What sizes are marble tiles available for marble tile from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 12:42:49
Answer
Standard marble tile sizes include: 12x12x3/8, 18x18x9/16, 18x18x3/8 24x24x3/4.
152
How durable is marble?
2007-12-20 12:43:15
Answer
Marble has been counted on for centuries by cultures across the globe to last as flooring, wall tile, and other surfaces. Although marble is susceptible to acidic substances and metal abrasion, it remains to be a surface to be counted on to look great for years, given that a cleaning and maintenance regimen is incorporated to make sure it retains its original look. Sealing the surface of marble with an impregnator can help to do this, and to make maintenance a much easier job.
153
What do I need to consider when buying marble?
2007-12-20 12:43:45
Answer
Make sure that your choice in marble tile has been appropriately gauged (its edges are perfectly square) and calibrated (the back of each tile is made entirely flat). This will make it easier to install from tile to tile. And when you order marble tile, expect color variation. This is a natural product, the color of which has been determined randomly depending on which mineral content makes up each batch when the marble is formed.
You can use this subtle color variation to your advantage when it comes time for a trial layout. Open all boxes in your shipment and see the range of color variation that can be seen in your particular batch. This is a great way to determine what you want in terms of overall look. And this leads to a finished marble project that is unique to your installation.
154
What about samples? Will they match my order?
2007-12-20 12:44:11
Answer
Samples are a great way of finding out if the marble you''re interested in is what you''re really looking for. But, because there will always be variation in terms of both color and surface pattern, a sample should be viewed in the broadest terms only. This means that the colors you see in your sample is a very general guide as to how the marble in your order will look. Aside from this, a sample can give you ideas about textures, weight, and durability before you buy. In this, ordering samples is a great idea.
155
Are cracks and pits to be expected?
2007-12-20 12:44:42
Answer
Minute crack-like patterns in marble are a feature of the stone. One way to make sure that your marble will stand up to foot traffic and moisture is to make sure it''s sealed. Otherwise, what is referred to as the veining in marble tile is due to the various minerals that have become trapped in the body of the marble over millions of years, formed by underground water sources. This accounts for what appears to be liquid-like patterns which makes marble tile such an attractive addition to a property.
156
Are sealers really necessary?
2007-12-20 12:45:05
Answer
Absolutely.Marble is a porous material, which means that any liquids which spill onto the surface tend to leech into the body of the marble. This can negatively affect how your marble will look over time. A sealer, or an impregnator as it is also known, can make sure that any materials remain on the surface of the marble, until you clean it off, of course. This is the best way to make sure that your marble retains its original look for as long as possible. Talk to your local outlet about which products to use and how long to leave them before sealing your marble again. Always read the labels of the products you buy, take safety precautions where necessary, and follow instructions carefully.
157
What''s the best way to keep marble tile clean?
2007-12-20 12:45:39
Answer
The best way to keep marble clean is to incorporate removal of dirt, grit, and other materials that are tracked in from outdoors. Many of these substances can cause minute scratches on the surface of your marble which can become noticeable over time. So, it''s best to make sure that the surface of the marble is clear with a damp cloth, soft broom, or vacuum as regularly as you can. Clean up liquid spills immediately, particularly if they are acidic in nature. Fruit juice is particularly problematic, as is coffee and red wine, because of their tendency to stain. Even if you''ve sealed your marble, it''s a good idea not to take any chances. Clear spills right away. Don''t use bleach, vinegar, or any harsh acidic-based cleaners as these will degrade the surface of your marble over time.
158
What''s the best way of removing stains?
2007-12-20 12:46:05
Answer
When a stain is unavoidable, taking steps to remove stains from marble tile is a fairly simple procedure. The same reason marble is susceptible to staining is the same reason it''s a straightforward process to remove them – marble is porous. A procedure called ''poulticing'' is a great way to remove stains by literally drawing the stain up from your marble and into another material – a mixture of a reducing agent soaked into a cloth or papertowels is the most basic variety of poultice. The best methods should always be measured against the kind of stain you''ve got. Once again, the best source of knowledge on this is your local DIY retailer who can advise on what procedure to use on what types of materials which have stained your marble.
159
Can marble be repaired if it''s damaged?
2007-12-20 12:46:31
Answer
Yes. The best people to speak with about how to repair marble tile are your local retailers. They know about the latest products which are meant for repairing marble tile. Most of these will come in the form of an epoxy glue or filler. Wiping down any broken pieces with acetone so that all foreign materials are removed is the first step in making sure that it will re-bond with the broken tile. Make sure to clear all bonding agents from the surface of the marble tile. Be sure to apply the right amount of pressure for the right amount of time. When in doubt, talk to retailers, and always read the labels of the products you buy.
160
What is slate?
2007-12-20 15:02:21
Answer
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock. It''s main constituents are quartz, chlorite, mica & calcite. Slate is formed when ocean or riverbed sediments are compressed and heated by the earth''s crust.
161
Is your slate suitable for the floor?
2007-12-20 15:02:49
Answer
Slate is a very durable and hard wearing product and is suitable for use on the floor.
162
What do both sides of the slate look like?
2007-12-20 15:03:14
Answer
The back of the slate tile has been machine to either a flat or grooved finish, depending on the factory of origin. The top is a natural-split face surface.
163
How much do the dimensions of each slate tile vary?
2007-12-20 15:03:53
Answer
Slate tile is cut to Metric sizes - the Imperial sizes quoted are purely nominal measurements. Tiles sizes will be as follows. Indian Slate: 12x12 - 300mm (+/- 1mm), 16x16 - 400mm (+/- 1mm). Chinese Slate: 12x12 - 300mm (+/- 3mm), 16x16 - 400mm (+/- 3mm), 24x24 - 600mm (+/- 3mm)
164
Is there a PEI rating for slate tile?
2007-12-20 15:05:03
Answer
The PEI refers to ratings set by the Porcelain Enamel Institute. These ratings were developed for the Ceramic and Porcelain tile industries. There is therefore no PEI rating for slate. However, slate is very hard and durable and can be used where a long-wearing product is required.
165
Is slate resistant to damage?
2007-12-20 15:06:04
Answer
Slate (and any other natural stone that we offer) is highly resistant to damage, as long as it is applied to a solid substrate. If the sub-floor prior to the slate installation is flexible (for example, a thin plywood sub-floor), the slate could crack like any other tile. It is therefore very important to have an adequate substrate prior to installation. If in doubt, you should consult a professional installer about this.
166
What trowel size do you recommend for installing slate tiles?
2007-12-20 15:06:33
Answer
Use at least a 3/8x1/2 notch trowel for the 12x12 tiles and a 1/2x1/2 notch trowel (or larger) for the 16x16 and 24x24
167
Can I install my slate tiles on wood?
2007-12-20 15:07:01
Answer
The only wood surface that is recommended for the installation of tiles is exterior grade plywood.
168
How wide should my grout joints be?
2007-12-20 15:07:36
Answer
It''s a matter of personal taste, but traditionally slate tile has been installed with wide grout joints. We suggest 3/8 for the 12x12 and 1/2 for the 16x16. Due to slight variations in tile size use of tile spacers is not recommended with slate tile.
169
How does buying slate floor tile from BuildDirect work?
2007-12-20 15:08:03
Answer
BuildDirect is a wholesaler with proprietary Internet technology and toll-free customer service to provide incredibly low prices on top quality building products. We fill slate orders in two ways. The first is selling pallet multiples out of warehouses around North America. The second is shipping container orders directly from select manufacturers and delivered to your job site.
170
I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here?
2007-12-20 15:08:32
Answer
Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on retailers that sell in smaller quantities. Look under Stone Retailers or Ceramic Retailers.
171
What slate does BuildDirect sell by the container?
2007-12-20 15:09:28
Answer
BuildDirect sells a wide variety of slate flooring by container from India and China. Our highly qualified logistics experts will oversee the ocean and ground shipment of your container order. Please take a look at the varieties of slate available by container on this Website.
172
How much slate tile does a container hold?
2007-12-20 15:10:03
Answer
Container quantities of slate tile range from 5,000 sq. ft. to 8,000 sq. ft. depending on the tile size and destination. Slate pavers will have a maximum of around 2,500 sq. ft. A BuildDirect sales representative will be happy to help you with the container quantities permitted into your area.
173
Am I restricted to getting just one product in a container?
2007-12-20 15:10:35
Answer
Container orders can comprise any combination of the colors, sizes, finishes and shapes that the factory produces. There is a minimum of one pallet per type.
174
Do I have to be a contractor to purchase from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 15:10:58
Answer
The prices on our website are the prices we offer to anyone who can meet the minimum order requirements.
175
I would like to see the pallets before I buy them. Is this possible?
2007-12-20 15:11:59
Answer
Unfortunately, we are unable to show you the product at the warehouse. The warehouses we use are third-party facilities and all products are in factory- sealed crates. We suggest ordering a sample and reviewing the graphics on the website.
