Ceramic tiles are made primarily of clay mixed with various minerals and water. This composition is then heated to solidify the product. Because ceramic tiles are porous the top surface is usually glazed which also determines the tiles finished colour, design and texture. The glaze protects the tile and can make it very durable.  When installed correctly and cared for the tile can last a long time and will not absorb odours, nor support allergens or bacteria making it ideal for splashbacks and bathroom walls.  Ceramic tiles are available in a range of floor and wall tiles as well as listellos and  mosaics. To determine the suitability of a ceramic tile you can go by its PEI rating. The higher the number the better the strength and/or durability (numbered between 1-5)
0-1       Wall tile
    2       Bathroom only
    3       Throughout house
    4       Light commercial
    5       Intense traffic
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PORCELAIN TILES

Porcelain tiles are composed of finely-ground sand which is pressurised and heated to an extremely high temperature. The density of the materials makes porcelain very strong and less likely to chip and with a water absorption of less than 0.5% it has become a very popular material to use. Being harder does however make the porcelain tile more difficult to cut and install requiring special tools. As with ceramic tiles porcelain are available in floor, wall, listello and mosaic tiles. All available in a large variety of textures, colours and patterns.
Many porcelain and ceramic tiles are often designed to imitate natural  stone such as marble and travertine. It is a great option for those who like the natural look but are on a budget or prefer a product that is lower maintenance. Click here to learn MORE  about the manufacture of porcelain tiles

TRAVERTINE

Travertine has been respected since Roman times as a building material and is recognised for its unique holey texture. Often used as flooring travertine lends itself to many domestic and commercial uses and is suitable for interior and exterior situations. Beautiful honed or tumbled finishes available filled or unfilled achieve an elegant old world appearance for any decorating style. The colour range is typically tan and/or beige shades but can be found in grey tones and other beautiful colours can be found but are rare. Travertine has been used in several major building constructions, one of the most well-known being the Coliseum in Rome. Travertine is harder than many limestones, and thus available in 10mm thickness making it easier to install with less effect on your floor levels. At Europica we have a selection of travertines including the silver travertine (as pictured), alabastrino with its unique characteristics and also a range from turkey. Most common sizes available are 406x406, 610x610 and 406x806.

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NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

MARBLE

Marble has been valued for thousands of years for its rich palette of beautiful colours and appearance and is suitable for most areas in the home. Marble stones consist of limestone that has undergone heat and pressure. A transformation process takes place when the weight of overlying material, pressure from crystal collisions and heat from the earth's core generate temperatures in excess of 1800ºF.Texture of marble depends on the form, size and uniformity of grains. The element components of marble determine the colour of the stone. One of the most commonly known of natural stones, marble is known for its vein pattern and large selection of colours, normally polished to a mirror-like shine. Often used in areas such as foyers, fireplaces and bathrooms, care does need to be taken when choosing marble for a high traffic area or kitchen countertops which may be exposed to etching substances or harsh chemicals. Marble in any application should be sealed with a penetrating sealer to prevent spills etc from staining the stone.  

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NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

LIMESTONE

Soft limestone stones are ideal for today's more casual and comfortable environments and have been used throughout the ages to achieve graceful designs in buildings. Generally these soft beiges and tans are suitable for bathrooms, fireplaces, counters and floors. Limestone is often used in building and construction because of its softness and manageability. It is a sedimentary rock that is formed at the bottom of lakes and seas, as organic matters settle to the bottom. As more and more layers build up over thousands and millions of years, adding more and more weight, the heat and pressure cause chemical reactions to take place to harden the sediments into solid stone.

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NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

BASALT

A natural product of volcanic activity, Basalt is a compelling charcoal grey material which brings added interest to any application. The polished surface of the tiles accentuates the naturally occurring flecks and veins which make basalt such an interesting and unusual product. Neutral deep grey tones make Basalt equally at home in contemporary and more rustic surroundings. Alternative finishes available include honed, a subtle matt surface excellent for flooring and flamed which gives a textured non-slip surface. Recently the polished basalt has become popular for creating a feature of fireplaces in old and new homes. We have just received samples of a new honed basalt called emerald with an interesting three dimensional metallic look.  It has received great interest because of its unique and original characteristics.

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NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

SANDSTONE

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of mostly sand. The sandstone formation involves two principle stages. Firstly the layer/s of sand accumulate as a result of sedimentation. Once they accumulate the sand then gets compacted by the pressure of overlying deposits creating sandstone. The most common materials found in sandstone are silica, calcium carbonate and iron. These materials determine the colour of the sandstone most commonly found in reds, browns, tans, grey, white and yellow. For example a sandstone containing iron will be red, carbons are normally brown and silicons will be black. Certain sandstones are resistant to weathering, yet easy to work with making this stone a popular choice for a building and/or paving material, particularly in New Zealand where it is able to withstand our harsh environments and is available in a large range of colours and sizes.

NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

GRANITE

Granite is an important structural and decorative stone. It’s used for immense structural work due to its high compressive strength and durability. It is the hardest structural stone. Granites rich colours, stiffness and density, make it an ideal choice for flooring, counter tops, vanities as well as exterior applications. Many stylish patterns and colours make granite the most versatile and trendy of all stones. It is also a very low-maintenance stone. Granite is composed of quartz, feldspars, micas and other minerals. These minerals contribute to the colour and texture of the granite stones. Granites get their wonderful variety of colours and patterns from minerals that are melted into the liquid mass as it is formed.

NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE

SLATE

The lively colours and unique texture make slates appropriate for interior as well as exterior applications. Slate is formed of compressed layers of sediments formed under ocean. Since it is formed in layers, it can easily be split to expose beautifully textured surfaces. The usual colours of slates are earthy browns, beiges, yellows, black, dark-greys, and greenish-grey, pinks, purples and copper are also found. They usually exhibit lot of variations even in the same quarry. Slates are used for flooring, cladding and landscaping.

NATURAL STONE LAYING AND MAINTENANCE