Stone

Natural stone has been the building material of choice of pharaohs and kings for four millennia.  It’s elegance and durability is unsurpassed by any other building material in history, and it’s still a symbol prosperity, refinement and classic sophistication today.

Limestone.  Marble.  Granite.  Travertine.  Slate.   These are all products of Mother Earth, the results of millions of years and millions of pounds of pressure on minerals and organic matter.  Natural stone comes in limitless designs, colors, shapes and patterns.  Each piece is unique; no two pieces are alike.

Is your home traditionally formal?  A polished marble makes a dynamic statement.  If your taste runs to the natural and rustic, check out slate or travertine.  Granite can be found on countertops across the country, regardless of decorating styles.

Natural stone can be used anywhere, on the floor or on the wall, inside or out.

Like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone is only as good as the installation.  Stone can be installed directly on top of concrete in most cases, but if it’s being installed over a wood substrate, proper subfloor is required to withstand the weight of the stone and to prevent it from cracking.

Believe it or not, natural stone is quite porous.  You’ll want to seal the stone before you grout, as grout haze can penetrate the stone.  There are many qualities of natural stone sealer available.  Don’t skimp.  After the installation is complete, you then want to seal the entire surface again, including the grout.  Oh, and here’s a bonus for those who cringe at the thought of grout:  natural stone installations generally don’t require as thick a  grout-line as ceramic or porcelain.

Elegance.  Luxury.  Prosperity.  Permanence.  Think pyramids.  Think palaces.  Think how great it would look in your home.  Live like royalty; install some natural stone.