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NEWS


TRUSTED HERITAGE DELIVERED THROUGH MANUFACTURING


THE NATURAL CHOICE FROM


TOPPS Like most types of natural stone, the formation of marble makes it an incredibly durable material, which can stand the test of time. It is one of the most porous natural materials, so sealing the newly-laid tiles with a stone-specific treatment will keep them looking pristine and prevent any stains or scratches.


Marble is notorious for its opulent look, however its muted tones and sleek finish means it lends itself to a plethora of interior schemes. Large-format marble floor tiles will add some dramatic ‘wow’ factor to any setting, whereas incorporating marbled touches in geometric and linear formats, as well as combining with raw wood and copper finishes will help to achieve a more industrial look.


Travertine’s naturally-formed pits and voids give the stone its distinctive earthy look, making it a much more forgiving surface than its polished counterparts. Its typically aged appearance combined with its incredible durability makes it ideal for use in busy areas and when used with a dark grey or black grout can hide a multitude of sins.


When buying this material, the key is to look out for its grading – all travertine will be rated using a star system, which identifies the quality and characteristics of that particular stone. A tile with a three-


— 8 —


star rating will give you a rustic, dark and distinctive finish, whereas a five-star rating is a more superior quality, denser stone with fewer imperfections.


Formed by excessive volcanic temperatures close to the earth’s core, it comes as no surprise that granite is one of the most hard- wearing, durable materials that you can get your hands on. Its formation process also makes it an intricately beautiful rock that rarely depreciates over time, no matter what is thrown at it. As one of the most desirable materials, granite may not be the cheapest option on the market but you really do get what you pay for – an unusual, one-of-a-kind feature that will stand the test of time.


Natural stone seems to be at the top of most people’s wish list when it comes to choosing their surfaces, however that’s not to say that man- made materials can’t still offer many benefits – if not more. The tradition of creating ceramic tiles dates back centuries, and is the result of combining clay, sand and water, moulded into the desired shapes, glazed then baked in a kiln at extremely high temperatures.


Porcelain tiles are the ideal alternative to natural materials, and can even be a more appropriate and hard-wearing choice in some circumstances. This man-made material is as durable as many varieties of natural stone, as well as having an incredibly low water absorbency.


toppstiles.co.uk


EXCELLENCE Established in 1992, Granfix Products has serviced the retail and contracting tiling sectors for over 20 years with wall and floor tile adhesives, grouts and ancillary products. The Granfix brand joined the Instarmac Group at the beginning of this year and now all products are manufactured at their plant in Tamworth, Staffordshire, using state-of-the-art and award- winning production facilities.


Under the Instarmac umbrella, the brand now offers a streamlined product range, which is compliant with all applicable CE performances from S1 to CG2. New and improved formulations have been launched containing improved polymer levels and higher quality cement content. What's more, grout colours and adhesive working times have been improved across the range.


Now available from Instarmac, Granfix offers a complete service package - placing an order is ordering with confidence. The intelligent and sophisticated internal ordering system will acknowledge your order with an email confirmation within minutes of purchase order receipt. Their own 34 strong vehicle fleet, complete with tail lifts and company drivers, ensure uncompromised deliveries throughout the UK. All vehicles are constantly tracked so live updates can be provided at any time via text message, including a 30 minute delivery arrival warning.


This complete service package enables efficient stock control, saving you time and delivering peace of mind allowing you to service your customers' needs effectively.


www.granfix.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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