Natural Stone Tiles Buying Guide
Natural stone tiles are cut from quarried rock such as marble, travertine and limestone, so every piece has its own colour, veining and texture. This collection includes honed Cottesloe marble mosaics and tumbled stone subway and square tiles, suited to feature walls, splashbacks, vanity walls and covered outdoor areas.
What types of natural stone tiles are there?
The Cottesloe range is honed marble mosaic in three shapes: 23mm penny rounds, 35 x 150mm herringbone and 50 x 130mm feather. It comes in stones including Calacatta Gold, Carrara White, Carrara Grey, Nero Marquina, Ming Green, Norwegian Pink, New Grey, New York Stone and Blue Sandstone. The tumbled range is a 50 x 200mm subway tile, 10mm thick, and a 100 x 100mm square, in beige travertine, white limestone, grey woodstone and Calacatta Gold marble.
What is the difference between honed and tumbled stone?
Honed stone is ground to a smooth, matte surface without the shine of polished stone, and it has crisp edges. Tumbled stone is rolled with grit to soften the edges and give an aged, slightly worn surface. Honed suits a refined, modern look, while tumbled suits a rustic, Mediterranean or relaxed coastal room.
Do natural stone tiles need sealing?
Yes. Natural stone is porous, so it should be sealed before grouting to stop adhesive and grout discolouring the surface, and sealed again after installation. Resealing every few years, depending on use, keeps the protection working. Sealer reduces staining but is not a waterproof membrane, so wet areas still need proper waterproofing beneath the tiles.
Where can natural stone tiles be used?
Walls are the easiest place for stone, such as a splashback, shower wall, vanity wall or fireplace surround. The tumbled tiles are listed for indoor and covered outdoor areas. Stone floors need more care with finish, sealing and slip resistance, and some stones such as marble can etch from acidic spills. For a kitchen floor or busy wet area, a stone-look porcelain gives a similar look with less upkeep. A benefit of real stone is that it can be professionally re-honed to refresh a worn surface.
How much variation should I expect?
A lot, and that is part of the appeal. The Cottesloe mosaics and tumbled tiles have a V4 rating, meaning substantial variation in colour and texture. Open several boxes and mix sheets as you lay them so lighter and darker pieces spread evenly. Order extra for cuts and to allow you to set aside pieces you prefer not to use.
How do I grout and clean natural stone?
The sharp-edged Cottesloe mosaics suit fine grout joints of 3mm or less, with a matching or near-matching grout. Clean stone with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner on a soft cloth or mop. Avoid vinegar, lemon, bleach and other acidic or harsh cleaners, which can etch marble and limestone and break down the sealer. Wipe up spills such as wine, oil and coffee quickly.
Completing the room
See more in tumbled natural stone tiles, mosaic tiles and herringbone tiles, or compare the look in porcelain with marble look tiles and travertine look tiles at The Blue Space.
