FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

STONE INSTALLATION

Blending is what? When is it best to blend?

Stone is a natural product, so each selection will always have some variation. It is possible to blend the various colors, grain, and veining of the stone tiles as desired by placing them on the surface and sorting them out prior to installation.

Is it possible to install marble tile on wood surfaces?

No. Marble tiles should not be installed directly on wood flooring or any other moving flooring. The tile may crack because of the movement. A cement board that has been professionally installed over the tiled surface is the best option.

Which thin-set is ideal for use with onyx tile?

The Onyx tile is clear and hued slim sets and grouts will appear on the other side. A white or clear slender set is prescribed to guarantee that the intrinsic excellence of the tiles is not impacted.

In my project, how much tile waste do I need to calculate?

To ensure that you have sufficient natural stone tile, experts advise adding 10% to 15% of the project’s total square feet, depending on the installation pattern. If something breaks, it’s best to add another 5 to 10 percent for future repairs.

Under the slate tiles, what kind of subfloor do I need to install?

Tiles made of slate must be installed over cement boards or on a solid subfloor.

Is there a blemish on one of my slate tiles? What ought I do?

Professional installers should check the slate tiles for bleeding prior to installation. If a slate tile ever happens to bleed, replace it right away.

STONE COLOR

How many stone hues are there to choose from?

There are nearly no limits to the colors, patterns, and veining of natural stone. Beige, gray, gold, red, pink, blue, and green hues are possible options.

Can I specify my preferred stone color?

Rock, marble, and record might be accessible in almost any tone, so it could be feasible to determine stone tone, with some capacity to bear conceal contrasts. However, not all stones are available in every color. Travertines, for instance, can only be found in gold, yellow, and beige tones.

What criteria do I use to choose the color of the stone?

The application will determine the selection criteria for stone color. A room can appear larger or smaller, formal, or warm and inviting, depending on the color choice. Take into consideration the following features:

  • Colors that are lighter usually make a smaller space seem bigger.
  • A room that is dark tends to feel more intimate and cozier.
  • Tiles in solid colors, polished and smooth, show more dirt and need more maintenance.
  • One of the easiest materials to keep clean is patterned material, which typically has a honed finish.
  • Dramatic patterns can help highlight and emphasize architectural features and other parts of the room.

How much variation can I anticipate from the stone sample displayed?

Every stone is a one-of-a-kind creation, and some kinds of stones have more variation between individual pieces than others. Granites may have distinct patterns and grain density, but they exhibit little color variation. Even within the same stone palette, slates typically exhibit a wide range of colors.

What are the colors of the neutral stones?

Natural stone’s neutral tones include cream, beige, and tan. Most people like these colors because they look good with all kinds of furniture and fixtures.

Which colors are the accent stones?

Any color can be used as an accent, contrasting with the room’s primary color. For instance, a white stone line can emphasize a dark floor.

What are the stone’s grain structure and vein formation?

During the cooling process of an igneous stone, the grain structure of the stone was formed. The larger the grains, the slower the stone cooled. The crystalline and floral patterns on the surface of the stone are referred to as “grain.” The distribution of various minerals within stone results in the presence of a significant amount of veining, which can be found in marble and granite.

STONE AVAILABILITY

HOW LONG DOES STONE FORMATION TAKE?

From the current stock, many popular items are easily available. Others may be delivered within

MIGHT I AT ANT PONIT ARRANGE A FASHINER’S STONE WITH A SPECIFIC TONE/LOOK/FEEL?

Stone cannot be ordered because it is a naturally occurring product.

STONE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

HOW SHOULD THE STONE PRODUCTS BE MAINTAINED AND CARED FOR?

Stone surfaces are exceptionally simple to keep up with. Use mild liquid soap and warm water to clean stone floors. The stone should never be cleaned with abrasive or acidic products. Depending on the application, natural stone should be sealed after installation and every one to two years thereafter.

WHAT IS A SEALER WITH AN IMPREGNATOR? HOW DOES IT BENEFIT STONES?

The impregnator sealer is made up of tiny balls of silicone that stick to the cracks in the stone. These balls serve as a waterproof shield and become a permanent part of the stone.

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD I APPLY A PENETRATING SEALER TO THE SURFACES OF MY NATURAL STONE?

The frequency of sealing your natural stone is up to you. Granite countertops require sealing every couple of years, while marble, slate, travertine, and limestone countertops require sealing every six months for areas with higher traffic. Additionally, some sealers only require one application every ten years. Kindly audit the rules for every individual sealer.

WHY IS SEALING GRANITE NECESSARY?

To guard against stains, all natural stones, including marble and granite, must be properly sealed. Granite and other natural stones are porous and can absorb spills and leave unsightly stains and marks if they are not regularly sealed.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE SEALANT FOR NATURAL STONE AND TILE?

Any hardware or home improvement store sells a sealer that penetrates and safeguards natural stone and tile.

HOW WOULD I ELIMINATE RING MARKS AND DIFFERENT STAINS FROM MARBLE, TRAVERTINE, AND OTHER REGULAR STORE SURFACES?

Consult a restoration expert if your granite countertops, marble tiles, or travertine tiles have a stain. Another option for stain removal is a poultice kit, which can be found in most home improvement stores.

WHAT CAN I USE TO CLEAN TILES AND SLABS MADE OF TRAVERTINE, MARBLE, OR GRANITE?

Natural stone tiles must be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Cleaners that are either acidic or alkaline should be avoided because they can open the natural stone’s pours and alter the surface’s color.

IF I WANT A SMOOTHER SURFACE, HOW CAN I FILL THE NATURAL VOIDS AND HOLES IN TRAVERTINE TILE?

The natural composition of travertine tiles results in tiny voids and holes, which contribute to their beauty. However, if you want the surface to be smoother, the best way to fill in the gaps is to use sanded grout in a color that is as close to the travertine as possible.

DO I HAVE TO SEAL PORCELAIN TILES?

Ceramic tile does not require sealing. Nonetheless, it is suggested that the grout be fixed or a pre-fixed grout utilized.

NATURAL STONE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Natural stone 101?

The term “Natural Stone” refers to a variety of earth-sourced materials that have been utilized as building materials and decorative enhancements for many thousands of years. Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, and Onyx are among these products. Natural stone is hand-picked from the best, most consistent sources for their durability and beauty, making them more than just rocks.

Even between pieces from the same source, the composition, color, and texture of natural stone products vary. This is frequently regarded as a benefit because it allows for unique designs and dramatic applications.

Application and Use

Natural stone has mostly been used in formal applications like churches and government buildings in past eras and for large-scale construction. It has additionally been utilized for street development and landmarks. Wood and brick have traditionally been the materials of choice for residential construction. Natural stone, on the other hand, is increasingly being used in residential construction for both structural and decorative purposes in recent years. Entryways, atriums, bathrooms, fireplaces, floors, countertops, and many other surfaces are all popular applications.

Timeless beauty?

Natural stone is prized for its distinctive appearance and tranquility-inducing effects, but there are numerous practical advantages to using it in your home. Products made of natural stone last longer than many artificial ones, often lasting decades with little upkeep. Natural Stone does not pose a risk of contaminating the home with harmful chemicals or being released into the environment during manufacturing or disposal. Why spend time and money on a replica? The imitation of natural stone that artificial products attempt to imitate is the real thing.

Where else in my house can a natural stone be used?

Normal Stone can be utilized on practically every surface both inside and outside the home, including floors, kitchen ledges, vanity tops, washrooms, porches, walkways, chimneys, exteriors, wall cladding, and nursery finishing.

Why is granite preferred for countertops in kitchens and bars?

Acidic foods and drinks like tomato sauce, vinegar, alcohol, and lemon are frequently spilled on kitchen and bar counters. Dishes, pots and pans, knives, and other implements may scratch less expensive materials. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones. Its silicates won’t react with acids and its feldspar content keeps it resistant to water. Granite outperforms ceramic tiles and other stones when it comes to stain resistance and fine-luster retention.

Despite the fact that marble is frequently requested for countertops in kitchens and bars, its high carbonate content makes it susceptible to acids.

Why are travertines and limestones preferred for living rooms and family rooms?

The soft, muted tones and textures of limestone or travertine are the perfect finishing touch for a home’s family room or living room. Limestone looks great with all kinds of furniture and upholstery because it comes in beige, tan, yellow, and gold colors and has a texture that is either antiqued or tumbled.

Why do people prefer marble for fireplaces and bathrooms?

Bathrooms with bright colors and patterns that flow smoothly are frequently favored by homeowners. Due to its extensive color palette, marble is the ideal material for this application. It also works well for carving patterns and details, making designs that are both artistic and traditional. Bathroom countertops are more likely to be exposed to alkaline products, which do not react with Marble, whereas kitchen countertops are frequently exposed to acidic substances.

Why do patios and atriums prefer slate?

Slate’s earthy tones and rustic appearance give it a cozy, natural look that goes well with both interior garden designs and exterior landscaping. Even when wet, slate is naturally resistant to slips and falls, and it is much less likely than polished granite or marble to show dirt and dust. Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent option for large, informal spaces.

Why do most natural stones come from overseas?

There are numerous sources of natural stone with desirable properties all over the world. Because of the stones’ appearance, hardness, and other characteristics, some sources are superior to others. Consequently, stone might be quarried in China, India, Africa, and South America, and some come from inside US borders.

Processing costs are another factor. Since natural stone has been used as a building material for thousands of years in many other countries, those countries have developed an effective and cost-effective method for quarrying and processing stones.

What kinds of natural stones are there?

Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, and Onyx are examples of natural stone products.

Granite: is unrivaled when it comes to elegance and durability that doesn’t require any upkeep. Granite is the ideal material for massive structural work like walls, monuments, and supports due to its incredible strength and density. Despite being the hardest structural stone, it also has ornamental value due to its incredible variety of mineral-rich colors and natural patterns. Flooring, countertops, vanities, and other decorative exterior applications call for granite products.

Marble: is coveted for its timeless style, texture, and high-gloss polish. It also comes in a wide range of stunning colors and can be used anywhere in the house. Marble is one of the most versatile decorative stones because it can be carved or sculpted in a variety of ways, making it one of the solid or dramatic veined varieties. Modern technology makes beautiful marble products accessible to homeowners with limited budgets, even though marble is frequently regarded as a symbol of luxury.

Serpentine Marble, also known as Verde Antique, is a striking green stone with prominent white veining.

Slate: Slate splits naturally into layers with beautiful textures because of sedimentary deposits and compression over thousands of years. Brown, yellow, dark gray, pink, lavender, and other shades of slate can even be found within the same piece of stone. Slate products are frequently utilized for landscaping, cladding, and flooring due to their durability and resistance to stains.

Quartz: Quartz is a rock that looks like slate and has tiny quartz crystals in it. It has a medium grain and is very durable. Numerous color variations are produced by the varying mineral content, ranging from restrained hues of white, gray, or beige to bolder hues of purple and pink. Wall veneers and decorative tiles are made of quartzite a lot. Because of its naturally non-skid texture, it is an excellent choice for flooring both indoors and outdoors, including areas that see a lot of foot traffic and are exposed to the elements.

Limestone’s: muted, mellow tones are ideal for today’s relaxed and comfortable lifestyles. Limestone products, which can be polished or honed and come in shades of soft beige and tan, are ideal for low-traffic, informal areas like bathrooms, fireplaces, countertops, and flooring.

Travertine: is prized for its banded and pitted “distressed” appearance, which gives a variety of indoor and outdoor construction projects a rich and distinctive character. Percolating hot spring water through underground limestone created its patterns and veining effects. Travertine is frequently sealed with cement, grout, or resin when used in interior applications to create a smooth, stain-resistant surface.

Onyx: is made of crystalline silica and is a translucent stone with a shiny, polished surface. It is related to the semi-precious stone agate. Onyx is made by the slow flow of cold, carbonated spring water, which is common in caves. Onyx comes in white, pastel yellow, brown, green, and orange tones.

What is the origin of natural stones?

Every natural stone is unique because it is quarried directly from the earth’s crust. They only require shaping into a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes.

What distinguishes stone from other nations in terms of quality?

Mineral deposits and rock formations in natural stone vary from region to region. For instance, the mineral Mica might be found all the more often in certain areas, and that implies that the stone from that area will contain greater sparkly gems than we would find where less Mica is found. Granite is mined less frequently than limestone in some nations. As a result, some kinds of stone might work better for one purpose than another. The geological formations that make up natural stones are what makes them unique, not geographical boundaries.

Can all stone use for outside applications?

A few sorts of stones are more qualified for inside applications than outside since they can’t endure unforgiving climate limits and may break, disintegrate, or blur. Likewise, stones with normally slip-safe surfaces are better for open-air walkways or porches than those with smooth, cleaned surfaces. A few diverse records drain tone upon contact with water.

Do natural stone radiation?

Stone tiles and chunks for business and private applications don’t discharge unsafe radiation. For more data, counsel the Marble Organization of America’s

How do I determine whether a stone is actually quartzite?

To distinguish quartzites from marbles, granites, and other natural stones, the Marble Institute of America publishes a great technical bulletin that outlines some very straightforward diagnostic procedures that can be carried out by the individual.

COST OF STONE

Why is it that some stones cost more than others?

Quarrying and processing harder and denser stones are more difficult and costly. Quarrying techniques also vary; stones might be quarried subterranean, which is more costly than over the ground. Additionally, the cost of shipping over long distances is a factor because natural stone is quarried worldwide.

Why do larger sizes cost more?

The stone is more challenging to process, handle, pack, and transport the larger it is. In addition, larger sizes typically produce more waste than the part that is utilized, which results in their higher price.

Do I get better prices if I buy more?

The most significant factor in determining a stone’s price is its availability. However, when the quantity is greater, the cost of handling and transportation decreases slightly. Finding a stone dealer that is offering a special on a particular product is the best way to cut costs.

STONE FINISHES

What are the various types of finishes for stone?

The various sorts of stone completions include:

Natural Cleft is unique to slate and has a surface that is slightly uneven but can still be used for flooring. This finish cannot be made; rather, it occurs naturally during the quarrying process of the slate layers. One side—the back side—can be measured to make the “thin set” installation simpler. There are marbles, sandstones, and limestones with substantial clefts that are only suitable for wall installation.

Polished A high gloss, the mirror-like surface is achieved by grinding, sanding, and buffing.

Honed Grinding and sanding produce a finish that is smooth but not glossy. High-traffic, low-maintenance applications benefit most from this.

Flamed The stone is given a flamed surface by burning most of the carbon in it in a torch at high temperatures. The result is textured quartzites with subtle coloration.

Sandblasted: Sand is blasted onto the surface of the stone under high pressure to give it a rough but neat appearance.

Granites frequently receive this finish, River Wash, which preserves the stone’s color and grain structure while providing a non-slip surface.

Leather This finish only comes in Melange marble and gives the stone the feel and look of suede. Smooth and resistant to slippage, this texture

Tumbled Stones in a solution of sand, water, and a light acid give the appearance of old, weathered stone.

Split Face is primarily used for cladding and is made by splitting stone by hand or machine so that the surface has the texture of a natural quarry. It gives the impression of protruding bricks because of its uneven front and flat back.

By cutting quarried marble or stone parallel to the natural bedding plane, the Fleuri Cut is achieved.

Crosscut The cross-cut technique involves end-cutting travertine blocks to produce a “wavy” pattern that is less linear and more rounded.

Vein Cut In contrast to cross-cutting, the stone’s veining is displayed as a linear pattern.

Veneer Stone Any stone that isn’t meant to be a load-bearing material and is used as decorative wall cladding. Various finishes, such as the split face, cleft, honed, polished, flamed, or tumbled, can be used to make the veneer.

Slate is cut out of blocks to create tiles, whereas ungauged slate is used. Because it forms a uniform thickness when it is cleft by a machine or saw, it is gauged. The thickness of an ungauged stone can vary by up to 5/8 of an inch because it is hand-cleft.

How is bullnose marble tile made and defined?

Natural marble is regarded as one of the softer stones. Bullnose marble tiles are adjusted tiles utilized for corners and edges. Using a grinder and bugging pad, a professional should construct marble bullnose tiles.

Why are some finishes chosen over others for a particular purpose?

In certain applications, there are three significant reasons to choose one finish over another:

Safety When selecting flooring for outdoor applications where the floor may become wet, it is essential to select a surface that is resistant to slippage. Only floors in the interior should be made of highly polished surfaces. Likewise, exceptionally crafted, lopsided surfaces might cause a stumbling risk when utilized for a deck.

Maintenance Stones that are softer and less dense, like marble or limestone, are not good choices for high-traffic areas because they will quickly dull and need to be restored frequently to keep their finish.

Convenience

The application ought to be steady with the sort of finish chosen. Because it is hard to clean, a rough finish like flamed would not be a good choice for countertops. Tabletops should not be made of cleft material because they would have an uneven surface.

Is it recommended to use a polished floor in a commercial setting?

If the floor is unlikely to become wet and slick, polished flooring can be used in a commercial setting. Before installing the floor, it is best to have it professionally tested. There are sealers that can enhance the surface’s slip resistance without reducing its gloss.

Why are homes so fond of a honed finish?

A surface with a honed finish has a soft, matte appearance that is better suited to comfortable, casual settings than one with a polished, formal finish.

What causes travertines to be filled or empty?

During its formation, gas bubbles became trapped, which is why travertine has a lot of tiny holes. Unfilled travertine is the result, which is a porous and uneven surface. At the point when these depressions are loaded up with concrete or another material, the outcome is called Filled Travertine and might be sharpened and cleaned to give a uniform surface like marble.

Is cleft finished slate dangerous for tripping?

The slate that has a finish that is heavily cleft can be dangerous to trip on. The majority of slates are suitable for patio, kitchen, and bathroom flooring due to their light cleft. Although some slate pieces on a pallet may have significant clefts, these typically are not used for flooring installation.

Why can’t certain finishes be applied outside?

When wet, polished stone surfaces may become slick and lose their shine quickly because of weathering.

What is flame finish or thermal finish?

The stone is exposed to a torch’s high-temperature flame for the thermal or flamed, finish. As a result, textured quartzites with a subtle color are created as most of the carbon content is burned away. This treatment can only be done to granite, and the piece needs to be thick, or it could crack or break under heat and pressure. For use on commercial flooring and walls, this is a popular finish.