Limestone and Granite Fireplace
One of the first questions that our designers will ask you when you come into our showroom is what type of tile you would like to use in your home. While porcelain tile can be used on floors and walls, in kitchens and bathrooms, indoor and outdoor, stone tiles do have some characteristics that you should keep in mind when selecting tile for your project.
Stone, as a natural product, has a greater degree of variation from piece to piece than manufactured products. We believe that this natural variation adds to the beauty of the final installation, but it’s important to keep in mind. Even the most consistent stone will range.
All natural stones must be sealed in order to prevent stains. For harder stones like granite, you only need to seal it upon installation and very rarely afterward. Softer or more porous stones like soapstone or sandstone need to be sealed more frequently. Sealing is especially important for installations in areas like kitchen backsplashes and bathroom shower surrounds in which soap, oils, food spills and other potential stains are in contact with the stone surface frequently.
If you are considering using stone for an exterior project, it is important to consider whether the stone you choose will stand up to the elements. In the Pacific Northwest, we have all types of climate–from freezing winter to boiling summers and everything in between. As a result we encourage our customers to choose a stone that can withstand severe temperature swings even after being exposed to wind and rain. Be sure to let your designer know where you intend to install the tile so that they can help select a material that will last as long as your home (or longer!).
These are just a few of the considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to use natural stone in your home. For more detailed information, check out the free resources available to you on the consumer page of the Marble Institute of America. MIA is also a great resource for advice on how to clean and maintain your stone tile installation once your project is complete.
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