WHAT IS THE BEST STONE TO USE IN MY HOME?

It really is a matter of personal choice and the look you want to achieve. These are questions you need to ask yourself when making your decision: Is it beautiful to you? Do you love it?  Could you live with it for years? The best advice that we can ever give to anyone choosing stone is: Go with what you are drawn to from the beginning. Firstly, because you will only spend a lot of time and become confused when laboring over the "right" decision by looking at many different stones and colors, secondly, you will probably not be happy with your selection if you have to settle on something else and finally, you will probably end up at your first choice anyway.

Reviewing the following most used stone types will help when you are ready to make your choice.

GRANITES – Granites usually have a "spattered" or "swirled" grain and can contain many colors (minerals). Generally, granites have a polished finished and have a "busy" look, but to keep up with current trends, more manufacturers are producing honed (smooth & unpolished) and flamed (rough textured) surfaces. Granites may be purchased in slab and dimensional tile form and can be used in almost any application. It has become ever popular as it is being used frequently in newly built housing, apartment/condominium complexes and commercial buildings. Granites are imported from many countries and have many colors and sizes to choose from. A note in using polished granite is to know that it can be slippery to walk on until a patina builds on it. As with any other commodity, stone is also graded for quality standards.

LIMESTONES – There are many types of limestone available and vary greatly depending upon where it comes from. Contrary to popular to belief, limestone is also a perfectly suitable stone to use in all areas of your home. Most limestone’s have softer earth tone colors and may contain a "swirl" veining movement throughout, it can also contain fossils or may have a light speckled grain. Limestone’s just like granite or any other natural stone can stain, etch or get scratched, but again, you should not use natural stone if this will bother you. Limestone is also widely available in dimensional tile and slab form. This stone is used most frequently in higher-end homes, architectural designs and commercial applications as it is easy to work with, the colors are muted compared to granites, but are available in as many finishes and textures as granite.

As it is still relatively new to the market it is still considered to be a "custom" choice, as it has not reached the overuse level of granite. Some limestone’s from countries such as France and Portugal can be somewhat porous but are perfect for flooring, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and outdoor uses. Limestone from countries such as the US and Israel (Jerusalem Stone) are generally heavier and are usually as dense as granite, which makes it suitable for almost every application.

MARBLE – Most people are familiar with marble in many uses. From Greek statues to Roman baths, marble has been used for centuries in just about every possible application, both interior and exterior. Marble has the same general properties of limestone and can stain, etch or scratch, but it only becomes more beautiful over time and use. It is readily available in just about every color, size, finish and texture known to man. Most marbles have a veining of a mineral throughout them and are generally thought to be from Italy, but it in actually it is quarried from all over the world. Tumbled marble has become extremely popular in the United States in the last few years for backsplash, flooring and shower areas. Marble is not recommended for Kitchen Countertops.

TRAVERTINE – Travertine is marble, except it is filled with "holes." To understand what causes the holes, think of it this way…wherever a river or stream was prior to the marble being quarried is where you will find travertine. Because of the holes, people can be scared off because travertine is generally thought to be more porous and not suitable for residential use. This is not the case, as all of those holes become filled in with grout during installation, giving it a very unique look. The same travertine can be used in two separate areas but appear another way just by using two different grout colors! Travertine can be purchased with the holes pre-filled.

back to top

FAQ’s?

Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME USE?

A.YES. Natural stone is a terrific (not to mention beautiful) material to use in all areas of your home. Knowing the different types of stone, their finishes and applications will help you to make an informed decision on which stone is the best for your project.

Q. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT FINISHES FOR STONE?

A. There are many finishes and options available. Here are the most widely used:

• Polished – A high gloss surface.

• Honed – Smooth and without a polished surface.

• Antique/Brushed – The surface is distressed to achieve a slight rustic look.

• Leather/Suede - Acid brushed to create a smooth but textured finish.

• Flamed – Blow torched for a rough textured surface.

Q. DOES STONE STAIN? I DON'T WANT STAINS!

A. YES. It is possible for all natural stone to stain, however, it is highly unlikely for Granites to stain as 99% of all Granites have an epoxy or resin coat on their surface to fill in all the minute pits. This in itself seals the surface. At “Quality Marble & Granite” we also seal all of our stone with an impregnating sealer that allows a good window for clean-up of spills.

Marbles & Limestones are more likely to stain and etch because they are softer stones of a different composition.

We recommend only using Granites in Kitchens for this reason, however, we will use Marble & Limestone upon request as long as the owner is aware of the downsides.

To help keep a perspective on choosing to use natural stone, remember the following:

1. For centuries, many European countries have used natural stone from floor to ceiling, inside and out. The stone becomes stained, cracked, pitted…and that is why we love it! These characteristics only make it that much more beautiful. (Only we Americans get uptight about such things!)

2. Because stone is quarried from the earth and not "man" made, it is improbable to ever find two exact matching tiles or matching slabs for that matter. One slab may even look different from end to the other. But this is also the beauty because each piece is different, so when pieces are put together as a whole they becom a masterpiece! (Be sure to purchase enough to complete your project as you may not be able to get more from the same lot.)

3. Stone is timeless. It does not get dated like the 70's Avocado Green and Harvest Gold décor did.

4. Stone will last longer than any of us will. There are centuries old castles, made of 100% stone that are still standing today!

Q. CAN A STONE DESIGN BE USED OR MIXED WITH OTHER KINDS OF MATERIALS?

A. Absolutely! The possibilities are endless. You can incorporate stone with ceramic, porcelain, glass, and terracotta. Anything you can think of, even mixing different types of stones together.

back to top

MAINTENANCE CLEANING ON STONE

Countertops and Vanities

Use a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner specially formulated for stone on a regular basis to remove residues from cooking oils and everyday food spills, as well as hairspray or other cosmetics. Be careful with common foods and drinks that contain acids as these may etch or dull the stone surface. Also, some common toiletries (i.e., perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash) contain acids and other ingredients that may damage the stone surface or degrade the sealer.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

Periodic use of a neutral stone cleaner will remove any soap scum or hard water deposits that may have formed. In the bath, or other wet areas, using a squeegee after each use can minimize soap scum and hard water deposit buildup.

What to Do When a Spill Occurs

No matter how careful you are spills are going to happen. A quick response and the right solutions can keep spills from damaging your stone or degrading the sealer.

Etch Marks

Highly acidic substances such as orange juice, coffee, vinegar, wine, tomato products, mustard and many soft drinks will “etch” most marble, limestone and travertine. Sealing allows you time to wipe up a spill, but it cannot stop the chemical reaction that may leave a dull mark.

General cleaners not specifically designed for natural stone are not recommended. These may etch away the polish, discolor the surface, scratch the stone or degrade the sealer. Professional refinishing is the best way to permanently remove etch marks and restore your natural stone’s even finish.

Food Spills

Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth

Liquid Spills

Blot away the excess with a clean, dry, white cloth while turning the cloth frequently. Spray the area with a neutral stone cleaner and wipe off excess with a clean cloth.

Mud

Let the mud stain dry completely. Remove dried mud with a soft plastic or nylon brush. Spray affected area with a neutral stone cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. If the stain remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Oily Stains

If you identify the stain as having an oil base (from foods like salad, cooking oils, butter or some cosmetics) you may be able to remove the stain using a poultice. A poultice will lift and absorbe the stain from deep within the stone.

back to top

Quality Marble & Granite
4731 Sweden Road
Charlotte, NC 28273

Phone: 704.348.1453 Fax: 704.348.1454
Email: info@qualitymarblegranite.com

Showroom Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment Only.

Call Us today at 704-348-1453