Natural Stone

Granite

Granite is one of the most elegant looking materials that we are discussing here. It is usually polished to a high gloss finish and has a look like no other. The textures and colors that are available in granite can not be duplicated by man made products. In the Bay Area, there are about 600 different types of granite available. We supply a list of the stone yards that we have found to be fair in price, have good quality materials, and supply good customer service to our customers.

Granite should be sealed every 6 months to help prevent staining, and should be sealed more often if hot objects are placed on it, as the heat removes the seal. We recommend the sealer SLX-100. Granite can be stained with oils, alcohol, or foods containing citric acid. Some granite stains can be removed with clay- like material called a poultice. Sometimes a poultice must be used more than one time to remove stains, but many people believe that a stain can add "character" to the stone. Granite comes in a variety of colors and textures. As an industry standard, it is quoted in ¾" material.

Marble and Limestone

Marble and limestone are the softest of the natural stone materials. The texture, colors, and soft patterns can seduce anyone into wanting some in their home. Marbles and limestones can be easily stained with oils, alcohols, foods containing citric acid, and even water. They can be easily scratched because it is a calcium deposit. They can also crack without warning. Alcohol tends to eat away at the minerals in marble and limestone, so it should not be used as a bar top. Because of the beauty of these materials, they make an excellent tile backsplash, or are also great in a lightly used guest bath.