How to Select the Right Kind of Stone for Your Home or Office

Here are some tips to choose natural stone for residential or commercial use.

Location

It is important to know where the stone is going to be used. Location will decide which type of natural stone to be selected and what stone treatment to be given.

These points are to be considered before you go for the final selection.

• Will the stone be indoors or outdoors?
• Will the stone be in a wet area or dry area?
• Will there be constant foot traffic?
• Will the stone be exposed to the elements?
• Will the stone be exposed to spillage of acidic substances?
• Does the stone need to be slip resistant?
• Will the stone be exposed to the build up of soap scum?
• Will the stone be exposed to constant heat?
• Will the stone suit its surroundings or decor? 

Location Specific Guidelines for Choosing the Stone

Kitchen areas are subject to constant spillage of acidic substances so they require stone that is hardwearing and resistant to absorption. Marble will etch with acidic substances, which are often found in the kitchen. Granite is scratch and heat resistant, virtually non-absorbent once sealed, resistant to most chemicals and a better choice for the kitchen than marble and limestone.

Bathroom areas are subject to the build up of soap scum, oils, dirt and mineral deposits from water so they require stone that is fairly resistant to absorption and can be easily cleaned. Smooth surfaces such as polished marble, limestone or granite are ideal. The size of the tile is also important, particularly where drains are located. Small tiles are more easily laid when the fall towards the drain is steep.

Foyers, elevators, stairs and showrooms are subject to constant foot traffic but polished marble, granite or terrazzo will still work well in these areas with regular maintenance.

Outdoor areas will weather if exposed to constant sun, rain, pollution and chemically treated pool water so a stone that wears well, is slip resistant and has a matt finish such as sandstone is ideal.

Colour of the Stone

Colour may be determined by the stone you choose, or alternatively the colour you require may determine your choice of stone. Slate is usually dark in colour, granite varies from beige to black, marble varies from white to black, onyx comes in a variety of beautiful translucent light to dark colours, sandstone and limestone are usually light coloured. The colour and stone choices are endless.

Points to keep in mind:

• Does the preferred stone come in the required colour?
• Is the space where the stone will be installed large or small?
• Does the colour appear to enlarge or reduce the space?
• Is there much natural light or is it a dark space?
• What type of artificial lights will be used that may affect the colour?
• Are the ceilings high or low?
• Will there be more than one colour used?
• Will the colour tone in with other colours in the room?
• Will the colour show scratches, stains, dirt or dust?
• Does the room need to feel warm or cool?
• Does the colour suit the purpose of the room?

Finish

Finish will be determined by the purpose of the stone and the type of stone chosen. Marble can be polished to a high gloss whereas sandstone cannot. A marble vanity in a bathroom would look appealing with a high gloss, whereas an outdoor, sandstone area would be better left matt or textured to enhance slip resistance. A low sheen finish is practical for a high traffic area, whereas a high gloss is ideal in a low traffic area and in a shower.

Considerations:

• Does the stone have a functional or aesthetic purpose?
• Will the stone be exposed to water?
• Does the stone require slip resistance?
• Will the stone be subject to dirt from foot traffic?
• Will the area be subject to high or low foot traffic?
• Will the stone take a polish?
• Will the finish compliment the décor?
• Is the stone in a bathroom where soap scum may build up?
• Is the stone in a kitchen where acidic liquids may be spilled?

Stone Care and Maintenance

Natural stone maintenance factor assumes importance, as it will determine the true cost of the stone. If the correct stone is chosen with an appropriate finish, maintenance will be manageable and affordable. If the wrong stone and finish are chosen maintenance could be costly and ineffective. A high gloss finish may be desired on a marble floor in a foyer with high foot traffic therefore the cost of regular polishing or resurfacing must be taken into account.

The cost of maintenance will also depend upon how often the stone need to be cleaned, sealed and repolished. 

For any queries regarding selection of natural stone or its maintenance needs, you may contact Australia's Number One marble and other stone restoration specialists. Call a stone repair professional now: 1300 627 626.