Natural Stone refers to a number of products quarried from the earth that have been used over thousands of years as building materials and decorative enhancements. These products include Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Sandstone, Onyx, and many more. More than just rocks – natural stones are quarried from the best, most consistent sources from all over the world for lasting beauty.
Why should I use natural stone in my home?
Natural stone is prized for its distinctive beauty and the sense of peaceful tranquility it creates, but there are also many practical benefits to using Natural Stone in your home. Natural Stone products are more durable than many artificial products, often lasting for decades. With Natural Stone there are no worries about exposure to harmful chemicals in the home or released into the environment during production or disposal.
What are the different types of natural stone finishes?
Different types of Natural Stones are available in a variety of distinct finishes. The most common include:
Polished: Natural stone that has undergone the polishing process features a glossy, light-reflecting appearance. Polished stone is smooth and free of bumps and ridges.
Honed: A smooth, yet non-glossy appearance. Grinding and sanding produces a flat surface that is best for low maintenance, high traffic applications due to increased slip resistance.
Tumbled: An old work, weathered look with a chalkier appearance that is achieved by tumbling stones in a solution of sand (or other abrasive grit) and water over time.
Split Face: Mainly used for cladding, this is achieved by splitting stone either by hand or by machine so that the surface exhibits a natural quarry texture. It has a flat back and uneven front surface that creates the look of protruding bricks.
Cross-Cut: The cross-cut method involves end-cutting blocks of stone to display a less linear, more rounded “wavy” pattern.
Vein Cut: Opposite of cross-cutting, the veining of the stone is shown as a linear pattern.
How much variation can I expect from the sample of stone shown?
Since stone is a natural product of the earth no two pieces will be exactly the same, and variation in body color and vein density is to be expected. Each stone is unique, and some types of stone display more variation between the pieces than others. The most variation will be present between different lots of stone.
Do I have to apply a sealer to my natural stone? How often does it need to be re-applied?
Yes, an impregnator sealer should be applied to your natural stone at the time of installation for waterproofing and stain protection.
Depending on where the stone is installed and the frequency of traffic in the space sealer should be applied every one to three years.
How do I clean my natural stone?
Any spills should be promptly wiped up and cleaned to avoid staining the stone, and dirt and debris should be swept away to avoid scratches on the stones surface.
After sweeping/vacuuming, stone floors can be cleaned with a basic combination of warm water and mild liquid soap, or a cleanser recommended by the manufacturer. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone.