S h o w c a s i n g t h e b e a u t y o f g e n u i n e s t o n e.

Vol. 1 • No. 1 • Spring/Summer 2007 $3.95

Like Jewelry for Your Home

From the Quarry to Your Home

To Seal or Not to Seal

Gallery of Ideas

Exotic Stones

StoneDimensions 3

StoneDimensionsVolume 1 • Number 1

Publishers

Garen P. Distelhorstgpdistelhorst@marble-institute.com

Jack Seidersjseiders@marble-institute.com

Editor-in-Chief

William V. Levy

Creative Director

Susan D. Myers

Contributing Writers

Kristan Welch-SwansonChuck Muehlbauer

Web site:

www.marble-institute.com

Copyright © 2007 StoneDimensions. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written

permission. StoneDimensions and logo are registered trade marks. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Contributors and advertisers assume responsibility and liability for the accuracy of their statements

and claims. StoneDimensions is published quarterly.

StoneDimensions28901 Clemens Road • Suite 100

Cleveland, OH 44145(ph) 440.250.9222 • (fax) 440.250.9223

Cover Photo

Private Residence • Akron, OHSoraya Interior, Designer

Photo by: William H. Webb, Infinity Studio Photography

In the world of consumer publishing, there are a number of magazines that feature thebeauty of residential natural stone installations, but none that regularly publish a significantcollection of kitchens, baths and other residential uses of stone.

That’s why the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is launching StoneDimensions, a quarterlymagazine that will mainly focus on the use of natural stone in the home, but also includeinteresting non-residential applications, too. These non-residential stories and photos willconcentrate on religion, education, government and other non-commercial applications.

The genesis for StoneDimensions was a showroom DVD created by MIA to showcase acollection of outstanding residential uses of stone. With more than 165 natural stoneapplications included on the DVD, it became obvious that we needed to share the beautycreated daily in the stone industry, in print, with the widest audience, on a regular basis.

We hope that StoneDimensions will do just that. We look forward to creating a highlymeaningful publication that provides its readers with solid ideas they can use throughouttheir homes as they plan new homes or remodel existing dwellings. We welcome your suggestions!

Garen P. Distelhorst Jack SeidersPublisher MIA PresidentMarble Institute of America 2007

From the Publishers

5

Features

Like Jewelry for Your Home............................................................5

From the Quarry to Your Home......................................................10

To Seal or Not to Seal ....................................................................14

Gallery of Ideas .............................................................................15

Featured Designer: Kristan Welch-SwansonThe Endless Opportunities of Remodeling ....................................20

Making the Old Look Just Like NewThe Challenge at Duke Universtiy ...............................................24

Exotic StonesDefinitely for those who want something very different.................26

Q & A with Chuck MuehlbauerThe Marble Institute of America’s Technical Director....................29

Index of Photographs ....................................................................30

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Of all the accolades that have been

said about the inherent beauty of

natural stone, nothing says more

about this wonder of nature more

eloquently than the comment by

a lady from the Midwest when

she stood surveying her new black

granite countertop, the centerpiece

of a remodeled kitchen. “It’s like

jewelry for your home,” she said.

Like Jewelry for Your Home

6 StoneDimensions

It’s true! Selecting granite, marble, travertineor other natural stone products is a lotlike going to a jewelry store and choosinga fine gem. Only in the case of jewelry,the beauty and quality of the stone isultimately discerned under a powerfulmicroscope. With natural stone it’s rightthere for the naked eye to see.

Real stone is the natural choice for indi-viduals who desire something unique incountertops, vanity tops, shower stalls,floors and other elements in the home.When a homeowner chooses natural stone,he or she is assured that no other homein the world will have stone that is anexact duplicate.

In addition to beauty and uniqueness,real stone is durable, versatile, cleanableand a real value for homeowners seekingto install a modern kitchen or bath in anexisting home or those who are buildinga new structure. Real stone adds value toa home when it’s time to sell. In fact,studies show that homeowners whoremodel and use natural stone recover

between 80 and 86 percent of theirremodeling cost at the time of resale.

It’s important to know that natural stonewill never go out of style. It is, by far,the first choice in materials for kitchensand baths around the world and growingby double-digit increments annually.

Making an intelligent choice

The more you know about the jewel-likequalities of real stone, the better you canmake an intelligent decision about materialsfor that new or remodeled kitchen andbath projects.

Consumers have a wide choice of materialsto choose from other than natural stone:plastic laminates, stainless steel, concreteand quartz surfaces. Quartz materials areavailable in over 30 different brands andare generally made from quartz granulesmixed with resin, various colored pigmentsand other materials such as mother ofpearl, pieces of mirrors and semi-preciousstones, which are processed in a factory.

For some kitchen and bath applications,these other materials might be perfectlyacceptable, depending on the budget, thescope and intent of the job and the “look”the client is trying to achieve.

But none of them are truly natural or offeryou the opportunity to proudly proclaim,“You won’t find a countertop exactly likethis one anywhere else in the world!”

That’s why those who sell multiple typesof materials say that once the facts aboutnatural stone versus other competingproducts are presented to their cus-tomers, the majority select the real thing.

Challenging the myth that naturalstone is expensive

The fact is natural stone, with all of itsinherent qualities, represents one of thegreat values in the home building andremodeling arenas. In most cases, realstone is less expensive than other premiummaterials available for countertops, vanities,shower stalls, floors, etc.

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The reasons: supply, demand and tech-nological improvements. The industry isbooming as part of the recent globalization ofthe natural stone business. New technologiesand new quarries have significantlyincreased the output of natural stone in the United States as well as in India,Brazil, Spain, China, Africa, Russia andother parts of the world. With suppliesfrom the United States, Italy and othertraditional sources of marble, granite andother natural stone, there is a significantamount of stone now available for theworld to savor. It’s virtually unlimited.

In the past, the stone industry was awarethat some potential sources of beautifulstone existed, but the cost of extracting thestone from the earth was prohibitive. As inother industries, natural stone producersand their suppliers have developedadvanced technologies for extractingstone from the earth, cutting the blocks ofstone into slabs and processing/polishingthem for eventual fabrication and instal-lation in the home. These advancements,combined with favorable labor rates in

some quarrying and fabricating countriesaround the world, have helped to makenatural stone very competitive.

That’s why kitchen and bath professionalscan’t go wrong recommending real stone.

What makes natural stone different?

In a word, time. It has taken millions, ifnot billions of years, for Mother Natureto create natural stone. There are manyfactors that affect the ultimate graining andcoloration of natural stone. These factorsinclude underground springs, mineraldeposits, earth shifts, temperature, naturalsolutions in the earth and the pressureexerted on these elements over time.Obviously, there is no way to duplicatethese factors in a laboratory or manufac-turing environment.

Because of the vast differences in theconditions that created the stone, everyblock extracted from the earth is different.The hand of man has played no role inthe process. Even after the stone has

been removed from the quarry, there is littlehuman intervention, except for cutting andpolishing, to bring out all of the uniquenessand natural beauty. Nothing is done toalter the natural state of the stone.

That’s why the number of different colorsand patterns of natural stone is virtuallylimitless. True, some common types ofstone have a similar “look,” but no twopieces are ever exactly alike.

Different real stone for different kitchen and bath applications

With the use of natural stone comes theknowledge that there is a wide pallet ofcolors and materials from which thekitchen and bath professional or designercan choose to give the customer the lookand personality desired.

Kitchen countertops: Granite, one of theworld’s hardest materials, is the mostpopular choice for kitchen countertopsand other heavily used surfaces. It’sdurable, easy to maintain and available

in a virtually limitless array of colors andpatterns. Marble and slate can also benice choices for countertops.

Kitchen and Foyer Floors: Because of itsdurability, granite tile makes for a lovelykitchen floor. The beauty and elegance ofmarble make it a popular choice, too. Marblefeatures veining patterns and colors thatadd a sophisticated element to any design.Marble is also highly resistant to moisturewhen sealed, and therefore, is an idealchoice for floors. Travertine, with itsbeautiful graining, also can add a classylook to floors and complements granite.

Baths: Marble is perhaps the most popularnatural stone choice for bathroom walls,showers and floors. Not only is it beautiful,it is highly resistant to moisture and it iseasy to maintain.

Other household applications: In additionto the stone listed above, natural stonematerials like slate, sandstone, limestoneand travertine can add a unique design

element to kitchens and great rooms,staircases and fireplace facings.

Nature made real stone easy to clean

That’s one of the major advantages. Warmwater, mild dishwashing liquid and a softcloth are all that is needed to maintain mostnatural stone surfaces and to preservetheir beauty for years to come. In the caseof an unfortunate stain, it can usually beremoved with a poultice mixture obtainedfrom stone suppliers.

A new study shows marble, granite andengineered stone have the same level of cleanability.

In 2006, The Hospitality Institute ofTechnology in Minneapolis, Minnesotaconducted a study comparing four wide-ly used countertop materials – two gran-ites, one marble and one quartz surface –which showed that all are easily cleanedto meet FDA sanitizer criteria of 5-logreduction pathogens on the surface.

“Overall, there was no statistical differencein reduction after wash and rinse for anyof the four surfaces,” said Dr. O. PeterSnyder, Jr., president of the HospitalityInstitute. “This indicates that the differencesin surfaces used in the tests did not makea significant difference in food safetycleanability. The study, funded by theMarble Institute of America, showed thattypical stone countertop materials are easilycleaned to meet FDA guidance for reducingfood contact surfaces to a safe level.”

The 2006 study is a follow-up to one thatDr. Snyder conducted in 1999. Granite wasalso named tops in cleanability in thattest which involved several other surfacingmaterials including stainless steel, concrete,tile, wood, and plastic laminate. Moreinformation on both studies is availableat www.marble-institute.com.

Comparing granite countertops tothose manufactured from other materials including quartz granules

When it comes to resistance to bacteria,heat, scratching, staining and overall performance, granite is in a class by itself.Unlike other countertop surfaces, granite ishighly heat resistant, which is a very impor-tant consideration in kitchen applications.Quartz surfaces will reportedly burn at justover 330 degrees. With too much heat,other surface materials may warp, crackand/or discolor, ruining an otherwisesuccessful job. It is virtually impossible todamage a granite surface by accidentallyplacing a hot pot on it. You cannot saythat about other countertop materials.

There are other reasons why granite isin a class by itself

Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth and is extremely scratch resistant,which is another important considerationfor any kitchen.

Contrary to a major misconception, mostgranite countertops do not have to besealed although many are for customerpeace of mind and for an additional levelof protection. Most granite will not fadein sunlight, which tends to be a problemwith some artificial surfaces. In the unlikelyevent a countertop is stained or otherwisedamaged, it usually can be restored tonear original beauty and utility. That’snot always the case with other surfaces.And, finally – indoors or out – granite isan all-purpose material, which makes itthe perfect choice for the newly popularoutdoor kitchens. So, now that you knowthe facts, the choice is easy. Genuine natural stone: created by nature over billions of years. �

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Ever since primitive times

thousands of years ago when

man first came out of his cave

and started building things, the

use of natural stone has been

a constant. Cultures from

ancient to contemporary

have used natural stone to

build structures to worship

their gods, celebrate their

beliefs, honor their dead,

entertain their people and

house their institutions

of government.

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Thanks to new technology, the use ofnatural stone has expanded broadly(beyond its traditional use for exteriorsand interiors of major buildings of allkinds) and is now commonly used for a variety of applications. Consumershave discovered the beauty and luxuryof this unique, all-natural material forcountertops, floors, baths, fireplaces andother applications.

The journey from the quarry to yourkitchen can begin right here in Americaor in quarries in such faraway lands asBrazil, Italy, India, China, Spain, Turkey,Africa and more.

It all starts in the quarry. Giant blocks ofgranite, marble, limestone, travertine andother natural stones are cut out of theearth with tehnically-advanced cutting

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systems which have drastically reducedthe effort it takes to achieve this oncetime-consuming task.

The giant blocks are then moved to newhigh-speed gang saws which are so sophis-ticated and powerful that they have reducedthe time it takes to slice the twenty-tonblocks into slabs by more than half. Theslabs are then polished on high-speedpolishing lines which feature multiple headsto speed the process. Some of the finishedslabs are immediately cut into floor tile,while the rest are shipped to wholesalersand fabricators like those in your town.

Many fabricators –and even architects – travelthe world to hand-select the raw materialin blocks or as slabs – the same ones youmay inspect as you pick the perfect naturalstone material for your home.

Once you have selected the material that isperfect for your home, your local fabricatorwill do the rest - with your input, of course.

While some fabricators still rely on standardmeasuring techniques, the most popularmethod for achieving a perfect fit is toprepare templates of the areas to be coveredby marble, granite or other materials. Thetypical template is fabricated from thin woodstrips that are ultimately glued together toproduce a perfect replica of the area to becovered. Since walls are not necessarily100 percent perfect, the template processtakes that factor into account.

In recent years, there has been a growingtrend toward digital templating, too.

In the shop, the templates are placed on theselected slab or piece of natural stone andadjusted to maximize the beauty of the stone.

Once the template has been adjusted, thestone is cut by a precision water-cooled saw.

Automated computer-guided cutting systemsassure that cut-outs for stove tops, sinks,faucets and other kitchen appliances arecorrect. The pieces of natural stone are thenedged with automated equipment or byhand. Most edging is done with powerfuldiamond routers using specific bits to profilethe desired edges. The final shop stepsare edge polishing and, possibly sealing.

When all of the shop work is completed,the stone makes its final trip to your home,where skilled craftsmen install the project.

From the quarry to slabbing and polishing;tomeasuring and templating; to cutting, edgingand polishing – and, finally, installation –people in the natural stone industry strivefor two things – enhancing the beauty ofnatural stone through perfection andyour ultimate satisfaction. �

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After several months of discussions, a specialtask force formed by the Marble Institute ofAmerica (MIA), the world’s leading tradeassociation for the natural stone industry,has issued a policy statement covering theneed to seal natural stone countertops. Thefollowing is the official MIA position:

Most granite countertops do not need tobe sealed! Before 1995, there were very fewquality penetrating sealers on the marketand there were very few cases of staining.Both prior to and after the availability of penetrating sealers, no cases of foodpoisoning, radon or food preparation issuesassociated with treated or untreated graniteshave been reported. If homeowners cleantheir countertops after each meal, theywill rarely, if ever, have staining or clean-ability issues with granite. All this beingsaid, many granite countertops receiveadditional benefits from being sealed.That benefit is the further reduction ofmoisture migration into an already mois-ture resistant surface.

Should natural stone counters be sealed? Inmany cases it makes sense to seal marbleand granite countertops with a qualitysealer. The product should have a life

expectancy of 10 to 15 years and be ofan oliophobic (resistant to water and oil-based stains) nature. Once properlysealed, the stone will be more resistant to everyday dirt and spills.

In today’s natural stone industry, manyspecies of granite receive a resin treatmentat the factory where the blocks of graniteare cut into slabs and then polished. Thetreatment is used to fill microfissures,indentations and other minor characteristicsthat are found in many natural stones. Thereason for the resin treatment is to addresswhat most consumers consider as imper-fections, but in reality are ‘birth marks.’

The consuming public gravitates to per-fection, defined as no ‘birth marks,’ and sothe marble and granite industry tries tofulfill the desire. Both resined as well asunresined slabs will outlast most of ourlifetimes. Granite should, and in mostcases will, be the last countertop surfacea person will buy, providing a strongreturn on investment. The bottom line:sealing resin treated countertops mayincrease the resistance of the alreadyresistant nature of stone. �

To Seal orNot to Seal

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20 StoneDimensions

The Endless Opportunities of RemodelingWhy move when you can upgrade yourhome – and your lifestyle – by remodeling?In most markets, you can generally recoupup to 90 percent of the cost of a remodel ifyou sell the house within a year of com-pletion of work. What a guaranteed return!So whether you’re seeking to sell your homeor just increase your own enjoyment of it,remodeling can be a fun and functionalway to create a transformation right beforeyour eyes.

Kitchens and baths are among the mostpopular rooms to remodel – and amongthe biggest selling points when your home ison the market. When remodeling a kitchen,always look for ways to consolidate spacesand make your work areas more functional.Rather than set up your workspace in thetraditional triangle, think about establishingseveral work stations so that multiplepeople can work in the kitchen at the

same time. You can consolidate your walloven, microwave and warming drawer intoone unit, or look into one of the newerranges with double ovens. You also cancreate two separate islands; you can seatvisitors or children at one island and usethe other as a preparation area, possiblywith a vegetable sink.

Strategic lighting is a simple way to instilla sense of openness in your working space.Remove your traditional fur downs andfluorescent lighting, and opt for installingtaller cabinets and recessed can lighting.Staggering the wall cabinetry and addingcrown molding generates even more visualinterest and an undeniably finished look.Rope lighting along the top of upper cabinetscan light up the ceiling to create a senseof increased height, and task lighting underyour wall cabinets can light up yourcountertops and designer backsplash.

Kristan Welch-SwansonDesign Representative/ Interior Designer,Montelongo Homes & Remodeling

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22 StoneDimensions

Installing decorative pendant lights abovethe island or the bar areas also updatethe room.

When choosing countertop materials, Irecommend that my clients use solidgranite countertops. Granite has a timelessbeauty with depth and movement, andadds an unmatched “wow” factor to anyspace. It’s also very durable and lowmaintenance. Clients that select granitecountertops often install an under-mountsink, which makes it easy to keep thegranite clean and adds about an inch ormore in depth to the sink basin for largepots and pans. Continuing the granite up the backsplash provides a more con-temporary feel, or you can use travertineor slate tiles in decorative patterns whichcreates a beautiful focal point that is veryaesthetically pleasing.

A decorative, custom vent-a-hood above thecook top area can be an attractive center-piece to your newly remodeled kitchen.It does not have to be functioning – it canmerely house lighting to show off a newlarge range or cook top. The vent-a-hoodcan be built out of the materials that areused on the exterior of the home like stone,brick or stucco, allowing you to bring the

outside in and creating a wonderful oppor-tunity to show off a decorative stonemosaic or medallion above the cook top.For maximum effect, the vent-a-hoodshould be larger than the cooking areaand should reach to the ceiling.

The current trends for bathrooms arespacious and functional with all the latesttechnology, including multiple showerheads, body sprays, air jetted whirl poolbathtubs, heated floors and defoggingmirrors. Adding any of these featureshelps fashion a spa-like sanctuary tocome home to at the end of a busy day.

Having large showers with benches andgrand soaking tubs are very desirable andallow the opportunity to show off beautifultile designs. I prefer to use natural materialslike large travertine or limestone tiles onthe floors and walls with minimal groutlines to create a clean open space. Thenyou can accent with glass or metallic tilesto achieve a custom design. Installing aframeless shower door allows you to keepthe wet area contained without closingup the space with the traditional bulkymetal shower frames.

Granite and marble are the most popularmaterials used for the vanity countertops.

Onyx, another countertop material, canbe lit up underneath to create a romanticglow. Warm colored woods are now beingused more as tub decks and countertopsalong with stone vessel sinks.

When remodeling your bathroom, considerinstalling taller base cabinetry to reduce theneed to bend as much to reach the sinkand countertops, or installing a slopedshower entrance instead of traditionalthresholds that you would have to stepover. Lighting is important too, whilerecessed cans are great in bathrooms, itis not good for putting on make-up orshaving. In addition to recessed cans,install decorative sconces coming out ofthe mirror or above the mirror to give youappropriate amount of light.

There is an endless amount of materialsand technology for kitchens and baths thatcan appeal to every homeowner lookingfor an update or a change. When you areready to create your dream kitchen or bath,make sure to call a designer to help youwith the space planning, materials andcolors. A designer can pull it all togetherand make the remodel more pleasing foryou. The possibilities are endless… �

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“I can’t quite figure where the new begins andthe old ends” I thought, we’ve succeeded.”

The Reverend Dr. L. Gregory Jones, Dean, Duke Divinity School

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Making the New Look Just Like OldWhen Duke University decided to designand build a 45,000 square foot addition toits acclaimed Duke Divinity School, thechallenge was staggering: Create a structurethat seamlessly completed the cloister thatis formed by the Duke Chapel, built in 1926and the “New Divinity,” wing, erected in1970, and the open loggia linking it tothe original Divinity building.

As Dr. Jones indicated, “The design andconstruction team succeeded, a fact thatwas reinforced when the Marble Instituteof America presented Rugo Stone, LLC,of Lorton, Virginia, the project stone fabricator and installer, with an Award ofMerit in its prestigious Pinnacle Awardscompetition.”

The Duke Divinity School addition reflectsan age of skilled stone carvers of nativematerials. The design of the addition takesadvantage of a sloped site with three ter-raced floors. The upper and middle levelsof the addition align with the first andbasement floors of the Old and New Divinity

buildings, with ramps and stairs providingthe connection.

Months before installation, stone masonsfrom Rugo Stone worked in Duke’s ownHillsborough quarry preparing thousands oflinear feet of precise, right angle buildingcorners required by the design’s complexgeometry. In all, over one thousand tons ofDuke stone was delivered for installationof nearly 15,000 square feet of cladding.

However, the most intriguing aspect ofthis historically accurate architectural gemis all in smooth finished Indiana Limestone:twelve delicate arches, decorative bands,carved wall copings, and, of course, thetwelve historically accurate ornamentalfinials. These were created by mastercarvers in the same Rustic Buff IndianaLimestone as the original buildings.Forty-eight truckloads were required forthe 380 tons that were quarried andprocessed into 2,100 flawlessly installedindividual pieces. Each finial alonenecessitated 280 hours of shop labor to

replicate plaster models which themselveswere created from castings of in-placefinials existing on campus.

In addition to many Indiana Limestonewindow surround elements and arch trim,another interesting historical twist wasadded by Rugo Stone for interior applica-tions of stone. Originally specified in adomestic slate, approximately 4,000square-feet of stone, flooring steps andsills and 1,100 linear feet of base weresupplied and installed by Rugo’s masons withtraditional Pietra Serena stone from Italy.This material is the traditional buildingstone of Florence and historical textsstate that the great artist Michelangelohimself toiled in his youth as a quarryworker in the Pietra Serena quarries.

In addition to Rugo Stone, other key teammembers included Hartman-Cox Architects,Skansa USA, general contractor, and BybeeStone Company, Indiana Limestone supplier and fabricator. �

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Exotic Stones Definitely for those who want something very different

One of the things very alluring aboutnatural stones, such as marble and granite,is that you can travel the world andnever find two pieces exactly alike. Thatliterally makes your stone installationone of a kind.

While less than 100 granite and marblevarieties generally make up the color palletfrom which U.S. consumers select theirkitchen and bath stones, there are literallythousands of potential stone varietieswhen you parlay color and graining.

If you are looking for stones that are trulyunique and generally pretty pricey, exoticstones could fill the bill.

“Exotic can be used to describe a multi-tude of different stones, depending uponthe customer,” said Mark Shedrofsky ofStone Source of New York, a major U.S.stone supplier. “Some clients want themost dramatic, unusual and expensive

stone, and to satisfy these people, weneed to think about Onyx, sodalite, quartzand agates. These stones are easily identifiedas exotic by their captivating opulenceand by their high price tag.”

“When other clients are thinking exotic,they have in a very unique selection ofcommon marble or granite in mind. But,the one-of-a-kind appearance is exotic andappealing because it fits a design or some-times the stone just ‘speaks’ to a client.”

Shedrofsky says some exotic stones areneither dramatic nor one of a kind, but thestone is exotic because it is not very well-known.

“Sometimes these stones are rather commonin the country where they are quarried,but in our market these stones have yetto make much of an appearance,” heexplained. “Some of the rocks can besubtle and elegant. At first glance they

Giallo beach Yellow symphony

Paonazetto Crow’s foot schist

Brulee onyx Dune

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may not fit the common description ofexotic, but when the job is finished and theproject is both unique as well as a strikingsuccess, the stone is every bit deserving ofthe description ‘exotic.’ Imagine a Zen-likebathroom made of simple charcoal coloredbasalt, with subtle markings and shading.To me, this can be considered mysteriousand exotic.”

Darlene Speezi, owner and president ofMystic Granite and Marble of Orlando,Florida, one of the southeast’s largest stonedistributors, has traveled the world lookingfor unique stones that qualify as exotic.In a recent tour of her Orlando indoorwarehouse, she unblushingly showedmagnificent slabs with a price tag of$22,000 each, which means that the stonealone for a kitchen might run upwards of$100,000, without fabrication. That’s thereally high end of the spectrum. Spezzi

says exotics are determined by stonequality and availability.

“They are usually harder to quarry thanthe more standard materials and theremay be only a limited quantity of thattype of stone in the quarry,” she said.“Location of the quarry and the difficultyin reaching the stone way up in a moun-tain are factors. Exotic stones are usuallyharder than traditional stone and maytake twice as long to cut, which adds tothe cost.”

“Materials can become exotic if theybecome less abundant. A major factor indetermining the price is how rare thestone is. Excellent exotic stones can rangein price from $100 to $400 per squarefoot, but can be worth every penny of it in terms of the finished product.”Spezzi said.

The countries that produce the mostexotic stones include Madagascar, TheUkraine, Russia, Finland, Pakistan, Brazil,Ireland, Australia, Sri Lanka and Italy.Shedrofsky said picking the right fabricatoris as important as selecting the right stone.

“Working exotic stones can be difficult,”he said. “Each stone will behave differ-ently and the learning curve can be frus-trating and expensive to overcome.While most high quality fabricators arefamiliar with working some exoticstones, no shop can claim they havemastered each and every one, especiallywith new exotic stones appearing everyyear. An experienced fabricator will typ-ically realize the unique characteristics ofa stone and then have the experiencenecessary to research and learn beforebeginning the job.” �

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Q: Must I always use a Marble Institute ofAmerica (MIA) or Tile Council of America(TCA) recommended method to install tileflooring? My installer is proposing a methodthat is not shown by either association, buthe says he has used it before and had goodsuccess with it.

A: There are floor installations throughoutthe country that do not comply with eitherMIA or TCA recommendations. In some cases,the methods used demonstrate reliable andrepeatable performance. It is even possiblethat some of these methods will someday beincorporated into the documented installationmethods. In many cases, however, the methodhas only proven to demonstrate sufficient performance in one installation, and only fora limited period of time. A slight change in oneof the installation variables (i.e. stone type,span, subfloor/underlayment, traffic, etc.), orsimply increased time in service could resultin a failure of the installation. Therefore, wedo not encourage installers to invent their ownsystems of installation. Using a non-standardmethod of installation places much greaterliability on the shoulders of the designer andinstaller should a failure occur.

Q: We’re installing stone tiles where part ofour substrate is concrete slab and part of oursubstrate is wood frame. Are there any specialconsiderations for this type of installation?

A: Yes, the two areas must be treated as separateprojects. The thin-set adhesive used should beone that is approved for the particular substrate,which could mean that two different thin-setadhesives must be used. There must be amovement joint directly over the transitionfrom concrete to wood frame. Care should betaken to rake this joint clean, ensuring thatno rigid material bridges this joint. Fill thejoint with a construction joint sealant that hasadequate extension, compression, and shearmovement capabilities to accommodate theanticipated movement between the two sub-strates. If a sealant with adequate movementcapability cannot be sourced, the width of the joint must be increased to allow thesealant to perform.

Q: I cannot find information on the flexuralstrength or modulus of rupture for a stonetile that I’d like to use in my project. Shouldn’tthe supplier have this information available?

A: When stones are used in cladding, loadbearing pavement, or other structural roles, thesupplier should absolutely have this informationavailable. In the case of a stone tile, we do not

consider the tile to be a structural element ofthe assembly. The tile provides abrasionresistance and aesthetic contribution only.When used in tile thicknesses, even the strongestof stones would crack if not properly beddedover an adequately rigid substrate. The bendingstrength of the stone won’t really make muchdifference in this application.

Q: I see a reference to “blending stones” inthe MIA Dimension Stone Manual. Whatexactly does this mean?

A: The term “blending” is most often associatedwith stone tile applications. The concept offield blending results from the natural colorvariation found from slab to slab and from blockto block. In the production and packaging ofstone tiles, stones within one box, or withinconsecutive boxes, tend not to include the fullcolor range of the shipment. If the tiles are setsequentially as they come from the boxes, theresult is often a patchwork looking floor where10 or 20 tiles sharply contrast the next 10 or20 tiles. The recommendation is that theinstaller randomly takes tiles from five or moreboxes on site, so the entire floor is “blended”with the full range of the tile color found inevery region of the floor.

Q: What causes the “pits” in a granite? Doesthe presence of pits make it difficult to cleanthe surface?

A: Pits occur in most granites and granite-likematerials, and are generally the result of micaminerals, most commonly biotite, being “plucked”from the slab during sawing or finishingprocesses. The mica family of minerals aresofter than most of the surrounding mineralsand are of a flaky composition, allowing thisplucking activity to occur. This is not consideredto be a defect in the stone, nor is it consideredto make the stone unsuitable for countertopapplications. In MIA sponsored studies, stoneslabs were intentionally inoculated with E. Colibacteria, cleaned with normal householdpractices, and then analyzed to measure theresidual levels of the bacteria. Unsealed,extensively pitted granite was selected as one of the tested surfaces, and there was nostatistically significant difference noted in thecleanability of it versus other stone surfaces.We do recommend that when stones with significant pitting are sold that the customer’sattention be called to the presence of the pitsduring the selection process. Generally, thepits are much more noticeable in the finished installation, where the slabs are horizontally positioned and under better lighting levelsthan when viewed in the warehouse.

Q: What is the temperature limit for hotpots or pans being placed directly on astone countertop?

A: The MIA recommends that trivets be usedbetween any hot pans and natural stone surfaces.The absolute temperature of the cookware is notnormally a problem, but the thermal gradient,or temperature differential that results in thestone can be a problem. When a hot piece ofmetal is placed on the stone surface, the stonerapidly heats up in this area. As the temperatureof the stone increases, it expands dimensionally.Because only a small area of the stone is atan elevated temperature, only a small portionof the stone slab is expanding, resulting instresses within the stone slab. Depending onthe thermal expansion properties of the stone,the difference in temperatures within the stone,the dimensions and shape of the stone, and thelocation of the heat application, these stressescan be great enough to initiate a crack.

Q: We installed some countertops in an upperend home, including granite countertops inthe laundry room. The homeowners are nowcomplaining of polish deterioration and evenetching in the laundry room countertops. Ithought nothing would etch granite.

A: Almost nothing. My guess in this case, isthat someone who can afford natural stonecountertops in their laundry room can alsoafford to hire a person to do their laundry. Ifthat is the case, the homeowner might not knowof everything to which the countertop has beenexposed. The chemical equivalent of an “Achillesheel” for granite is HF, or hydrofluoric acid.This is an acid that attacks silicates, even invery low concentrations. HF frequently occursas a component of rust removers, such as sometoilet bowl cleaners and rust spot removersfor clothing. Most likely, the countertop gotsome level of HF exposure due to a rust spotremover having been spilled on the surface.Unfortunately, the only remedy would be tore-grind to the depth of the damage andrepolish the stone.

Q & A with Chuck Muehlbauer

Chuck Muehlbauer, Technical DirectorMarble Insitute of America

30 StoneDimensions

Index of Photographs

Cover

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Akron, OHDesigner: Soraya Interiors Installer: Mike FirlchStone Supplier: StoneworksPhoto Credit: William H. Webb, Infinity Studio Photography

Page 5

Project Name: Private residenceCity: North Canton, Ohio Architect: AA Luketic and AssociatesDesigner: Kim Anderson Interior Design Inc. General Contractor: Gaetano Contractors Inc.Fabricator: Crown Tile and MarblePhoto Credit: William H. Webb, Infinity Studio Photography

Page 6

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Austin, TXInstaller: Hill Country GraniteFabricator: Rocky Mountain StoneStone Supplier: Rocky Mountain Stone

Table: Selina Gold Limestone

Page 7

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Austin, TXInstaller: Hill Country GraniteFabricator: Rocky Mountain StoneStone Supplier: Rocky Mountain Stone

Coffee table: Multicolor Onyx

Page 8

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Canton, OHGeneral Contractor: George Ford ConstructionInstaller: US Marble & Granite CorpFabricator: US Marble & Granite CorpStone Supplier: US Marble & Granite Corp

Material: Copper Canyon. Floor/Backsplash: TravertineBehind cooktop: Waterjet, Honey Onyx & Black Absolute(backsplash designed by Maher Nukta)

Page 9

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Scottsdale, AZGeneral Contractor: Kitt Construction Inc.Installer: Drosky Tile CompanyStone Supplier: Arizona Tile, LLC

Page 11

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Austin, TXInstaller: Hill Country GraniteFabricator: Rocky Mountain StoneStone Supplier: Rocky Mountain Stone

Countertops: Delicatus GraniteFlooring: Jura Limestone

Page 12

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Austin, TXDesigner: Pam HartGeneral Contractor: Heyl HomesInstaller: Architectural Tile & StoneFabricator: Architectural Tile & StoneStone Supplier: Architectural Tile & Stone

Page 13

Project Name: Limestone fireplaceCity: Malibu, CADesigner: Kathryne Designs, Inc.General Contractor: Smith Bros., Inc.Installer: Executive Stone, Inc.Stone Supplier: Texas Quarries

Page 14

Project Name: CabanaCity: Nichols Holls, OKDesigner: Fanny Bolen InteriorsGeneral Contractor: Bailey ContractingInstaller: Southwest Tile & MarbleFabricator: Southwest Tile & MarblePhoto Credit: Amy McCollom

Countertop: Giallo Beach granite

Page 15

Project Name: Private residenceDesigner: Newville DesignsGeneral Contractor: Pacific Management Inc.Installer: The Stone CompanyFabricator: The Stone CompanyStone Supplier: Marble & Terrazzo Supply

Countertops: Sedna granite

Page 16-17

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Clinton, OKArchitect: Howell AssociatesDesigner: Linda Howell & AssociatesGeneral Contractor: Joe D. HallInstaller: Young Brothers Inc.Fabricator: Young Brothers Inc.Stone Supplier: Southwest Tile & Marble

Countertop: Maduri Gold GraniteBacksplash: Champagne Gold tumbled marble mosaic

Page 18

Project Name: Private residenceCity: North Oklahoma City, OKArchitect: gh2 Gralla Architects, LLCDesigner: Landolina DesignsGeneral Contractor: Gumerson Bailey AssociatesInstaller: Young BrothersFabricator: Young BrothersStone Supplier: Southwest Tile & Marble

Opus Anticato Byzantium Marble Mosaic MedallionNegro Marquina Marble MosaicsDore Royal Marble MosaicsRosa Verona Marble MosaicsMurgiano Marble MosaicsGiallo Romano Antique Marble

Page 19

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Austin, TXInstaller: Hill Country GraniteFabricator: Rocky Mountain StoneStone Supplier: Rocky Mountain Stone

Bath top and feature wall: Azul Imperial QuartziteFloors and shower: Calacatta Marble

Page 20

Project Name: Private residenceDesigner: Kristan Welch-SwansonGeneral Contractor: Montelongo Homes and RemodelingInstaller: Alamo Tile and StoneStone Supplier: Alamo Tile and Stone

Page 21

Project Name: Private residenceDesigner: Kristan Welch-SwansonGeneral Contractor: Montelongo Homes and RemodelingInstaller: Alamo Tile and StoneStone Supplier: Alamo Tile and Stone

Page 22

Project Name: Private residenceCity: New Braunfels, TXDesigner: Kristan Welch-SwansonGeneral Contractor: Montelongo Homes and RemodelingInstaller: Alamo Tile and StoneStone Supplier: Alamo Tile and Stone

Page 23

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Bergheim, TXDesigner: Kristan Welch-SwansonGeneral Contractor: Montelongo Homes and RemodelingInstaller: Alamo Tile and StoneStone Supplier: Alamo Tile and Stone

Page 24-25

Project Name: Divinity School Addition,Duke University

City: Durham, NCArchitect: Harman-Cox ArchitectsGeneral Contractor: Skanska, USAInstaller/Stone Supplier: Rugo Stone, LLCFabricator/Stone Supplier: Bybee Stone Company

Page 26

Project Name: Private residenceCity: North Oklahoma City, OKArchitect: gh2 Gralla Architects, LLCDesigner: Landolina DesignsGeneral Contractor: Gumerson Bailey AssociatesInstaller: Southwest Tile & MarbleFabricator: Southwest Tile & MarblePhoto Credit: David Fitzgerald & Associates

Tub deck, risers, look-through fireplace: Peach Travertine mosaic tile.Walls & fireplace surround: Princess Yellow TravertineFloor: Princess Yellow Travertine

Page 27

Project Name: Private residenceCity: North Oklahoma City, OKArchitect: gh2 Gralla Architects, LLCDesigner: Landolina DesignsGeneral Contractor: Gumerson Bailey AssociatesInstaller: Southwest Tile & MarbleFabricator: Southwest Tile & MarblePhoto Credit: David Fitzgerald & Associates

Countertop: Giallo Beach GraniteBacksplash: Rhomoid blend harlequin marble mosaicwith coordinating Waterjet Marble border

Page 28

Project Name: Burna YachtCity: New Orleans, LA Designer: Mimi Fitz, Perfect DesignsGeneral Contractor: Trinity Yachts, LLCInstaller: Stone Interiors, LLCFabricator: Stone Interiors, LLCStone Supplier: Stone Interiors, LLC

Backlit bar: Honey Onyx

If natural stone was part of the produce family,they’d probably call it organic.

Natural stone comes the way nature has created itover millions of years. After it is quarried, blocks ofstone are cut, polished, and custom-fabricated forkitchens, baths, floors, and other residential andcommercial applications. Every piece is natural.Every piece is unique.

Nothing man-made or engineered about it.

Thanks to new sources of supply around the worldand the sophisticated technology that gets it out

of the ground and to the fabricator at less cost, naturalstone is more affordable than ever before – and inmost cases less expensive than quartz surfaces andother “faux” stone products manufactured in a plant.Beautiful, versatile, affordable, durable natural stoneis the natural choice for residential, institutionaland commercial construction.

For the name of a natural stone distributor or fabricatorin your area, visit www.marble-institute.com/register.

When you want a slice of nature, get the real thing.Natural stone.

A real slice of nature.

Scheherazade Travertine, New Mexico

www.marble-institute.com