How to choose the correct natural stone for your project
Granite Slab Counter Top
Jan Gunn Designs / photo by D. Moore
This is a question that is often asked by homeowners when starting a renovation project. Here is my advice on how to choose the perfect counter top for your project.
The right choice of counter top material depends on whether we're talking about an often-used kitchen or a bathroom. In general, granite is the hardest and most impervious product to choose. Marble and limestone are softer and more porous than granite and will scratch and stain more easily than granite. However, the range of colors and veining of granite is considerably more limited than in a marble slab. Much granite is very uniform and can have the tendency to look like some of the synthetic products on the market today. Beautiful granites are now being quarried in Brazil, so with some perseverance it is possible to achieve beauty, diversity and durability. If you want your counter tops to look brand new, marble or limestone is not for you; stick to granite. But take note that granite should be sealed. (More to come on this later.)
People tend to prefer marble for bathrooms because itcomes in a much greater variety of colors and styles. Veining is random and shows the sedimentary formation that occurred millions of years ago. No synthetic product comes close to the exquisite beauty of a unique slab of marble.
Limestone is a classic. It comes in subtle varieties of off-white to cream to beige. Some pieces look like a sandy beach while others have veining. Some limestone tiles are cut so that they are actually three dimensional. This is called "pillowed" limestone; the crown or center is higher than the edges.
Pillowed Limestone Tiles with Rojo Alecante Marble
Marble Mosaic Tiles Counter Top
The right choice of counter top material depends on whether we're talking about an often-used kitchen or a bathroom. In general, granite is the hardest and most impervious product to choose. Marble and limestone are softer and more porous than granite and will scratch and stain more easily than granite. However, the range of colors and veining of granite is considerably more limited than in a marble slab. Much granite is very uniform and can have the tendency to look like some of the synthetic products on the market today. Beautiful granites are now being quarried in Brazil, so with some perseverance it is possible to achieve beauty, diversity and durability. If you want your counter tops to look brand new, marble or limestone is not for you; stick to granite. But take note that granite should be sealed. (More to come on this later.)
People tend to prefer marble for bathrooms because it
Pillowed Limestone Tiles with Rojo Alecante Marble
Marble Mosaic Tiles Counter Top
Jan Gunn Designs / photo by M. Bruk Jan Gunn Designs / photo by M. Bruk
If you really want marble or limestone in your kitchen, here are some hints to prevent undesirable markings. Some chemical cleaning products and acids found in foods and drinks (lemons, oranges, coffee, etc.) can etch limestone and marble surfaces. Etching is the erosion of the polished surface. The best way to combat this problem is to hone (pre-etch) the surface and use a good penetrating sealer for stain protection. The proper sealers will help protect the honed surface as well as enhance the natural color and veining in the material, leaving a beautiful surface patina.
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Beauharnais Limestone Counter Top
In conclusion, natural stone is a wonderful material to use in your home. Knowing the right application for functionality and proper maintenance will ensure a surface material that will deliver a lifetime of beauty.
For more information: Creative Stoneworks, Import Tile, Italics
For more information: Creative Stoneworks, Import Tile, Italics
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