Inlay Ideas for Limestone Tiles

Limestone

• Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate, and often has small fossils and other impurities in it. When made into a tile, these fossils and impurities can become part of the overall pattern to create a one-of-a-kind look. While pure limestone appears almost totally white, particles of clay, sandstone, and other materials can give it a variety of hues. When other materials are inlaid in this tile, the result can be both practical and artistic.

Creating an Inlay

• An inlay is a design or part of a design that is placed within an existing set of tiles to enhance the overall look of the area. The inlay can be of the same material, texture or color of the regular tile or it can be totally different. In more contemporary designs, the inlay may even consist of raised materials or bold colors.

Creating the Design

• Unless experienced in laying tiles, most people find it best to look through the designs provided at many home design centers instead of creating an inlay on their own. In many cases, the placement of the inlay is critical -- if off center even slightly, the whole design may look amateurish. If viewing designs at home centers is not possible, lay out the proposed design on the desired area to check what the inlay will look like when completed. Consider geometric and abstract designs, mosaic images, and materials such as wood, river stones and even metals and porcelain for a fresh look.

Using Color

• Use a variety of hues to create the most dramatic inlays. If using tiles of the same color or pattern, try rotating the inlay tiles 90 degrees from the outlying tiles to create a design. Remember to consider the outlying tiles when creating your inlay. Regardless of the colors or textures used, all tiles must look like they belong where they are placed.