old material style, like the popular used brick style. The antiqued finish undergoes sandblast and acid wash to give this old-style finish.

 

Knowing the finishes and type of natural stones helps choose the correct stone for your house or organisation. Let the professionals like Marble Plus handle this natural stone paving. With its highly skilled team, Looking for Pavers in Sydney or Pavers in Brisbane? Marble Plus has created extraordinary projects gaining a lot of popularity. Contact Marble Plus if you are planning to decor your house or organization with natural stone pavers.

10 frequently asked questions about porcelain tiles

 

 1.    Is there any difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles can be used for both residential and commercial spaces. It is less likely to scratch and has the ability to withstand wear and tear for a prolonged period. Ceramic tiles provide more colour and pattern options with a durable glaze finish. These tiles are suitable for less or moderate foot traffic areas, and their high water absorption rate makes them less frost resistant.

 

The water absorption rate in porcelain tiles is lower than ceramic tiles making them frostproof. These tiles work best from low to high foot traffic areas in both residential and commercial spaces such as mall, office and airport spaces. The glazed finish porcelain tiles are harder, making them more damage resistant than ceramic tiles. These tiles are available in unglazed, matte and high polish finishes.

 

2.    What is the difference between full-body tiles, unglazed and glazed?

Glazed means the tile is coated with liquid glass and is baked at high temperatures. The glaze also protects the tile from stains and offers a wide variety of designs, textures and colours. On the other hand, the unglazed tiles are not coated. In full-body porcelain tiles, the surface colour extends throughout the tile.

 

 

3.    Can floor tiles be used on the wall?

You can use floor tiles on the wall, and it is not advisable to use wall tiles on floors because they are not designed to be load-bearing.

 

4.    Can porcelain tiles be used outdoors?

Yes. Since porcelain tiles are rigid, stain-resistant, and durable, they are used in the kitchen, bathroom, hall, foyer, driveway, etc. It can also withstand snow, rain and extreme weather conditions.

 

5.    Is it possible to tile a new tile on an old tile?

Yes, it is possible to fit a new tile on an old tile. Keep in mind that the existing surface should provide a good grip and are still adhered well to the substrate.

 

6.    How to clean the tile?

Use water and a soft clean cloth to clean the tiles instead of abrasive cleaners. Or simply dry sweep if you want to remove dust and dirt.

 

7.    How often should I clean the tile?

As dirt and grime quickly build up in the kitchen, it is advised to clean the tiles every 2 to 3 days, whereas clean the floor and bathroom tiles once a week. Use mats or rugs in high foot traffic areas to prevent dirt from building up.

 

8.    What is a rectified tile?

Tiles that are cut or sawed after the firing process to get the exact edge and dimensions is a rectified tile. This results in minimal grout lines making the joints between the tiles almost seamless.

 

9.    What is a PEI rating?

Based on the tile’s surface enamel resistance to abrasion, the Porcelain Enamel Institute(PEI) gives a rating called PEI rating. The rating varies from class 0 to 5 according to its properties.

 

10. Can I cut or drill a porcelain tile?

Yes, you can. Use a rail cutter for a straight cut in porcelain tile. For more intricate shapes, use an electric cutter that has diamond coated blades. 

 

When it comes to Porcelain Tile Shops In Brisbane, Marble Plus® – Australia’s Leading Tile shops. We’ve supplied high-quality Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles since 1987.
Porcelain Tiles are a beautiful and popular choice for many applications around home, retail and other spaces. A highly regarded option for walls, floors and more, it brings a sense of luxury to bathrooms, living rooms and even whole houses. They provide a great option of an interesting feature piece due to their unique veining and colours. Everyone loves marble!
Marble Plus® have been considered one of Australia’s leading Porcelain Tiles Suppliers since 1987. With showrooms in Brisbane and Sydney, we’d love to learn more about your requirements and suggest the best solution.