FHM

Q1. What is limestone?

A. …a rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral). It is consistent, usually soft and earthy in colour. Limestone varies in hardness, density and porosity. It comes in slabs and tiles with different surface finishes: flamed, honed, polished and tumbled. Requires sealing.

Q2. What is marble?

A. …a limestone that is more or less crystallized by metamorphism, that ranges from granular to compact in texture, that is capable of taking a high polish. Comparing to granite, marble is a much softer stone. Requires sealing and special maintenance. Comes in variety of colours, from creamy or earth tones to very dramatic colorful looks. Often used for vanity tops, shower jambs, fireplaces, sometimes for kitchen countertops.

Q3. What is granite?

A. ...a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or micro line. Granite’s characteristics: highly durable, resistant to abrasions, scratches and heat. Available in hundreds of colours, patterns and texture. Perfect for kitchen countertops as well as flooring, window sills, shower surrounds, islands, fireplaces and bar tops.

Q4. What is slate?

A. …a dense fine-grained metamorphic stone substance produced by various sediments (as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage. Slate is durable and impervious to heat. Very dense so not as porous and susceptible to staining. Low to medium absorption of oils and other liquids.

Q5. What is CaesarStone?

A. …is a quartz-based surface, manufactured through a highly advanced process. CaesarStone’s unique characteristic: superior strength and flexibility, high heat resistant, highly scratch resistant, resistant to chipping and cracking, impervious to stains, resistant to many chemicals, acids and solvents. Comes in variety of unique and scintillating colours.

Q6. What is ceramic tile?

A. …a mixture of clays, molded into a shape and fired at high temperatures – resulting in a hard body. This hard body may be left untreated or it may receive a glazed wear layer. All the raw materials that go into making ceramic tile come from the earth, including the colours of the glaze.

Q7. What are porcelain tiles?

A. …they are generally unglazed tiles that are made up of a very fine mixture of clays, similar to those found in Chinaware. Their most outstanding feature is their density. They are impervious tiles that absorb from zero to one-half-of-one-percent moisture, making them as tough as granite.