There are numerous advantages to using natural stone such as granite and marble in place of synthetic materials such as Corian, Formica, porcelain, concrete or ceramic tile. Natural stone is durable, long-lasting and color selection is generally far more extensive. Most people consider natural stone more expensive than it actually is. Not only can natural stone be affordable but its resilience proves cost effective over time. On the other hand, synthetic material requires periodic replacement and costly repairs. At The Ciano Company we pride ourselves on the ability to offer quality granite and marble products at affordable prices that are often lower than those of synthetic products. We stock over 100 different granite colors and with such a large inventory it is easy to find exactly what you are looking for.

Consumers often prefer granite and marble simply for the attractiveness of natural stone. Synthetic products usually aim to mimic the color variations found in granite or marble. Using man-made material may achieve a similar outward appearance, but there is a definite difference in quality and ease of use. Granite is considered an ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it can withstand high heat, up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas heat pads are necessary for countertops made from synthetic materials due to potential burn marks and fading. Granite countertops are virtually scratch-proof and will not scratch even when directly cut on. Man-made material is susceptible to burning, discoloration, scratching and can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.

Using granite or marble for your kitchen countertops and other home accents is a great way to increase overall value of your home. Natural Stone Concepts stocks only the best material and will not sacrifice quality at any cost. We use the best machine tools to cut and bullnose our product and the difference is visible. Our mission is to offer the best value for your dollar. If you are looking for quality natural stone that is both elegant and cost efficient, look no further than The Ciano Company.

Marble and granite products alike add a polished sophistication and enhance any room. Both can be used for countertops, tile flooring, fireplace mantels, columns, vases and much more. However, even though marble and granite have a similar aesthetic, they can also be better suited for specific purposes.

Marble lasts as long as granite but is typically best used for items such as vases, crosses, and mantels. Subtle color choices and veining patterns that marble offers can create more unique and exquisite designs in bathrooms. Physically, marble is less dense and is often the preferred choice for fireplace mantels because more detailed designs can be carved. Largely composed of calcite, marble is sensitive to acidic foods which include ketchup, lemon, vinegar and wine. In exposing marble to these acids there is a risk of staining and dulling the polished finish.

Greater density and hardness help make granite resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. That makes granite a popular choice for kitchen countertops and outdoor pieces, including headstones and monuments because it is the most durable natural stone and stands up well to weather changes. Granite is long-lasting and creates a beautiful, unique ambiance in any environment.

Natural Stone Concepts is a direct supplier of marble and granite. We import our material internationally from various countries which include: Italy , Spain , Greece , Brazil , China and India . We have a large inventory and extensive selection for all of our marble and granite products.

At The Ciano Company we believe that protecting your marble and granite material is an important way to ensure product lifetime and maintain original quality. Here are some ideas on protecting your natural stone:

The most popular method of protecting natural stone is by applying a sealer. When choosing your sealer remember that solvent based sealers work much better than water based ones. A sealer works by penetrating into the pores of the stone and building an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and take only a few hours to effectively dry. For best results, it is recommended that sealers be re-applied once a year for bathrooms and every six months for kitchen countertops. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more traffic on the granite or marble surface, the more frequently you should apply the sealer. Areas that typically see more traffic include kitchen sinks and prep surfaces near stovetops. Once the sealer is applied, there is no visible difference to the clarity or beauty of the marble or granite. For stubborn stains it is best to consult with a professional, but most require using liquid poultice.

For day to day care, The Ciano Company is the exclusive distributor for the State of Florida Marble Kare Product MK, care and maintenance products for Natural Stone, Tile and masonry call us for request our product.

Mohawk believes that carpet is a custom installed product for each consumer and installation. An Authorized Mohawk Retailer is trained to provide advice on the type of product suited to your lifestyle, to assist you in selecting the proper underlayment (carpet cushion), and to arrange for proper installation by trained installers. Therefore, Mohawk does not sell residential carpet direct to individuals.

Carpet twist is the number of turns put in the carpet fiber or yarn. Almost all carpets have twisted yarns. As a general rule, the more twist or turns on a fiber, the better performance you can expect. Yarns that are twisted tighter have a different “feel” than those that are less tight.

A rating system developed by a manufacturer is their own evaluation of products based on their set of standards and “testing” methods. These Rating Systems cannot be compared across manufacturers since most are based on people’s opinion and not strict testing methods.

Using technical specifications of a product can give you a guide, but there are many other factors that can alter the comparison. For example, two carpets made to the same specifications but made with different fibers will perform, look, and feel differently in the same environment.

No. All carpets, except woven carpets, are made with spaces between the tufts (ends). Remember, except for stairs, carpet is flat on the floor. You can feel the thickness or density of different carpets by sticking your fingers in the pile, but do it on a flat surface. As a general rule, thicker, tighter, denser carpets perform better.

As a rule, similar products with unbranded yarns can be less expensive but that does not mean you get the same thing. Just like the difference between buying a Mohawk branded carpet and an unbranded carpet, branded fiber brands and treatments such as Stainmaster^®, Wear–Dated^®, and 3M Scotchgard^® Protector Advanced Repel Technology are manufactured to strict standards set by the company. Using branded fibers can also give you extended warranties backed by the fiber company and the carpet manufacturer. By using both branded fiber and unbranded fiber, Mohawk can offer you a wide variety of styles, colorations, and price points.

There is no question that a good cushion is critical to carpet performance, but remember that you walk directly on the carpet so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet.

Yes, Mohawk Engineered & Longstrip (glueless) Hardwood Floors are suitable for installing over a radiant heated concrete slab. Caution: The slab surface must never exceed 85 degrees F in temperature. Before installing over a radiant heated floor, turn off heat and wait until the floor has reached room temperature. After installing the floor return the heat to the previous setting.

Mohawk Engineered & Longstrip (glueless) Hardwood Floors can be installed over most concrete slabs (not solid hardwood). The concrete slab must be fully cured for at least 60 days, free of structural defects, clean and visually dry with no history of moisture problems. When testing for moisture, Mohawk suggests utilizing the industry–standard calcium chloride test or the Tramex Moisture Encounter (5 max). Note: All 3/8” solid products may be glued to a concrete slab using Mohawk’s approved glue and sealant system. Light–weight concrete that has a dry density of 100 pounds or less per cubic foot is not suitable for Mohawk hardwood floors.

You should never wet mop a hardwood floor, this will raise the grain and may permanently damage the wood’s surface. Use Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hard Surface Products to clean and protect your hardwood floor. Always apply the Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hard Surface Cleaner directly to the terry cloth flooring mop, not the floor.

If your hardwood floor’s finish becomes dull and scratched you can restore the finish by a light screening and recoat of the urethane.

Mohawk Floor Care Essential Products are available through your local Mohawk dealers. See the Store Locator for the store nearest you.

All hardwood floors can be adversely effected by extreme changes in humidity. During the hot, humid weather a de–humidifier may be required. Although engineered wood floors are less effected than solid wood floors, in the dry, heated winter months humidification may be necessary to prevent surface checking.

If the damaged area is smaller than an inch in diameter you can use ColorFill Putty to repair the defect. If the damaged area is too large replacing the plank may be required. See the Installation Guidelines for additional information and recommendations.

Mohawk Engineered Hardwood Floors may be installed on all grade levels. See the Installation Guidelines for additional information and recommendations.

No wax, no mess. Mohawk Hardwood Floors are very easy to maintain. Simply use Mohawk Floor Care Essentials Hard Surface Cleaner and a specialty terry cloth flooring mop available from your local Mohawk flooring store. See the Store Locator for a Mohawk flooring dealer nearest you.

Yes, it is possible for dogs and cats to damage any type of flooring, including laminate flooring. Although Mohawk Laminate Floors are extremely durable they can be scratched by untrimmed pet claws. Keeping dogs and cats claws trimmed will help your floor look beautiful for many years.

For minor scratches in your laminate floor there are special, color–coordinating pencils that may be used to fill in scratches. See your Mohawk Laminate Flooring dealer for more information. By using some common sense precautions you can help keep your floor looking like new. Use walkoff mats in front off all doorways and felt pads under all furniture legs. Never drag heavy objects over the floor, instead place 1/4” underlayment or plywood down first and then slide the heavy object across the underlayment panels. For more information see our Laminate Floor Care.

If the damage to the plank is too severe you can have the damaged plank replaced without destroying the rest of the floor. For plank replacements there are special tools, router bits, and wood splines available to make the job easier. We suggest you leave plank replacement up to a professional installer.

Mohawk Laminate Floors can be installed of many types of existing floors, such as ceramic tile, vinyl, and hardwood. Have your local Mohawk Flooring dealer make an inspection to determine if the existing flooring is suitable for this purpose. Never try to install a floating floor over another floating floor.

There is always a remote possibility of an individual fractured tile, usually caused by not being bonded properly and then being impacted by an object dropping on it. That type of fracture is repaired by replacing the damaged tile. A sure rule of thumb to determining the problem: if the crack goes from one tile to another on a continuous line through the grout joint, the problem, without any doubt, is in the substrate; usually a crack in the slab. The damaged tile would have to be removed, a crack isolation membrane put down and the tile reinstalled; which should solve the problem.

Unglazed ceramic tile is strongly recommended for most exterior horizontal (floor) applications, interior applications subject to standing water such as shower floors, for very high traffic floors such as airports, train stations, etc. Impervious porcelain tiles are recommended in all ’freeze/thaw‚ horizontal exterior applications, and even in vertical ’freeze/thaw‚ applications subject to standing (or in) water.

Although a great variety of glazed tiles are used for counter tops, manufacturers specifically recommend only specific tiles. These are usually double glazed or glazes fired at higher temperatures, such as glazes on vitreous and porcelain bodies. High–gloss glazes are not recommended because they will scratch under normal kitchen counter top use. Many owners will select these ’high–gloss‚ tiles for counter tops even though they are told “they will scratch,” because they like the look and do not intend to use their kitchen on a regular basis. Mohawk includes specific references in our catalog for each product. Refer to Mohawk Product Catalog. Vanity Tops: Most tiles are all right to use, except the softest glazes, because of less abuse.

It means that the manufacturer guarantees that box of tile meets and exceeds all the requirements as dictated in ANSI 137.1.

1. A ’Master Grade Certificate‚ can be obtained from the tile manufacturer or supplier upon request. If you want a certificate when picking up your order, request it in advance. This certificate must be signed by both the manufacturer and the installer.