Ironstone Mosaics - Material Choices


	<LINK REL="STYLESHEET" TYPE="text/css" HREF="/style/main_style.css"> <TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="13" WIDTH="438" BORDER="0"> <TR><TD BGCOLOR="#DEC3A8"> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/stone.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="217" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Natural Stone Versus Clay Tile</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Even though marble and clay tiles both have the same hardness rating of MS3 on the <A HREF="choices_body.htm#mohs">Mohs Scale</A>, it is important to know that they do “behave” very differently. One difference is that natural stone is colored throughout it’s body, so if it does become scratched it isn’t so obvious. Clay tile only has a thin glaze of color baked onto the surface. Once clay tile becomes scratched or chipped, it exposes the bright red clay underneath immediately. <BR><BR> One advantage of natural stone over inexpensive clay tile is that fine scratches can be buffed out. One thing to mention is that natural stone can be porous and may require sealing to prevent staining. Keep in mind that porous materials like marble are best suited for indoor applications and should not be installed outdoors in the elements. Water can make porous materials warp and crack over time. When it comes to using clay tile, it should not be used outdoors for the same reasons. Clay is not impervious to water and easily absorbs moisture where it isn’t protected by the glaze coating. <BR><BR> I would not recommend clay tile for interior floor mosaics due to how easily clay chips. But, clay tile can be an excellent choice for indoor wall applications, having very good longevity. Clay tile is hard enough to provide wonderful protection to walls. Together, we will determine a material appropriate for your tiling needs, taste preference and budget. Ironstone Mosaics ensures that your custom tile design will endure years of use.</SPAN> <P><BR> <IMG SRC="/images/materials/porcelain.jpg" ALIGN="right" WIDTH="216" HEIGHT="225" ALT="" BORDER="0"> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Resilient Porcelain</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">Porcelain is the Godfather of all surface coverings, having a hardness starting at MS5. What gives porcelain it’s rugged strength is firing it at temperatures of more than 2,200 degrees fahrenheit. The intensity of the heat causes the earthen material to liquefy. Once it cools and hardens, it becomes impervious to water. This is what gives porcelain it’s ability to resist staining and even cracking during times of freezing temperatures. Porcelain withstands abuse, scratches and even impact. It is well suited for about any tiling situation whether indoors or outdoors.</SPAN> <P><BR> <SPAN CLASS="SectionHeading">Ironstone Endurance</SPAN> <BR> <SPAN CLASS="vgBody">The beauty of porcelain is that it can mimic the look of stone or anything else it wants to. The surface texturing techniques are quite impressive these days and even fool the most trained eye. After all, porcelain is made with clays and minerals, just like natural stone is created... so, it is no surprise at how natural porcelain looks. When it comes to durability and being low maintenance, porcelain certainly has bragging rights. Clients at Ironstone Mosaics have a vast arrayment of porcelain color choices and textures available to them. And, did I mention that some of our porcelain even exceeds the superior hardness rating of MS5? Imagine your custom mosaic being a hardness of 7 on the <A HREF="choices_body.htm#mohs">Mohs Scale</A>! Did you know that diamonds and steel have a hardness rating of MS10, making them the hardest of all materials? Your custom mosaic will last a lifetime and then some.</SPAN> </TD></TR> </TABLE>