Delicate But Gorgeous Onyx Tiles

The translucent beauty of onyx is now available as onyx tiles. These tiles are more affordable than onyx countertops and they are more flexible in their applications. They are also filled with colors that exude class and style when you focus light on them. The room appears to expand as they reflect light. That’s why these colorful tiles are a favorite fixture in high class restaurants, hotels and avant-garde homes.

Onyx tiles are also attractive as the original onyx stone. They are softer and more flexible than granite tiles since they are basically composed of calcium carbonates. They exhibit all the color range from lighter beige to darker greens. The most popular colors though are those with yellow, brown and green hues. If they are backlit, then they will look their absolute best. It brings about a gorgeous and fascinating effect to the room.

Onyx tiles are used widely for making decorative pieces of art, such as bowls, vases, etc. But you can take advantage of their dazzling colors by using them in your house. Onyx tiles can be used to brighten up the look of your kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, showers, walls and floors. Innovative countertop builders have made them into mosaic inlays for table tops, fireplace surrounds, bar tops and walls. Some have also used them as claddings for special countertops for indoor and outdoor use.

Onyx has been categorized as a semi-precious stone because of its aesthetic qualities. This will help explain why onyx is so expensive. However, you can get onyx tiles at $4.99 per square foot. If you have the funds, you can get as high as $200.00 per square foot for the more exquisite-looking tiles. Those who are innovative mix onyx tiles with other tile materials to obtain a unique look while cutting their costs.

Because onyx tiles are very fragile and delicate, you have to be careful when cleaning them. You need to use pH-neutral cleansers specially intended for calcareous stone which onyx is. Use light pressures when wiping and drying the surface because dirt and grit can easily scratch the surface of onyx. In this regard, always wipe the surface in just one direction. Dry the tiles by patting them, not forcing them to dry by pressing the cloth on the surface.

We hope we have given you some food for thought in your search for alternative countertop ideas.