Natural stone products are by far some of the most impressive building materials that I am aware of. I believe that the reason for this lies in the fact that imitation material is just that, imitation. The look, feel, density, and hardness of natural products is almost impossible to duplicate. A manufacturer may be able to improve one aspect, however, the other attributes usually fall short of the real product.
Take granite for instance. Granite counter tops are increasingly popular. The manufacturers of solid surface (plastic) countertops picked up on this trend and many offer "granite" substitutes. If you put the two materials side by side, there is absolutely no comparison. The natural granite has deeper colors, larger crystals, and often a more random pattern. In all fairness to the solid surfacing materials (which, by the way, I like very much), they have other positive attributes that make them attractive.
Marble vs. Granite
I have installed both marble and granite on many of my past jobs. Both have performed well. Marble, far and away, is a much softer material than granite. This has to do with the composition of the materials. Marble is nothing more than limestone which has been "pressure-cooked" deep in the earth for many, many years. Granite is often an igneous rock that has a high concentration of the mineral quartz. Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO2), is very hard. It is comparable to standard glass, as glass is composed primarily of silicone dioxide.
Both materials will last a lifetime if professionally installed and maintained. The only disadvantage that I find with both products is that they are difficult to repair if damaged. Scratches, as long as they are not too deep, can be buffed out without noticeable appearance changes. Large chips, on the other hand, are virtually impossible to repair. Think of it, how do you recreate a matrix of random quartz crystals? Or, how do you recreate exactly the color and swirl pattern of a piece of marble?
Slate vs. Terrazzo
Slate is a natural stone product that is very beautiful as well. I have mottled (mixture of greens, browns, and purples) slate in my entrance hall. I have red slate in my sun room. Both floors are durable and stain resistant. The slate comes in different size pieces ranging from 4" x 6" to 12" x 12". They fit together in a regular pattern, however, when the floor is finished the pattern appears random. The slate that I used is only 1/4" thick, however, it gives the appearance of being much thicker. The joints between the slate are simply grouted with standard colored sanded grout just like ceramic tile. Slate, when purchased like this, is also very affordable.
Terrazzo is a very unique flooring alternative. Used primarily in commercial applications, it offers unlimited design and color variations. Terrazzo is comprised of small (usually 1/4 - 3/8 inch) marble chips. By mixing different colored marble chips in different proportions, you can create virtually any colored floor. Also, terrazzo is usually installed in blocks separated by aluminum or brass strips. As you might imagine, you can create any pattern with the metal strips and then fill each block or area with a different mixture of marble chips! You can make a giant checkerboard on your floor or a compass rosette. Let your imagination run wild.
Terrazzo is a very messy product to work with and requires special subfloors in order to achieve maximum performance. For instance, in commercial applications terrazzo is virtually always installed on concrete slabs. The subfloor must be solid so that the terrazzo will not crack. If you decide to have terrazzo applied over a wood sub-floor system, make sure that the floor is framed with little or no deflection (large floor joists such as 2x10's or 2x12's with plentiful bridging) and use 3/4 inch plywood, NOT oriented strand board products. It is always best to consult with the terrazzo installer BEFORE the floor is framed, if at all possible. Let him (her) tell you what the minimum requirements are for a solid wood sub-floor system. Also, use epoxy terrazzo.
Terrazzo costs here in Cincinnati are about $10 per square foot installed. That compares with $6 per square foot for hardwood floors and $7 - 9 per square foot for ceramic tile.
Whichever product you choose to install, as long as you follow the installer's care instructions, you will be rewarded with a floor that will generate many compliments!
Marble, Granite, & Terrazzo Care Tips
Marble, terrazzo, and granite require special cleaning and periodic sealing to maintain their beauty. The problem, however, is that there are different procedures for different stones. No one procedure is safe for all stone products. There is a very real danger that you can ruin a piece of marble, terrazzo, or granite permanently if not cleaned correctly. For this reason, you must not try to experiment yourself with cleaners or polishes. Also, don't necessarily believe the labels on cleaning products, note who wrote the label!!!
Do NOT clean natural stone products with vinegar, ammonia, or kitchen cleansers! Marble, granite, & other stone products must be cleaned with neutral pH cleaners. Vinegar is actually an acid! Ammonia is a base! Cleansers can scratch stone products.
Marble is an alkaline substance. Its surface can be harmed and stained by acids, even very dilute acids. Many common foods and beverages are acidic! Citrus juices, alcohol, vinegar, and other common items can etch the surface of marble. Spills need to be cleaned immediately! If your marble or granite becomes stained, call a professional. Different stones require different treatments!
Natural stone products need to be sealed to minimize staining possibilities. However, you must use a breathable sealant. Do not apply certain waxes! Some waxes do not breathe and they can discolor over time.
Marble, because it is a softer stone, should be maintained at least once a year. Remember that stone is very similar to wood. It is porous and can and will absorb liquids. Just as wood requires periodic recoating, so does marble, terrazzo, and granite. Marble and terrazzo, however, tend to require more maintenance than granite. Granite, because it is much harder, requires somewhat less attention.
ALWAYS obtain from the installer of your marble, terrazzo, and/or granite specific, written care and maintenance guidelines. Never trust your builder's or remodeler's word. These products require very specific care and the supplier or installer knows what is best. Go to the source!!
Contact the HMK Company. They manufacture a full line of stone care products. They quite possibly have a distributor near you. Ask for their full line product catalog. You can reach them at 800-424-2465. They are located in San Francisco, so keep in mind their west coast time zone.
Design & Installation Suggestions
Design Possibilities
Marble, granite, and slate have many uses. I have seen them all used for floors, countertops, backsplashes, fireplace hearths, fireplace surrounds, tabletops, windowsills, components for free standing woodstoves, etc.
Slate fireplace hearths are dramatic. Granite kitchen countertops can be breathtaking. I installed a Blue Pearl granite countertop in conjunction with some solid white cabinets. The result was spectacular. I have also installed a fine grained midnight black granite vanity countertop that left the homeowner speechless. The vanity top had undercounter bowls in white that gave an unbelievable contrast.
Because of the growth of the use of these products, the fabricators have at their disposal many tools to shape the stone products. They can create various edge treatments for countertops similar to those found in solid surfacing materials. Fabricators also have special epoxies that enable them to glue multiple or different types of marble and granite together. By combining different, yet complimentary, stones together in one piece, you can achieve dramatic results.
Installation Tips
All professional jobs involve planning. You should do the same if you want maximum performance from your products. Marble, granite, terrazzo, and other natural stone products require preplanning before installation. Often the subfloor or cabinets need to be strengthened to support any extra weight.
Because stone is very rigid, it has one drawback. All stone products have very little tensile strength. This means that when "stretched" they will crack easily. Stone can "stretch" if it is allowed to bend. Stone will bend if it is unsupported (hollow spots) or is laid on top of something that periodically moves (weak wood floors that deflect when loaded with people or things). So, make sure that you plan ahead.
Never hesitate to consult a structural engineer or supplier to determine the minimum strength requirements for your application. Cracks in stone work are impossible to repair!
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