What care and maintenance of the stone products are recommended?

Stone surfaces are very easy to maintain. Clean stone floors with warm water and a mild liquid soap. Never use acid cleansers or abrasive chemicals on stone. Natural stone should be sealed after installation and every one to two years thereafter, depending on its application.

What is an impregnator sealer? How does it help stone?
Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to crevices inside the stone. These balls become a permanent part of the stone, and act as a waterproof shield.

How often should a sealer be applied?
Two or three coatings are recommended for the first application. Depending on the application of the stone and its usage, sealer should be applied every one to two years.

What are typical stone sizes?
 
Standard stone tile sizes include squares of 4”, 6”, 8”, 12”, 16”, 18”, and 24”. 
 

Standard thickness for 12” square tiles is 3/8”.

Standard thickness for 16”-24” square tiles varies from 0.5” - 0.75”.

Slab sizes vary from 104”x70” to 125”x80”. Smaller sizes are available as well.

Thickness of slabs is generally --------------- 
 
Slates and Quartzites are produced in nominal sizes, not exact sizes - a 12” square tile may actually measure 11.87” square.

How can I decide which sizes are appropriate?

Tile size is a personal choice, but should be proportionate to the size of the room. Smaller spaces should use smaller tiles in order to make the most of the stone's color and other qualities.

What thickness is used for kitchen countertops?

The thickness of a kitchen countertop is generally either 0.75” or 1.25”. In the eastern U.S. the larger thickness is preferred, and western consumers prefer the thinner.

How do granite countertops differ from Corian countertops?

Granite is a natural stone, and Corian is a man-made material. As a plastic-based material, Corian is more prone to scratching, deformation and loss of finish due to heat. Granite is more durable, easy to maintain, resistant to scratches and stains – and much more appealing to the eye. Granite is available in a wider range of colors than Corian, and costs less as well.

What is thickness tolerance for different types of stone?

Thickness tolerance varies from stone to stone. Slates generally have a tolerance of 0.38”, and granite tiles have a tolerance of 0.06”.

What is stone pattern?

A combination of different sizes may be placed together to create a pattern, which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the stone installation - and is very trendy!

How long does it take to get stone?

Many popular items are readily available from current stock. Others may take 90 to 120 days for delivery.

Can I order a designer's stone with a particular color/look/feel?

Since stone is a natural product, it is not possible to order a specific stone.
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How many different colors of stones are available?

Natural stone is available in a nearly endless variation of colors, patterns and veining. These may include shades of beige, gray, gold, red, pink, blue, and green.

Can I specify the exact stone color I want?

Granite, marble, and slate may be available in nearly any color, so it may be possible to specify stone color, with some tolerance for shade differences. Not all stones are available in all colors, however. Travertines, for example, are only found in shades of beige, yellow, and gold.

What criteria do I use to select stone color?

The criteria for selecting stone color will depend on the application. Color choice can make a room appear larger or smaller, formal or warm and inviting. Consider the following characteristics: 
 

Lighter colors tend to make a smaller room seem larger. 

 
Dark colors tend to make a room more intimate and cozy. 
 

Solid colors, smooth and polished tiles show more dirt and require more maintenance. 
 

Patterned material, usually in a honed finish, is one of the easiest to maintain. 
 

Dramatic patterns can help highlight and accent portions of the room, including architectural features.

How much variation can I expect from the sample of stone shown?

Each stone is unique, and some types of stone display more variation between the pieces than others. Granites show little variation in color, but may have differing patterns and grain density. Slates tend to show a wide variation in color, even within the same pallet of stone.

What are the neutral stone colors?

The neutral tones found in natural stone include beige, tan, and cream. Most people enjoy these colors, and find that they complement all types of furniture and fixtures.

What are the accent stone colors?

Any color may become an accent color, contrasting with the main color in the room. For example, a white stone border can accent a black floor.

What is grain structure and vein formation in the stone?

The grain structure in a piece of stone was formed during an igneous stone's cooling process. The slower the stone cooled, the larger the grains. “Grain” refers to the crystalline and flowery patterns visible on the stone's surface. Some stones, particularly marble and granite, have a great amount of veining, which is caused by the distribution of various minerals within the stone.

Can I specify that there be no grout joints?

Creating an installation without visible grout joints is difficult, but if the surface of the floor is straight and the tiles are perfectly cut, very little grout should be seen. A professional, experienced installer should be chosen to create this look.

What are the tightest grout joints I can request?

The tightest grout joint that you may request is 1/16".

What is blending? When is blending recommended?

Because stone is a natural product, there is always some variation within a selection. By sorting out the stone tiles before installing, it is possible to place the tiles on the surface before installing, blending the varying colors, grain, and veining as desired.

What are general recommendations for installation?
 
Open all boxes and mix up all of the pieces before installation. This will help to create a visually pleasing distribution of stone variation.

A good installer knows that green marble and some other stones require water-free epoxy thin-set.

When stone is installed on a concrete slab at ground level, ensure that a proper moisture barrier is in place prior to installation.

Can the installer fill travertine with grout?

When travertine is filled at the factory or at the time of installation, the fill can work its way out of the spaces. Normal maintenance may involve re-filling these voids.

Who determines grout color?

Grout is an important design element. Because it is used to fill the spaces between each tile, the grout must be selected carefully. A wide variety of grout colors is available to enhance the beauty of the tile installation and may be chosen to contrast with, match, or accent the tile.

Contrast Grout: emphasizes a pattern created by the tile.

Matching Grout: blends seamlessly with the tile.

Accent Grout: a shade slightly different from the tile, gives them an appearance of depth.