While both are beautiful options, there are other types of natural stone that offer unique appearances and are perfect for different areas of your home or workplace. Here are some important things you should know before getting natural stone.
There Is More Than One Type of Natural Stone
Understanding that there is more than one type of natural stone, and being aware of what they all mean, is key to purchasing stones in general. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of natural stones and what they mean: Marble: One of very few non-porous rocks, meaning that it absorbs almost no moisture at all. It’s also reflective and has a soft feel. Travertine: A calcium carbonate sedimentary rock, commonly white or cream-colored with brown veining (hence its name). Travertine can be susceptible to heat fluctuations—meaning it may crack if exposed to freezing temperatures repeatedly—so keep that in mind when determining whether or not it’s right for your home/business.
Check How Long Your Warranty Lasts and What It Covers
Natural stone is not able to resist damage as well as man-made material, which is why it’s imperative to get details on what the warranty covers and how long it lasts. Some warranties don’t last for more than a year or two, meaning if something goes wrong in that time period, you might be left to fix it yourself. It’s also important to ensure that your warranty covers the expected area and to examine it carefully for any parts that could leave you liable later on.
Natural Stones Have Limited Availability
It’s difficult to find certain types of stones, and they may be far more expensive than man-made options. If you want your countertops to look unique, it may be worth going with a more popular option. These might even cost less in many cases. Natural stones also come with maintenance issues—some require sealing every year or two to protect them from stains and moisture. They can also crack if damaged—for example, by hot pans placed on top of them during cooking.
Expect Color Variations Across Pieces in The Same Slab
While a flat slab may consist of beautiful swaths of a single shade, there’s also a good chance it will feature random flecks and veins that interrupt that color. If you want to minimize these inconsistencies, choose slabs with consistent color (but be aware they will likely cost more than pieces with patches of white or gray). It’s also possible to dye your stones (at an additional expense), although keep in mind that not all stones can be dyed successfully.
Natural Stones Expand and Contract with Temperature Changes
Natural stones, such as marble and granite, heat up and cool down with temperature changes. You need to accommodate for these changes in your home. A good first step is to make sure that your floors get adequate ventilation.
Over time, their surface texture changes: Over time, most stones will change color or texture. This is mostly caused by a chemical reaction between your stone and cleaning products.
That’s why it’s so important always to use non-toxic and pH-neutral cleaners for your stone surfaces. Don’t leave residue on any hard surface as that can cause permanent damage and discoloration. Our Marble Cleaner will not damage your marble or granite – instead, it keeps it shining like new!
Natural Stones Require Maintenance
Natural stones such as marble, granite, and limestone do not need to be sealed. However, these stones may begin to stain over time and with exposure to harsh elements like salt, acid rain, and extreme temperature changes. Therefore, periodic sealing is recommended for any tiles that will be subject to these kinds of conditions. This will also help maintain your tile’s luster by protecting it from UV rays.
Which Sealer Should I Use? How Often Do I Need to Reapply It?
There are many different kinds of sealers, and each is designed for specific purposes. For example, there are oil-based and water-based sealers that are used to protect different types of stones from acidic substances. Typically, natural stones like marble or limestone need to be sealed with a product that’s made specifically for those types of materials. Before selecting a sealer, always check your stone’s recommendations (you can often find them on the manufacturer’s website). You also need to consider whether you want to use a water-based or oil-based sealer; they serve completely different purposes, so if one doesn’t work out for you, it might be worthwhile to try another type.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Installing My New Floors?
There is a very specific process to ensure that your floors are installed correctly and last as long as possible. We always recommend hiring a professional to help with your flooring installation; these people have seen it all, and they will be able to recommend products that work best in your space. Always hire a pro—it’s not worth taking any chances!
Should I Seal My New Stone Floor?
Sealing your floor isn’t a necessity, but it can add longevity to your stone. After installation, a sealer will protect your floor from everyday dirt and spills. Additionally, if you plan on selling your home in a few years (or moving), having sealed floors will help preserve their beauty and value. When considering what type of sealer to use, first determine what kind of natural stone you have installed—you’ll want to match it accordingly.
Can I Paint Over My New Floor Once It’s Installed?
Typically, yes. After it’s installed, however, most brands recommend a 30-day waiting period to allow time for all of its parts to properly set and bond. After that 30 days have passed, it’s safe to paint your new flooring—as long as you don’t use any special primers or sealants (such as waxes or oils).
Conclusion
Buyers of natural stone can find so many great benefits from using it in their homes or business. There is a wide variety of uses for these stones as well, including countertops, flooring, and wall coverings.