Kitchen Areas
Kitchen areas are subject to constant spillage
of acidic substances so they require stone that
is hardwearing and resistant to absorption.
Marble will etch with acidic substances, which
are often found in the kitchen. Granite is scratch
and heat resistant, virtually non-absorbent
once sealed, resistant to most chemicals and
a better choice for the kitchen than marble
and limestone.
Bathroom areas
Bathroom areas are subject to the build up
of soap scum, oils, dirt and mineral deposits
from water so they require stone that is fairly
resistant to absorption and can be easily cleaned.
Smooth surfaces such as polished marble, limestone
or granite are ideal. The size of the tile is
also important, particularly where drains are
located. Small tiles are more easily laid when
the fall towards the drain is steep.
Foyers, elevators, stairs and showrooms
Foyers, elevators, stairs and showrooms are
subject to constant foot traffic but polished
marble, granite or terrazzo will still work
well in these areas with regular maintenance.
Outdoor areas
Outdoor areas will weather if exposed to constant
sun, rain, pollution and chemically treated
pool water so a stone that wears well, is slip
resistant and has a matt finish such as sandstone
is ideal.
Structure
Structure
will determine which stone to choose as the
weight of the stone must correlate with the
architectural design. The size, area and height
of the structure are also important as these
may affect whether the stone can be easily accessed
for polishing, sealing or cleaning. If the structure
is very high or is a vertical wall it may be
difficult to clean or polish. Considerations:
Colour
Colour
may be determined by the stone you choose, or
alternatively the colour you require may determine
your choice of stone. Slate is usually dark
in colour, granite varies from beige to black,
marble varies from white to black, onyx comes
in a variety of beautiful translucent light
to dark colours, sandstone and limestone are
usually light coloured. The colour and stone
choices are endless. Considerations:
-
Does the preferred stone
come in the required colour?
-
Is the space where the stone
will be installed large or small?
-
Does the colour appear to
enlarge or reduce the space?
-
Is there much natural light
or is it a dark space?
-
What type of artificial lights
will be used that may affect the colour?
-
Are the ceilings high or
low?
-
Will there be more than one
colour used?
-
Will the colour tone in with
other colours in the room?
-
Will the colour show scratches,
stains, dirt or dust?
-
Does the room need to feel
warm or cool?
-
Does the colour suit the
purpose of the room?
Pattern
Pattern will be determined by the type of stone
chosen. Marble has a veining effect, whereas
granite has a more flecked appearance. Some
marbles are more veined than others. Keep in
mind that variations between tiles and slabs
due to minerals and reflection is what gives
natural stone its appeal and sets it apart from
manmade materials. Considerations:
Finish
Finish will be determined by the purpose of
the stone and the type of stone chosen. Marble
can be polished to a high gloss whereas sandstone
cannot. A marble vanity in a bathroom would
look appealing with a high gloss, whereas an
outdoor, sandstone area would be better left
matt or textured to enhance slip resistance.
A low sheen finish is practical for a high traffic
area, whereas a high gloss is ideal in a low
traffic area and in a shower. Considerations:
Maintenance is an important consideration,
as it will determine the true cost of the stone.
If the correct stone is chosen with an appropriate
finish, maintenance will be manageable and affordable.
If the wrong stone and finish are chosen maintenance
could be costly and ineffective. If design aspects
override practicality then maintenance costs
must be budgeted for. A high gloss finish may
be desired on a marble floor in a foyer with
high foot traffic therefore the cost of regular
polishing or resurfacing must be taken into
account. Considerations:
