The Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Natural Stone

There isn't any other material that displays the same permanence of natural stone. Stone displays a quality and longevity that it's lower quality competitors simply can't. Because of this, selection of the perfect stone for your home deserves careful consideration. This blog will give you a summary of what you need to know to make an informed choice concerning the type of stone.

Marble

Marble begins it's life as limestone, but due to different circumstances it crystallizes, creating beautiful veining and altering its texture.

Need to Know:

Marble is tough enough for any surface in your home, but it is softer and more absorbent than granite. All marble can be polished.

Best When Used For:

backsplashes, floors, baking and pastry surfaces, surrounding baths, and vanity tops

Basic Care:

The best way to clean marble is with water. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent, and rinse well. Should you ever encounter rust on a marble countertop - be aware, rust stains are fast to set and hard to remove, so act quickly. Use a poultice (available at flooring stores) to absorb stains. Sealing is an option, but some sealants may darken white pieces, so test a discreet area first.

Granite

Granite, which is available in a broad spectrum of colors, is often flecked with bits of minerals that produce a salt-and-pepper look. In some instances, the minerals form veins. Need to Know:

Nothing can beat granite when it comes to durability!, Granite is hard to scratch and even harder to stain.

Best When Used For:

kitchen countertops, pastry surfaces, surrounding fireplaces

Basic Care:

Granite's beauty won't fade over time, if taken care of properly. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage the surface.

Limestone

Limestone is most often formed from the shells of marine animals. It comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Need to Know:

The quality and color of limestone vary widely. Hard, dense pieces take a polish; softer ones do not.

Best When Used For:

bathroom counters and surfaces, kitchen floors, foyers and entryways

Basic Care:

Like most stones, the frequency that Limestone will need to be resealed depends on how it wears, where it's placed, and how it's being used.

Onyx

If you follow us on Facebook, you already know my love for backlit Onyx. Onyx is distinguished by its translucency. When it's backlit, it makes any ordinary room like absolutely magical. The layered stone often comes from caves.

Need to Know:

Although most think of onyx as being related to the color black, the stone is commonly white or pastel. It can be polished to a very high gloss.

Best When Used For:

bathtub surrounds, shower tiles, vanity tops, backlit walls

Basic Care:

The beauty of Onyx can't be compared to any other stone, but if you have your heart set on this, be aware, it is more easily scratched. You should seal it often to prevent this.

Slate

Slate is formed from the clay of ancient seabeds. Slate is an exotic, unique natural stone. It's durable, impervious to heat, and exudes warmth. The character of slate stone allows it to fit into a traditional design with an informal time worn look. slate backsplashes, sinks, islands, roofs & countertops. Need to Know:

Slate, which often comes in deep greens, blues, grays, and purples, has a matte surface and a distinctive cleft pattern.

Best When Used For:

floors, kitchen countertops, sbacksplashes, sinks, islands, roofs & countertops.

Care:

Use only neutral, alkaline, or specialty cleaners. A finish, such as honed or distressed, will preserve slate's matte surface. Slate scratches easily. Scratches and chips around the edges become weathered or aged looking.

Travertine

Travertine is formed near hot, mineral-rich bubbling springs. This causes this stone to have a porous surface. It is a form of limestone that is characterized by pitted holes and troughs in its surface. It is sometimes known as travertine limestone or travertine marble; these are the same stone. Need to Know:

Holes give this stone a spongelike appearance. It can be ordered with them filled for an even surface.

Best When Used For:

surrounding a bathtub, countertops, shower tiles, floors

Basic Care:

If holes are unfilled, be vigilant about wiping up spills, to keep them from pooling in the holes. Although the hardness varies, it will still scratch. It's not as soft as soapstone but it can't compete with the hardness of granite.

Cambria Quartz

Cambria is a natural, quartz surfacing product that has a variety of uses in your home or business Cambria is pure, natural quartz, one of the hardest and most common minerals on Earth.

Need To Know:

Cambria is a high-end maker of quartz countertops. Quartz counters are, by definition, high-end, however Cambria is the finest of the lot. You install quartz counters in your kitchen for their attractiveness and performance.

Best When Used For:

countertops, floor tile, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, showers,

Basic Care:

Abrasive or strong alkaline or acid cleaners are not reccommended for Cambria Quartz. Various chemicals are corrosive and/or erosive in their ability to attack any structure including Cambria. Be very aware of these potential damages to your surface.

Lifestone, LLC designs, fashions, and installs quality custom granite, marble, Cambria® quartz, and quartzite countertops for residential and commercial customers in the Newport News, James City County, and Williamsburg areas of Virginia. We provide free estimates and promise superior craftsmanship. Speak with one of our expert consultants about upgrading your kitchen at 757-696-1178 or contact us for a free quote.

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