Monthly Archives: July 2018

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Can Natural Stone Be Used Safely in the Kitchen?

Natural stone makes a beautiful addition to any room and many different types of natural stone are very popular for use in kitchens.  There are many different countertop material options for kitchens and there is a wide range of both price points and durability.  And, while natural stone is undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing – is it really a practical choice for use in kitchens where spills an stains can be abundant?  There are ways to safely and effectively use natural stone in a kitchen to enhance aesthetics and beauty without risking damaging your investment.

Natural stone countertops are certainly an excellent investment in your home’s beauty and value.  The key to safely using natural stone in your kitchen is to both protect it and maintain it.  Protection begins with installation when your natural stone installer assists you in properly sealing it.  When you apply a seal it helps reduce the risk of spills permeating the pores of the natural stone and causing permanent stains or damage.  Anything that has dye, a deep concentration of color, is acidic or has certain other features can instantly damage your natural stone so a seal is very important.  But, a seal only lasts so long.  It is important to have your natural stone countertops routinely sealed by a professional to ensure that they stand the test of time without incurring permanent damage.

Every kitchen is going to see some level of use and abuse and if you cook or prepare food in your kitchen every day, your countertops will be at risk of scratches, chips, stains, and more.  To prevent unnecessary damage it is important to protect your workspace by using a cutting board – do not cut directly on your countertop.  Fortunately, if your countertops have been professionally sealed and you forget this rule, many times a seal can be buffed or reapplied and the scratch will no longer be visible.  And, while many countertops can handle the heat of a hot pan being placed on directly on the surface, it could potentially damage the stone.  With such a luxurious investment, why tempt fate?  If at all possible, do not risk it!

Finally, proper maintenance is key.  Only used approved cleaning solutions or natural cleaning solutions so that staining or damage to your seal does not occur.  Use a soft cloth or sponge and use a simple mixture of vinegar and water or other stone supplier-approved cleaning solution to keep your natural stone countertops looking their best.

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5 Advantages of Thin Limestone Veneer

Natural stone can be incorporated in a wide variety of ways to any residential or commercial application.  When applying siding to a home or building you have the option to use full pieces of stone or use thin veneer.  There are manufactured veneers and there are also natural stone veneers such as thin limestone veneer.  While both are great options, there are some unique advantages to choosing thin limestone veneer.

5 Advantages of Thin Limestone Veneer

  1. Lightweight
    • When comparing the differences between stone veneer and thin stone veneer, one of the biggest differences is the weight. Full pieces of natural stone obviously weigh significantly more than thin stone veneer.  While both are natural stone, one weighs significantly less which offers certain structural, installation, and cost advantages.
  2. Cost-Saving
    • As already mentioned, when you want to use natural stone rather than a faux siding or other material, you have two options – full pieces of limestone or thin limestone veneer. If your budget is smaller then thin limestone veneer will offer significant cost-savings when it comes to the actual cost of materials as well as the cost of installation.
  3. Ease-of-Installation
    • Full pieces of natural stone can be rather cumbersome and heavy which makes it far more difficult to install. Pieces of thin limestone veneer are much easier to install but still provide the same advantages that natural stone has to offer, just in a much lighter and easier-to-install size.
  4. Durability
    • Natural stone is one of the most durable materials that can be used in residential or commercial construction. There is a reason that natural stone structures still exist from centuries ago – durability.  Thin limestone veneer offers the same durability an protection to your home or commercial building that full pieces of limestone has to offer.  Limestone veneer is a great choice because it can stand the test of time and weather the elements.
  5. Low-Maintenance
    • Because thin limestone veneer is made of a material that exists is nature, it is very durable and can withstand harsh elements without maintenance. Other material may require routine maintenance and protection to prevent damage, stains or other problems but natural stone can be installed and left to protect your home or building without frequent, costly maintenance.