DirectBuy Home Improvement Blog » Natural Stone

2 Great Fireplace Surround Materials

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:37:32 +0000

Fireplaces are fun to design and to decorate, and there are numerous design ideas available. They can be covered with nearly any material and the mantel can be completely customized to your tastes. What are some good options for fireplace surround materials?

Tile

There are many types of tile options, from glass tile to ceramics. Glass tile is very contemporary, and it comes in limitless color options. Tile is customizable to the client’s needs. You can choose to have all one color on your fireplace surround or integrate a pattern into the tile.

Stone

Natural stone gives the fireplace a more traditional look. It works well in a rustic, lodge type setting, as well as in the modern home. Stone is also customizable, and you can choose the color or pattern that best fits your design scheme.

Tile and stone are just two fireplace surround material options. Fireplaces can be completely unique, depending on your personal style and material preferences. This is what makes them so much fun to design.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your fireplace surround stunning. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Is Your Floor Making You Sneeze?

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:35:32 +0000

Many people suffer from allergies year-round. Allergens not only waft around outside, they also reside in many elements of home interiors and one of these elements is flooring.

Is your flooring making you sneeze? If you suffer from allergies or asthma, perhaps you should install flooring that is not a safe haven for allergens.

Allergy Friendly Flooring

Carpet is not the best type of flooring surface to use if you have allergies. Here are a few types of allergy-friendly flooring:

1.   Hardwood
2.   Ceramic
3.   Linoleum
4.   Bamboo
5.   Natural Stone

Get some relief from your allergies by making some changes in your home’s interior. Start with installing allergy-friendly flooring to bring some much needed relief during allergy seasons.

DirectBuy has an extensive selection of top-quality flooring of all types from America’s leading manufacturers at prices up to 50% off retail.

Proper Care of Natural Stone

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:13:02 +0000

You’ve just installed that new marble countertop or those fantastic travertine floors. They certainly look beautiful and it is important for you to take proper care of natural stone to maintain that beauty for years to come.

Cleaning Your Natural Stone

There are guidelines for all natural stone when it comes to installation and maintenance. It is important to follow these guidelines for your particular material. The common element that is found for most all natural stone when it comes to things to avoid is anything that is acidic.

You will want to wipe up acidic spills immediately and you don’t want to clean your material with anything that has an acidic base. Use cleaning solutions specific to your material and never use abrasive rags or sponges. Make sure to follow the guidelines for your marble, travertine, granite, or other natural stone to keep it looking brand new in the future.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your home and outdoor areas stylish and comfortable. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Understanding the Finish of Stone Flooring

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:01:46 +0000

When choosing natural stone as flooring in your home, it is important to understand its finish. The finish not only goes a long way in determining the overall look of the tile, it also determines in what setting it should be used.

Top Stone Floor Finishes

There are many different types of finishes available for stone but here are some of the most commonly used finishes:

Polished – a reflective finish that is smooth and accentuates the natural veining of the stone. Not all polished natural stone is suitable for wet areas.
Honed – a smooth finish that is matte in appearance. It can sometimes lighten the natural color of the stone.
Tumbled – the stone has been placed in a large drum and actually “tumbled” to produce worn edges and facing. Tumbled stone looks more rustic.
Antiqued – the surface of the stone is flamed and or brushed to produce a rough textured finish.

The different finishes of stone produce varied looks. Select a finish that works well with the rest of the room’s décor and is appropriate for the area.

DirectBuy offers a wide range of home remodeling and home improvement products at savings of up to 50% off retail. Purchase natural stone flooring and other top quality remodeling products and save money for your budget.

Stone is More than a Flooring Application

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:46:44 +0000

We all have seen beautiful stone flooring applications both inside and outside the home. Granite, marble , travertine , etc. all make stunning flooring material. The truth is, stone can be beautiful in other ways as well.

Stone Tables and More

Stone tables are an example of another way to incorporate stone into your home. You can get coffee tables, end tables, buffets, vanities, and more that use stone tops. These are made from many of types of natural stone materials.

You can actually take stone floor medallions and set them on a base and have an instant sunroom or dining table. Include the beauty of stone in your home design in lots of ways other than just as a flooring material.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your home and outdoor areas stylish and comfortable. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Classic Marble for Your Home

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:24:26 +0000

Marble is one of the classic beauties used in the home. It is almost unparalleled when it comes to presenting a luxurious feel to any room of your home.

Any Color of Marble Imaginable

When we think of marble , we often think of the beautiful white marbles such as thassos, statuario, or calacatta. The truth is, there are marbles available in almost any color imaginable. There are some marbles that are consistent in color and veining and then there are others that have interesting color variations and veining.

Marble can be used in wall and floor applications in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, etc. It doesn’t matter which marble you choose, you will be adding one of the classic stones to your home design.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of top-quality tile , marble and other natural stones to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings of up to 50% off retail helps you save money for other things in your budget.

Natural Flooring Brings the Beauty of Mother Nature Indoors

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:00:37 +0000

Flooring, no matter the room in our home, is a powerful presence. It is important to select the appropriate flooring for rooms in your home and in many cases; the room would be best served by natural stone flooring . You have many options from which to choose and it’s a pretty good bet, it will also increase the value of your home.

Wide Varieties of Natural Material

You will have a wide selection of flooring materials available to you when it comes to natural stone. There are stunning marbles , granites , travertines , limestones , etc. when it comes to natural stone. There are also many patterns and designs you can use to create a unique floor. Look at all the options available to you in natural stone flooring to make a truly stunning and unique flooring application.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your home and outdoor areas stylish and comfortable. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Neutral Stone Flooring Goes with Everything

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:42:12 +0000

Most items in our home draw from the flooring we’ve installed. Although we might often change out furnishings, changing out our flooring occurs much less frequently. One way to accommodate most any type of décor or furnishing is to install neutral stone flooring.

Stone Flooring is Popular for a Reason

The resiliency of stone when it comes to flooring applications is almost unparalleled. When maintained properly, stone will last the lifetime of your home. Most types of stone are available in neutral colors.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose marble , travertine , slate , or any other type of stone appropriate for flooring; you will find a neutral color palette. Safe is sometimes the better bet when it comes to flooring color. Find the perfect neutral color stone flooring for your home. It will beautifully compliment any of your home furnishings.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your home and outdoor areas stylish and comfortable. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Decorative Tile Provides an Artistic Touch in Your Bathroom

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:09:27 +0000

We often think of decorative tile being used in the kitchen. The truth is decorative tile works in many areas of the home including the bathroom. Using decorative tile can bring an artistic touch into your bathroom.

Stylish Tile Designs for Your Bathroom

The bathroom can be one of the busiest places in the house. You should make it comfortable and attractive. Don’t use the same drab tile on the walls and floors. Mosaics or patterned accent tiles can help transform your bathroom.

There are many stylish and trendy designs available in natural stone , glass , or ceramic . If you are going to spend a good amount of time in the bathroom, make it a pleasing place to be with decorative tile.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone to make your home and outdoor areas stylish and comfortable. Save up to 50% off retail prices on brand-name products.

Natural Stone Accent Pieces for Great Design

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:01:58 +0000

When homeowners think of stone, they normally think of entire floors or walls being covered in granite , marble or travertine . The truth is, even the smallest pieces of natural stone can make a huge difference in a room. Consider using stone accent pieces in various areas of your home.

The Accent is on Accent Pieces of Stone

Stone accent pieces can be solid colors or they can be etched with unique and beautiful designs. Place 4” x 4” stone strategically in shower wall amidst glass or larger pieces of stone. Use mixed stone border pieces as edging around your kitchen backsplash. Insert unique designs inlayed on stone where corners meet in your flooring pattern. Smaller stone pieces can be the ideal accent piece you need to make any room in your home uniquely beautiful.

DirectBuy offers many different kinds of tile and natural stone for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings of up to 50% off retail helps you save money for your budget.

The Rustic Beauty and Functionality of Limestone

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:15:24 +0000

Limestone is beautiful in rustic designs. From French Country to Old World style, the subtle softness of limestone will make a classic statement in any room of your home.

Limestone is Appropriate for a Variety of Uses

Most people think of limestone when discussing flooring options. But limestone can be used in a variety of applications in your home.

Showers -Tumbled limestone mosaics will look beautiful in your shower whether they are on the wall or floor.
Fireplaces - Use large rectangular pieces for your fireplace surround.
Vanity Tops - Choose a pretty color of limestone to use as a vanity top.
Flooring - When chosen as a flooring option, limestone comes in various sizes and finishes.

Utilize limestone in a variety of applications to bring rustic charm to your home.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile and natural stone for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings of up to 50% off retail helps you save money for your budget.

Stunning Glass and Stone Mosaics

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:33:31 +0000

Two of the most popular materials in the world of mosaic design have merged, glass and stone. Beautiful marbles, granites, limestones, and slate are being worked in with different glass colors to form dynamic designs.

Wonderful Pairings of Tumbled and Polished Stone Materials

Clear and translucent glass is paired with tumbled or polished stone materials. These mosaics come in various sizes such as ¾” x ¾” squares or offset brick patterns. The glass and stone is placed on a mesh-mounted sheet and can be perfect for wall and floor applications.

A Great Choice for Kitchens and Bathrooms

This unique blend of materials is beautiful as kitchen backsplashes or shower walls. Glass and stone mixed mosaics come in many colors and you will be able to find the perfect color and blend to make a beautiful design in your home.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile, glass mosaics and natural stone for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings of up to 50% off retail helps you save money for your budget.

Mosaic Tile Designs for Any Room of the Home

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:40:20 +0000

Creating a sense of artistry in any room of your home can be accomplished with the use of mosaic tile. Designs and scenes are formed with the use of glass and or natural stone and are often difficult to distinguish from an actual painting.

Mosaic Tiles Have a Large Presence in Architectural History

The use of mosaics to create works of art has been around for centuries. Think of the stained glass mosaics found in many cathedrals and churches all over the world. A single source of material such as marble or a mixture of materials such as marble and glass is used to form beautiful representations of various people or themes.

Add Mosaic Tile Designs to your Outdoor Areas

You can install a mosaic aquatic scene in bottom of your swimming pool or use a floral mosaic in your bathroom. There are literally thousands of designs and motifs made available in mosaic tiles. The use of mosaic tile designs in your home can turn any room from ordinary to extraordinary.

DirectBuy offers a wide selection of tile for use within your home and outdoors to help you express your style and creativity throughout your home. Great savings of up to 50% off retail helps you save money for your budget.

Beautify Your Bathroom with a Bathtub Surround

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:55:15 +0000

A new bathtub surround can really make a difference in your bathroom. Whether you want to replace that 1950 pink wall tile or you are installing a new tub, a surround is definitely in order.

In addition to protecting your wall area from water, surrounds add beauty and functional shelving and ledges. Pre-molded surround kits are available to fit most tub enclosures, but you might also want to consider other materials such as stone, glass, or ceramic. Even these types of materials can have built in ledges or niches for shampoo, soap, or spa treatments.

When you’re ready for bathroom remodeling, a new bathtub surround will give your bathroom a beautiful facelift and will better protect your walls from moisture and mildew. You can find a multitude of options for your bathtub surround to tie in perfectly with your entire bathroom decor. From natural stone such as slate, marble, or travertine to easy-care ceramic, you can choose what fits well into your style and your budget.

DirectBuy offers an extensive selection of beautiful tiles and natural stone for any application in your home. Manufacturer-direct wholesale prices can save up to 50% off retail cost.

Natural Stone Flooring For Your Home, Part I

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:30:36 +0000

Stone tiles make for extremely reliable and durable home flooring. Whenever it comes to choosing flooring for a room or a bathroom, most proud homeowners opt for stone flooring, considering the fact that it requires less maintenance and is more practical to use. There are at least six types of natural stone flooring that are extremely popular, though each of them might have their own pros and cons.

Though all types of natural stone tiles are extremely popular and are in great demand, manufacturers have now created various types of natural stone tiles by combining two or more of the different techniques.

Most homeowners prefer different tiles for their different rooms and also prefer to use different types for their interiors and exteriors. Specifications like color, size, design, and materials also differ nowadays. You can also get custom made natural stone tiles to match your decor and your personal needs.

Look for more information on types of natural stone flooring in Part II.

For beautiful tile flooring of all types, including natural stone, see what DirectBuy has to offer at prices up to 50% off retail.

Unique Natural Stone Flooring

Pat, Home Remodeling Pro — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:46:00 +0000

The beauty of natural stone is that it is a product of Mother Nature and therefore, no two stones are alike. When you choose natural stone for your floors or walls, you can be sure that you have a unique look.

Over the years, natural stone has found its way from the outdoors into the most beautiful homes all over the world. It’s perfect for floors, tub surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, and other indoor applications. Whether you choose marble, granite, travertine, or any other natural stone, you will be bringing a bit of nature into your home.

From deep within the earth and years of metamorphosis, your natural stone will have distinctive patterns, colors and veining. Truly unique, natural stone makes a great addition to any home design.

Ready to install new flooring in your home? Let DirectBuy help you choose the right applications and products to help you create the look you want. With manufacturer-direct prices, you can afford to have the same kind of beautiful floors you see in home design magazines.