Natural Stone | Before You Buy

Learn all you can before buying stone for your home. In this section we’ve laid down what we know and what you should consider before making your buying decision. Knowledge about stone specifics, characteristics, traits and subtle differences can be invaluable. Choosing the best stone for your home is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget to best meet the needs of your lifestyle.

no two pieces are ever the same
natural characteristics: color, veining and markings, hardness and porosity
floor begins with giant pieces of stone that are mined from the earth
transported to factories where they are cut into thin slabs
each slab is different, displaying the affects of the physical course of its ancient history
each tile cut from the same slab might look completely different from the next
veining and crystallization may be abundant in one, yet non-existent in another
variations are to be expected and enjoyed

samples you view in the showroom can have completely different veining patterns or color variations compared to the stone we will install in your home
is not possible for you to hand select each tile of your natural stone
if you are concerned about the final appearance, work with a sales associate to preview a dye lot sample of the actual tile to be installed, prior to final installation
irregular markings, lines, veins and crystallization are not cracks or imperfections
if you select a combination of natural stone products, of the same color and type of stone, they will not match
no natural stone tile will have a perfectly smooth surface
may be small chips or pits that may be apparent in different lighting
will vary more in thickness, squareness and length
once installed, it will not be a perfectly smooth surface from tile to tile
varies in hardness, which is the scratch resistance of a mineral
talc is the softest mineral and diamond is the hardest
consider what types of activities will be taking place where the stone is installed
do not install a soft, porous type of stone in a high traffic area

Grout

lines are typically filled depending on the stone tile itself
can be thinner than ceramic tile installations
can match, contrast or coordinate with your stone tile
will outline each tile creating a visual picture frame
to be less noticeable, select a grout that is close in color to the stone
contrasting grout color, either darker or lighter, will make the grout lines more visible and thereby will create a checkerboard effect
colors installed can be slightly different from the sample
even when the same color is used, common to see slight differences between the grout in adjacent rooms
exact layouts, type of grout and grout joint widths are determined by our tile setter at the time of installation and are governed by the actual size and shape of the tile, and the exact dimensions of the areas to be covered

Sealer

highly recommended
should be performed by professionals
makes it less porous, more stain resistant, and protects the stone
different types of sealer
once flooring is installed, you are responsible for maintaining all caulked areas

Entire cost of ownership

The material “cost per square foot” of your stone flooring is just one component of the entire project cost. To ensure there are no surprises, and the stone you select fits within your overall project budget, be sure to ask us to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project. Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:

furniture removal/replacement
demolition/disposal of old floor covering
sub-floor preparation
product delivery
stone installation
materials required to complete the installation

In addition to the total project cost, you should also know the cost of annual cleanings to maintain the beauty and life of your new stone floor. Also, consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide for directions on how frequently the stone should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.