Natural Stone

White Marble Countertops...the newest trend and rightfully so...they are beautiful! practical? no.

Since my last entry, I have learned more about natural stone. Thanks to working at The Gallery at ISC Surfaces, I am now able to inform you of all the properties and differences between each stone. Here is a brief rundown...and some information on marble.

Slabs come in 3cm & 2cm thickness. The thicker slabs are used for kitchens to create a more ornate edge. The 2cm slabs are used for bathrooms and other applications: fireplaces, buffets, etc.

Kitchens: Granite, Soapstone
Bathrooms: Granite, Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Soapstone
Vertical Applications: any stone, Onyx

Despite what HGTV and many ads convey, Marble is not an acceptable stone for kitchens. Believe me, I wish it was, because Calcutta Gold-- awesome. Marble is softer than granite and porous. It will stain. It will etch. It is not acid resistant. One wrong squeeze of lemon for your iced tea and your slab is etched.

"But Lauren, it is used all over Europe?"
True. But Europeans, unlike Americans, like their materials aged with a patina look...they are ok not having it look like it was installed yesterday 30 years down the road.

If you must have marble...have it honed. Then it can't etch...but it is still not advisable.

Want more information? Visit us at the showroom.
The Gallery at ISC Surfaces
www.iscsurfaces.com