Natural Stone:
Q: Why should I select natural stone?
A: Natural stone is preferred by architects and builders through the ages because it offers strength, beauty and natural appeal. Color, texture and markings vary from shipment to shipment so you should make very effort to view multiple pieces of stone before selecting it and also view your order before it is installed.
Q: What is the difference between limestone, marble and granite?
A: Limestone and Marble show subtle veining and movement. They are sedimentary rocks composed primarily of calcium carbonate and so are sensitive to acids. Marble derives from the Latin “marmor” which means “to shine,” so marbles are hard limestone's that accept a polish well. Granites are harder rocks of volcanic origin and are not acid sensitive. Sometimes they have veining and movement, but they are generally selected for kitchen counters and high traffic floors where performance is the priority.
Q: Is natural stone hard to care for?
A: When the correct stone type, finish and sealer are selected for your application, natural stone is simple to care for and maintain. Sweeping and wet-mopping are all that is normally required. Consult us for recommendations unique to your stone and application.
Granite:
Q: Did you know?
A: Granite is second only to diamonds in hardness. It is simply the best work surface available. Its polished finish won’t wear off. Unlike marble synthetic and laminate countertops, granite will not blister, scratch or crack; and it is highly stain resistant. It can take a hot pot without the use of a trivet. And its cool polished surface is ideal for rolling out pastry dough. Granite is a beautiful, durable and cost competitive solution for kitchens, baths and other areas, residential or commercial.
Precautions: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull a marble surface. Do not place hot items directly on a marble counter top. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface of the marble.
There are several different types of natural stone used in residential and commercial applications. Their uses vary widely and include flooring, countertops, wall covering, fireplaces and exterior facades. It is common for people to refer to any polished stone finish as “marble.” However, there is a strong possibility that they are looking at a different type of stone since marble is not suitable for certain applications.
For example, since marble is not the hardest natural stone, it would not do well as a floor covering in extremely high traffic areas. Though under typical residential and light commercial applications, it would hold up fine. The one application that marble is not well suited for is kitchen countertops. This is because marble’s composition deteriorates when exposed to acidic foods.
The most common residential uses of marble are for window sills, fireplaces hearths, decorative foyers and bathroom floors. Other bathroom applications include wall covering, backsplashes, tub decks and showers.
Some marble tiles are processed for a finished look known as tumbled marble. The process actually involves tumbling the tiles with sand inside a large drum. After a period of time, the corners of the tiles become rounded and the edges slightly chipped, resulting in a well-worn, antiqued appearance.
The popularity of tumbled marble has increased dramatically in recent times. This is especially true regarding its use for bathroom countertops and backsplashes. With such a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes and designs, tumbled marble can be used exclusively or to accent other types of tile. The number of stylish touches that can be created with its sculptured trim, mosaic borders or decorative medallions is virtually limitless.
Other types of natural stone include granite, travertine, limestone, slate and sandstone. Of this group, granite is by far the most versatile. Because of its density it is not absorbent and thus highly resistive to bacteria and stains. This makes it ideally suited for kitchen countertops. Granite’s density and strength also make it suitable for exterior applications.
Travertine is a very popular natural stone that is used in residential and commercial applications. Residentially, travertine’s most common uses include interior and exterior wall and flooring covering. Commercially, it has been used in several major building constructions. Two of the world’s most recognizable structures constructed mostly of travertine are the modern Getty Center in Los Angeles and the ancient Coliseum in Rome.
Limestone is most often used in building construction since it is relatively softer and thus easier to work with. It is also one of the more abundant natural stones. Some of its uses include countertops, wall tiles and flooring. However, because it is softer than some of the other stones, limestone would not perform well as a floor covering in very high traffic areas.
Slate is a durable stone that forms naturally in layers. Because of this, it is capable of being split into thin sheets. Among its most common uses are floor tiles, countertops and roofing tiles.
Sandstone is a popular stone used for fireplace facades, chimneys, retaining walls and walkway stones.
Marble and Granite
Marble and granite (sometimes called stone), are the choice materials for floors and walls of most upscale homes today. The materials come in a wide variety of colors and surface finishes, from glossy to matte. Valley Tile offers a substantial range of selection of stone, including all standard and premium colors of marble and granite. We also provide selections of limestone, slate, tumbled stone and onyx. Sizes range from 2x2 tumbled stone to 24x24 sections of travertine marble, from matt finishes to polished.
Installation costs are normally higher than installing ceramic tile, and some degree of additional care must be taken to seal and protect stone floors. But the investment in stone to enhance your home's value more than offsets the costs associated with the material.
Most designers agree that a high grade of marble is the best choice for floors and baths of discriminating buyers. After visiting our showroom and seeing our selection of stone, we hope you will agree.
Marble and granite are natural stone products considered to be the best and most durable products for home design and construction today. As natural stone products marble and granite are taken from quarries and not made in factories. For this reason throughout time both marble and granite have been used in the creation of some of the world's finest historical monuments.
To mention a few, the step pyramids of Egypt were made of granite blocks brought from nearby quarries, the Parthenon in Ancient Greece was made of marble and the Romans continued the tradition by building marbe buildings such as the Colliseum and other marble structures still standing today in the Roman forum.
Available in many colors and styles marble and granite is versatile, durable, high-quality and relatively low maintenance. It's benefits make it one of the top choices for interior decorating, home decorating and building construction. It can be used for flooring, and granite counter tops in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms.
Modern architects and engineers still today consider marble, granite and natural stone to be one of the best products for home decorating, interior decorating and building.
If you are considering a home decorating project let Valley tile and stone help you choose the best marble or granite for your granite counter top or marble floor. Red granite, black marble, vendome marble, grey marble, red Marble and many other styles of granite, marble and other natural stone products are available at Valley tile and stone.