Care and Maintenance - Stones

Question: If I choose to upgrade to stone is it difficult to care for?

Answer: The natural stone you have purchased for your home is an investment that will give you many years of beauty. Stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful. Here are some recommendations for routine care and cleaning:

• Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that may etch or dull the stone surface.
• Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
• Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from your stone dealer) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks on shiny surfaces. DO NOT use cleaners that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing so as to minimize streaks on shiny surfaces.

Question: Do I need to seal my stone?

Answer: In some cases it makes perfect sense to seal the stone. Once properly sealed, the stone will be protected against everyday dirt and spills. In other cases, it is best to leave the stone untreated. Topical sealers can alter the surface texture and finish, as well as build up on the surface creating a layer that is less durable than the stone.

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) recognizes the benefits that sealers can provide in certain applications. MIA recommends that care be exercised in the application of any chemical to a stone's surface. Although normally innocent in and of themselves, some sealers have reportedly reacted with some cleaning/maintenance chemicals and/or with components within the stone surface, causing some reactions.

Question: If I seal my stone will that make it stain-proof?

Answer: The application of sealer may only slow down the absorption usually giving you a little more time to clean up your spills without affecting the surface. Always read the manufacturers warranty and instructions and don't switch from one sealer to another, not all products are compatible.

Question: Why does 12x12 stone not match a slab?

Answer: Even though they are called the same color, because they are a natural material variation exists. You should take into consideration that the slabs come from a side of the mountain where they can have very large blocks and the 12x12 stone tiles come from a separate side of the mountain that can only produce smaller blocks. Natural stone slab is approximately 3/4" thick while 12x12 natural stone is approximately 1/4" thick.

Question: Why can I not use tumbled stone on my countertops?

Answer: Tumbled stone is a porous material. When using it on a kitchen counter it would be subject to many liquids that could stain it as well as etching it. Alcohol, citrus and tomatoes are the worst culprits. It also needs to be mentioned that Tumbled stone by nature has a tendency to be erratic in size and thickness which can be a problem in the kitchen area.

Question: Why do I need to approve a sample of the stone I have already selected?

Answer: Because natural stone has a lot of variation and movement, that is what makes it natural and also why you chose it. What you originally saw in the Design Center was a sample only, the piece we ask you to approve is from the exact shipment that will be installed in your home. If the shading is slightly different from what you were expecting we want you to have a chance to see it and work it out before it is installed. If you are using both slab and stone tiles you should select the slab once this stone approval ample has arrived, this would allow you a much better match or flow.