Granite:
Granite is a beautiful natural material. The unique properties of this igneous rock were slowly developed under the earth's surface millions of years ago. The cooling of the magma enabled the growth of large crystals that eventually turned into very hard and strong granite.
People have been using granite for thousands of years ever since ancient Egyptian times. Granite imparts functionality and elegance to homes, commercial facilities, public buildings, and monuments.
You can't go wrong with granite. Contact us today to find out the wide selection of granite available to you.
Marble:
Marble is a metamorphic rock, which means that it was originated from another type of rock after being naturally subjected to high pressure and temperature.
Marble, like Granite, is also a beautiful material that has been used for thousands of years. Although marble is softer than granite, proper maintenance and care allow us to enjoy its beauty and benefits for many years.
At Alfredo Marble & Tile (1966) Ltd. we know about marble. Talk to us to find out more about marble and other options for your floor and walls.
Quartzite
The names "Quartzite" and "Quartz" may confuse many people. Let us clarify what each material is.
1.Quartzite is a natural rock, like granite or marble, used in construction.
2.Quartz is a mineral, not a rock. Quartz, also known as silica or silicon dioxide, is a chemical compound, a crystalline form of SiO2.
3. The term "Quartz" is also employed to name an artificial material used for countertops. This quartz, also known as engineered countertop and engineered stone, is made with more than 90% natural silicon dioxide bonded together with resins and decorated with pigments.
With that said, let us talk about quartzite. Quartzite, like marble, is a metamorphic rock composed of mineral quartz that was naturally compacted together under the earth's surface to form sandstone. The sandstone underwent different natural processes involving high temperatures and pressures to turn into quartzite.
Some marble rocks can be erroneously regarded as quartzite. Both are metamorphic rocks but have different compositions and properties. Quartzite is much harder than marble and glass, while marble is softer than glass. Quartzite, like granite, is resistant to acids like lemon juice and vinegar, which makes it an excellent choice for countertops.
In conclusion, quartzite is a top-of-the-line natural stone highly recommended for its look and resistance.
Contact us if you are considering quartzite for your home or commercial spaces.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Quartz, not the mineral but the engineered stone, is a versatile, high quality, and trendy material to be considered when planning a bathroom or kitchen design or renovation project. Quartz, made of more than 90% of natural silicon dioxide bonded together with resins, is durable, non-porous, and easy to maintain. It comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns that make it difficult to distinguish from natural stones.
Book an appointment with us. We will be pleased to tell you more about the advantages of this excellent material. Designing and installing quartz countertops is one of our specialties.
Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed by calcium carbonate deposits of minerals springs. Other minerals, present in smaller quantities, impart a distinctive appearance to travertine.
Travertine exists in light warm neutral colours (hues of white, grey, and yellow) and a variety of colours as well like rusty brown, beige, orange, blue, gold, silver or black) Travertine has been used extensively during many centuries, in walls and floors of monumental buildings like the Roman Colosseum or modern public buildings and residences.
Travertine offers many advantages. It is less expensive than other similar natural stones while having equivalent durability and beauty. And this rock is easy to work with. However, we need to consider the limitations of this beautiful stone. Since travertine is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, it should not be in prolonged contact with acids like lemon juice and vinegar. Travertine is porous and has holes and, like other rocks, demands the use of sealers and cleaners.
For these reasons, travertine is ideal for walls and floors but requires extra care and maintenance when used in kitchen countertops.
Contact us if you want travertine stone for your home or commercial spaces.
Slate
Slate is a metamorphic foliated rock derived from shale or mudstone. It has the same hardness as marble and is resistant to chemicals. The most common slate colour is gray but, it is also found in green, brown, blue, and purple. It breaks into smooth, flat sheets that have a dull lustre.
For its properties, including its flat shape, slate is an option to consider for flooring, roofing, and landscaping.
We specialize in flooring, wall coverings, and countertops. Contact us if you are considering using slate in your new project or renovation.
Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain is one type of ceramic made using kaolin and pottery stone heated at high temperatures (up to 1,400 C). Finish porcelain products have easy-to-clean, smooth, non-porous, translucent, and vitrified surfaces. Porcelain has excellent properties, is beautiful and has many applications: floors, walls, sinks, toilet bowls, tableware, pottery, sculptures, and even light sockets and insulators used for high-voltage power systems.
Porcelain slabs are timeless, classy, and trendy again. They are used in residences, hotels, and buildings where quality, function, and look are essential.
Modern factories combine the experience accumulated during centuries with new technologies to produce high-quality porcelain slabs that match perfectly with toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
We have fifty-five years of experience installing porcelain slabs. Talk to us if you want to use porcelain in your next project.
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic, unlike Marble and Granite is not a rock, but like them, it is an inorganic material that has been used for thousands of years. Ceramic is a mixture of substances, including clays, silica, and metals, moulded and subsequently cured at high temperatures.
Its physical and chemical properties make ceramic an excellent material for building pots, tiles, and much more.
Ceramic tiles offer other benefits. They are:
- Affordable
- Hard and Durable
- Impermeable
- Versatile (variety of colours, textures, sizes and shapes)
- Easy to maintain and repair
Contact us to let us know about your project!
Epoxy Floors
Epoxy floors belong to a different category of products: coatings. Like paint, they are applied to concrete floors. However, epoxy is a higher quality product that securely adheres to any concrete floor providing a high gloss finish. Professional grade epoxy floor coatings are usually offered as two-component kits: the resin and the hardener.
Epoxy floor coatings are available in many colours that can be combined with additives (particles) to obtain a granite-type look.
At Alfredo Marble & Tile, we have experience applying epoxy floor coatings in garages, parking lots, and industrial facilities. We have seen delighted clients enjoy their glossy, durable, and easy-to-clean epoxy floor.
Call us if you want to be amazed by this modern and excellent product.