When searching for their next home, homebuyers have particular things in mind. They generally know how many bedrooms and bathrooms they want, what other rooms they would like to have, and the aesthetic or style they are most drawn to. It is not these things that truly sell a home, however. When comparing the various homes that are on the market, homebuyers are much more likely to be sold on details throughout the home that catch their attention when they tour through it.

This particular gorgeous home is an elaborate luxury living space made only more beautiful and comfortable by the thoughtful natural stone used throughout. This natural stone provides lovely detailing and enhanced functionality that make this home even more attractive—and therefore of greater value.

This picture depicts the stunning entryway of a luxury home. When entering, the first thing residents and guests see is the dramatic curving staircase to the side and the elaborate custom medallion in the floor. The travertine tile adds a warm natural look to the flooring, while the curved details mirrored in the medallion and wrought iron stair railing speak to the exquisite level of artistry and craftsmanship that will become even more evident throughout the home. The natural stone usage in the entryway immediately sets the stage for an elegant, classically luxurious home with a soothing, neutral color palette.

Of course, it is not the entryway of a home that holds the greatest value for prospective homebuyers. Though the first impression of a home is essential for conveying quality and value, it is the rooms throughout the home that will really convince a prospect to make a purchase.

One of the most valued rooms by prospective homebuyers is the bathroom. Industry experts place tremendous emphasis on the value of luxurious bathrooms, and recommend anyone who is interested in increasing their home value for future sale make luxurious and functional remodels to their bathroom. This home features an incredible soaking tub with a marble deck that perfectly pairs with the countertop. Granite flooring tiles and a dramatic granite and marble accent along the wall and tub deck give this master bath an indulgent, soothing atmosphere. Choosing the darker colors gives warmth and masculinity that does not overwhelm the space. The natural stone of the tiles allows for effective transference of warmth through the heating system to provide even greater comfort.

Research has shown that the most valuable room in a home for prospective homebuyers is the kitchen. This heart of the home is a central location for the family to spend time together, but also the hub for all entertainment done in the home. Homeowners who want to make the greatest boost in home value will make improvements to their kitchen. In this home the kitchen is given a warm, welcoming and luxurious look with the use of dramatic granite for the island, countertops and backsplash. The granite tile floor is of a lighter color and pattern, brightening the room and setting off the darker, complex coloration of the other stone in the room.

This incredible home is valued at just under $4 million. The impressive natural stone features making owning and living in this home comfortable and enjoyable, but also dramatically increase the resale value due to their beauty and function. Making natural stone improvements to a home can be costly, but can give an average of 70-80% return on investment. This is a massive return that gives major credence to the concept of enhancing a home with natural stone.

After a disturbingly long time at a historically low point, the housing market is finally experiencing an upswing. This gradual increase in the value of homes is considered a much healthier form of improvement than sudden, dramatic increases. Financial analysts are viewing the slow, but steady increase in the housing market is a strong indication of the improvement in future health of the economy of the entire nation. Homeowners are more focused on what this means for the value of their homes, and its implications for their investment portfolios and future financial stability. When the housing market dipped to startlingly low points, many homeowners saw the hard earned value of their homes decrease suddenly and intensely. This not only meant that their homes, which for many American families is the largest form of investment they possess, no longer held the same value as it did, but also meant should they choose to sell they would not as high a rate of return as they would in better economic climates.

Because the upswing in the housing market is gradual, financial analysts are recommending homeowners take this time to make improvements in homes they intend to sell to increase their appeal, and therefore their value. Making an investment into the perceived and functional value of the home now will mean greater returns when the home does sell. One of the most practical and effective home improvements that can be made is the use of natural stone. Marble and granite remodels enhance the beauty, functionality and comforts of a home, which are major selling points.

Some of the most effective uses of natural stone remodels for homeowners interested in selling their homes include:

• Marble accents around fireplaces
• Decorative marble or granite flooring in the entryway. This is especially impactful when patterns are created using different colors and variations of the stone are used
• Custom granite kitchen countertops in unique or interesting colors and patterns
• Marble countertops in the master bath
• A marble tub deck in the master bath
• Marble shower walls

When considering making these improvements on the home, homeowners should carefully evaluate their budget in comparison to the cost of the remodels and the potential increase in return when the house sells. They should remember the point of making these remodels is to increase the value of the home, which means they need to be perceived as high quality and attractive to potential buyers. If the homeowners have a limited budget, they should focus on a few exceptional quality improvements than trying to make many remodels and compromising on quality. For example, potential buyers are going to be more impressed by an incredibly beautiful kitchen created with unique granite countertops and a tile backsplash, than small pieces of low quality stone put throughout the home.

For any questions about this blog post and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Natural stone is already a coveted material in the home improvement and décor industry. Granite, marble, travertine and other natural stone give elegance, beauty and timeless luxury to homes that is expected to only increase in demand over the coming years. It is expected that the demand for natural stone decorative time will increase 6.7 percent each year through the year 2017. By that year industry experts believe the demand will top 3.2 billion square feet worth of decorative tile each year. These dramatic prospective gains are being attributed to an increase in spending within the building construction sphere. As the number of homes being built increases notably from their low number in 2012, the demand for new homes will increase just as dramatically. According to ReportsnReports, nonresidential building construction will also increase quickly in the coming years. The use of natural stone tile will be highly desirable in these applications due to their affordability and low maintenance requirement as compared to rugs or carpeting.

Natural stone is also expected to overtake porcelain as the most popular tile composition by the year 2017. This gain will be accomplished thanks to the increased demand for residential natural stone flooring. Homeowners frequently choose granite floor tiles when designing new homes or improving upon their existing homes. These tiles represent a visually appealing, highly durable material that reliably increases home resale value. Natural stone tiles are also beautiful and functional enough to be integrated into nonresidential buildings including stores, hotels and entertainment destinations. Choice of travertine or granite is popular for these applications as they are durable enough to withstand heavy use, but come in a variety of colors and patterns to give the space an attractive, customized aesthetic.

During the years between 2007 and 2012, porcelain was the only decorative tile material to see gains in demand. These demand increases are expected to continue through year 2017, becoming more popular in both residential and nonresidential applications. Porcelain tiles are in such high demand because of their incredible versatility and durability. These tiles can be manufactured to resemble a variety of other materials, including natural stone, but are available at a much lower price. Unglazed porcelain options also provide slip-resistance and durability which makes it a highly attractive option for nonresidential applications that will see a tremendous amount of foot traffic. The growth of demand, however, will be kept somewhat in control by the rapidly growing demand for natural stone as homeowners are more frequently selecting actual natural stone due to its richer, more beautiful appearance.

For any questions about this blog post and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Natural stone is one of the most sought-after home materials. Among these luxurious materials, Calacatta Gold marble is the most desirable. Sourced from Italy, this incredibly gorgeous fine stone was first made famous by the art of Michelangelo. Considered by many to be the finest marble available in the world, Calacatta Gold is an ideal natural stone to be used in a wide variety of home applications, though it is most commonly found in premium bathrooms, flooring and as accents around fireplaces. Its applications, however should be restricted to the interior of the home as it is not tolerant of freezing temperatures.

Like most other types of marble, there are many variations in Calacatta Gold marble. The application you plan for your marble will make a tremendous difference in the Calacatta you choose. There are several considerations to keep in mind. These include:

Finish

Calacatta Gold marble is available in both honed and polished finish. Polished finish is the smooth, glossy, shiny finish most people are accustomed to when it comes to marble. This finish is ideal for dramatic flooring and showers. The honed finish, on the other hand, does not have this high sheen. Rather, it emphasizes the natural, creamy beauty of the stone. It is more appropriate for subtle applications such as fireplaces. While the polished finish is generally easier to clean, the honed finish is a softer aesthetic that allows the finest detailing and veining of the marble to really be seen.

Color

Calacatta marble is characterized as very white with dramatic grey veining. Much rarer than other forms of marble, Calacatta is considered the utmost in luxury natural stone. The distinct, bright white background of the marble is ideal for lightening up a room and creating an airy, clean environment that belies the heaviness marble sometimes conveys.

Veining

The veining of marble is what gives the stone its personality and character. Because marble is naturally formed, the veining is unique across individual slabs of marble. Calacatta Gold marble is particularly interesting in that the usual grey veining contains thin strands of gold throughout. This adds additional visual appeal that makes this marble even more luxurious and coveted.

The veining in Calacatta Gold marble ranges from relatively soft to very bold and dark. Characteristic of this type of marble is the dramatic vein patterning that makes each slab distinct. Due to the strong patterning it is important designers take their time when putting together various pieces to create flooring or a backsplash. It can take several tries of rearranging and turning the individual pieces to find the ideal aesthetic and proper balance of the patterning.

When considering Calacatta Gold marble it is important to ask to see samples of the same lot to get a feel for the range of coloring and patterning. This will help you understand how the overall project will turn out.

For any questions about this blog post, calacatta gold marble and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Natural stone is an incredible way to add beauty, elegance and luxury to your home. Whether you are using marble to accent your fireplace or granite to create interest and visual appeal to your kitchen counters, these natural stones can dramatically enhance the look, value and experience of your home. If you have chosen to have these stones in your home, however, it is critical that you pay careful attention to their care and maintenance. Improperly cared-for natural stone can be irreparably damaged, necessitating costly and inconvenient replacements. Taking the time to care for your natural stone will ensure it will continue to provide a lovely detail to your home for years to come.

There are various considerations to keep in mind when preparing to clean marble or granite surfaces in your home. These natural stones differ in how dense, hard, porous and durable they are, which means it is essential that you understand not only which natural stone you have in your home, but how the natural characteristics of that stone impact the way it should be cared for on a regular basis. Choosing the wrong maintenance and care of techniques could result in abrasions, cuts, loss of sheen or even the degradation of the stone that would negatively impact its integrity and longevity.

Tips for Caring for Granite

Though granite is much less porous and more durable than marble, it is still susceptible to some staining and damage. This means that you should apply the utmost of care to preventing such damage to your granite surfaces. Many foods and household items could cause staining or discoloration on your granite services, and should be removed as quickly as possible. Using a soft, nonabrasive cloth, wipe up as much of the spell as possible and then use clean water and a neutral pH balance cleaner to remove any residue. Potable water and a neutral cleaner should be used also for periodic washing. Use small, circular wipes to clean the entire surface, and then rinse with clean water, being sure to remove all traces of your detergents. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe away any residual water, and then allow the surface to air dry before putting anything back on top of it. Once the surface is thoroughly clean, you may choose to apply a sealer to enhance the stain and damage resistance of the granite surface.

Tips for Caring for Marble

Marble is a much softer, more delicate natural stone and granite. The porous surface is much more susceptible to staining and discoloration as a result of spills or contact with certain household products. This means that caring for your marble is essential for ensuring it remains elegant and beautiful. Your marble needs to be washed only occasionally to prevent saturation of water and cleaners. Use clean water and mildly alkaline detergent for best results. Look for cleaners that specifically states that they are “soapless” as these cleaners help prevent filming and streaking on marble surfaces. Use hot water followed by your choice of detergent, and wash in small, circular strokes. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, nonabrasive cloth.

For any questions about this blog post, including granite or marble care, and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

In order to provide the most enjoyable and realistic shopping experience online, we have now enabled our customers to order FREE SAMPLES for any product found in our web site from granite tiles to marble tile.  We know the importance of seeing, feeling and visualizing what could become your most significant investment in your home: upgraded tile flooring, walls, countertops and more.

With this decision based around your own enjoyment as well as the potential resale value of your home someday, this decision is one that you should not take lightly.  As your online tile distributor, we understand all the factors leading up until purchase and our new free samples feature will allow you to make the best decision possible for you and your home.

HOW TO ORDER FREE SAMPLES

1.  To order free natural stone tile samples as well as all porcelain tiles, glass tiles, mosaic tiles and landscaping tiles, please visit our FREE TILE SAMPLES page.  This form will allow you to search and select any tile or product from our entire store catalog.  Once you select your desired product or tile, please fill out the corresponding information to complete your free samples request.

* We currently allow up to 5 tile samples per customer.

2.  Secondly, you can also visit any product page in our store and click the “ORDER FREE SAMPLES’ green button.  You will then be taken to the FREE SAMPLES PAGE to complete your request by providing the rest of the information listed.

* We currently allow up to 5 tile samples per customer.

At Stone Tile Liquidators, we are here to help you both before AND after your potential tile purchase.  We want to make this investment a smooth and satisfying experience as there’s no greater feeling than a successful home remodel without any headaches or aggravation.  That’s the commitment we make to our customers each and every day.  If you have any more requests as you embark on your first or fifteenth tile project, please call our tile experts at 1 (877) 770-TILE.

So you upgraded your floors using gorgeous granite or marble flooring, and now you want to make the most of it. With proper care and the right accessories, you can enhance the appearance of your floor and ensure its continued preservation for as long as you are in the house.

While you might not want to cover up a single inch of your beautiful flooring, there are advantages to taking certain precautions to protect against unnecessary wear and tear. Both granite and marble are extremely hardy and durable, making them ideal flooring materials. However, exposure to sand and salt and other things you might carry in on your shoes can cause abrasion and pitting to the floor over time. You can reduce this kind of damage by placing tasteful rugs in strategic locations, such as entryways and high traffic areas. With the right style of rugs, you will find that they actually accentuate the flooring rather than just covering it up.

Appropriate furniture can also make quite a difference in how striking your new floor looks in your home. Depending on the color and style of marble or granite tile you selected, you might prefer natural wood pieces or more modern designs. Regardless of your preferred aesthetic, it is advisable that you reduce the risk of scratching or marring the floor by placing foot covers on all your furniture and using sliders when moving your belongings around.

Cleaning your marble or granite floor is also an important part of maintaining and caring for it for years to come. You should avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater brush when possible due to its abrasiveness and likelihood of collecting potentially damaging debris from other parts of the house. A soft mop or broom will do the trick just as well without harming the stone or causing deterioration. Wash your floor regularly and always clean up any spills as soon as possible to maintain its luster and natural beauty. Only use products that are specifically designed for granite or marble to preserve the integrity of the stone and protect against damage caused by inappropriate or overly harsh chemicals.

Now that you finally have your dream floor installed, why risk letting anything diminish its natural regality and elegance? With appropriate accessories and regular care, you will be able to enjoy your new granite or marble floor for decades to come.

For any questions about this blog post, granite and marble floor tile and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Mosaics are one of the oldest art forms known to man as they even led to groups of people becoming a civilization. They have been used to decorate palaces, religious buildings, and bathhouses around the world for thousands of years. Typically, modern mosaics are made from glass or natural stone tiles that offer a durable, fade-proof finish in a wide selection of colors that range from muted, earth tones to rich, vibrant shades. Mosaics can be designed in abstract patterns or as detailed pictures or murals that tell a story.

You can use a single color palette to cover entire surfaces for an elegant, understated effect, or you can choose a mixed mosaic design that combines tiles of different colors for a more dramatic, artistic result. Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or a mixed mosaic aesthetic, glass and stone tiles are exquisite as the main showpiece of a room or as details and trim that accentuate the overall design.

Mosaic tiles are especially flexible, and give you the freedom to think outside the box and let your artistic side go a little wild. Due to their water-resistant nature and versatility, glass and stone tiles work exceptionally well as flooring or wall coverings in showers and spas or as a backsplash in the kitchen. But you don’t have to stop there. You can also use them to upcycle old patio furniture or coffee tables, create an artistic mural on an interior or exterior wall, update a tired looking fireplace, or add a visual frame to an interesting mirror or piece of artwork.

With mosaic tile, the possibilities are truly endless. Glass tile comes in a magnificent range of colors and is typically available in transparent or semi-opaque finishes that diffuse the light in different ways for unique and interesting effects. Stone tile is also quite varied, with a myriad of colors and textures depending on which natural stone you prefer. Granite, slate, travertine, and sandstone are some of the most popular materials for stone tiles due to the versatility of their inherently unique patterning.

Your mosaic will be a lasting art piece in your home, so it is a good idea to ensure you select a quality product when you start planning your tile purchase. Within a given batch, both glass tiles and stone tiles should have a consistent coloration with only minimal variations. They should also be well cut, with square edges and uniform thickness.

Mosaic tiling is experiencing a resurgence in both private homes and public spaces as an outlet for individual style and taste. So take the plunge! Release your creative spirit, and see what interesting possibilities you discover.  Your personal enjoyment of your home will be at an all-time high and your home’s value will only increase should you decide to sell someday.  Browse Stone Tile Liquidators’ full selection of mosaic tiles and feel free to request a free sample of our mosaic tiles here.

For any questions about this blog post, our selection of mosaic tiles and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Travertine is a trusted building material that has been used for thousands of years in the construction of important buildings and monuments, from the ancient Roman Coliseum to the breathtaking Sacré-Cœur in Paris. Due to its strength and natural elegance, it continues to be a favorite among discerning customers for use in modern design as both external facades and interior treatments.

Travertine is a type of limestone that develops at the mouths of hot springs, limestone caves, and other places where high concentrations of minerals can be found in the ground water. Historically mined exclusively in Italy, high quality travertine is now available from such diverse locations as Turkey, Iran, Peru, and Mexico, as well as some quarries in the United States. The source of the travertine influences its quality, color, and price due to the mineral deposits in the region and the labor and shipping costs associated with mining this natural stone.

Each piece of travertine has gentle pits and troughs that give it a lovely, earthy texture that works great for outdoor tiling in gardens and patios, as well as for use on shower walls, countertops, and interior flooring. Travertine tiles come in a variety of shades that range from pale bisque and ivory to warm brown and gold. These rich tones are a result of the unique organic compounds that compose that particular block of travertine.

Travertine tile is available in four standard finishes that offer a variety of looks, from a polished, shiny effect to a more rustic, textured presentation. The most popular style is the honed finish, which is an intermediate finish that nicely balances a smooth surface with a matte appearance for easy integration into many different design aesthetics.

When you purchase your travertine tile, it is important to know how to judge the quality of the products you are buying. Travertine comes in three grades: premium (first), standard (second), and commercial (third). Premium grade travertine is cut impeccably with a uniform thickness across the entire tile and minimal filler. Standard grade travertine is similar to premium grade, in that it is also well-cut and has uniform thickness, but the stone has more filler than what is found in a first grade tile. Commercial grade travertine is the cheapest option due to its imperfect cut, inconsistent thickness, and higher quantity of filler.

Regardless of which grade of tile you select, always verify that the product meets the standards for its grade and your intended use for it. Any given lot of good travertine tile should have a consistent color with minimal variations, no stains or markings, perpendicular side cuts with no sloping, and a filling that is made out of a hard resin with no porousness or use of inferior materials such as cement.

For any questions about this blog post, our selection of travertine tiles and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest. 

Congratulations! You’ve taken the leap and revitalized your kitchen with a sleek, new granite or marble countertop. Now, understandably, you want to enhance your investment even further by accentuating the luxurious, elegant look of your new countertop. There are numerous options for every budget that will provide just the right counterpoint to your recent kitchen upgrade.

If you have a generous budget, custom cabinets are an excellent complement to marble or granite countertops. Depending on the color and style of the countertop you selected, you will find that certain types of cabinets work better than others. For example, granite or marble in cool shades of gray or white will often look best with sleek, stainless steel appliances and light fixtures. White cabinets and plenty of glass also work well with this modern look. Conversely, earthy brown and cream shades of marble or granite are better paired with natural wood cabinetry and warmer lighting. Stainless steel appliances and accents look good in almost any kitchen, but coppery tones can be an unexpected and handsome alternative if you prefer a kitchen filled with rich browns and reds.

Even if you aren’t ready to invest in custom designed cabinetry just yet, the same principles apply to prefab cabinets and storage solutions. With the right attention to complementary design elements and color palettes, you can create a stunning kitchen look that is cohesive and inviting.

Lighting is another key way to draw attention to your granite or marble countertop. By choosing the right lighting and fixtures, you can emphasize the unique, natural patterns and colors found in the stone and enhance its lustrous shine. Under cabinet lighting is highly recommended for kitchens with marble or granite countertops because it reduces the shadowing caused by cabinets that is common with overhead lighting. Pendant lights or track lights are also good options for creating a gentle, spotlight effect that pulls your eye directly to the countertop. For any of these light fixtures, adding a lens over the bulb is a neat little trick for minimizing glare off the reflective surface of your countertop.

Regardless of your lighting and cabinetry preferences, the most important thing you can do to really show off your marble or granite countertop is to take good care of it. To minimize scratches, etchings, and unsightly stains, use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for granite or marble and promptly clean up any spills of acidic substances, like vinegar or tomato juice. If you properly care for your countertops on a consistent basis, they can last for decades to come.

For any questions about this blog post, granite and marble countertops and all of Stone Tile Liquidators’ vast catalog of natural stone tiles as well as glass, porcelain and so much more, call 1 (877) 770-TILE.  Don’t forget to socialize with us on Facebook,Twitter, Google+  and Pinterest.