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.  

How to Select the Correct Type of Natural Stone for Your Special Requirement

Important points you should keep in mind while selecting marble or other natural stone for your home furnishings are: Location, Structure, Colour, Pattern, Finish, Quality & Quantity, and Maintenance.

Location:

Select the natural stone as per the area where you'll use it. The type of stone may vary if you’re purchasing it for indoors or outdoors; wet area or dry area; exposed to the build up of soap scum, or acidic substances etc. The location and exposure will determine which stone to choose and what maintenance method it needs. 

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 a natural stone that is fairly resistant to absorption and can be easily cleaned. Smooth surfaces such as polished marble, limestone or granite are ideal for bathroom. 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.

Structure:

Structure and Design of the building will determine which stone surface to use as the weight of the stone must match with the architectural design.

Colour of Natural Stone:

You can find very many varieties of colour patterns in almost all the types of stones. Slate is usually dark in colour, granite colours vary from beige to black, marble has variations from white to black, onyx comes in a variety of beautiful translucent light to dark colours, where as sandstone and limestone are usually light coloured. 

Stone Maintenance:

Maintenance is an important consideration, 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. 

The Marble Man team with over 24 years of collective experience in the field of stone care and maintenance can guide you how to select the correct stone for your home or business. Call a Marble Man technician today on 1300 627 626 for a free stone restoration quote QLD and NSW, Australia.

Stone Care & Maintenance – How to Beautify Your Home with Stone Surfaces

Natural stone, previously, had several formal applications such as construction of churches, government buildings, monuments and even roads. Its application in residential construction for structural as well as decorative purposes has been recognized very recently. Now-a-days we prefer various types of natural stones such as marble, granite, slate, quartz for our homes not only for giving them a luxurious look but also because of the practical benefits it offers.

Real natural stones, unlike the artificial ones, are far more durable and last long with very little maintenance. Moreover they are resistant to heat and light, and can resist chemicals to a certain extent. In our previous articles we have learnt about the uses of various stones and the procedure of its maintenance. Now, we shall know more about natural stones and the ways it can beautify our homes.

Granite- The Most Preferred Natural Stone for Kitchen Countertop

One of the most preferred natural stones is granite, particularly because of its beauty and durability. It would be interesting to note that it is formed from one of the most common types of minerals and is found all over the world. Granite is second only to diamond in terms of hardness and hence it is highly preferred for countertops. Granite is available in some special colour patterns, which give it a unique look.

Get Rid of False Assurances on Stone Maintenance

We are often forced to believe a notion that a particular stone “doesn't require maintenance”. This can never be true. Everything that is created will undergo wear and tear, however minor it may be. So even if any company, supplying the stone, boasts of the stone as maintenance free, never pay heed to it and consult an expert for periodic stone care and maintenance.

Types of Stone Finishes

The most important benefit of natural stone is that it is available in various forms and colours. Your floors, walls and countertops can be given various stone finishes as per your choice. The various stone finishes for different areas of your house include:

Polished- This gives the surface a glossy and mirror-like effect after undergoing grinding, sanding and buffing.

Honed- Grinding and sanding makes the surface a little shiny and smooth. Instead of fine powder, coarse material such as diamond is used for this purpose.

Tumbled- The surface is given a rough and withered look with the help of chips and scratches.

Flamed- The stone is subjected to a very high temperature flame which makes it very rough with no sheen at all. The maintenance cost of such finish is low.

Sand blasted- Application of high pressure blast of sand gives the stone a rough yet tidy look with no sheen at all.

River Wash- Mostly applied to granite, it gives a non-slippery surface, yet maintains the coloration and structure of granite. 

Beautifying your home with expensive stone should be accompanied by expert stone care and maintenance practices. The Marble Man is Australia’s best natural stone repair and restoration specialist. For any matter relating to stone care such as marble floor restoration, stone polishing, sealing etc. or the choice of right stone for your home, consult them to get the best advice – Free call: 1300 627 626.