Category Archives: Natural Stone

Green Flooring

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IS4078RF-00017208-001Are you thinking of making a flooring purchase? Are you wondering if you can make that purchase and make it a green one at the same time? Green flooring is defined as any flooring that is sustainable, eco-friendly, contains recycled content, is recyclable, leaves a small carbon footprint or has low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compound).

Below are some things to consider when thinking green about flooring:

Cork

  • Cork is a harvested resource which is better than a renewable resource because only the bark is harvested from the tree.
  • Because of the way cork floors are made, they are considered a recycled product.
  • Cork trees are not damaged or destroyed when the cork is being harvested.
  • You can install cork floors with water based adhesives with low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Bamboo

  • Bamboo is a rapidly renewing resource (maturing in three years) that regenerates without the need for replanting.
  • To grow, it doesn’t need a lot of fertilization or pesticides

Carpet

  • According to the Carpet and Rug Institute: The carpet industry is minimizing carpet’s impact on the environment through the new “3 Rs” which stand for reduce, reuse and recycle.  When carpet reaches the end of its long life, it is reused to make new carpet or is recycled into a variety of products, ranging from roofing shingles and railroad ties to automotive parts.
  • Carpet fibers, dye, VOC emissions and recycled content are all factors that determine is a carpet product is green.
  • If you want to ensure that you are purchasing the lowest emitting carpet, adhesive and cushion, look for The Green Label and Green Label Plus from the Carpet and Rug Institute

Stone

  • It’s a natural product
  • Stone is a long lasting product so it doesn’t have to  be replaced often
  • It’s easy to care and maintain
  • Stone can be recycled and reclaimed

Hardwood

  • Hardwoos is a natural resource that is also renewable and recyclable
  • Suitable for a “healthy home” environment
  • Most forests are managed for replanting

Linoleum

  • Made from all natural, biodegradable materials that can be recycled
  • The natural raw materials used to create Linoleum are abundantly available
  • These raw materials are harvested or extracted with relatively little energy consumption.
  • Linoleum can be safely added to landfill refuse sites, where natural decomposition takes place.
  • Can be installed with water based adhesives that are low VOC or VOC free
  • Maintenance products do not include harsh chemicals

Ceramic Tile

  • More and more products contain recycled content
  • Tile is a long lasting product so it doesn’t have to  be replaced often
  • Requires little maintenance and cleaners are not harmful

Carpet Cushion

  • Can be made from100% recycled bonded cushion from polyurethane foam or 100% recycled content in Rebond Carpet Cushion, a bonded polyurethane product
  • Can be made with 97% recycled rubber for carpet underlayment
  • Can be made with no CFC’s, latex or chemical additives
  • Can be made with 100% recycled tire rubber carpet pad.  Withstands temperatures from 40 to 120 degrees.  Free of toxic materials such as PCB, mercury, and formaldehyde
  • Can be made from ground tire scrap rubber granules bonded with latex and 92% recycled tire rubber

Installation

Adhesives

  • Choose low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
  • Choose adhesives that do not contain formaldehyde
  • Choose adhesives that qualify for the Carpet and Rug Institutes Indoor Air Quality green label

The Importance of Sealing Granite

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IS4078RF-00019261-001Granite is still one of the most popular countertop choices for today’s kitchens and bathrooms. Because granite is an expensive item and one that you probably don’t intend to replace, you will want to take care of it so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.

You may be asking yourself, why is a sealer needed for a hard stone like granite? Granite is actually semi-porous and if left unsealed, stains can penetrate deep into the stone. Using a sealer allows the sealer to penetrate deep into the pores of the granite, filling them so that stains cannot penetrate  those pores.

Keep in mind that not all sealers are the same. There are topical sealers and penetrating sealers. To get the best job, you want to use a penetrating sealer.  A penetrating sealer fills the pores of the granite so that when a stain tries to fill those pores it can’t because the sealer is already there blocking the pores.

With granite sealers, you get what you pay for. Look for sealers with the longest warranty and generally the highest price tag. The higher priced sealers usually are better quality. Cheaper sealers can require more coats and more frequent applications.

The good news is, sealing granite is something you can do yourself. There are no tools needed, just the sealer, a clean cloth and your time. However, if doing it yourself is not your thing, you can certainly hire a professional to do it for you.

Like carpet cleaning, granite needs to be sealed annually. It’s easy to forget until you see stains that can have already caused permanent damage. You need to reseal every year because normal use and cleaning dissolves the sealer. For kitchens with high traffic and use, sealing may be required bi-annually.

How can you tell if you need to reseal? Simply pour some water on your countertop. If after half an hour your countertop does not turn dark, then your sealer is still working.

Protecting your investment is easy. Call your local retailer today to find the best sealing product for you. If you have another natural stone besides granite that needs sealing, there are products available for those as well.

Coverings 2009 Confirms There's No Slowdown In Technology's Impact On Tile & Stone Innovations

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01cottodeste1Coverings 2009 proved, as it has for the past 20 years, that it is a vital compass in pointing the way to the latest trends in tile and stone. There was no shortage of impressive and notable new products on exhibit here over the past four days of the annual exposition and conference.

New technologies have yielded many of the most exciting introductions. There were plenty of oohs and ahhs along the aisles of McCormick Place Convention Center, as well, in reaction to numerous new decorative styles and design concepts. With hundreds of exhibitors from more than 50 countries, Coverings reigns as a leading global marketplace where retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders can see the latest products, applications and innovations.

American-based StonePeak came to Coverings with breaking news appropriate for a week that coincided with Earth Day: It has invented a photocatalytic tile that features a micrometric layer of titanium dioxide, a treatment resulting in a tile that helps reduce pollutants, is self-cleaning and also anti-microbial. The Tile Council of North America, through its laboratory testing, confirmed this patented technology and the photocatalytic properties. StonePeak executives said the product, which is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, will be available this fall.

Several companies have mastered the technology to create ultra-thin tile slabs—most either 3 mm or 4 mm thick (1/8 and 1/6 inch, respectively). What’s astonishing about these porcelain additions are their laminate-like characteristics. They can simply be adhered over most existing surfaces, a cost savings, plus offer a low maintenance high performance cladding for exteriors as well as a rejuvenating topping for counters, cabinetry facades and other interior furnishings. Among those pioneering this breakthrough is Inalco, a Tile of Spain manufacturer, who introduced SlimmKer. Showing similarly progressive products were Ceramic Tiles of Italy companies, including Florim, which came to Coverings with Slim/4, and from Cotto D’Este, there was the Kerlite series, which includes a new style called “Buxy” that is being offered by Boffi as a finish option for its kitchen components. At Gardenia Orchidea, the 1/8-inch profile was shown in decorative tiles available in 13-x-13-inch and 6-1/2-x-13-inch sizes. This “Crystal Ker” collection included styles with a faux leather finish plus ornate motifs, some with glittering details.

Another significant outcome of technology is digital ink jet printing of porcelain tiles to create less costly more practical flooring rather than actual slate or exotic woods. Florida Tile, for instance, was showing “Legend,” which mimics slate, can go outdoors as well as in, and is available in large formats up to

24-x-24. Grespania also had a slate look-alike, “Zumaia,” while Tau took the faux wood look to a new level with “Deco,” imitative of zebrano. And, back at Gardenia Orchidea, a stunner was “Onice,” a series of both ceramic and porcelain tiles made to look like highly polished marble and marble mosaics.

Teeming With Textures

More than ever before, the textural effects achieved in tiles are extraordinary. Textiles and other soft goods have found their match in designs such as Interstyle’s “Castanets” glass tile pattern and Ragno’s “Textile” series, that could easily have been mistaken for a rug. Inalco tricked the eye with “Class,” a wall tile resembling the short hair texture of pony skin. Dekomer, a Turkish manufacturer, showed woven dimensional styles in limestone and marble. Brix tapped design icon Andrée Putman to create “Powder,” a finish in gray tones that is meant to have the appearance of low-pile commercial carpeting.

At Tagina, the concept was to translate the look of mother-of-pearl, and the results were spectacular, achieved, in part, by mixing convex and concave shapes to accentuate the pearlescent sheen. The collection, “Joe,” is offered in several surprising pastel hues plus nature’s neutral palette.

Subtler Metallics

Metallic finishes continue to be prevalent in fashion and home furnishings, but the trend is shifting from the bolder tones to more subtle, nuanced looks. This was clear at Villeroy & Boch, where its new “Aimee” gold tone tiles had a burnished finish accenting the swirling relief detail. Vitra, one of Turkey’s tile stars, sparkled with “Vogue,” a lurex-like design in pale gold and platinum color options. Century was stirring buzz with its patterned metallics that took on the look of exotic skins, such as zebra, snake and tiger, while the attraction at Adex was a “tufted” chrome look that could be personalized with a choice of tesserae “buttons.” Vidrepur’s new “Midas” collection of glass tiles were streaked with aluminum, giving them a rich sparkle and glow. But, beneath the glitz and glamour of this line is a serious environmental story, with 100% recycled glass plus recycled aluminum used in the production. In fact, the collective consciousness of most of the Coverings exhibitors seemed attuned to greener practices and products, with scores appropriating significant real estate in their displays to explain their eco-commitments.

Other Noteworthy Head-Turners

One can only imagine the possible designs evolving from the use of “MIX” micro-mosaics introduced by Brix. There are 2,304 of the tiny tile cubes attached to each 12-x-12-inch mesh sheet, and with a fashion-driven color range, this collection poses a fun challenge to any architect or designer.

For those appreciating vintage charm, the hand crafted terra cotta tiles from Tabarka, a Phoenix-based company, were irresistible. The worn patina finishes of the tiles suggested authentic antiques.

Stone Age came from Jaipur, India, with limestone wall treatments dramatically sculpted and with a reflective finish that is unexpected of the material.

The colorful and decorative motifs of the cement tiles from Aguayo, a manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic, are based on actual designs from Cuba that the company is helping to preserve in its “Cuban Heritage” collection.

About Coverings

Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. Now in its 20th year, Coverings has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting tens of thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and dynamic industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days and all free of charge.

In 2010, Coverings is set for April 27 to 30, and returns to Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703.683.8500.

Thanks to Nicole Janok for this post!

Coverings 2009 Confirms There's No Slowdown In Technology's Impact On Tile & Stone Innovations

Posted on by
1

01cottodeste1Coverings 2009 proved, as it has for the past 20 years, that it is a vital compass in pointing the way to the latest trends in tile and stone. There was no shortage of impressive and notable new products on exhibit here over the past four days of the annual exposition and conference.

New technologies have yielded many of the most exciting introductions. There were plenty of oohs and ahhs along the aisles of McCormick Place Convention Center, as well, in reaction to numerous new decorative styles and design concepts. With hundreds of exhibitors from more than 50 countries, Coverings reigns as a leading global marketplace where retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders can see the latest products, applications and innovations.

American-based StonePeak came to Coverings with breaking news appropriate for a week that coincided with Earth Day: It has invented a photocatalytic tile that features a micrometric layer of titanium dioxide, a treatment resulting in a tile that helps reduce pollutants, is self-cleaning and also anti-microbial. The Tile Council of North America, through its laboratory testing, confirmed this patented technology and the photocatalytic properties. StonePeak executives said the product, which is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, will be available this fall.

Several companies have mastered the technology to create ultra-thin tile slabs—most either 3 mm or 4 mm thick (1/8 and 1/6 inch, respectively). What’s astonishing about these porcelain additions are their laminate-like characteristics. They can simply be adhered over most existing surfaces, a cost savings, plus offer a low maintenance high performance cladding for exteriors as well as a rejuvenating topping for counters, cabinetry facades and other interior furnishings. Among those pioneering this breakthrough is Inalco, a Tile of Spain manufacturer, who introduced SlimmKer. Showing similarly progressive products were Ceramic Tiles of Italy companies, including Florim, which came to Coverings with Slim/4, and from Cotto D’Este, there was the Kerlite series, which includes a new style called “Buxy” that is being offered by Boffi as a finish option for its kitchen components. At Gardenia Orchidea, the 1/8-inch profile was shown in decorative tiles available in 13-x-13-inch and 6-1/2-x-13-inch sizes. This “Crystal Ker” collection included styles with a faux leather finish plus ornate motifs, some with glittering details.

Another significant outcome of technology is digital ink jet printing of porcelain tiles to create less costly more practical flooring rather than actual slate or exotic woods. Florida Tile, for instance, was showing “Legend,” which mimics slate, can go outdoors as well as in, and is available in large formats up to

24-x-24. Grespania also had a slate look-alike, “Zumaia,” while Tau took the faux wood look to a new level with “Deco,” imitative of zebrano. And, back at Gardenia Orchidea, a stunner was “Onice,” a series of both ceramic and porcelain tiles made to look like highly polished marble and marble mosaics.

Teeming With Textures

More than ever before, the textural effects achieved in tiles are extraordinary. Textiles and other soft goods have found their match in designs such as Interstyle’s “Castanets” glass tile pattern and Ragno’s “Textile” series, that could easily have been mistaken for a rug. Inalco tricked the eye with “Class,” a wall tile resembling the short hair texture of pony skin. Dekomer, a Turkish manufacturer, showed woven dimensional styles in limestone and marble. Brix tapped design icon Andrée Putman to create “Powder,” a finish in gray tones that is meant to have the appearance of low-pile commercial carpeting.

At Tagina, the concept was to translate the look of mother-of-pearl, and the results were spectacular, achieved, in part, by mixing convex and concave shapes to accentuate the pearlescent sheen. The collection, “Joe,” is offered in several surprising pastel hues plus nature’s neutral palette.

Subtler Metallics

Metallic finishes continue to be prevalent in fashion and home furnishings, but the trend is shifting from the bolder tones to more subtle, nuanced looks. This was clear at Villeroy & Boch, where its new “Aimee” gold tone tiles had a burnished finish accenting the swirling relief detail. Vitra, one of Turkey’s tile stars, sparkled with “Vogue,” a lurex-like design in pale gold and platinum color options. Century was stirring buzz with its patterned metallics that took on the look of exotic skins, such as zebra, snake and tiger, while the attraction at Adex was a “tufted” chrome look that could be personalized with a choice of tesserae “buttons.” Vidrepur’s new “Midas” collection of glass tiles were streaked with aluminum, giving them a rich sparkle and glow. But, beneath the glitz and glamour of this line is a serious environmental story, with 100% recycled glass plus recycled aluminum used in the production. In fact, the collective consciousness of most of the Coverings exhibitors seemed attuned to greener practices and products, with scores appropriating significant real estate in their displays to explain their eco-commitments.

Other Noteworthy Head-Turners

One can only imagine the possible designs evolving from the use of “MIX” micro-mosaics introduced by Brix. There are 2,304 of the tiny tile cubes attached to each 12-x-12-inch mesh sheet, and with a fashion-driven color range, this collection poses a fun challenge to any architect or designer.

For those appreciating vintage charm, the hand crafted terra cotta tiles from Tabarka, a Phoenix-based company, were irresistible. The worn patina finishes of the tiles suggested authentic antiques.

Stone Age came from Jaipur, India, with limestone wall treatments dramatically sculpted and with a reflective finish that is unexpected of the material.

The colorful and decorative motifs of the cement tiles from Aguayo, a manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic, are based on actual designs from Cuba that the company is helping to preserve in its “Cuban Heritage” collection.

About Coverings

Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. Now in its 20th year, Coverings has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting tens of thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and dynamic industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days and all free of charge.

In 2010, Coverings is set for April 27 to 30, and returns to Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703.683.8500.

Thanks to Nicole Janok for this post!