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Frequently
Asked Questions
Will my stone look like the samples?Since stone is a natural product it will vary in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are one of the sources of its natural beauty. The samples you see on the computer have been scanned and saved with digital software. The color tones may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computer systems, monitors and software compression. We strongly advise that you choose the slabs in person at our warehouse. We request 24-hour advance notice from you so that we have the slabs ready for viewing. Please call our office at . Once at our showroom, you can also get actual samples of the stone you are considering Where does natural stone come from?Stone comes from around the world. Various types of stone, in myriad colors and textures, are found in different countries. Much of our granite comes from Brazilian, Indian, US and Chinese quarries. Marble is mostly from Italy, Spain and Mexico. Slate is imported from Brazil, India and China, while travertine and limestone come from Spain, Portugal and MexicoCan natural stone be used for exteriors of buildings and houses in the Midwest?Yes. Most natural stones (with the exception of filled travertine and some marble) can be used for exterior wall cladding even in extreme temperatures. For flooring, we recommend our natural slates or flamed granite pavers.What are the differences between 3/4” (2 cm) and 1 1/4” (3 cm) material for countertops?Slabs, large pieces of stone, come in 3/4” (2 cm) and 1 1/4” (3 cm) . For the most part there is no difference in durability or usage. The choice depends on the type of edging you want. You can see a variety of edge samples in our showroom.Aren’t granites expensive?No. In fact, granite countertops can be less expensive than a solid surface material such as Corian©. The price will vary by square foot, depending on the color you select as well as the edging detail. But remember, your granite counter will last forever and be completely unique to your kitchen--a truly durable, scratch resistant and beautiful investment. Can you scratch or chip granite?Granite is one of the hardest stones available. It cannot be scratched in ordinary use; even a knife blade will not scratch it. It can only be scratched with specially sharpened tools designed to work with granite, like tungsten and diamond tools. Granite will chip only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. In the unlikely event that your granite is chipped, the mark can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. Granite will not crack with ordinary use Can you stain or burn granite?No. You can’t burn it with ordinary use. Granite is highly resistant to staining. The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. Usually no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries. A problem could arise with prolonged exposure to a dark-pigmented liquid. Although the granite may have a sealer applied at the fabricator's location, we recommend that a stone sealer also be applied after installation. Please see “Recommended Stone Care Products” in the Stone Care section of our store and on our web site. How durable is marble?Marble has been used for thousands of years. In many cases, the statues and buildings made of marble have far outlasted the cultures that built them. A simple, regular maintenance program will keep marble looking beautiful for the life of your home or commercial building. Can marble be used in kitchens and bathrooms?Yes. Marble is a durable material that adds elegance to any room, including bathrooms and kitchens. Since marble is more porous (and therefore softer) than granite, it is more prone to staining, etching and scratching. We recommend that a penetrating sealant be applied on a twice-yearly basis to help protect the marble from damage. Marble can even be used for kitchen countertops, although we recommend granite as a first choice for countertops. Green marble is the most durable and least susceptible to staining and scratching. With any marble, care should be made to wipe up spills immediately and we also recommend using a cutting board to protect against scratching. Marble is an excellent choice for bathrooms and powder rooms--giving a luxurious quality to vanities, floors, tubs and showers. What can slate be used for?Slate is such a hard, durable stone that it has traditionally been used as a roofing material. However, slate has many other advantages—stain resistance and water resistance, non-skid surfacing, and affordability—make it ideal for almost any application, including interior and exterior flooring, paving, stair treads, wall cladding, tabletops, countertops, bathroom vanities, showers, and more. Brazilian slate is the only kind that comes in a slab big enough to use as a kitchen counter. Doesn’t slate only come in one color, gray?No! Slate is available in a variety of gorgeous colors and tones, including blues, grays, blacks, greens, purples, roses, golds, peaches, reds and many others. How are limestone
and travertine used in commercial and residential buildings?
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