What
are the benefits of natural stone products?
Natural stone products are a great way to bring a natural organic
feel to your interior space. You can create a wide variety of designs
from an old Italian Tuscan feel to a very modern hi tech space. They
are quarried from throughout the world.
How durable are natural stones?
All stones are different. Some are very dense and strong and others
are soft and porous. Refer to the about stone section to learn
more about individual stones.
What other issues should I know when considering stone?
Waste
Factor: When calculating how much material is needed for a
project, natural stones need much higher waste factor for breakage,
culling and shade variations. The very thing that makes natural
stones so attractive can work against you when ordering. You must
up the overage to a minimum of 15-20 % for this reason. Typical
overages for manufactured tiles are 5-15%.
Sampling: During the selection process, you should review as
many different types of samples and literature as possible.
Coming from
nature many stones have a wide range of shading and veining
that can occur. It is impossible to select from one sample
piece for an
entire installation. If possible review literature and actual
samples from current stock before approving your stone.
Installation: It is imperative that this material be blended
from multiple crates before being installed. This will
insure that the
product has been blended properly.
Can I have no grout joint?
There is always a minimum grout joint with all stone installations.
The term “butt joint” refers to a minimum grout joint,
approximately 1/16”. The joint is then filled with a non-sanded
grout. There are also chiseled edge and pillowed edge products
that allow for wider grout joints and thus can save money on installation.
I love the look of stone but have concerns about maintenance and
long term durability.
You can contact your local Trinity Tile representative to look at
alternatives to natural quarried products such at the Geologica Series
from Granitifiandre. Many of the products are rectified so as to
install just like a quarried product but allow you to avoid the maintenance
and durability limitations of natural stone.
How should I clean stone?
As with tile, keeping your countertop, flooring or wall cladding
stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil will minimize scratching and
wearing patterns that could develop from everyday uses on stones
such as marble, sandstone and limestone. To clean your natural stone
installation*, simply wipe with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge,
cloth or mop. Using a neutral cleaner made especially for natural
stone will help remove soils and staining that everyday dusting and
damp mopping can leave behind.
- Trinity recommends
using StoneTech Professional Revitalizer Daily Use Stone and
Tile Cleaner which leaves behind an impregnating protective
shield every time you clean. As with porcelain and ceramic tile,
you should never use general purpose cleaners containing lemon,
vinegar or other acids. These as well as scouring cleaners can
etch the stone
surface and/or damage the polish.
Is there anything special I can do to care for my stone countertops
and vanities?
By using StoneTech Professional Revitalizer on a regular basis to
remove residues from cooking oils, food spills, hair spray
and other cosmetics, you will significantly benefit the life span
of your natural
stone surfaces. Be mindful of the many common drinks and foods
which contain acids and may damage your stone. Also, certain common
toiletries
like perfume, toothpaste and mouthwash contain ingredients
that may damage your stone or degrade the sealer.
How can I prevent buildup of soap scum and other common bath/wet
area problems?
Trinity usually recommends StoneTech’s Revitalizer for these
purposes as well. It will successfully remove buildup of soap scum
and hard water deposits that often form. Like with other kinds of
tiled surfaces, using a squeegee to remove excess water after baths
and showers will protect your stone as well as your grout. Remember;
never use abrasive cleaners, alkaline cleaners, grout cleaners, or
tub and tile cleaners on your stone.
What
can I do on a regular basis that will increase the life
span of my stone surfaces?
Little things like using coasters under glasses (particularly glasses
containing alcohol or citrus juices) and using trivets or mats under
hot pots and pans is a good idea. Trap dirt and sand on floors by
placing mats or rugs in high traffic areas. In addition to regularly
dusting your stone surfaces, be sure to clean up spills immediately
a soft cloth and clean water or StoneTech Professional Revitalizer
Stone and Tile Cleaner and Protector.
