Q: Why should I consider natural stone?

A: Natural Stone offers something no other material can: every floor, counter, or wall will be unique. By its definition, it is natural, and therefore every piece will vary somewhat in color, texture, and depending on the stone, veining or grain. This variation is one of the finest, most desired attributes of natural stone. Because of it, you should make every effort to view multiple pieces of the stone before selecting it for your project.

Q: What is the difference between marble and granite?

A: Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble's relatives—limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The marble family—limestone, travertine, marble, onyx—starts out as sediment—animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt—at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.

Q: Is it necessary to seal stone?

A: All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains.

Q: What is the best material for my kitchen counter?

A: By far, the natural choice is granite. Granite slabs offer beautiful natural colors and veining and are very chemical resistant. When you combine those features with a nearly seamless installation—you have the most beautiful and durable material nature has to offer. Granite is very hard stone that's formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans. It's unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled liquid.

Q: Is natural stone hard to care for?

A: When properly sealed, natural stone is simple to care for, difficult to stain, and easy to maintain. Natural stone is best cleaned with soap and a wet rag under regular daily use. Tougher stains should be handled by a professional or with special products designed especially for cleaning natural stone. Grayson Stone offers a complete line of care products for your natural stone.

Q: Can granite be damaged?

A: Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.

Q: What is flamed granite?

A: Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum non-slipperiness is required.

Q: What is honed granite?

A: Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone. Cold Spring uses a special process called "Velvet" which enhances and deepens the colors as well. Some fabricators can hone polished granite if they have special equipment to remove the polished surface, but this can sometimes result in wheel marks from the polishing head.

Q: I'm using granite in my entryway and I want to continue it outside, but I'm afraid it's too slippery.

A: Flamed granite, which has a very textured, non-slippery surface, when treated with a color-enhancing product, can be used to carry out your design.

Q: My little sample of granite has pits on the surface. Will I have these on my kitchen counters?

A: Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits - spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don't see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure that formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.

Q: Can I cut on my granite countertop?

A: Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

Q: Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?

A: Slabs are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, your fabricator buys the raw material and sells you a completed installation. In the price is included the cost of transporting the material, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material he needs is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.

Q: Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?

A: Yes. In fact, marbles that have a honed finish will not etch because its surface starts out with a matte finish. Because marbles (and limestone and travertine) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction that will remove the polish.

Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite. Marble is, however, sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts.

Q: What's the best way to clean marble and other stones?

A: The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.

Q: Can I use limestone in my kitchen?

A: Like marble, polished limestone is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen acids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustards, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestones can be subject to stains. If the limestone is polished or semi-polished, you will see a rough spot where the substance sat on the stone. On a honed surface, such etches will be less noticeable.

Q: Is limestone soft and chalky?

A: No, not at all. There are some lime stones that are very hard and dense, nearly as hard and resistant as granite, and extremely non-porous. Keep in mind, though, that these very hard lime stones are still calcium-based and, if polished, are subject to damage from household acids.