Myths About Stone
Why are some stones more expensive?
All the stones have different hardness and density. Harder stones are difficult and more expensive to quarry and process. Quarries are usually in remote areas and the distance from processing plants is an important cost factor. Underground quarries are costlier to operate than overground.
Why are bigger sizes more expensive? The larger the size of the stone, the more difficult it is to process, handle, pack and transport. Larger sizes tend to have a higher wastage. This makes them more expensive.
Do I get a lower price for a larger quantity?
Stone availability has more to do with the pricing then any other factor. Additionally, handling and transportation cost drops slightly for larger quantity. Stone dealer running a special on a particular stone may be the best way to reduce cost.
How many different colors of stones are available?
About 700 distinct different types of Natural Stones, from around the world, are sold in USA today. Out of this only 200 stones may account 80% of wholesale sales. We stock about 240 distinct types of imported & domestic Natural Stones, mainly from India, Mexico, China, Brazil, Italy etc.
Can I specify the exact stone color I want?
Today, almost all colors in various shades are available in Granite, Marble and Slates. It is therefore possible to specify the color with some tolerance of shade differences. However not all stones are available in all colors. E.g. Travertine's are mostly found in shades of Beige, Yellows and Gold's.
How long does it take to get stone?
Some of the popular items are usually available in stock. However those that are not, can take 90 to 120 days to deliver.
What criteria do I use to select stone color?
The criteria to use for selecting the color depend on the purpose of the application. Colors make a dramatic impact on the room. It can make small rooms seem larger, and larger rooms seem smaller. Consider the following characteristics to select the color of the stone. Lighter colors tend to make a smaller room seem larger. Dark colors tend to make a room more intimate and cozy. Patterned material, usually in honed finish is comparatively easier to maintain. Dramatic patterns in the stone can help highlight and accent certain portions of the room.
How much variation can I expect from the sample of the stone shown?
Being a product of nature, each piece of the stone is unique in its own way. However the variation levels differ from stone to stone. Granites mostly show very less variation in color. But there may be variations in their patterns, grain density etc. On the other hand, some slates show a varied spectrum of shades of the same set of colors. Sometimes the very fact that the stones have come from different pits can be the reason for a variation in color, pattern or grain distribution of the material.
What is the recommended care and maintenance of the different stones?
Stone surface unlike wood surfaces require less frequent attention. One should clean the stone floors with warm water and a liquid soap. Never use acid cleaners or abrasive chemicals on stone. Always seal the stone after it is installed and should be sealed after a period of 1 year or depending upon the usage.
What is an impregnator sealer? How does an impregnator sealer help stone? Impregnator sealer consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to the crevices inside the stone. Once they are attached to the stone, these balls become a permanent part of the stone and acts as shields when any kind of liquid lands on them and the same is not penetrated into the stone.
How often should a sealer be applied?
When applied for the first time, at least 2 to 3 coatings are recommended. Thereafter, every 1 to 2 years depending upon the usage of the stone, the sealer coats should be applied.
Can I order a designer's stone with a particular color / look / feel?
Being a product of nature it is not possible to find a “SPECIFIED” stone.
What are the Neutral Stone colors?
The neutral colors found in Natural Stones range from Earth tones, Beige, Tan and Creams. These colors always compliment to all kind of furniture and fixtures in the house. Neutral Colors are acceptable to 90% of the people.
What are the Accent Stone colors?
Any color can be used as an accent color as long as it contrasts with the rest of the room. E.g. white stone border can accent a black floor, or vice versa.
What is Natural Stone?
Natural Stone is a highly selective product with individual feel, touch and color sensitivity, subjected to desire for uniqueness and satisfaction of individuality. A classic look developed by nature over millions of years, that is not affected by fashions, nor perishable over a period of time.
Natural Stone is being created as a result of millions of years of different geological changes that take place in the Earth’s crust. This has resulted in the creation of a wide variety of vibrant colors and characteristics. Depending on the process, composition and characteristics, the Natural Stones have been categorized into Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Adoquin, Onyx, etc.
Who needs Natural Stone in U.S.A.?
Natural Stone has been a popular housing and building material all over the world for centuries. However, in America, wood has been the primary material used for housing. Natural Stones were mostly used for road construction and monuments. However this trend is now shifting towards the usage of Natural Stones in the Entry way, Kitchens, Atriums, Bathrooms, Fireplaces, Floors, Facades and many surfaces in homes and offices.
Why should I use Natural Stone in my home?
With the flooding of our environment with artificial equipment and material, Americans look for relief at home, and Natural Stone gives a timeless, realistic feeling and proximity to nature. When compared to all the visible items like wallpaper, paints, curtains, appliances, furniture, etc, only Natural Stone gives the classic look and a distinctive feeling.
Natural Stone gives a hint of luxury, while still being affordable. Natural Stone is the real thing in today’s artificially decorated homes.
What are the different kinds of Natural Stones?
There are various different Natural Stones: Granite, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, Quartzite, Sandstone, Adoquin, Onyx, etc.
Granite
Granite is an important structural and ornamental stone, due to its high compressive strength and durability. It is the hardest of structural stones. Its mineral-rich colors, its hardness and density, make it an ideal choice for flooring, counter tops, vanities as well as exterior applications. A broad range of elegant patterns and colors makes granite the most versatile and durable of all stones. It is also the most “maintenance-free” of all stones. Granites get their wonderful variety of colors and patterns from minerals that are melted into the liquid mass as it is formed.
Marble
Marble has been valued for thousands of years for its rich palette of beautiful colors and appearance. It is perfect for use in almost any part of the house. Generally, calcite and dolomite marbles are of pure white color. Variations of whiteness of pure marbles are due to the mixture of foreign substances. Such impurities form bands, streaks and clouds. Black and grayish shades are due to graphite; pinks, reds are mainly due to the presence of manganese oxides or hematite.
Serpentine Marble
A rock consisting mostly or entirely of serpentine, green to greenish-black in color commonly veined with calcite and dolomite magnetite or both. Serpentine is often referred to as Verde antique but this term may also refer to green marble without serpentine.
What thickness is used for Kitchen Counter Tops?
The thickness of the Kitchen counter top can be 0.75”(2cm) or 1.25”(3cm). In the eastern United States, the trend is more towards 1.25” thickness as compared to the preference of 0.75” in the west.
How Granite Counter Top different from Corian Counter Top?
Granite is Natural Stone and Corian is a man made material. As corian is a plastic based material, it is more prone to Scratches, and Deformation and Loss of Finish due to Heat. Granite is more durable and easier to maintain as it is relatively scratch resistance compared to Corian's, which are more prone to stains than Granites.
The beauty of Granite cannot be imitated by Corian. Granite comes in more vibrant and wider range of colors than Corian. Corian's are also more expensive than most granites. Granite lasts longer, and requires lesser maintenance.