Blog 8: Collins Tile and Stone

Kayla Towns

ID 3311.002

GAINES

3 November 2011

Blog 8: Collins Tile and Stone

This past Tuesday, we went as a class to Collins Tile and Stone to learn more about the different kinds of tile, stone and glass and their many applications. This was personally one of my favorite trips we’ve taken. I learned so much from our kind hosts and wanted to share my newly-gained knowledge.

Collins Tile and Stone has been in business since 1984. They sell many types of materials, such as Granite, Marble, Travertine Tile, Limestone, and Synthetic Granite. Granite is an igneous rock that is quarried in Brazil and brought to the states for sale. It is used in kitchen applications, is harder than steel, and has “movement” in it. It can come in a polished, matte, or leathered finish and varies in colors. It also has little flexural strength.

Marble is a metamorphic rock that has a veined texture and is much softer and more absorptive in nature than Granite. It comes from all parts of the world and is used in mainly bathroom applications.

Carrara Marble is a type of marble that is in high demand right now. It is a very popular style for kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in a honed finish for kitchens, but scratches easily.

Travertine Tile is a particular type of tile that is a seabed formation containing fossils and other such items found in the sea floor. It is very hard in nature and very dense. It is also considered sugary or granular.

A new synthetic material has become big recently by the name of Cambria. Cambria is found in North Dakota and is made primarily of natural Quartz. It simulates and creates even movement throughout the slab of stone to ensure equal distribution of color. It is not as scratch and heat resistant as Travertine, but it still does the job well.

Agglomerated Marbles are also sold at Collins Tile and Marble. They are used primarily for bathroom vanities and are a good cost-effective alternative to legitimate marble.

Finally, Corian Stone has become a huge player again here in the last few years. Corian has been used in healthcare and food service locations; however, it has bad cooking applications if one spends much time in the kitchen.

In conclusion, this field trip was very instructive and helped me learn a lot more about different kinds of marble and tile solutions for the home. Maybe someday I can come back and actually purchase one of those beautiful Granite slabs to put in my kitchen and bathroom. I would love that.