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.  

Know Your Natural Stone Surface and Its Maintenance Needs

Natural stone symbolises gorgeousness that has existed since time immemorial and your home or office decor can be enhanced with the same lustrous beauty if you look after your stone well. Occasional cleaning and restoration by stone care professionals in Australia will keep their natural shine intact.

Types of Natural Stones

Siliceous stone is a type of natural stone that includes granite, slate, sandstone, brownstone and quartzite. marble, travertine, limestone and onyx are calcareous natural stones and are different from siliceous stones. 

If you happen to be living in the house since a long time you already know what kind of stone is laid on your floor or kitchen countertop.  However, if you have just acquired a new home or office space you should get in a professional natural stone restoration specialist or supplier to help you recognize the stone type as each stone surface requires different cleaning agents and measures to maintain the glossy look. 

Characteristics of Different Stone Surfaces

Each type of stone has its own porosity level which makes some stones more sensitive than others. Siliceous stones are easier to maintain as they are more durable and are not easily scratched as compared to calcareous natural stones. The former will tolerate cleaning with an acidic cleaner but the latter will be ruined even if lemon juice, vinegar or other acids come in touch with it even briefly.  

Check for these clear signs that hint to the poor condition of your natural stone

• Uneven or cracked tiles
• Staining
• Worn off topical sealer
• Fading of gloss and shine

These important signs are pointers to the health of your natural stone and indicators that tell you why they are losing their brilliance and what needs to be done to restore their beauty. 

Uneven tiles mean that the floor below could need leveling, grounding or even honing. Sand, dust, grit and dirt that accumulate in the cracks on natural stones are its worst enemies as these cause abrasions on the surfaces making the stone lose its natural sheen. Stains and spills on floors and countertops are an indication which could point to topical sealing wearing off on the stone making it look dull and lifeless. Resealing could be required to effectively restore the spill and stain resistant potential of natural stone and give it back its glossy looks. 

Check for any loose and cracked caulk (sealant) in bathrooms or swimming pools as water seeping into the natural stone can change its colour and texture.  

If natural stone has given your homes and offices the perfect finish, it follows that the responsibility to maintain that finesse falls on you so you can enjoy the compliments and feel proud of those beautiful spaces.

Contact today Australia's No.1 stone repair and restoration specialist for professional stone care and maintenance. Dial now for a free call: 1300 627 626.

Restoration & Regular Maintenance of Natural Stone Surfaces

Why stop at countertops? Add the beauty of natural stone to every part of your home. They are sure to grace the floors, walls, kitchen, showers etc.

For the last 20 years, The Marble Man has been catering to the Polishing, Sealing and Repairing requirements of residential as well as commercial stone restoration projects across Australia. We have built a reputation for our knowledge, craftsmanship and exceptional service to people of all walks of life.

We operate on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay areas. We have also recently opened up in Sydney where we cover Canberra, Newcastle and Central Coast.

Wondering how to remove a stain from a benchtop? Looking for tips on keeping your marble and other natural stone clean? Take a look at our stone care and maintenance guidelines.

There are two categories of natural stone, viz. siliceous stone and calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. Siliceous stone (granite, slate, sandstone and quartzite) is very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. 

Calcareous stone (marble, travertine, limestone and onyx) on the other hand will react to acidic foods such as lemons or tomatoes causing etching or dulling in surface sheen. Hence, cleaning products that work on siliceous stone may damage the surface of calcareous surfaces.

Always rely on professional advice before attempting a ‘do it yourself’ trial on etch marks, stains or damage on stone surfaces.

Some of the stone care services offered by The Marble Man are:

• Wax removal
• Grout cleaning
• Tile cleaning
• Builders cleans of tiles
• Soap Scum Removal
• Mould removal
• Driveway cleaning
• Car park cleaning
• Hi-Pressure water Cleaning
• Hot water (100 degrees C) hi pressure water cleaning 

Because of the range of products that we use, we prefer to complete tests on the particular stone material you have and advise on the results possible. Our administration and sales team are trained and available online and on the phone to answer your questions on stone care.

To help you best we recommend that you phone us to discuss your cleaning | polishing | sealing | repairing jobs or even better email us some photos of the stone surface so we can advise of the results we can achieve on stone restoration. Our stone care tips and advice are free for you to use. Phone us on: FREE CALL 1300 627 626 or EMAIL US: info@themarbleman.com.au for all your stone restoration needs.