-
- No. Many slates have a uneven surface or “cleft” which may cause discomfort on bare feet, but if properly installed should not be a hazard. However, the cleft of a slate can vary greatly and should be considered when deciding which type to use. If an uneven surface is cause for concern, there are honed ( smooth ) slates available. There are some slates that naturally have a smoother surface such as slates from Vermont and Brazil.
RESOURCES
| NATURAL STONE Granite/Marble/Other | QUARTZ | SOLID SURFACE | PORCELAIN | LAMINATE | RECYCLED SURFACE | |
| ONE-OF-A-KIND | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | YES |
| CONSISTENT COLOR | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| DURABILITY | MODERATE -HIGH | HIGH | MODERATE | HIGH | LOW | MODERATE |
| NON-POROUS | NO | YES | YES | YES | NO | YES |
| STAIN RESISTANT | LOW - MODERATE | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH | MODERATE | HIGH |
| HEAT RESISTANT | HIGH | HIGH | MODERATE | HIGH | LOW | HIGH |
| SCRATCH RESISTANT | MODERATE - HIGH | HIGH | MODERATE | HIGH | MODERATE | HIGH |
| MAINTENANCE | LOW - MODERATE | LOW | LOW | LOW | LOW | LOW |
| REQUIRES SEALANT | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Facts Before You Buy
Can you use marble in a kitchen?
- The short answer is yes, you can use marble in a kitchen. However, because marble is susceptible to staining, scratching and etching, the use of marble in a kitchen requires careful consideration.
Is polished marble too slippery to be used on a bathroom floor?
- Any polished surface is slippery when wet. As with any other hard surface used in a bathroom, caution should be used when exiting the shower and tub areas, as well as any other area that is wet.
I'm building a house, when should I select my stone?
- Because natural stone has variations, it is not a good idea to select a stone too early. Colorations can vary, and the veining from one shipment to another can be quite different. Once the cabinets are 3-4 weeks away from being installed it is a good idea to finalize your selection based on current inventory.
Will my countertops have seams?
- Not necessarily. A typical slab size is somewhere between 7 and 10 feet.Therefore, your countertops may not require a seam. Many people do not have a problem with seams, but if you are concerned about them you should discuss this with your fabricator prior to fabrication. How and where it is seamed should also be discussed with the fabricator. Often the seams are so tight they are difficult to notice, however communication with the fabricator is essential in order to avoid confusion or disappointment regarding seams.
Which type of sink is best for granite ? Under mount or drop-in?
- This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The ability to wipe off the counters directly in to the sink and the aesthetic appeal make under mounted sinks the most popular. Typically an under mount sink installation would be an additional expense ( though minimal ) due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink.
Is granite more expensive than man made materials?
- It depends on the granite. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. If the supply of a particular stone is short and the demand is high, the price will reflect that. Given that stone is a natural product imported from all over the world, the price spectrum is wide. However, many granite colors are offered at the same price or sometimes less than man made products.
Will granite weigh too much for my cabinetry ? Do I need additional cabinet supports?
- 3cm (1 1/4″ ) granite weighs approx. 19 lbs per square foot. Typical cabinet construction is more than adequate for most installations. However, large, self-standing or furniture style islands may require additional corner bracing. It is advisable to let your cabinet installer know that you are using granite to ensure proper support.
Will my sample match my actual slab?
- Because of the movement and veining in natural stone it is difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous shipment, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the actual slabs at the G&L Marble showroom nearest you or at the shop prior to fabrication.
Is it okay to mix different colors of stone?
- Absolutely. It is not uncommon to mix colors or types of stone within a room. When mixing stones, it is a good idea to consider which material would be the most practical for the space. For example, when mixing granite with marble, the granite would be best suited for the area around the range because it is the most durable. The marble could be used on the island or as a dining table.
Should I approve my slabs before they are fabricated?
- It is always a good idea to approve the slabs prior to fabrication. This will help to prevent and surprises or disappointments once the material is installed. Slabs could be viewed at G&L Marble or at the fabrication shop prior to being cut.
Can granite be used outside?
- Yes. There are a handful of granites that can change color when exposed to UV rays, but it is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens, as pavers for driveways and walkways, as stair treads, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings.
What stone can I use around my pool?
- Recommended stones for pools are light in color to protect bare feet from hot temperatures and textured to prevent slipping on the wet surface. The denser the stone and the darker the color, the hotter the surface will become in the sun. Coraline stone is a perfect surface for pools due to its light color and natural texture. Travertines that are unfilled and saw cut or textured would also be recommended.
Can I put a hot pot directly onto granite?
- Yes. Placing a hot pot on granite will not affect it.
How far can granite extend beyond the cabinetry without additional support?
- According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10″ for 3cm material or 6″ for 2cm material.
What is involved in pricing a countertop?
- There are many factors involved in pricing countertops: material cost, quanity of slabs, design and edge profile are primary considerations. Once you have chosen a particular stone, the fabricator will need either an accurate drawing or a field visit in order to clarify all the details. The fabricator will then provide you with a finished installed price.
How can we have as few seams as possible?
- On average, granite slabs are approx 110″ x 66″. Though in some colors, 120″ slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large islands may require a seam or the color selection in unusually large slabs will be very limited.
When you seal a stone floor, is the grout sealed?
- Yes, sealers or impregnators designed for natural stone add the same protective qualities to the grout as they would the surface of the stone. When applying a color enhancing sealer, the grout color will also be affected.
Is marble more expensive than granite?
- Origin, availability, and yield of a given quarry are all factors that determine the price of natural stones. With both marble and granite there is a broad spectrum of pricing
How much does stone weigh?
- 3cm granite weighs approximately 19 lbs a square foot. An average kitchen of 80sf will weigh approximately 1450 lbs. Typical cabinet construction is sufficient to handle the distributed weight of your granite, however large free-standing islands may require extra corner bracing.
What are remnants?
- Remnants are the smaller remaining pieces of stone from a previous job. They can be used in any stone application, size allowing.
Can I install my own countertops?
-
- The cutting, polishing and installation of natural stone not only require specific tools and machinery, it also requires extensive product knowledge. Fabricating and or installing natural stone countertops really are not “do it yourself” projects.
-
Can stone tiles be used for countertops?
-
- Stone tiles have the same beauty and durability as their slab counterparts. The only difference is that there will be grout joints which may require long-term additional maintenance. Epoxy grout is recommended for countertop installations.
-
Is slate a tripping hazard?