TRAVERTINE:
What is travertine?
Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs. Travertine often has a fibrous or concentric appearence and exists in white, tan, cream and even rusty coloured varieties. It is formed by a process of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. In the latter, it can form stalactites, stalagmites and other speleothems. If is frequently used in Italy and elsewhere as a building material.
Will the stone delivered match the sample I selected from?
Travertine, being a natural material will vary from shipment to shipment, in fact every piece is unique. However we employ people abroad who work with our suppliers to insure that Maniscalco Stone Travertine always meets our standards, both in shade and quality.
Is Travertine slippery when wet?
No floor covering is slip proof. Travertine however delivers are remarkably high resistance to slipping. Maniscalco Stone commissioned testing of its honed and filled travertine by an independent accredited laboratory, resulting in a Pendulum rating of W, which equates to an R10.
Does Travertine require sealing?
We recommend sealing in all cases. Modern sealers are easy to apply, long lasting products that minimize staining without altering the color and appearance of the stone. On the links section of this site, click on the Stone Tech Sealers link for further technical information.
How do I care for my Travertine?
Reseal as recommended by sealer manufacturer. In general use a mild detergent and water, avoid abrasive cleaners and pads.
How does Travertine compare to ceramic tile in regards to water absorption?
The standard for a common, monocottura (once fired) ceramic tile is less than 3% water absorption. Typically Maniscalco Stone Travertine has a 2.6 % absorption rate.
Does Travertine cost more to install than ceramic tiles?
Generally yes. Travertine requires some grading prior to installation to insure a blended result is achieved. During this process the installer also grades out any tiles that may have any abnormal blemishes or minor chipping. Always allow 10% for cutting and wastage.
What is natural stone?
In all cases, natural stone is a naturally occurring collection of chemicals and minerals formed into a dense mass. In most cases, it is in the form of a rock or a mountain or an under ground deposit. Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary stones are all used in this industry. The stone miners locate the desired stone, cut it into blocks, then slabs, and then pieces depending on the finished size that is desired. The texture is usually mechanically achieved by grinding, hammering, sanding, polishing, using heat, etc. Generally, the product is not assembled, added to, or laminated. Mosaics are an assemblage of many small pieces of stone mounted on a mesh sheet or other backing. Typically no coatings, colours, or sealers, are added to the product until after it is installed, if needed.
How is a natural stone formed?
It depends on the family of stone. Granite is an igneous rock. It is a collection of crystals that form during the cooling process of the magma just under the Earth’s crust. The size, shape, and colour of the crystals are determined by the chemicals present and the amount of time the granite takes to solidify. Limestone is a sedimentary stone. It is made of shells from plankton and corals laid down on the sea floor. As the sea floor meets the continental shelf, the shells are crushed and heated (subversion). The shells and corals fuse together under this pressure and are transformed into stone. Slate is a sedimentary stone that is laid down in delta areas and lake beds. Over time weight and heat, and possibly subversion, fuse the particles of mud together and form stone. Marble is a metamorphic stone formed from calcium based stones. Travertine, limestone, marble, and other local stones are mixed and subverted. Heat and pressure cause these components to fuse into marble. Travertine is a sedimentary stone that is formed in caves as minerals are deposited from water. It is also formed around hot springs and fumerals, and along the shore of some inland lakes.
Will holes in tumbled travertine make it harder to clean?
Yes, if the holes are left unfilled they will collect dirt. Usually the holes are partially filled during the grouting process with grout. Grout does attract dirt therefore a little more effort is required to keep the floor clean. A good sealing program will help reduce the cleaning effort. Otherwise you can purchase travertine tiles that have been pre-filled at the factory with similar coloured fill to that of the stone itself. This cuts out some steps on the installation and maintenance processes.
Is marble stronger than travertine?
In most cases, yes. However, both stones are made of the same calcium based minerals. Marbles are compressed and subjected to heat during their formation. This helps bond the chemical structure together, usually making the stone a little denser.
I like the colour of the sample. Will it all be the same?
That depends on the product you are looking at. For both man-made tile and natural stone, there can be differences in colour, texture and size of a product compared to the sample. Different stones have different colour variation levels from piece to piece or batch to batch. Ask you sales associate how much colour variation the product has. You may also be able to view multiple samples to get a good feel of how the product will look on a larger scale (i.e. once laid)
How do you determine the size of a tile to use for a project?
It is a personal choice. Usually a larger tile makes a room look bigger. So depending on the effect you desire, the size is related to aesthetics. Input from a designer or a tile contractor is helpful when in doubt.
What is the best way to care for natural stone?
Although all stones are composed of different chemicals and minerals and formed differently, there are some general rules to follow. (1) Regular cleaning with a neutral stone cleaner is recommended. Use cleaning products that don’t leave a residue behind. (2) Rinse with a soft wet cloth. Buff dry with a soft cloth. (3) Do not use acids or cleaners containing acids, oils, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive cleaners. (4) Always vacuum or sweep away dirt before mopping floors. (5) Use clean rinse water to pick up any remaining dirt from the floor. Rinsing with dirty water returns the dirt to the surface. (6) For best results, buff the floor dry with a clean soft towel. (7) We recommend a sealing program for all stone products with a high quality sealer designed for your stone type. Always ask you stone supplier if there is special care needed for your product.
Do all natural stones need to be sealed?
Yes, we recommend sealing in all cases, there are several types of sealers, the most beneficial is a penetrating sealer. Unless the supplier has a pre-sealed product, in this case follow their recommendations. If the stone is being used in a pond application, you may choose not to seal it. Most sealers are toxic to fish. For more detailed information, please see the Spirit Sealers & Cleaners page in the Links section of this site.
Do mosaics need to be sealed before installation?
The application of a construction seal prior to installation protects the stone from work site related stains. Pre sealing also assists the grouting process making the removal of excess grout easier.
Does stone stain easily?
It depends on the stone and the area of use. If you used an untreated stone like travertine, marble, or limestone on a barbeque top, yes it will stain easily. If you use granite on a bathroom vanity, it may never stain. Proper placement of the stone, sealing, and care will reduce or eliminate most staining.
Once a stone is stained can it be restored?
Yes, most of the time. One example of a method to remove the stain by using a poultice enzyme. This is a powder that is mixed with water to a paste consistency. The paste is applied over the stain and the enzymes in the poultice will “eat” the stain. This process may need to be repeated many times to get the desired results. For more detailed information on other methods, please see the Spirit Sealers & Cleaners page in the Links section of this site. There are also many marble and stone restoration companies that can perform this and a range of other services, one such company is SLIQUE - or more detailed information, please see the Slique page in the Links section of this site.
How do I get grout off the surface of my stone?
First, don’t let it dry on the surface of any tile or stone product. If this happens, it is very difficult to remove without damaging the tile or stone. Contact the manufacturer of the grout used on the job, or go to our Links section of our site & check out the products that Davco have to offer. They should have a grout remover. You must let them know what type of tile or stone you have installed so they can recommend a remover that won’t harm the tile or stone. The longer you wait to remove the grout the harder it will be.
What are the advantages of natural stone compared to porcelain tile?
The choice is really personal preference. Some people prefer the look and feel of natural stone over porcelain. Natural stone is the real deal; most of the fashion in porcelain and ceramic tile are a copy of some type of stone. Stone also adds to the resale value of a property. Natural stone has been used from the beginning of time for structural and decorative surfacing. Stone is more “green” than man-made tile. It takes the same amount of energy to quarry the raw materials for both processes. However, after cutting the stone and transporting it to its final destination the process is complete. With tile manufacturing, the many different raw materials are shipped to a factory and then processed into tile. There is a large consumption of energy and water to manufacture tile. The tile is then packaged and shipped to its final destination. During both manufacturing processes, all of the scraps, water, and waste are recycled in one form or another.
MARBLE:
What is natural stone?
In all cases, natural stone is a naturally occurring collection of chemicals and minerals formed into a dense mass. In most cases, it is in the form of a rock or a mountain or an under ground deposit. Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary stones are all used in this industry. The stone miners locate the desired stone, cut it into blocks, then slabs, and then pieces depending on the finished size that is desired. The texture is usually mechanically achieved by grinding, hammering, sanding, polishing, using heat, etc. Generally, the product is not assembled, added to, or laminated. Mosaics are an assemblage of many small pieces of stone mounted on a mesh sheet or other backing. Typically no coatings, colours, or sealers, are added to the product until after it is installed, if needed.
How is a natural stone formed?
It depends on the family of stone. Granite is an igneous rock. It is a collection of crystals that form during the cooling process of the magma just under the Earth’s crust. The size, shape, and colour of the crystals are determined by the chemicals present and the amount of time the granite takes to solidify. Limestone is a sedimentary stone. It is made of shells from plankton and corals laid down on the sea floor. As the sea floor meets the continental shelf, the shells are crushed and heated (subversion). The shells and corals fuse together under this pressure and are transformed into stone. Slate is a sedimentary stone that is laid down in delta areas and lake beds. Over time weight and heat, and possibly subversion, fuse the particles of mud together and form stone. Marble is a metamorphic stone formed from calcium based stones. Travertine, limestone, marble, and other local stones are mixed and subverted. Heat and pressure cause these components to fuse into marble. Travertine is a sedimentary stone that is formed in caves as minerals are deposited from water. It is also formed around hot springs and fumerals, and along the shore of some inland lakes.
Is marble stronger than travertine?
In most cases, yes. However, both stones are made of the same calcium based minerals. Marbles are compressed and subjected to heat during their formation. This helps bond the chemical structure together, usually making the stone a little denser.
I like the colour of the sample. Will it all be the same?
That depends on the product you are looking at. For both man-made tile and natural stone, there can be differences in colour, texture and size of a product compared to the sample. Different stones have different colour variation levels from piece to piece or batch to batch. Ask you sales associate how much colour variation the product has. You may also be able to view multiple samples to get a good feel of how the product will look on a larger scale (i.e. once laid)
How do you determine the size of a tile to use for a project?
It is a personal choice. Usually a larger tile makes a room look bigger. So depending on the effect you desire, the size is related to aesthetics. Input from a designer or a tile contractor is helpful when in doubt.
What is the best way to care for natural stone?
Although all stones are composed of different chemicals and minerals and formed differently, there are some general rules to follow. (1) Regular cleaning with a neutral stone cleaner is recommended. Use cleaning products that don’t leave a residue behind. (2) Rinse with a soft wet cloth. Buff dry with a soft cloth. (3) Do not use acids or cleaners containing acids, oils, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive cleaners. (4) Always vacuum or sweep away dirt before mopping floors. (5) Use clean rinse water to pick up any remaining dirt from the floor. Rinsing with dirty water returns the dirt to the surface. (6) For best results, buff the floor dry with a clean soft towel. (7) We recommend a sealing program for all stone products with a high quality sealer designed for your stone type. Always ask you stone supplier if there is special care needed for your product.
Do all natural stones need to be sealed?
Yes, we recommend sealing in all cases, there are several types of sealers, the most beneficial is a penetrating sealer. Unless the supplier has a pre-sealed product, in this case follow their recommendations. If the stone is being used in a pond application, you may choose not to seal it. Most sealers are toxic to fish. For more detailed information, please see the Spirit Sealers & Cleaners page in the Links section of this site.
Do mosaics need to be sealed before installation?
The application of a construction seal prior to installation protects the stone from work site related stains. Pre sealing also assists the grouting process making the removal of excess grout easier.
Does stone stain easily?
It depends on the stone and the area of use. If you used an untreated stone like travertine, marble, or limestone on a barbeque top, yes it will stain easily. If you use granite on a bathroom vanity, it may never stain. Proper placement of the stone, sealing, and care will reduce or eliminate most staining.
Once a stone is stained can it be restored?
Yes, most of the time. One example of a method to remove the stain by using a poultice enzyme. This is a powder that is mixed with water to a paste consistency. The paste is applied over the stain and the enzymes in the poultice will “eat” the stain. This process may need to be repeated many times to get the desired results. For more detailed information on other methods, please see the Spirit Sealers & Cleaners page in the Links section of this site. There are also many marble and stone restoration companies that can perform this and a range of other services, one such company is SLIQUE - or more detailed information, please see the Slique page in the Links section of this site.
How do I get grout off the surface of my stone?
First, don’t let it dry on the surface of any tile or stone product. If this happens, it is very difficult to remove without damaging the tile or stone. Contact the manufacturer of the grout used on the job, or go to our Links section of our site & check out the products that Davco have to offer. They should have a grout remover. You must let them know what type of tile or stone you have installed so they can recommend a remover that won’t harm the tile or stone. The longer you wait to remove the grout the harder it will be.
What are the advantages of natural stone compared to porcelain tile?
The choice is really personal preference. Some people prefer the look and feel of natural stone over porcelain. Natural stone is the real deal; most of the fashion in porcelain and ceramic tile are a copy of some type of stone. Stone also adds to the resale value of a property. Natural stone has been used from the beginning of time for structural and decorative surfacing. Stone is more “green” than man-made tile. It takes the same amount of energy to quarry the raw materials for both processes. However, after cutting the stone and transporting it to its final destination the process is complete. With tile manufacturing, the many different raw materials are shipped to a factory and then processed into tile. There is a large consumption of energy and water to manufacture tile. The tile is then packaged and shipped to its final destination. During both manufacturing processes, all of the scraps, water, and waste are recycled in one form or another.
METAL:
Can I use metal in a shower?
Yes, but not in all cases. Each metal reacts differently to moisture, the stainless steel mosaics are made from 304 grade steel so are suitable for exteriors, showers and splash backs. The glue holding the stainless steel capping to the ceramic tile is water proof. However the Copper mosaics will patina (darken / oxidise) over time. Topical coatings usually don’t stick to metal products. To slow the aging process, if desired, one can apply a light coat of a high quality non-abrasive Carnauba auto paste wax (or liquid metal polish) to the surface of the copper (NOTE: Abrasives are very common in auto waxes. Make sure there are no abrasives in the wax selected to protect your copper). When the wax dries, buff off. This procedure will reduce the exposure to air and thus slow (not eliminate) the aging process as long as the wax is not removed. Be careful not to get the wax in the grout. It may discolor the grout if it has not been sealed previously (with a penetrating sealer). Although very tough, all metals can scratch or dent. Use common sense when choosing the installation location.
How do I care for metal products?
Regular cleaning with a mild bathroom cleaner, window cleaner, or mild diluted dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge is recommended. Use cleaning products that don’t leave a residue behind. Rinse with a soft wet cloth. Buff dry with a soft cloth. Do not use acids or cleaners containing acids or oils, corrosive chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.
Do metal products need to be sealed?
Not normally. There are many metal and metal-like products in the market, but for our mosaics it is not needed. You may however seal the grout joints with a penetrating sealer to make them more stain resistant.
What should I avoid?
If you are installing Polished stainless steel mosaics you should use a non-sanded or super fine grout and the plastic film coating should be only removed just prior to grouting to ensure that the polished finish is not damaged in any way.
Are metal mosaics suitable for floor installations?
Yes, however they are best suited for low traffic areas & even then as a border or accent. They are metal so they will scratch and dent.
What adhesives should I use?
As both the stainless steel and copper mosaics are cappings laminated onto a ceramic body, any premium grade adhesive is suitable. Please click on the Davco page in the Links section of this site for further information.
GLASS:
Can I use glass on a floor?
In some cases yes. The glass is usually durable enough for floors, but it can scratch. It should not be used in the main traffic areas, but can be used as accents or borders. Please note that glass can be scratched.
Do I need to seal glass?
In most cases, no. The sealer will just sit on top of the glass, if it sticks at all, and may sealers cloud the look of the glass.
How do I cut glass?
To cut glass, please use a wet saw with a continuous diamond blade designed for cutting glass. Cut edges may be sharp and can be smoothed with a carbide paper or white rubbing stone. If another blade is used, the glass will shatter or splinter, regardless you should always wear eye protection.
Is all glass pool safe?
No, not all of our ranges are pool safe. The Gosford Glass and the Simpson Desert ranges are tested pool safe with the CSIRO, however the Great Barrier Reef range is not pool safe. The Aussie dream glass is not on a mesh backing, so if the correct adhesive and grout combination is used, it can be classified as pool safe, as it is the glue holding the glass to the mesh that is the issue when concerned with being pool safe – whether this glue is water proof or not.
What should I avoid when laying glass mosaics?
Avoid epoxy grouts if possible, as they set very ridged and it doesn’t allow for correct expansion & contraction. Avoid using a different coloured grout to that of the wall adhesive, as the glass is clear any difference in colour is visible where the grout meets the adhesive down the side of each mosaic. Avoid the use of Sanded grouts as they can scratch the glass, if care is not taken.
Will ultra violet light (the sun) fade the colour of the glass?
No, not for the Gosford Glass range as the colour backing on the glass mosaic is applied before it is fired in a kiln (baked on) at over 800o C, However our Aussie Dream Glass is a foil backed glass mosaic abd it has not being kilned so is subject to some colour change if used outside or in strong direct sunlight.