Slabs are more expensive than tiles, but their hefty, timeless appearance can't be matched. Natural stone offers almost as many possibilities in color and texture as tile. It has a worn, pitted surface, and its colors have been softened and muted by abrasion or an acid wash. But, says O'Rear, setting highly reflective stone tile is less forgiving than ceramic tile because uneven surfaces are glaringly obvious. Some stone is uneven in thickness, which means it should be set in mortar instead of thinset.
Dark colors are more expensive than lighter colors.
Grout is all but impossible to remove from untreated porous stone. So seal or make sure the installer seals stone like limestone or marble before installation for easier cleanup. Today's Homeowner, a division of Times Mirror Magazines. Privacy policy .