Updates
09/26/09
Newly updated website goes live, will continue to be updated.
New Stones
New slabs and stones arriving monthly.
Common FAQ's
Is it neccessary to seal natural stone?
All stone, even granite is porous to some degree, and will absorb stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is iimportant to use a penetrating sealer to prevent strains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface.
Why is granite good for kitchen counters?
Granite is a very hard stone that's formed at very high tempatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives or pots and pans. Its unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans or spilled liquid
Can granite be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration.
What is flamed granite?
Flamed granite is when blowtorch strength heat is applied to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet area where optimum non-slipperiness is required.
What is honed granite?
Honed is when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny process is achieved. This gives the stone a softer matte appearance.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. Always cut or chop on a cutting board.
Can I use marble on my kitchen counter?
Yes, in fact marbles that have a honed finish will not etch because its surface starts out with a matte finish. Because marbles are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, catsup and other food products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction which will remove the polish.
Does green marble require special treatment?
Some green stones, such as the jades from Taiwan are not truly marble, but a different material called serpentinite. Serpentines do not etch or react to acids tge same way that limestone and marble do, and are somewhat harder. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with epoxy adhesive to prevent the curling that can take place if a water based settling material is used.
Whats the best way to clean stones?
The old rule of thumb is neverto use anything that you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Never use any product which is acidic, this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone. There are excellent user friendly products available at Classic Tile & Marble.
Whats the different between marble and granite?
Although both stones are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earths mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard resistant stone made of crystalized minerals. The marble family starts out as a sediment (animal skeletons, shells and plant matter) at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.