Owner Manual-Natural choice

Myths Dispelled
Here are the facts about natural stone:
 • Granite ranked #1 in cleanability when compared
to six other countertop surfaces including stainless
steel. (Based on a 1999 study by the Hospitality Institute
of Technology and Management.)
 • Natural stone is competitively priced with quartz
surface products and often priced lower.
 • Marble and granite have the same level of cleanability
as engineered. (Based on a 2006 study by the Hospitality
Institute of Technology and Management.)
 • Natural stone is low maintenance often only requiring
warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft
cloth to maintain its beauty.
 • Granite countertops have never been known to emit
dangerous levels of radon gas. Environmental Health
and Engineering (EHE) recently conducted one of the
largest studies of granite countertops, in which no
stone was identified as a health risk when used as a
countertop surface. EHE also conducted a global
review of published studies, and these data show
that radon emissions from granite countertops pose
no health threat. For more information on these
studies, go to www.marble-institute.com and click
the “Radon Information” tab.
 • Many varieties of natural stone do not need to be
sealed, although many are for customer peace of mind.
 • Stone is a product of nature and has its own unique
qualities that distinguish it from quartz surface
materials. The wonderful character that is offered by
vein patterns, color variations, and other design
characteristics of stone should be taken into consider-
ation when selecting the perfect stone for your project.
Discuss these characteristics with your natural
stone supplier.
Genuine Marble & Granite is truly The Natural Choice!
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: 92.6%
 •Bathroom addition-upscale: 84.3%
 •Kitchen remodel-upscale: 79.6%
-Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine
In a study of materials for kitchen countertops, granite had
the highest number of “excellent” ratings of any surface.
-Consumer Reports
“If, like us, you define value as ‘performance over time’,
then natural stone should be your material of choice and
engineered products will never be ‘just as good’ as natu-
ral stone until they can pass the same test of time.”
-Ed Walsh, Sturgis Materials, Inc.
Consumers using natural stone rave about
their selection:
“Its like jewelry for your home.”
“We were awestruck by how many beautiful selections
were available.”
“When compared to other materials, price was comparable
and didn’t end up being a factor.”
“It is low-maintenance.”
“Marble and Granite is the natural choice!”
Marble Institute of America
28901ClemensRoad•Suite100
Cleveland, OH 44145
Phone:440.250.9222•Fax:440.250.9223
www.marble-institute.com
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