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Originally Posted by bobvila.com  The most common stone types for kitchen countertops are marble, slate, soapstone, limestone, travertine, and some sandstones. Slabs are cut into two-foot wide strips and then further custom fabricated. |
The most common is marble and granite for starters. If you are looking for real custom work, you would not be starting out with blanks. Slabs are cut in sheets of 6x10 or something close to that, it also comes in 2cm, 3cm and i have even worked on a 6cm.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com A stone's strengths and vulnerabilities depend on its hardness or resistance to abrasion and scratching. |
mmm I could not let this one slide. All stone has it pros and cons, knowing what stone to but where and how to take care of the stone goes a long way. If you have an absobant stone, you would not use it in a wet area unless it has been treated correctly and you know how to care for it in these areas. If you have a soft stone you would not put it on the floor unless it has a hone, brush, or a tumble finish. and even so, all of these finishes can be cared for.
Stones are composed of deposits that affect their overall strength. Granite—composed of quartz and feldspars—is resistant to scratches and resistant to many chemicals. Marble—any crystallized carbonate rock—is softer and more chemically sensitive, so it will show wear sooner than granite. Marble can be etched by acids and stained by oils, but is restored more easily than granite.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Staining
Most, but not all, stone countertops come sealed with a substance that impregnates the material to protect against stains. If a sealer or impregnator is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Stone countertops that are sealed usually require re-application every five years, and sometimes as often as every two years depending on the product used. |
I would love to say that the statement above is true, but the fact is, most countertops reach the homes on seal or seal incorrectly. It is a home owners best bet to contact a stone restoration guy and have them determining what sealer or combination of sealers to be use for that stone and the application of that stone.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Cracking
Stone—even granite—can crackfrom a strong, localized heat source such as hot pans or dishes, so it's important to use trivets or hot mats underneath. |
It will take much more than heat to crack your stone. In most case, the stone will crack because of poor installation.[/quote]
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Repairing Stone Counters
Counters can be polished to eliminate stains or scratches. Small cracks or chips may require resin injection and polishing, a job best left to professional restorers. Pitting is common with granite and most polished igneous rocks so you must be prepared for how the stone will age. Fissures also occur naturally in many stone types. This visible separation differs from a crack in that it is a naturally occurring feature in the stone and one that contributes to its character.
If your stone surface cracks, the entire countertop will need to be replaced. However, certain repairs are possible if the damage is not in a structurally significant area. |
90% of all damage can me fixed to look like it was never damage. Replacing your counter tops because of a crack, chip, or stain is a waste of your time and money. Some of the new stone restoration techniques will allow you to hone, polish and even change the color of lite color stones post installation. This is a great way to make sure the rest of your home is not destroy when they rip out or replace the tops.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Granites: Resistant to abrasions and scratches. Resistant to most chemicals but may be vulnerable to some acids. Can be porous and stained by oils. |
the type of acids that can harm granite will not be found in any type of food nor would it be use in your kitchen. yes some granites are porous, but that is why we have so many great sealers and cleaners for natural stone, all you have to do is pick the correct program for you and your stone.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Marbles, serpentines and onyxes: Known for their aesthetic appeal. Vulnerable to scratches, abrasions, and chemical attack. Stained by oils and other liquids. |
this is so not a big deal, if any of the above ever happen to your stone, it can be easily corrected. in fact if you have a stone soap and clean your stone after a spill, the damage will not be seen for years to come. Also pick the correct sealer for your stone.
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Originally Posted by bobvila.com Limestones and travertines: Vulnerable to acids and abrasions. Many varieties have high absorption rates. |
Just seal it and call it a day. Any damage to this type stone can than be restored by the home own in less than 5 minutes even if it is polish or hone.