STONE & CERAMIC THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE


Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, looks at the advantages of stone-effect tiles and why they are proving so popular.


Flooring is such a key element in any installation or renovation; the right materials, colours, textures and shapes can make or break the look and feel of any space. Aesthetics aside, flooring choices need to be practical too, especially in high-traffic areas and this is where tiles excel. Home and business owners are turning to tiles as a hardwearing, easy-to-keep clean option to create a sleek, chic look.


Although natural stone tiles remain a popular choice for many interior – and exterior – design projects, stone-effect tiles are fast becoming the first choice of discerning clients. Durability, functionality and safety are all vital considerations for flooring, alongside appearance and, of course, budget. Stone-effect tiles deliver on all fronts.


KEEPING COSTS DOWN Many people love the look of natural stone. While it’s true that materials such as marble and granite add instant opulence to interiors, that luxe aesthetic comes at a price. Selecting natural stone for flooring usually involves a significant investment. Marble in particular is one of the most expensive natural stones to source, install and maintain.


So, for those looking for a more cost-effective solution, stone- effect tiles certainly meet the mark. Inflation, rising interest rates and soaring utility bills are prompting more and more clients to keep a close eye on their design budgets. Choosing stone-effect tiles instead of natural stone can significantly reduce costs – with no compromise on appearance.


BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS Nowadays, there is a huge range of stone-effect tiles to choose from. So, whatever type of natural stone look is required, there’s sure to be an alternative to suit. In recent years, there have been huge advances in digital printing technology and manufacturing processes. This means that the best quality stone-effect tiles look exactly like the real thing, complete with realistic grain detailing and convincing textures.


QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY One of the main drawbacks with natural stone is its inconsistency. No two natural stones are the same, which results in a lot of variation in terms of colour and texture. This can be problematic when creating a specific design. In contrast, you can make stone-effect tiles look exactly the same, reducing variegation for a more pleasing coherent, cohesive look.


EASY MAINTENANCE Natural stone tiles can be difficult to maintain while certain materials can be extremely porous. Onyx, for example, has a beautiful polish and shine, is soft to the touch, and incorporates wonderful light-reflecting properties. However, its highly porous nature means it could stain.


This means that onyx, and other types of natural stone floors, need to be treated regularly with a sealing agent to prevent water


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damage. Any spills need to be cleaned up quickly in order to help prevent staining. Furthermore, some stones are brittle, and therefore prone to chips and cracks. In addition, polished stone can scratch easily.


Stone-effect tiles, however, involve minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean, and do not require any specialist sealant to keep them looking their best. In short, stone-effect tiles are highly durable, hygienic and require very little upkeep, making them an easy-to-maintain option that can be cleaned with some gentle detergent and a damp cloth.


DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY Highly resistant to wear and tear, stone-effect tiles can be used throughout a project, both inside and out. Importantly, they are suitable for every sort of interior space, from high-traffic hallways to humid bathrooms and wet rooms.


Stone-effect tiles offer plenty of scope for exterior spaces too. As they can withstand both water and extreme temperatures, they can also be used for patios, swimming pool areas, orangeries and garden rooms.


www.hyperiontiles.co.uk


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