Understanding the Absorption Rating of Natural Stones

All natural stones have a porous surface. Meaning, there are innumerable tiny pores on stone tile surface. These pores are visible when you look the stone tile through a microscope.

What does that mean?

You can compare the pores on the stone surface with the pores of our skin. Moisture, oil, pollutants, and different types of fluids and debris may have an effect on the health of the stone (and also of our skin).

You need to protect the stone from these factors to maintain their look. Stone experts and distributors recommend using a suitable quality sealant to block the pores. This helps prevent the pollutants from housing into the pores and seeping through and causing damage to the tile and the subfloor below.

Why absorption rating is important?

When you plan a new construction or remodel, make sure you are buying stone tiles based on their absorption rate and the area (of your home) where you are going to use them. For example: your bathroom will need stone tiles with zero or low absorption rate.

Using unsuitable stone often results in cracking and loose tiles – both the conditions are a blow to your investment.

When you go out to buy stones, you will see tiles with rating on the basis of their absorption level. These are –

Non-Vitreous Tiles –

The term vitreous means glazing or something that has been glazed and looks like a glassy surface. Non-vitreous tiles do not have any glaze at all. They have the highest absorption rate. And because of that, non-vitreous tiles should never be used for damp or watery areas of your home, such as your bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen.

Vitreous Tiles –

These tiles have a glaze on them and they are ideal for floors and walls in mild traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

Impervious Tiles –

Impervious stone tiles have the lowest absorption level and offer a great protection from water, moisture, and other types of fluid.

This article has been brought to you by WallAndTile.com, one of the largest tile shops in US.