P BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WITH Natural Stone P Your guide to choosing natural stone and a qualified stone contractor. www.msistone.
P Natural Stone: Your Best Choice for Lasting Beauty Natural stone has been the premium building material of choice since the beginning of time. Quarried from rock beds formed over millions of years, natural stone used in residential and commercial settings comes from all parts of the world. Natural stone is quarried in the form of huge blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons. These blocks are cut into slabs generally 3/4" or 1-1/4" thick and the desired finish is applied.
This guide has been developed by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) to help you make an educated selection from among the many varieties of natural stone available. You’ll also find assistance on choosing a qualified stone contractor to design and/or install your natural stone project.
fireplaces, furniture, showers, thresholds, tub decks, vanities, walls, and windowsills. Another option for marble-loving homeowners is using serpentine for kitchen counters. Sometimes called the “green” marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look. And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills. Marble should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish.
P Easy Care Tips To get the longest life and preserve the beauty of your natural stone, follow these simple tips: Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended. Dust Mopping: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit are abrasive and can damage natural stone.
. Make sure everything you and your contractor agree to is included in your contract. Don’t sign anything until you understand and agree with all the terms. 7. Plan your project carefully, then keep the lines of communication open with your contractor throughout the project. Keep a job file of all important documentation. 8. Ask your contractor to estimate a time frame for the job and plan accordingly. 9.
P What Others Are Saying Natural stone is a key part of two of the top 10 elements of design in the home that are resonating with today’s buyers: the desire for low-maintenance/ no-maintenance materials and the use of natural materials inside and outside the home. Builder Magazine, National Association of Home Builders Homeowners who remodel recover the following percentages of their remodeling costs at resale (note: upscale projects include stone): • Bathroom remodel-upscale: 92.
P About the Marble Institute of America Since 1944, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has served as the authoritative source of information on standards of natural stone workmanship and practice and the suitable application of natural stone products. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.
Marble Institute of America 28901 Clemens Road • Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44145 Phone: 440.250.9222 • Fax: 440.250.9223 www.marble-institute.com E-mail: miainfo@marble-institute.com ® Genuine Stone® and the Genuine Stone® seal are trademarks of the Natural Stone Council.
