Limestone vs. Marble: Which Is Better For Your Bathroom?

Limestone vs. Marble_ Which Is Better For Your Bathroom_

Natural stone is truly a great choice for a bathroom countertop. It offers a mix of strength, beauty, utility, and uniqueness that is hard to refuse. However, there are some very important differences between the various types of stone, and it is very important that you understand those differences before attempting to choose the best type of stone for your bathroom surface.

For today’s article, we will be comparing limestone with marble. These are two of the most popular stones, but they are quite different from one another. By examining their various qualities, we can determine which one is the better all-around choice.

Durability

Durability is a very multifaceted thing, as a countertop must be able to resist a lot of things. For a bathroom sink, this factor is even more important. If we compare the chemicals that are commonly used in the bathroom with the chemicals that are commonly used in the kitchen, we will probably find the bathroom chemicals to be the harsher of the two. So, let’s start with resistance against chemicals.

Right away, we have a hard decision to make. We can see from this government report that both limestone and marble are affected by the problem of acid rain. Both limestone and marble tend to react with acidic substances by forming a gray or black crust of gypsum crystals. Thus, we can safely assume that acidic substances will stain both of these stones.

In terms of pure hardness, we can consult the Mohs scale again to check the relative hardness of these substances. So, we checked the properties of both marble and limestone. Guess what? It’s a dead tie. Both of these stones are composed mostly of a mineral called calcite, and so both of them have a hardness of three.

Upon looking a little more closely, we see that calcite itself is a form of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is one of the most abundant substances in the natural world. Seashells, chalk, and your fingernails are all composed of this same mineral. As you can see, calcium carbonate has many forms, and this is one of them.

Beauty

In the beauty department, there is no doubt that marble takes a point. Let’s not forget that this stone was one of the most prized building materials of the ancient world. As we have already seen, marble was not chosen for its hardness. In fact, it is believed that the ancients used marble for so many buildings because it was not that hard to carve. Trying to build a Roman palace out of granite blocks would have been far more difficult.

It’s easy to see why marble became so popular for decorative purposes. When presented with a stone that is both beautiful and easy to use, people in the past must have felt that they discovered something truly wonderful. However, it should be noted that the original facing stones of the great pyramid were made of white limestone and that those stones might have been mistaken for marble.

Limestone, however, does have a certain beauty of its own. While it cannot match the high-class look of marble, it can offer a rustic beauty that goes very well with certain styles. In fact, those who prefer a more natural look will probably be more likely to choose limestone. There’s something about polished marble that just doesn’t fit with more primitive decor.

Cost

When it comes to cost, the limestone wins a definite victory. Marble is one of the most expensive decorative stones on the market (if not the most expensive!), while limestone is one of the cheapest. To get an idea of how much the difference might be, let’s make a price comparison.

This limestone tile is exactly one-foot square and costs about $10. Now, let’s look for a similar piece of marble. This piece here is the same size and costs about $17. We are surprised to see that the price difference isn’t as big as we would have expected. After all, limestone is a lot easier to find than marble.

Need For Sealing

So, we should ask ourselves: Do either of these stones require sealing? Based on what we have already learned, it is safe to say that they both do. We already know that these rocks have the same hardness and that both are porous stones that can absorb liquid. When we dug a little deeper, we found that limestone is actually more porous than marble, which means that limestone will not do as good a job at resisting moisture.

For this reason, limestone will probably require more sealing than marble. Both are porous, but limestone will absorb much more. That means it will “drink” more sealer than marble and will thus require more product to do the same job. However, there is plenty of evidence to show that marble stains easily. Thus, we must assert again that both stones require sealing and that this round is a tie.

Conclusion

So, let’s review the results of this epic contest and see who has emerged victorious. In terms of durability, we had a dead heat. With an equal hardness and an equal vulnerability to chemicals, neither marble nor limestone could claim victory here. It’s worth noting at this point that limestone and marble are just two forms of the same mineral (calcite), and that’s why they are so similar.

In the beauty category, marble takes the point, even though some varieties of limestone are almost as beautiful as the finest marble. In fact, pure white limestone looks a lot like marble when polished. Limestone definitely gets the win on cost-effectiveness, as it offers very similar performance for a much lower price. Finally, we come to the sealing factor, which was also a tie. As you can see, this contest is a draw. We hope that you have enjoyed this epic matchup and that you will fill out the contact form below to receive more of our expert research.
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Little Known Facts About Limestone Countertops – And Why They Matter

Little Known Facts About Limestone Countertops - And Why They Matter

If you are searching for countertops for a remodeling project and have considered natural stone, you are not limited to just granite or marble. Limestone is an option that has grown increasingly popular over the years. Limestone looks very much like marble but with a more unique veining due to the way it is formed.

Limestone is created from shells and bones of ancient aquatic life while also being shaped by today’s underwater creatures. Before installing limestone countertops, there are things you need to know as they could have an impact on whether limestone is the right option for you.

Limestone Can Be Used in a Kitchen

Many designers will tell you that limestone should not be used in kitchens as it is a much softer stone than granite. However, there are some types of limestone that are just as hard as granite and are perfect for use in a kitchen. These are often quarried in France or Germany.

The versatility of limestone makes it perfect for kitchens as well since it is available in many textures, sizes and colors. Because your kitchen counter gets the most strenuous workout, you want a counter that will resist cracking and breaking. Choosing a harder limestone product will help keep your counter from being damaged if you drop something on it.

Purchase Price is Lower than Granite

Many times, the cost of limestone along with installation is cheaper than granite, which is why many people choose it for their project. However, before deciding on limestone because of the price, you need to take into consideration the maintenance necessary to keep the look of your new counters.

Limestone must be professionally sealed as it is very porous and the sealant should be reapplied each year, which can get costly over time. The sealant is important not just to prevent staining, but also to keep bacteria from developing when food items seep into the porous surface.

Don’t Use Traditional Cleansers

Limestone should never be cleaned with traditional cleansers as these may strip the sealant and leave your counter unprotected. There are professional cleaners designed specifically for limestone, use a cleaner that has a neutral pH or create your own mixture using mild detergent and water. Never use scouring pads or sponges with rough surfaces as they can scratch limestone. Instead, a soft rag is the best choice for cleaning.

If you are considering natural stone counters, contact us today to learn more about limestone. You can reach our knowledgeable sales staff by calling or completing the easy form online.

Choosing the Perfect Stone Tiles For Your Home

Choosing the Perfect Stone Tiles For Your Home

When you are trying to pick the flooring type to install for your home renovation, choosing natural stone can add elegance, durability and beauty. You’ll want to make certain to choose the stone that will fit best with your home.

Part of this is understanding what types are available as well as the characteristics and features of each.

There are several different natural stone options that can work well in different rooms of your house.

Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles are formed out of calcite, and they are a bit softer than limestone. These tiles come in several different earthen hues and come in either polished or porous forms. Because of the porous nature, these tiles do require professional sealing to prevent them from being stained, especially if you have children or pets.

Marble Tiles

A classic choice dating back thousands of years, marble tiles are truly one-of-a-kind. Marble comes in several different shades and is characterized by its veins. The veining of marble occurs while the stone is being formed, making each stone completely unique. Unfortunately, marble is highly porous, making it susceptible to staining and scratching.

Granite Tiles

Granite is a terrific choice for flooring, both when you use it inside as well as outside. Highly lustrous, granite can make your floor shine with a high polish. It is one of the strongest stones available and is just below diamond in hardness. It repels water and can be trusted to stand the test of time. It is a cold stone, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you are considering it for your flooring.

Slate Tiles

Formed out of metamorphic rock, slate has a very rustic appearance. It is great for providing traction and resistance to slipping. Slate tiles do come in a fairly limited range of darker hues, making that one of its downsides.

Limestone Tiles

Formed from calcitrate, limestone shows the natural striations when it is formed into tiles. This gives it a similar striated appearance to wood flooring. It comes in lighter colors and is very durable, but it does absorb water, making it a better choice for indoor renovations.

Sandstone

Yet another metamorphic stone, sandstone provides terrific traction and is very durable. It is a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and hallways alike. One limitation is that it lacks much color choice.

With better familiarity with the available types of stone, here are some additional factors you should consider so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your home.

1. Expense

Installing stone flooring tiles requires the use of qualified professionals. Cutting these stones is much more complicated than cutting wood. Installing stone on your home’s subflooring also requires a lot of additional work. You’ll also need to think about other materials that you’ll need, such as grout, plaster or cement. Thinking about where in your home and how large the space is is important, as natural stone flooring is one of the more expensive choices.

2. Purpose

While stone blends beautifully into almost any room in your home, you’ll want to consider how the room is used. For example, slate may be a better option for bathrooms. Children’s bedrooms may not be the best place for most types of natural stone tiles since most are rather hard or prone to staining.

3. Lifestyle

You’ll want to think about the lifestyle you have when you are choosing stone flooring. Pets may not like them. They may also take a longer period of time for installation.

If you are wanting a terrific choice for flooring in your home, choosing stone tiles is definitely a good option. By keeping your tastes and needs in mind, you are sure to find the stone tile that will best fit you and the room in which it will be installed. To learn more about the different options, give the professionals at Flemington Granite a call today. You can also complete your information in our provided contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.

Solutions for Countertop Etching, Scratches, Chips & Cracks Revealed!

Solutions for Countertop Etching, Scratches, Chips & Cracks Revealed!

If your countertop has taken on some wear and tear, there might be a good solution to improve the appearance and durability without going through the trouble of replacement. Minor issues like removing stains and making other damage less noticeable is easy with the right information, but keep in mind that hiring a professional is always a good solution.

If the issues are simple enough, you might feel confident handling the job yourself with a do-it-yourself remedy.

Stains and Etching

Staining to marble or any natural stone can happen, but is rarely permanent. It’s not unusual for someone to confuse staining with more common etching. This usually occurs because the homeowner simply was never educated about the properties of marble, marble maintenance and protection or how to clean marble the right way. If you have dull spots or a glass ring appearance from exposure to acidic liquids or cleaners, you may have etching. The best solution for etch marks depends on the type of surface finish: polished, honed, etc.

There are products that remove etching on polished marble, but a honed surface has to be restored professionally. Sealed granite should have plenty of protection against stains, but any discoloration can be removed with mild dish detergent or a paste made from baking soda. Since soapstone and quartz are non-porous, the regular upkeep and maintenance should be very easy.

Chips, Pits, Scratches, and Cracks

Blemishes that are small and shallow are much easier to repair regardless of your countertop material. Marble paste is great for restoring the polished look if surface scratches are noticeable, but deep separations need to be filled by a marble repair professional.

Harder surfaces, like granite, are more susceptible to actual cracks than scratches because all natural stones can fracture from impact. If you have a broken edge or a deep pit, it might seem like the best thing to do is replace the entire countertop. It’s best to get a professional opinion to decide if a repair is possible depending on the size and severity of the damage.

A little chip or minor scratches in your countertop might not seem too bothersome to overlook. However, if you feel that the damage is severe and unsightly, you should give us a call at Flemington Granite. We are experienced with all types of countertop materials and want to help you with repairs if possible. If your surface damage is too severe to fix, we also have plenty of new countertop slabs available in the showroom.

How To Choose The Perfect Natural Stone

How To Choose The Perfect Natural Stone

 

Adding the timeless charm of natural stone to your home is a smart investment, even if it’s only incorporated into small details.

Granite is one of the most recognizable and common stones, but there are so many other material options that you should consider.

If you prefer a more unusual option, onyx could provide a very unique feature in your interior design. As long as you do the research regarding maintenance requirements, it will be easy to find the right product among the vast world of natural stone types.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Try to find your natural stone locally if possible by touring different design centers and showrooms in the area.

Most companies allow you to browse samples so that they can order a stone similar to your preferred style. However, you need to understand that the slabs are each unique and it might be more of an advantage to actually visit our showroom. This ensures that you will get the exact slab that you want to use in your home design.

Not everything is about looks, but it’s a great place to begin narrowing the choices. Consult with an on-site expert to discuss the qualities of the stones you are most interested in using.

Once you have picked out a stone, decide on the finish that best suits your installation plan. A high polish is unsuitable for a bathroom floor, but it looks great as a countertop.

Some stones hold up better with specific finishes because they mask scratches that are likely to accumulate on softer surfaces. Matte or honed stones look the most natural, but a distressed stone offers the charm of an aged appearance. Discuss your preferred style and always ask to view samples to help you choose the perfect stone.

Granite

Granite is a valuable option in areas that require hardness, such as a kitchen countertop or fireplace surround. It can take on damage if you are careless, but it’s pretty difficult to create stains or scratches.

Granite Kitchen Countertop

Limestone

Limestone is exceptional as a bathroom surface or kitchen floor if you choose a quality piece. Maintaining the unique texture is easy if you take care to have it resealed as often as needed.

Limestone Bathroom

Marble

Marble is best for tub surrounds, a vanity top, backsplash, or flooring if the conditions of the area permit installation of a softer stone. It is absorbent, but take precaution when adding protection because lighter slabs may darken if a sealant is applied.

Marble Countertops

Onyx

Onyx is a translucent stone that features striking colors, such as jet black and bright white. Once sealed and polished, the stone can take on a very high gloss that is great for a vanity top or bathtub surround.

Woodland hotel - onyx bar countertop

Sandstone

Sandstone is naturally dense, but the actual level of durability may vary greatly from one slab to another. If you do intend to use as a bathtub surround or kitchen floor, consider having it sealed every few months to maintain the surface.

Sandstone Bathroom

Slate

Slate features a typically matte surface with unique clefts that offer an unusual appearance in flooring and countertops. Preservation does involve sealing, and you should limit cleaning to very neutral products.

Slate Kitchen Countertop

Soapstone

Soapstone is ideal for kitchen countertops and fireplace surrounds because it is very resistant to heat. Sealing is not recommended, and you can remove most scratches by lightly sanding or applying mineral oil.

Soapstone Countertops

Travertine

Travertine is very porous and actually has an appearance similar to a sponge, but the holes can be filled before installation. Otherwise, expect to make a constant effort to keep the countertop clean and dry.

Modern colorful Travertine bathroom tub area.

You are welcome to reach out through the contact form to schedule a tour of our natural stone showroom.

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

What are the latest styles in commercial restrooms?

There are people with actual phobias of public restrooms because they have a reputation of being unsanitary and ugly. Consider the ambiance of the bathroom in your business to recognize the need to complete some important updates. It should be easy to find solutions that will make employees and customers feel comfortable and safe. You may decide that a few small updates are sufficient, or it might require an entire remodel to achieve your ideal modern design.

Touch Free Fixtures

Think about how many restaurants you avoid simply because they have a disgusting restroom. No one wants to feel that they are being exposed to filth and bacteria that could potentially cause a serious illness. The usual culprits are contaminated toilet seats and floors, but your greatest risk of exposure is actually during the process of hand washing. A total of 19 different bacterial phyla were identified by University of Colorado scientists collecting samples from public restroom surfaces. It’s not even safe to touch the exterior of a soap dispenser because it’s being contaminated regularly throughout each day.

Commercial restrooms are implementing touch-free soap dispensers, flushing mechanisms, hand dryers, and faucets to help visitors avoid contact with germs. It’s also easier for facility owners to maintain cleanliness with these innovative features.

Sustainable Materials

Public restroom products are put to the test each day by enduring frequent use during business hours. Manufacturers are beginning to recognize the value of using sustainable materials to improve the overall lifespan of their products. Engineered stone used as countertop surfaces is created from recycled materials to ensure a more durable final product. In fact, most recycled and renewable materials are suitable for heavy usage in an environment that is often damp or humid. High Density Polyethylene plastic is another recycled product found in most modern commercial restrooms.

Luxurious Design

Visitors are more likely to visit an establishment that offers a sophisticated and updated restroom. Stainless steel, granite, and other stone products are becoming trendy because they offer exceptional bacteria resistance and cleanliness. It’s easy to sanitize natural stone flooring, especially if you compare it to the grimy reputation of traditional laminate. Granite countertops are sleek, non-porous, and have the ability to make every business feel like a high-end establishment.

Get in touch with our team of designers by completing the contact form to find out about our commercial restroom solutions and products that we offer.

Natural Stone Can Make Any Pool A Treasure

Natural Stone Can Make Any Pool A Treasure

Any home with a swimming pool is provided with the luxury of relaxation in an outdoor setting. The area surrounding your pool should not only show off your personality, it should match the architectural style of your property. A superior deck should begin with the selection of a natural stone to provide years of exceptional durability as well as sophistication. With so many options to choose from, begin your search by learning a bit about a variety of natural stone types.

Bluestone

The blue and gray shades of bluestone can be installed in any of three different textures to match your design style. This material is versatile enough to feature a non-uniform texture, smooth honed finish, or a thermal uniform texture. It partners exceptionally in yards that are surrounded by natural greenery.

Coral Stone

If your taste desires true uniqueness, the features of coral stone are sure to exceed your design expectations. It consists of a mixture containing fossilized coral and shell, limestone, and sand to create a very distinct looking material. Not only is it beautiful, it does not absorb significant heat or weaken from exposure to sale or chemicals.

Flagstone

Earthy neutral tones of flagstone material feature a naturally family-friendly, non-slip surface. It looks great in an outdoor pool setting because the rich brown textures are rugged and durable.

Granite

When it comes to resisting the elements, the hardness of granite is capable of withstanding years of exposure. It’s a great investment in any outdoor design because granite looks elegant without being too fragile to enjoy.

Limestone

Standing up against freezing, rain, and heat is one characteristic of limestone that makes it a very popular outdoor material. It is going to look bright and beautiful many years after installation, even if your local climate includes frequent and extreme weather changes.

Travertine

An absorbent outdoor deck is ideal for safety, especially if you have small children running around. Travertine deck materials come in many neutral tones that stay cool to the touch and look luxurious alongside a fresh blue pool of water.

Sandstone

Light red or brown quartz creates the perfect companion color for use around any pool style. The even tones make it easy to match with other pieces of sandstone so that you do not end up with noticeably mismatched areas.

Slate

Deeper shades and unique colors of slate create a varied range of visual options. It’s a long-lasting deck option that suits more traditional spaces as well as a more natural or rustic setting. Builders recommend slate for large projects because it is durable, yet easy to customize and install.

Our designers are excited to help you find the perfect deck material to surround your pool. We feature many different natural stone options in our showroom to match your style with a unique texture and color. Reach out through the contact form so that we can give you a personal tour of our facility.

How To Choose The Perfect Edge Profile For Your Countertop

How To Choose The Perfect Edge Profile For Your Countertop

Adding granite countertops to any remodel project is not as simple as picking a natural stone slab and having it professionally installed. Choosing the edge profile is an important decision that deserves more consideration that choosing the best looking option. A smooth edge is more durable than projected corners, but it may not be worth sacrificing the silhouette that you truly desire for strength. Get to know the basics of each option so that you can make an educated decision based on which edge profile suits both your style and needs.

  • Classic Ogee – A very classic look that is more ornate than a smooth edge, typically featuring a dramatic curve. The appearance of a clean, rounded silhouette is perfect for adding a focal point to an otherwise standard kitchen island.
  • Basic Bullnose – Sleek, rounded edges at the top and bottom edge are a very popular edge option. It is ideal for use in slabs that extend beyond the edge of the cabinet or surrounding an island.
  • Triple Bullnose – Featuring a more regal appearance, the waterfall edge features a look of stacked bullnose edges. This style is a great highlight to a small space, but it does require more complex cleaning in the details.
  • Polished Standard – A squared shape is one of the most popular for thicker pieces of engineered stone because it is elegant, yet easy to maintain. With a common application as kitchen countertops, is incredibly durable as the edges are perfectly smooth and flat without any ornate details.
  • Half-bullnose – The top of this edge is rounded the same as a standard bullnose design, but the bottom is squared. Homeowners prefer this selection near sinks because the square bottom would prevent any water from making contact with the cabinetry.
  • Double Bevel – A specialized cut that emphasizes the thickness and beauty of the natural stone slab with an angular cut edge. This premium selection is generally created by layering two pieces together for enhanced visual interest.
  • Dupont Apron – This custom design option appears similar to the classic ogee placed atop a classic edge, featuring a cove-like curving. It is popular for use with granite, but homeowners also use it frequently for bathroom marble applications.
  • Dupont Bullnose – An ornamental version of the bullnose is comparable to the waterfall appearance of a triple bullnose. The major difference is that the edge appears similar to a staircase for a stylized take on the classic design.

Call to set up an appointment so that our experts can help you decide on the best edge to complete your natural or engineered stone countertop. It’s important to feel satisfied when renovating a kitchen or bathroom in a style that reflects your own.