The Benefits of Natural Stone

Classic Beauty
Durability
Easy Maintenance
Superior Quality
Affordability
Increased Home Value

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, including Italy, Spain, the U.S., Brazil, Canada, China, France, Israel, Greece, India, Mexico, Germany, Taiwan, and Turkey. 

Marble and granite, two of the most popular stones among homeowners, are quarried in the form of huge blocks; some weighing up to 35 tons. These blocks are cut into slabs generally 3/4" or 1 1/2" thick and the faces polished to the specified finish. The slabs are then carefully crated and shipped to fabricators worldwide who process them into the final product. 

Whether you're building a new home or remodeling; natural stone offers you unparalleled beauty, performance, and uniqueness as well as it adds true value to your home. 

Because stone is a natural, not manufactured, product; no two pieces are exactly alike. This means each finished countertop, wall, floor, mantle, or sill is distinctive and matchless. 

Unlike synthetic imitations natural stone can be three-dimensional and used as columns, statuary, balustrades, doorjambs, and even furniture pieces. When used in exterior applications natural stone has also proven superior to manufactured or engineered stones in withstanding the effects of nature.

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Facts About Natural Stone

• Granite ranked #1 in clean ability 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 clean ability as engineered stone. (Based on a 2006 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management.)

• Natural stone is low maintenance often only requiring warm water, mild dish washing 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 for the "Radon Information" article and links to the scientific study data. 

• 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 consideration when selecting the perfect stone for your project. Discuss these characteristic with your natural stone supplier.

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How to Select a Natural Stone Contractor

1. Visit www.marble-instutute.com to find a stone professional like American Cabinet & Flooring, Inc.
2. Ask family, friends, and neighbors for referrals and call local stone/tile suppliers for recommendations.
3. After you have identified several contractors, schedule appointments for estimates. Most will be free, but confirm in advance.
4. During your estimate, describe the "look" you'd like to achieve and ask questions.
5. Evaluate your quotes, request references, and check them. Ask to see examples of other projects recently completed by the contractor.
6. Request proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
7. Select a contractor you believe is skilled and trustworthy, and with whom you feel comfortable. 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.
8. 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.
9. Ask your contractor to estimate a time frame for the job and plan accordingly.
10. Schedule periodic inspections with your contractor to achieve the end result you desire. 

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