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What is Natural Stone? Where Do We Use It?

What is Natural Stone? Where Do We Use It?

Natural stone is a highly sustainable construction material. The supplies of natural stone on Earth are abundant, vast, and go back millions of years. However, the regeneration of stone isn’t as freely visible as the regeneration of trees. It’s a continuous development with a natural stone tiles having an enduring lifespan.

Natural stone is precisely that, natural. There aren’t any alterations to these stones like other concrete products. As a natural product, stone products are eco-friendly and recyclable. Crush natural stones and use them for aggregates or natural stone pavers.

Every piece of natural stone has a distinct blend of tones and color, which customizes your driveway or garden walkway, where each piece matches and is reasonably characterless. Unlike concrete, there’s no pigment in the color of natural stone, making it more striking. Natural stone veneers feature imperfections and tones from thousands of years ago.

Natural stone will keep its appearance for a long time, unlike concrete, which results from composite aggregate mixes that get exposure after a couple of years of trafficking.

Natural stone paving is sturdy and frost-resistant. Natural stone doesn’t wear down, uncovering aggregates such as concrete. Excavated right from the Earth’s crust, each piece of natural stone is unique. The only treatment they require is shaping into different sizes, finishes, and forms.

Natural stone has plenty to love. There’s no doubt about that. Take some time to learn about the characteristics of natural stone. You’ll value it even more.

Natural stone is one of the most well-liked products for driveways, patios, countertops, flooring, walls, and much more. Marble, onyx, granite, slate, limestone, and other natural stones come in a vast array of designs and colors to satisfy any indoor or outdoor design project.

Usage for Natural Stone

Created by years of subterranean pressure and heat, natural stones possess tremendous strength and beauty. Natural stones are:

  • Fire and heat resistant.
  • Etch and stain-resistant Scratch & chip resistant.
  • Stain & etch resistant Chip and stretch resistant.
  • It lasts a lifetime with accurate care.

Because mining is a part of the natural stone process, each one is different from bathroom vanities to kitchen countertops to natural stone flooring to wall stone tile. Natural stone turns any surface into a brilliant masterpiece.

Natural Stone indicates numerous products excavated from the Earth. These stones are more than just rocks since they are for renovations and building materials. These products include travertine, granite, slate, limestone, marble, travertine, onyx, sandstone, adoquin, etc. Natural stones are hand-picked from the most consistent, top sources for beauty and resilience.

Natural stone products vary in color, texture, and composition, even with chunks from the same source. Having these stones is typically thought of as an advantage, lending itself to unique designs and different vivid applications.

Where to Use Natural Stone

Natural stone is mostly for large-scale building jobs and informal applications like government structures and places of worship. Also, it is a part of road construction and monuments. For home construction, brick and wood have been the customary choice. There has been an increasing trend recently in using natural stone for home construction projects and home renovations. Popular places in the home for natural stone applications are fireplaces, countertops, entryways, atriums, bathrooms, floors, and numerous other surfaces.

Natural stone tiles are vulnerable to staining and require sealing after installation. The reason for this is the fact that natural stone is porous. A sealer masks those pores, making the stone less prone to stains and simpler to clean.  While some sealers do last forever, the recommendation is to reseal every 12 to 24 months as part of your natural stone care schedule for an average sealer.

The Purpose of Using Natural Stone

Natural stone delivers peacefulness, tranquility, and attractiveness. There are also several advantages to using natural stone in your residence. Natural stone products are sturdier than several artificial products, usually lasting for years with little maintenance. There aren’t any concerns regarding exposure to damaging chemicals in the house or discharged into the air during disposal or production with natural stone. Why put money and time into an imitation? Natural stone is the real thing that fake products try to copy.

Different Kinds of Natural Stone

Natural stone products are available in several types, including granite, slate, marble, travertine, onyx, quartzite, sandstone, and limestone.

Granite

For maintenance-free sturdiness and sophistication, there’s nothing better than granite. Its incredible density and strength make granite the ideal choice for substantial structural projects such as supports, walls, and monuments. Even though it’s the toughest of structural stones, the fantastic assortment of natural patterns and mineral-rich colors deliver an ornamental value too. Granite is perfect for natural stone countertops, flooring, exterior decorations, and vanities.

You’ll find granite in bridges, monuments, buildings, paving, and numerous other exterior jobs. Indoors use granite tiles for stair treads, flooring, countertops, and several other ornamental and everyday projects. Granite is a popular selection because it’s a reputable material used in jobs to create an impression of resilience, grace, and lasting quality.

Slate

Slate breaks naturally into gorgeous textured layers since it comes from hundreds of years of compression and sedimentary deposits.  The different shades of slate products like lavender, yellow, pink, brown, dark gray, and more could happen in the same stone piece. Stain-resistant and resilient, slate products are frequently in cladding, flooring, and landscaping.

Marble

Famous for its endless texture, gloss, and texture, as well as a rich assortment of gorgeous colors, marble could go anywhere in a living space. Available in veined varieties and solids, sculpted or carved marble comes in several forms, making it a very multipurpose stone. As a luxury symbol, current technology provides attractive marble products even to homeowners on a budget.

Marble, with its natural warmth, delivers a refined element to the installation or remodeling space. Its inherently random look, engineering features, and simplicity of care make it a top choice for wainscots, floors, vanity tops, wall claddings, and tabletops. Several types of marble are suitable for wet area installation, which encompasses this natural stone’s flexibility to include showers and tub decks.

Travertine

Travertine brings unique, rich character to a host of outdoor and indoor building jobs. Many property owners appreciate travertine for its distressed, banded, pitted look. Hot spring water formed the veins and designs, permeating through underground limestone. For interior usage, filling travertine with grout, cement, or resin is frequently done. The last process is to seal the spot, making a stain-resistant, smooth surface.

Quartz

Glittering and sparkling with little quartz crystals, quartz is a stone-like slate with tremendous strength and a moderate grained texture. Different mineral content generates numerous color variants from the demure gray, beige, white to more daring shades of pink or purple.

Use quartz for stone wall tiles and natural stone veneers. The non-skid surface makes it an ideal contender for outdoor and indoor flooring, including places exposed to the elements and heavy traffic.

Limestone

The soft, gentle tones of limestone are ideal for today’s comfortable and casual lifestyles. Available in shades of tan and soft beige, either honed or polished, limestone is perfect for fireplaces, bathrooms, flooring, and countertops.

Ceramic Tiles vs. Natural Stone Tiles

The most vital difference between ceramic tile and natural stone tiles is natural stone is made by nature, and ceramics are human-made. Many human-made ones can’t compare in resilience to natural ones. While broken ceramic tiles typically need replacing, natural stone usually necessitates little restoration if scuffed or discolored. Other differences include:

Ceramic

  • Uniform composition
  • Acid-resistant
  • Lightweight and thin, low absorbency, ridged backing
  • Have only one basic finish and almost no edge finishes
  • Ceramic tiles come in restricted sizes, and patterns are geometric and equal.

Natural Stone

  • Distinct composition
  • It varies from category to category.
  • Acid sensitivity differs from stone to stone.
  • Have a complete range of finishes such as honed, leather, rugged, old-fashioned, tumbled, and more. Various edge types, such as bull-nosed, beveled, etc., are feasible.
  • No restricted sizes. Available in big slabs as vast as 125′ X 75.’

Where to Use Natural Stone

Property owners use natural stone on practically every surface outside and inside the residence, like facades, garden walkways, patios, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring, vanity tops, fireplaces, and wall cladding.

Natural stone lovers are allies to geologists and are thankful to these scientists for their stylish natural stone firepit, natural stone backsplash, and natural stone retaining wall. These individuals share a like zeal for a twinkle of garnet and the racy glitter of marble. The two disciplines have separate ways of thinking and organizing about stone, making sense since humans possess an interest in various things.

Geologists examine rocks to discover more about what happened in Earth’s past. Every day, folks value rocks since they’re beautiful, useful, and practical. Nonetheless, a little geology could put some light on why or where to use a natural stone. Also, geology helps people appreciate that each stone slab gives a tiny peek into hidden time and the spectacular forces that affect the planet.

Relationships Between Different Stone Types

In the geology world, all stones are relatives of each other. Over substantial periods, any rock could turn into a new rock if it becomes squeezed, melted, eroded, or uplifted. That’s what’s been occurring throughout Earth’s history. Knowing the relationships between various stones could make it simpler to see why some share comparable traits. Also, it helps people appreciate the incidents that gave growth to all those beautiful slabs in the showrooms.

With flooring materials, none is more magnificent or refined than natural stone. The phrase “natural stone” suggests an assortment of mountain-born mineral elements that stand different from any manufactured or synthetic stone materials.

Typical natural stone flooring types are marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, and sandstone. Every one of them has vaguely different characteristics. It’s vital to know the features of the stone flooring tile you’re buying so you can decide whether it’s right for a particular spot.

As you shop for natural stone tiles, there are numerous general factors that you must consider.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Rating

Some natural stone flooring materials are more appropriate for outdoor usage than others. Many factors will decide if a material is right in an open-air environment.

Oxidation

The formation of natural stone materials takes place beneath the Earth over thousands of years and frequently contain a host of contrasting elements. Occasionally iron appears in these materials, which could exhibit amber and bright red hues on the stone’s surface. The issue in an outdoor setting is that those bits of iron could oxidize, a procedure usually known as rusting. This demise could cause the whole tile to deteriorate over time.​

Advantages of Using Natural Stone Flooring

There are several practical and aesthetic reasons why natural stone flooring could be an excellent choice: 

  • Every stone is a distinct creation of the Earth, causing each flooring application to be unique. Each floor is entirely different.
  • The stone’s mountain-born features could help offer living spaces an eternal and direct connection to the natural world, not like any other building material. 
  • Stone tiles are nonpolluting, eco-green, natural pieces. Buying local stones could cut down on the environmental effect of transport.

When getting natural stone flooring products, it’s vital to research and know the characteristics of the material you are purchasing. Ask if it is right for your particular application and how much upkeep it will need.

Ask us at EleganceUs if you have questions and completely research the natural stone before making a buy.

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How to Care and Clean Natural Stones

 

How to Care and Clean Natural Stones

Natural stone like travertine, marble, onyx, and slate could bring a little style to your kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, hallways, and fireplace mantels.

But many folks shy away from these porous stones since they are susceptible to cracks and marks brought on by cleaners and acid-based foods. The good news is that correct maintenance and care could decrease discoloration and etching from daily wear-and-tear.

There’s nothing more wonderful than the eternalness of natural stone. When you know how to clean stone, the natural stone in your home could last a lifetime.

Types of Natural Stone

You might recall from your high school geology class that natural stone goes into one of three fundamental geological classifications: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. When it comes to natural stone cleaning, you also have to know whether your natural stone countertop or stone bathroom floor is calcareous or siliceous.

Calcareous stone, made essentially of calcium carbonate, is most sensitive to acid. It would be best if you used a pH-balanced, non-acidic gentle soap for these stones, including travertine, marble, limestone, onyx, and serpentine.

Siliceous stone is an excellent choice for your kitchen as it can handle acid and acidic cleansers. Examples of siliceous stones are slate, granite, sandstone, quartzite, and soapstone.

Natural Stone Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts

There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to natural stone cleaning:  

  • Do blot up spills ASAP.
  • Do clean surfaces with a natural stone cleaner or mild detergent.
  • Do fully rinse and dry the area after washing.
  • Do dust mop your floors of stone frequently.
  • Do shield floor surfaces with area rugs or non-slip mats and countertop surfaces with placemats or coasters.
  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners like soft or dry cleansers.
  • Don’t use cleaners that contain acid, like grout and bathroom cleaners.
  • Don’t use lemon juice, vinegar, or other cleaners with acids on natural stone.
  • Don’t combine ammonia and bleach. This solution creates a lethal and toxic gas.
  • Don’t use vacuum cleaners. The plastic or metal attachments or the wheels could scratch the stone’s surface.

General Guidelines for Natural Stone Stain Removal

  1. Eliminate any dirt.
  2. Blot spills. Wiping the spot spreads the liquid.
  3. Rinse the spot with water and soap.
  4. Dry the site entirely with a soft cloth.
  5. Repeat if needed.
  6. If the stain has set in, call a stone restoration specialist.

Restoring Natural Stone

Many individuals make a costly error when they renovate a bathroom or move into a new house is replacing the discolored, dull stone. An expert can professionally restore your natural stone at an affordable cost than a replacement. Some examples of when your marble or granite might require professional stone restoration service:

  • Discoloration and dullness from years of built-up residue
  • Etching
  • Chips, scratches, and seam repairs
  • Replacement and removal of grout and caulk
  • Surface polishing
  • Soap scum removal

Everyday Cleaning Stone Tips

  • Start with a soft, wet sponge or cloth and a drop of pH-neutral soap (dishwashing liquid like Dawn is good).
  • Using the scouring side of a sponge or an abrasive cleanser might strip away the sealant and destroy the stone.
  • For soap scum or stuck-on food, use a soft-bristle brush and clean in circular movements to prevent scratching the surface.
  • You can dry natural stone surfaces with a blow-dryer or soft towel right after cleaning to stop any spots.
  • Don’t use a cleaning product that isn’t for natural stone. Be sure if you’re using glass cleaner to wipe smudges on the glass over a marble vanity top that none of the glass cleaners gets on the stone.
  • Shake rugs and doormats regularly to reduce tracking outside dirt that might graze stone floors.
  • Wipe stone floors with a damp mop to clean away abrasive particles and make sure not to drag items across the floor.

Natural Stone Routine Care

You must clean natural stone floors and countertops with neutral products specifically made for stone. These solutions won’t affect present sealers or other coating types. Stone cleaners, limestone cleaners, marble cleaners, etc., must never contain bleach or acid. Acids, even a mild mixture of water and vinegar, will scratch and ultimately harm many natural stone types.  

Apply a mix of water and pH neutral stone cleaner to the surface with a spray bottle or sponge. Per the manufacturer’s instructions, let the solution sit the recommended time to guarantee saturation of the stone. Clean with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Get rid of the dirty solution with a sponge and buff with a clean cloth. Some textured stones might necessitate a different cleaning process.  

The Truth About Sealant

The spongy capillaries and veins covering most natural stones absorb liquids. Most individuals make the most significant error by putting too much expectation in a sealant, which can safeguard a surface from stains but doesn’t stop etching or discoloration. Many sealants are topical and might repel soap scum or a spilled glass of wine, decelerating any damage.

A new sealant enters the surface and alters the stone’s molecular makeup, protecting it from within, not changing the appearance. Steaming acidic stains out of a stone could altogether remove them.

While sealant makes natural stone cleaning simpler, it doesn’t eliminate the necessity for daily care to have the surfaces shining. A quick daily wipe-down could go a long way in preventing build-up that requires harmful scrubbing or getting professional restoration service.

Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s instructions for specific information on the extent of the sealer’s protection. Be sure to apply that the sealer in exact accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

The beauty of quartz and other natural stones is that they won’t go out of style. The correct maintenance and care guarantee years of satisfaction, giving you a high return on your investment.

Heavy-Duty Stone Cleaning

If your natural stone requires a deep clean, you will have to use a heavy-duty stone cleaner and degreaser to successfully eliminate grease, dirt, grime, waxes, etc. These concentrated cleaning products are made to deep clean the stone without harming it. Use the solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the solution remain on for the specified amount of time.   

Use a soft bristle brush or sponge with the heavy-duty stone cleaning solution. Get rid of the dirty solution with a sponge and dry with a clean cloth. Make sure to change the cleaning solution every 100 square feet to prevent reintroducing dirty water while cleaning. Rinse completely with clean water when done. Be sure always to check the time liquids sit on any natural stone type and thoroughly dry the stone surface. 

Natural Stone Stain Removal

Use a stone-specific poultice to eliminate grout haze and stains from stone. A poultice is a non-acidic, fine, absorptive clay cleaning powder that eliminates grout haze and stains from unpolished and polished natural stone. Stone poultice effectiveness is contingent on the stain type and how long it has been on the stone.

Base the choice of the poultice on the nature of the stain. If the stain is old or has gotten deep into the stone, a poultice might not be enough to eliminate it. Clean up spills as soon as possible. Limestone and light-colored marble are prone to staining. Immediately clean up spills on these materials to stop staining. 

It’s vital to know that a poultice might dull the shine of the polished natural stone. If this occurs, you will have to use a stone polish to bring back the natural shine.  

 

Translucence

Translucence might occur in some light-colored or white onyx or marble with a crystal structure that will put out light to differing degrees based on the stone’s finish and thickness. Translucence could be a visually interesting decorative element and not thought of as a flaw.

 

Mixing Types of Natural Stone Materials

Installation or renovation designs requesting a mixture of different natural stones could give rise to wear and maintenance issues, particularly in outdoor applications. Re-polishing will present problems too. You should be aware that mixing natural stone types means there will be various abrasion resistance levels, application limitations, and diverse densities of stones vital to the stone’s long-term care and wearability. 

Common Practices to Avoid

Natural stone surfaces are an excellent investment that requires and necessitates proper care. If you make an error or ignore maintenance, you can jeopardize destroying your exquisite material.

While it’s true that natural stone is very resilient and made to last, it is not unbreakable.

Natural stone thrives under the correct maintenance. You have to take preventive measures. If you don’t perform cleaning mistakes, you won’t need restoration services.

Cleaning with Vinegar

Only use cleaners made for natural stone. If you use a professional cleaning business, be sure they do too.

Many folks aren’t aware of the chemistry of stone and cleaners chemistry, and they’ll use an incorrect cleaner. You have to use a cleaner that has the proper pH level, which is a neutral one. Some stones like limestone, marble, or travertine respond poorly with vinegar since it’s acidic.

Bleach and vinegar are abrasive. These products will burn or scratch the surface of your natural stone.

While some chemicals might not visibly harm durable stones like granite, they might break down any sealer on the stone. This fact means you would have to get your stone resealed more often.

Using an Abrasive Tool

Some homeowners believe they may eliminate stains and etches with a scrubbing pad. Truthfully, this usually only makes the issue worse. A scrubbing pad works like an abrasive on stone, particularly when you rub forcefully on it.

For normal cleaning, use a soft cloth and don’t try to buff out scratches or stains. Instead, hire a professional. The only way to repair a scratched stone is to get it honed and restored.

Skipping the Dust Mop

You may not be capable of seeing little sand and dust particles that will work as an abrasive under your feet and create wear patterns over time. Use a dust mop and go over your natural stone tile flooring every day or every other day.

Grit scratches floors, giving them a dull appearance. A polished surface is a sleek surface, and light will reflect off it. Scratches deflect light. Your floors of stone may be clean, but it gives a scuffed or lackluster appearance.

Get rid of debris and vacuum or dust with a dust mop and use a neutral stone floor cleaner every week.

Unprotected High-Traffic Spots

Rugs can help shield the spots on your floors of stone that will become worn down because of high-foot traffic.

A mat helps keep debris and dust away that could scratch your floors. Put a mat outside and inside the doors. Also, place rugs and runners in areas that receive plenty of usages, like hallways, mudrooms, and kitchens.

Not Sealing Your Stone Regularly

Sealing is part of a suggested general care plan for many natural stones, especially for the new installation of granite, limestone, and marble to offer maximum stain protection. Be sure to choose a high-quality sealer to safeguard your natural stone.

While it is conceivable for homeowners to seal their stone, specialists agree that a natural stone professional will provide the best results.

Typically, any professional work is necessary every three to five years. If it’s a high-profile spot with plenty of windows, you’ll need to call for service every year.

If you do seal your natural stone yourself, be sure you use a solvent-based impregnating sealer. It’s preventative care, but it’s not a be-all, end-all remedy. It’s the same as putting stain and water repellant on your carpet. It could help stop your stone from scratching, but you still need to do some regular cleaning.

With the right maintenance and care, the surface of your natural stone will remain gorgeous for an exceptionally long time. Every stone is distinct, and for numerous homeowners, small imperfections in the stone’s surface become a fraction of the stone’s story. To learn more about natural stone surface cleaning and maintenance, contact us at EleganceUs.

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Installation Tools: Adjustable Pedestal System


In fact, before you begin any hardscaping project, you should first examine the area to determine which tools you will need. No two projects are alike; the required tools will vary based on the pavers, the side of the space, and the existing area on which you are working. Some jobs require cementitious adhesive. Others require sand bedding. And others still necessitate an adjustable pedestal system.

If you have never used them before, paver pedestals may seem like an odd tool. However, they are an essential part of certain installation projects! Today, let’s talk about paver pedestal systems and why you might need them for your next job.

What is a Paver Pedestal System?

At its core, a paver pedestal is exactly what it sounds like: a pedestal for your paver. Most of the time, hardscapers use these pedestals to put space between porcelain tiles and the existing floor (like a concrete slab). The pedestals keep the tiles from resting directly on the floor, creating a small space between the new floor and the former one.

There are two main reasons why someone would use a paver pedestal system. Firstly, it is a quick and easy way to make your floor completely level. Most pedestal systems are adjustable (like our E7 Elegance model). Therefore, you can set different pedestals at different heights and maintain a level surface across your space. This is particularly useful when the existing floor is warped or sloped.

Secondly, the raised space paver pedestals provide can be useful for certain types of spaces. Paver pedestals are great around swimming pools or water features, as any water the splashes over can drain into space beneath the tiles (and ideally to a drain somewhere on the existing floor). This can prevent water from sitting on the tiles, which can be hazardous and lead to mold or other problems.

Types of Pedestals

Here at Elegance, we offer three main types of paver pedestal. The first (and probably most common) is the adjustable pedestal. This is made from lightweight polypropylene and comes in a variety of sizes, which can be adjusted to achieve a level surface. You can place adjustable pedestals on just about any surface, which makes them a versatile and useful tool for any hardscaper.

The second type of pedestal is the riser. This pedestal is larger than an adjustable one and typically features a square design. Our risers are 1/2” tall, but they do come with 1/16” shims you can use for precise leveling if necessary. The wide design of these pedestals makes them a great choice for areas with lots of foot traffic, as they help absorb shock and protect your pavers over time.

Finally, the last paver pedestal tool we offer is the slope corrector. While this isn’t exactly a pedestal, it is an essential part of your paver pedestal system. This tiny polypropylene disc can help you adjust your pedestals by tiny degrees (as small as 0-5 degrees), which can make a big difference when you’re trying to level out an area.

Do I Really Need It?

The question should not be whether or not you NEED to use paver pedestals; it should be “why wouldn’t you want to?” Paver pedestal systems have many advantages. They are easy to install and easy to remove, should you ever need to do maintenance on your tiles. As we mentioned earlier, they help avoid water entrapment, which can help your tiles last even longer.

Of course, the biggest benefit paver pedestals offer is the ability to control the slope of their existing space. Whether you’re paving an outdoor deck, a garage space, or even the roof of your home, paver pedestals can help you create a perfectly level space on which to work.

How to Use Paver Pedestals

If you are going to use paver pedestals in your hardscaping project, it’s important to know just what you’re doing. Firstly, you need to make sure the existing floor is prepared for the project; make sure there is adequate drainage (if necessary), and that the substrate can support both the pedestals and the pavers. Also make sure to check all the dimensions of your space.

Next, start by placing a pedestal at the point where each grid line meets the perimeter of your space. Try to keep your pedestals as close to the perimeter as possible (ideally no more than 3/16”). Set the pedestal heights so that you have a level of space overall.

From here, you can place a corner of your paver into the pedestal head (there are guides there to help you with installation). Continue to install pedestals at the corner of each paver until you’ve filled in the entire space. You can also add an additional pedestal in the center of each paver for extra support, but this is optional.

Once your space is completely paved, fill in any joints with grout or sand (make sure to use a filler that’s approved for your pedestal type). Just like that, you’ve created a beautiful new paved floor for your space!

Want to Learn More?

At Elegance US, we know how important it is to have high-quality materials for your hardscaping projects. We also know that expert advice can make all the difference throughout your project – which is why we’re happy to help you with both! Our pavers and pedestal systems are always of superior quality, and our team can help you with many of your hardscaping questions.

If you want to learn more about our adjustable pavers (or if you have any other questions for us), please click here to send us a message. We want your project to be the best it can be, and we’ll do everything we can to help.

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Over the Garden Wall: The Best Wall Tiles for Outdoor Spaces


Over the Garden Wall: The Best Wall Tiles for Outdoor Spaces

What is it that makes the perfect outdoor space? For some, it is all about greenery and plant life, which add life and nature to the area. For others, it is about functionality; a well-designed yard with space for lots of people is great for folks who love to entertain. But for us, the perfect yard must have beautiful hardscaped elements – including any walled areas with veneer stones.

You have probably put a lot of work into your yard. You’ve carefully selected patio furniture, anguished over the perfect pavers, and carefully curated a beautiful garden. So, why should you settle for a boring concrete wall or wooden fence? Instead, dress up any walls in your outdoor space by using wall tiles.

Here are just a few options you can use to make your walls even more beautiful.

Veneer Stones

Lots of homeowners love the look of natural stone for their outdoor (and some indoor) spaces. Natural stone has a classic, almost rustic appeal, as if the stones were lifted from the earth and piled right around your yard. These days many hardscapers use veneer stone (a man-made tile comprised of cement, aggregates, and iron oxides) to recreate the look of natural stone, but the effect is still the same.

Pros

There are many benefits to using veneer stones in your yard. Firstly, these manufactured tiles are much easier to obtain than natural stone – though they look just the same. They are also light and easy to cut down to size, which makes installation a quick and painless process. You can achieve a classic, beautiful look without all the heavy lifting!

Cons

Because veneer stones are mostly made from concrete, they can become brittle and chip away over time. They are also subject to fading, which is particularly frustrating if you picked a tile for its unique color. Finally, because veneer stones are man-made, they may look a bit homogenous – and this can take away from the “natural” look you might be going for.

When to Use Them

Veneer stones are a great choice for any large, decorative outdoor area. You can use them to add color or texture to a wall or outdoor cooking area. These tiles will give your space a rustic appeal without forcing you to carry and lay tons of heavy stones.

Ledger Stones

Another option for outdoor walls is ledger stones. Like veneer stones, these tiles are made from concrete, and iron oxide – but ledger stone also adds natural stone to the mix. This mixture is then poured into molds designed to mimic the look of real stone, creating that same rustic aesthetic so many people love.

Pros

Just like veneer stones, ledger stones are exceptionally light, which can make installation a breeze. They are also durable (largely due to the presence of real stone in the mix). This makes them a great choice for outdoor spaces, as they will easily stand up to the elements and keeping looking great over time.

Cons

Ledger stones are not always easy to install. The installation process usually involves special materials and careful instructions, so it’s a process best left to the professionals. Additionally, can be hard to clean and maintain (especially if you install it near a pool or somewhere where it might get wet). It’s wise to have your ledger stone professionally sealed every year or so to maintain its color.

When to Use Them

Ledger stone tiles often come in long, thin strips, which makes them great for shorter, longer walls. If you want to add some decorative elements to a raised garden bed or firepit, this is an excellent option! Ledger stones also look great indoors as kitchen backsplashes or bathroom wall tiles.

Porcelain Tiles

Most people want their yards to look great for the long term. Even after years of family barbeques, rough weather, rambunctious kids and pets, and everything in between, your yard should still look incredibly beautiful – and it would be even better if it could stay that way with minimal maintenance. If that’s how you feel, then porcelain tiles are the ideal choice for your outdoor walls.

Pros

Porcelain tiles are the perfect blend of form and function. They are super easy to install (even weekend DIY-ers can tackle this project). They are highly durable, which makes them great for outdoor spaces and families with children. And best of all, they don’t require any maintenance to continue looking gorgeous.

Cons

There aren’t many downsides to using porcelain wall tiles. The biggest drawback might be in the way the finished product looks; porcelain tile doesn’t have the same “rustic” appearance as veneer or ledger stone, which might take away from the look you’re trying to achieve. Also, porcelain tiles can chip easily if you’re not careful during the installation process, which can tarnish the finished look of your wall.

When to Use Them

Here’s the great thing about porcelain tiles: you can use them anywhere you would have used other stones! There are a wide variety of porcelain options – including porcelain veneer stones and porcelain ledger stones. You can use porcelain veneer stones as a low-maintenance alternative on large walled areas or use porcelain ledger stones to add some extra flair to your low and long walls.

Upgrade Your Garden Walls

If you want your yard to look truly great, every aspect of the design needs to fit together. Wall tiles can help create a cohesive look throughout the yard – but the type of look you create is entirely up to you.

If you want a textured, rustic-inspired design, veneer stones might be your best bet. If you want something that looks great and stays that way without extra work, porcelain could be perfect. But however you choose to tile your walls, Elegance US will be here to help make the process as smooth as possible!

You can call today or send us an email with any questions about our outdoor wall tiles. We look forward to helping you beautify your outdoor space! 

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The Best Hardscape Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Yard

For too many families, the backyard is simply a lot of hard work. There’s always something that needs to be done: mowing the lawn, pulling the weeds, repairing the “toys” you bought for your weekend bashes (the pool, the grill, etc.). Too often, the yard becomes just another hassle that needs to be dealt with – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here is the best hardscape ideas for a low-maintenance yard with porcelain pavers.

If you want to have a yard that looks great and requires little upkeep, hardscaping just might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

What Is Hardscaping?

Simply put, hardscaping is any kind of outdoor design that does NOT involve plant life. Your pavement, your patio, your manmade pond – it all falls under the hardscape umbrella. These elements are common in most people’s backyards, largely due to the many benefits they can offer the average homeowner.

Benefits of Hardscaping

Firstly, we wouldn’t be talking about hardscaping today if it was a low-maintenance design option. With hardscaping, keeping your yard in pristine condition is so much easier! There is no grass to cut. There are fewer weeds to pull (if any). In their place, you simply have beautiful paver tiles that are resilient, durable, and quick and easy to clean.

Additionally, hardscaping helps add functionality to your yard space. With a hardscaped yard, it is easy to divide your yard into a grilling area, outdoor seating space, or games area for any little ones in your home. By adding pavers or other manmade delineations to your yard, you’ve effectively made it a better space for all your family members and guests.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that hardscaped yards are often more eco-friendly than traditional lawns – after all, less grass means less watering! If you’re looking for a way to do your part for Mother Nature, conserving water with a hardscaped yard is a great option. You’ll probably appreciate the savings on your water bill, too!

So, what kind of hardscaping is best for your low-maintenance yard? Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

Use Porcelain Pavers

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If you’re going to have a hardscaped yard, you need to make sure that you’re using the very best pavers possible. This is why we recommend Italian porcelain pavers. These tiles are exceptionally beautiful, and they always look great in an outdoor space.

In addition to their incredible beauty, porcelain pavers offer a wide range of benefits to the average homeowner. They’re skid resistant (which is great when you have kids or pets running around the yard), very easy to clean, and incredibly durable. With porcelain pavers in your yard, you can be sure that your space will keep looking beautiful long after you’ve finished installation.

Set Up Outdoor Seating

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As we mentioned earlier, hardscaped yards are great for families who want to get extra functionality out of their space. One way to do this is by creating designated areas in your yard for different activities. If your paved yard is separated visually into sections, it will appear larger and more functional – and the best way to section off your space is with outdoor seating.

You can find sets of patio furniture at just about any home improvement or home décor store. Arrange this furniture around a focal point (like a small table, pool/jacuzzi, or fire pit) and it will create a sort of “living space” where you and your guests can gather.

Landscape with Bark

Not everyone wants to have a completely paved-over yard. We get it; a huge part of being outside is enjoying nature, so it’s only natural to want some natural elements in your yard. However, if you want to incorporate plants AND keep your yard low maintenance, there is an option for you.

Bark mulch is a great option for many hardscaped or partially-hardscaped yards. The bark traps moisture in the garden soil, which means you don’t need to worry about watering quite as frequently. Additionally, bark provides weed protection, which means you don’t need to spend your afternoons pulling up garden intruders!

“Plant” a Rock Garden

Not into the bark look? Not to worry! Another great way to bring plants into your yard without too much work is by creating a rock garden. This hardscape design uses rocks and pebbles to cover the soil while a few plants (usually desert plants like cacti and succulents) add a delightful pop of color.

These gardens require only a few plants to look exceptional (which cuts down your watering time). Also, because they often feature hardy plants from harsh environments, they are especially durable and can look great all year round!

Add Artificial Grass

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Let’s say that you want to have SOME form of lawn in your yard – but you don’t want to spend your weekends weeding and mowing it. What do you do? One option is to install some artificial grass! Today, there are a wide variety of synthetic mulch options that both look and feel natural.

Artificial grass can give your kids a place to play sports, your pets a place to “do their business,” and a touch of greenery in your yard. But best of all, it ALSO provides you with a beautiful, grassy area that you don’t need to maintain. Everyone wins!

Give Your Yard the Elegance Touch

Hardscaping is a great way to make your yard more attractive – without adding to your already busy daily routine. Whether you want to prevent weeds with rocks or bark, replace your lawn with artificial grass, or beautify your space with porcelain pavers, there are many options available to turn your yard into the outdoor space of your dreams…

And best of all, you have the Elegance US team right here to help!

 

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How to Properly Pave Your Driveway

How to Properly Pave Your Driveway

Your driveway is an important part of your home’s general curb appeal. When a driveway is cracked or covered in oil and dirt, it can make your entire yard look less appealing! Likewise, a truly beautiful driveway can help elevate your yard, making everything around it look nicer and more sophisticated. Here is a complete guide about how to pave a driveway.

How can you turn your driveway into a piece of hardscaping art? It all comes down to two things: great tools and great technique. While you can hire professionals to tackle this job (and if you’re a landscaping novice, we recommend it), it is possible to pave a beautiful driveway all on your own. Here’s how!

Start with the Right Tools

Before you can begin any hardscaping project, you must make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for success. Obviously, your specific needs will depend on your specific circumstances (the finished look you’re going for, the current state of your driveway, etc.), but most paving projects will require the following:

·         Garden stakes

·         A screed board (or any large piece of lumber you can use to flatten your surfaces)

·         Cementitious adhesive

·         Joint filling material (any kind you prefer)

·         A broom

·         Gloves

Next, you’ll have to decide what kind of pavers you want to install. There are a wide variety of options out there – concrete, brick, flagstone, even marble – but if you ask us, the best material you can use is a set of Italian porcelain pavers.

Benefits of Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are durable, attractive pavers made from sand, quartz, feldspars, kaolin, clays, and other raw materials. These pieces are fired at very high temperatures (2,240 degrees Fahrenheit!), which make them incredibly strong; in fact, porcelain pavers can handle breakage loads up to 2,200 lbs.

Strength isn’t the only advantage porcelain pavers have. They are also skid-resistant (even when wet), easy to clean, and resilient against the elements. Even if your driveway endures years of rain, frost, and blistering sunlight, your pavers will maintain their original color! These features have made porcelain a popular choice among homeowners in recent years.

If you decide to use porcelain pavers on your driveway, you will need a few additional tools. Make sure you have the following:

·         A wet cut tile saw with a diamond blade

·         A paver clamp

·         A rubber mallet (for tamping down pavers)

Once you have everything, you’ll be ready to beautify your driveway!

Step One: Prepare the Existing Driveway

The first step of any home improvement project is taking stock of your existing space and decide about how to pave a driveway. Most driveways are already fully paved with a solid layer of concrete – but the condition of that concrete will vary from one yard to another.

If your current driveway is in poor shape – if it has lots of potholes, for example – you may have to remove the existing concrete (with the help of a professional). But if your current driveway is in fairly good shape, preparation is easy. Just make sure the pavement is clear of any debris (weeds sprouting from cracks, pebbles, etc.). Make sure you have a level, clear space on which to lay down your pavers!

Step Two: Lay Down Your Base Layer

Your porcelain pavers will need something to stick to (or else they may not stay in place on your driveway). Therefore, the next step is to lay down your cementitious adhesive. Make sure you use an adhesive that suits your specific pavers; you can find this information from your manufacturer’s instructions or by asking your seller.

Pour your adhesive over the concreted area and use a screed board (or other level board) to spread the adhesive and get a nice, flat layer. This will ensure that your pavers have a level surface on which to lay – which ultimately ensures your driveway is nice and level, too!

Step Three: Place Your Pavers

You’ve reached the most exciting step: placing your pavers on the driveway! This is the moment that your driveway shifts from bland or unappealing to absolutely beautiful. However, it is still important to make sure your placement is done properly.

Start at the lowest corner of your driveway and set your pavers onto the cementitious adhesive. Place them in your desired pattern, taking care to set each paver at least 4mm from the ones beside it (porcelain pavers can NEVER directly touch each other). If you need to cut down any pavers to fit your driveway, use the wet cut blade (other saws can damage the tiles).

Step Four: Fill the Joints

At this point, you should have a lovely-looking driveway filled with porcelain tiles – but you also have small gaps in between each one. Don’t worry, you’re not going to leave them this way! The next step is to use a joint filler to close these tiny gaps.

If you’re paving your driveway with porcelain, we recommend using some type of sand to fill your joints. You can choose from traditional sand, a sand/cement blend, or polymeric sand. Whatever you choose, make sure you follow the instructions that come with your specific type of joint filler, and ALWAYS make sure to clear away any residual sand when you’re done.

Step Five: Tamp Down Your Driveway

You’re almost done. The last step in paving your driveway is to make sure your pavers are fully secure. If you’re using concrete or stone, this would be the time to use a plate compactor, which uses vibration to help your pavers settle into the adhesive. However, this is NOT the method you should use with porcelain pavers; a plate compactor can damage the tiles and ruin all your beautiful work!  

Instead, use a rubber mallet to gently (yet securely) tamp down your porcelain pavers. This will ensure that your tiles settle deeply without causing any unnecessary force. Once you’re done, refill any joints that need a little extra sand and repeat the tamping process.

Just like that, your driveway will be ready for use – and it will look better than ever before!

Upgrade Your Hardscape with Elegance by NT Trading

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your driveway, renovate your kitchen, or hire a team to renovate your yard, the NT Trading team is here for all your hardscaping needs! Click here to contact us today. We can’t wait to help you with your next big project.

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Hardscaping Made Simple: How to Install Your Porcelain Pavers

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Every hardscape contractor knows that a paving project requires two things: an excellent product and excellent technique. The most beautiful yards, driveways, and patios out there always use high-quality pavers – and they always have some top-notch contractors working on the installation. We provide details here for porcelain pavers installation.

At Elegance US, we strive to give our customers the best pavers possible (including our wide selection of Italian porcelain pavers). But once you’ve got your hands on these truly beautiful tools, will you know how to transform them into the perfect paved surface?

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Here are a few tips to help you install porcelain pavers.

What Are Porcelain Pavers?

Firstly, let’s discuss what makes porcelain pavers so great for your customers’ yards. These rectangular pieces are made from natural raw materials like sand, quartz, feldspars, kaolin, clays and inorganic pigments. During production, these materials are fused together and fired at 2,240 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a hard, beautiful paver around 20mm thick.

Porcelain pavers have become especially popular in recent years. This is likely due to their many advantages: they are easy to clean, resistant to frost, maintain their color (even after years of rough treatment from the elements), skid-resistant, and they handle breakage loads up to 2,200 lbs!

With so many wonderful features, it’s no surprise that porcelain pavers are the go-to choice for most contractors and their clients.

Tools You’ll Need

If your client wants porcelain pavers in their yard, you’re in for a treat. The material is lightweight and easy to install, which makes your job quick and painless with incredible results. However, you will need a few specific tools before you can get started.

·         Make sure you have the following:

·         A wet cut tile saw with a diamond blade

·         A paver clamp (you’ll use this to both installs and remove pavers)

·         Notched trowels and grout float tools (note: select these tools based on the recommendations from your adhesive and grout manufacturer)

·         Gloves

Handle with Care

Porcelain pavers are incredibly durable once installed – but you still need to handle them with care. Most manufacturers ship their pavers with heavy-duty plastic pallet covers (or if you’re working with a smaller order, individually wrapped in protective cardboard). Once your pavers arrive, make sure you don’t remove the protective boxes until you’re ready for installation, as this will prevent accidental damage.

It’s also important to be careful as you install the porcelain pavers. Never use a plate compactor (this puts unnecessary pressure on the pavers), only cut them with a wet cut blade if necessary, and always make sure there is at least 4mm of space between your pavers.

If you follow these rules, you’ll be able to give your clients a paved space that’s as sturdy as it is stylish.

Joint Infilling

As we just mentioned, porcelain pavers should have at least 4mm of space between them for proper installation. So, how do you fill the space in-between? There are a few different joint filling options, but here are the ones we recommend:

Traditional Sand

This method uses traditional dry sand to fill the open joints. While dry sand is quick and easy to use, keep in mind that it can suffer erosion from the wind and rain over time. Therefore, it’s important to inform your clients that these joints may eventually need re-sanding.

Cement Blended Sand

For this method, combine three parts sand with one part cement to create a thicker, more durable paste. This cement blended sand can be swept into open joints and then misted with water to cure. However, make sure you remove any residual from the pavers themselves, as they can stain if left unattended.

Polymeric Sand

This method uses polymeric sand (sand blended with polymers that harden with moisture). You can use this filler in the same way you would use cement blended sand: sweep it into the joints and mist it to cure. However, please make sure that the polymeric sand you use is suitable with porcelain pavers. Some varieties require porous pavers, and porcelain pavers are non-porous.

Installing Your Pavers

You have all the tools you need – your pavers, your saw, the joint filler of your choice. It’s finally time to start installing this porcelain! But what method should you use? The answer depends on the space you’re paving and the road base.

Here are a few different ways to install your porcelain pavers:

Sand Set over Compacted Road Base

This option is ideal for areas that see a lot of pedestrians foot traffic.

·         Pour your base material 6-8 inches beyond the edge of the pavement

·         Secure a peripheral restraint system spike over the base area

·         Lay your pavers over the base material at a 1.5-2 degree slope pitched away from any buildings

·         Make sure all pavers are 4mm apart and use your joint fillers to close any gaps

Sand Set over Concrete Overlay

If you’re working with an area that already has concrete, spray a thin layer of sand over it and use this method.

·         Secure a peripheral restrain system into the concrete base

·         Drill ½-inch drainage holes in the concrete

·         Lay a layer of geotextile over the concrete

·         Make sure the concrete is covered by a 1-inch thick (pre-compacted) layer of sand, then compact it

·         Lay down pavers (4mm apart) and fill in joints with the material of your choice

Cementitious Adhesive Overlay with Concrete Base

If the area you’re paving expects light vehicle traffic (such as a driveway), consider the following method:

·         Use an approved cementitious adhesive to cover your concrete base

·         Lay down your pavers with the approved spacing and fill the joints with the appropriate grout

Permeable Over Open Graded Aggregate

For spaces that use a permeable subgrade, use this method:

·         Extend base area 6-8 inches beyond the paved area

·         Place a peripheral restraint system over base area

·         Make sure there is a base of ¾-inch open-graded aggregate, as well as a 2-inch bedding course of 3/8-inch open-graded aggregate

·         Lay down your pavers and fill the joints

Steppingstone Sand Set on Compacted Road Base

If you plan to install porcelain paver stepping stones, use this method:

·         Dig out space for each stepping stone and fill it with a compacted road base

·         Add a 1-inch thing layer (pre-compacted) of sand bedding

·         Lay down your porcelain paver

Fixed Pedestal on Concrete Floor

Finally, if you are installing your pavers over a concrete floor or slab, use this method:

·         Level out your concrete and ensure it is smooth with a 2-degree pitch angled away from any building

·         Install 1/8-inch or ½-inch pedestal supported at the corners of each paver

·         Lay down the pavers and fill in the joints with the appropriate filler

Make Your Yard More Elegant

Whatever project you’re working on, you can trust that Elegance US will give you the best product in the hardscaping business. Take a look at our selection of porcelain pavers, natural stone, wall tiles, and much more today.

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Make Your Yard More “Elegant”: Pattern Ideas for Italian Porcelain Pavers

Choosing the right paver for your yard is not an easy decision.

You have to think of materials: what will be durable enough to stand up to rough weather and regular use, yet still look beautiful over time?

You have to think of color: what will best suit the other landscaping elements (plants, the size of your yard, etc.)?

You have to think of comfort: which textures will be best for your family, neighbors, and pets to walk on each day?

And finally, you have to think of patterns: what’s going to be the best-looking layout?

At Elegance US, we want your yard to be your own personal oasis, and we know that the right paver can make all the difference. That’s why we’re proud to offer you the very best exterior pavers you’ll find anywhere – including a great selection of Italian porcelain. Special thanks to https://construction2style.com/ for inspiration! 

About Italian Porcelain Pavers

As the name suggests, Italian porcelain pavers originated in Italy. Outdoor porcelain pavers are quickly becoming the hottest trend in landscape design, thanks to their beautiful look and incredible durability.

Porcelain pavers are stain-resistant, durable enough to withstand heavy use, and less likely to develop rot or mold than stone or wood options. Best of all, the high-end glazing techniques used to create these pavers make them exceptionally beautiful – even years after installation!

Our Favorite Pattern Ideas

If you’re considering adding Italian porcelain pavers to your yard, we commend you – you clearly have excellent tastes! But how should you arrange these pavers in your yard? The answer depends on the look you want to achieve.

Here are a few of our favorite paver patterns. They just might inspire you!

Elegance Herringbone at 90 Degrees

If you’re planning to use your outdoor porcelain pavers on a tall space (like the walls of a pool or a garden wall), take a classic herringbone pattern and tilt it upwards 90 degrees. This subtle shift will draw the eye upward, making your space feel larger overall. This pattern is also incredibly strong, which makes it a great choice if you plan to have heavy furniture in your yard or use the space every day.

porcelain pavers

Elegance Step Ladder

Do you want to make a small part of your yard (like a narrow walkway or small, covered patio) feel larger and more open? One of the best ways to do this is to arrange your rectangular pavers in a step ladder pattern. This pattern is like the herringbone, but instead of drawing the eye up, the diagonal point of the pattern draws the eye outward.

outdoor porcelain pavers

Elegance Classic Subway

If you’ve ever visited the New York City subways, you’re likely familiar with this classic tile pattern. The subway pattern is rather simple. It’s just rows of pavers in straight, clean lines, slightly offset from one another. However, the simplicity of this design gives it a cool, minimalist look – and if you use Italian porcelain to achieve this look, the finished product is even chicer.

laying porcelain paving

Elegance Geometric Look

This pattern features two horizontal pavers placed alongside two vertical ones. It’s simple, yet unexpected, and the finished product is really fun! This is a great pattern for large paved areas like pool decks or fully paved yards, as it adds a unique design touch to the overall look of your landscape.

belgard porcelain pavers

Elegance Classic at a Diagonal

Let’s say that you want to give the classic subway look a modern upgrade. How would you do it? The answer is easy: rotate the pattern 45 degrees! This slight change can make a big difference in the overall look of your pavement. It’s also a great choice if you have an irregular-shaped yard, as the diagonal direction of the pavers can help draw the eye to a focal point like your pool or seating area.

arterra pavers

Elegance Stacked Vertical

This pattern is as simple as they come – your pavers are placed vertically in a few straight lines. This is ideal for folks who want to pave long, thin areas like a small walkway or a series of steps. The pattern’s simplicity won’t distract from the other elements in your yard, while the pavers will still look exceptional.

msi pavers

Elegance 90 Degree Classic

This time, we’ve taken the classic subway pattern and flipped it 90 degrees, so it stands completely vertical. Again, this is a great choice for a narrow backyard area, as it helps make space appear larger overall. It’s also a unique and unexpected option!

24x24 porcelain pavers

Elegance Stacked Tile

Do you like the lines of the subway pattern, but wish they were a little… cleaner? This stacked paver pattern is ideal for you. Instead of offsetting each row, the pavers are lined up perfectly, creating a sleek grid pattern that’s very modern. This is a great layout for people who want a simple, clean look for their outdoor pavers.

arterra porcelain pavers

Elegance Stacked Vertical – Alternating

This pattern starts with a stacked vertical layout but then offsets the rows just slightly. This adds a little drama to the overall pattern and makes for a fun look in your yard! Use this pattern on pool decks or seating areas for a clean design with a little more visual flair.

porcelain pavers cost

Elegance Classic Herringbone

The herringbone paver pattern is one of the most popular landscaping options around. You’ve probably seen this look in your neighbors’ yards, your family member’s yards, and maybe even your own! But there’s a reason that the herringbone is just a fixture in the landscaping industry – this pattern looks great in yards of any size! If you’re looking for a tried and true paving pattern, you can’t go wrong with this one.

grey porcelain paving

Elegance Stacked Horizontal – Alternating

Like the vertical alternating, this pattern takes the horizontal “stacked tile” look and offsets the pavers. The finished look is unique and fun but still looks clean enough for any minimalist to fall in love with it. This pattern is great for square or rectangular paved areas like seating areas or outdoor grilling stations.

porcelain pool coping

Elegance Herringbone at 45 degrees

Finally, let’s take a look at the last herringbone variation layout pattern. This option rotates the classic herringbone pattern 45 degrees so that the pavers point off to either side of the space. This keeps the viewer’s eyes traveling around the yard and creates an overall feeling of vastness – which makes it perfect for smaller yards!

porcelain paving near me

Give Your Yard a Little Extra “Elegance”

Whether you want a clean, minimalist pattern or a unique and artistic look in your yard, there’s no better option than beautiful Italian porcelain pavers. And if you want your pavers to look their very best, there’s no better supplier than eleganceus.com !

Contact us today to learn how we can transform your yard into the paradise you deserve.

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Natural Stone Veneer Patterns

A wide variety of wall tiles and products created in various colors, shapes, sizes, and styles suitable for a wall that is easy to clean and maintain. Natural Stone Veneer Patterns are the best for your walls.

Wall tiles are used in many homes, commercial properties, etc.

Elegance by NT Trading presents Natural Stone Veneer Pattern. A very bold, stylish, and modern way to decorate your house, fireplace, fire pit, etc.

While providing top quality Natural Stone Wall Tile, Elegance by NT Trading offers a suggested pattern for our customers that has been generated by our team to keep the beauty and elegance of the veneer. Follow the link below for more info:

https://eleganceus.com/veneer-stone/500-afyon-ice-marble-veneer-stone-pattern.html

Available in different colors, our veneer stone patterns dominate the market in the East Coast making it one of the best solutions when it comes to covering your walls.

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Recycled Glass Pool Tiles Mosaics


Glass pool tiles have been decorating many swimming pools thanks to their flexibility in design and their performance in the reflection of light.  They are used to create wonderful glass mosaic designs, which turn the swimming pools into a work of art.

As Elegance by NT Trading we promote Recycled Glass Mosaics to contribute to environmental management and take one step forward in the reduction of waste. Elegance Recycled Glass Pool Mosaics come in a wide variety of colors and surfaces. They can be sandblasted, shiny, pearlescent, or matte. The smaller sizes are used primarily for mosaics but there are likewise bigger sizes and pebble-shaped tiles for use in different applications for the home. Prices depend on the finish, color of the tile and the way it was handcrafted.

Come visit us to see what we have to offer to enhance your pool or spa area.