winner’s circle - natural stone...

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

Vol. 2 • No. 1 • Spring 2008 $3.95

Winner’s Circle2007 Marble Institute of America Pinnacle Awards

The Stone FloorStrength, Beauty and Permanence Under Foot

Outdoor KitchensHigh Gasoline Prices Help Fuel Boom

MarbleBeautiful Veining Can Make Marble a Versatile Choice

Stone Complimenting Art

Natural Stone Q&A

StoneDimensions • Vol. 2 No. 1 www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com 3

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StoneDimensions Features

Winner’s Circle2007 Marble Institute of America Pinnacle Awards ......................6

The Stone FloorStrength, Beauty and Permanence Under Foot............................10

Outdoor KitchensHigh Gasoline Prices Help Fuel Boom ........................................18

MarbleBeautiful Veining Can Make Marble a Versatile Choice ..............22

Stone Complimenting Art............................................................26

Natural Stone Q&A .....................................................................28

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

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From the PublisherStoneDimensionsVolume 2 • Number 1

Published by

Marble Institute of America28901 Clemens Road • Suite 100

Cleveland, OH 44145ph: 440.250.9222 • fax: 440.250.9223

www.marble-institute.com

PublisherGaren P. Distelhorst

Editor-in-ChiefWilliam V. Levy

Creative DirectorSusan D. Myers

Contributing WritersHeather AdamsWilliam V. Levy

Charles MuehlbauerDavid Uhlir

Web Site www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com


Copyright © 2008 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.

Cover Photo

Private Home • Minnetonka, MN2007 MIA Pinnacle Award of Merit

Twin City Tile & Marble CompanyImporter, Fabricator, and Installer

For more details, see the“Winners Circle” article on page 6.

From time to time natural stone comes under attack from the producers of competingmaterials. Over the years, the focus of the attacks have ranged from stone being hardto care for, to stone emitting dangerous levels of radon gas, to stone being too expensive,and on and on. One of the traditional talking points utilized by marketers of thesecompeting materials is that natural stone is not as sanitary as man-made materials, andeven worse that natural stone may harbor bacteria that can infect your food. This is beingsaid even though stone has been used in food preparation for thousands of years.

Fortunately, these attacks have been proven to be either misleading or inaccurate.Despite this fact, companies that produce competing products continue to hammerthese falsehoods into the minds of the public.

First in 1999 and again in 2006, the Hospitality Institute of Technology (a research,consulting and education company that promotes correct and operationally effectivefood science and quality knowledge and application) conducted research looking into how stone compared with these competing surfaces with respect to cleanability.The 1999 study pitted granite against 6 competing surfaces. All of the surfaces werecontaminated with e-coli and then washed and rinsed. They were later cleaned with a 10% solution of household vinegar. After the initial washing and rinsing, graniteranked #1 with respect to the greatest reduction in bacteria counts. The 2006 studycompared marble, granite, and engineered quartz surfaces. Again, the results werefavorable to marble and granite. Dr. Snyder concluded that “there was no statisticaldifference in reduction after wash and rinse for any of the four surfaces.”

An important thing to remember when selecting a material to put in your home isnot to believe everything you hear, conduct your own research and choose a materialwhose appearance and performance are pleasing to you. Don’t allow yourself to befrightened into selecting a sub-par material that isn’t exactly what you want.

Garen P. DistelhorstPublisherMarble Institute of America

www.stonedimensionsmagazine.com 5

As genuine as you.

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Stone design and fabrication is one of themore complicated arts in kitchen andbath design. When fabricators have theirnoses to the grindstone, however, theirprecise craft can add a stunning effect.

To reward the difficulty of this work, theMarble Institute of America recently heldits annual awards luncheon to celebratethe winners of its 2007 Pinnacle Awardscompetition.

The competition is open to all MIA-member companies around the world.

An independent panel of judges wasappointed by the MIA board of directors,including two Nashville-based architects,Marion J. Adamson of Gresham Smithand Partners, and Wesley Petrouske ofArchitectural Affiliates, as well as former MIApresident Ken Krebs, OHM International,

and Charles Muehlbauer, the technicaldirector for the MIA.

The projects were evaluated based onexcellence in design and implementation,quality, workmanship and suitability ofmaterials in compliances with the MIAstandards defined in its Dimension StoneDesign Manual.

Project teams needed to include at leastone member of an MIA company, and allprojects submitted needed to have beencompleted between 2004 and 2007 inorder to be considered for the awards.Eleven companies and designers wonawards in a variety of categories, including“Residential Interior of Exterior,”“Renovation/Restoration of Merit,”“Renovation/Restoration of Excellence”and “Commercial Interior.” According toMIA, awards were presented to projects

By Amanda O’Mahony

The winning bath remodel by Millennium Stone features Paonazetto marble flooring and walls, and took only two weeks to complete. Seventeen slabs ofbook-matched marble are positioned to create a mirror-like optical illusion

Marble Institute of America2007 Pinnacle Awards

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whose “beauty, creativity, ingenuity andcraftsmanship exemplify professionalmastery in the use of natural stone.”

Reflection of ExcellenceThe winner of the “Residential Interior/Exterior Award of Excellence,” RalphSignorelli of the Port Chester, NY-basedMillennium Stone Ltd. has worked withnatural stone for more than 20 years.For this project, he and his team gotpersonal as they went to work creatingSignorelli’s own dream bath, one thatwould show off his and his wife’s tastein fine Italian marble while acting as atestimony to the craftsmanship that is possible designing with natural stone.

The project – which was completed in twoweeks – impressed the judges, who notedthat, “The design used details rarely seenand the stone drew additional interest.”

The ABC Stone Trading company wasbrought in to supply stone for the project.

Originally, the area for the bath was toosmall to accommodate the design, so thefirm chose to capture space from thebedroom. The exterior wall was pushedout and a dormer was added to the rooffor additional space.

The total area of the new space for thebath was approximately 384-sq.-ft. Thedesigners chose to construct a radiant

heat system to counteract the cold marblefloor. Paonazetto, a rare marble fromItaly, was used for the floors, walls,moldings and trim of the bath. Seventeenslabs of marble were used in a book-matched pattern, creating the illusionthat each stone’s edge is set against a mirror.

The slabs that were not used for theflooring were cut and used for the showerseat, ceiling, floors and jambs as well asthe base moldings and the deck for thejetted tub. Wood paneling, an oversizedwindow and cream-colored walls addwarm tones and provide contrast.

Piece by PieceFor the St. Paul, MN-based Twin CityTile & Marble team, the remodeling of aprivate residence in Minnetonka, MN,including the addition of a master batharea, was completed in an astonishing10-week period. According to the judges,“the design is simple and clean, whichcan be very unforgiving of errors, noneof which were found.”

The project garnered the firm one oftwo awards of merit in the “ResidentialInterior/Exterior” category.

One of the oldest members of the MIA,Twin City Tile & Marble facilitated theimporting, fabricating and installing ofthe stone from Italmarble Pocai, the stonesupplier. Criteria Architects designed thelayout of the project, and Joe Lawler wasbrought in to contract the work. Using28 book-matched slabs of Calcutta Goldmarble measuring 1,180-sq.-ft. on its own,the bath took a total of 456 fabricationhours just on the floors and walls.

Ultimately, the bath was designed to allowspace for a toilet, bath, bidet, shower,vanity room and Japanese soaking tub.Each piece of marble had to be measured,fabricated and installed before the nextpiece in a lengthy and challenging process.

Following the clients’ guidelines, the bathis designed to have the look of a clean,European spa and incorporates a mudset floor beginning beneath a radiantheating system which was constructedbeneath the marble.

This project has skeletons: the installationof the walls incorporated copper wire andplaster, while the vanity top floats on asteel frame. According to the company,Twin City Tile specializes in fabricatingnatural stone and other engineered quartzproducts as well as hard tile installations.The fabricators also apply functional anddecorative epoxies, urethane coatingsand toppings for a wide range of projects,as shown neatly in this project.

Tualatin, OR-based Columbia Stone wonthe second of two awards of merit in the“Residential Interior/Exterior” category.The company also won the “ResidentialExterior Section” category, for a designedand installed project on the exterior of aprivate residence in San Francisco, CA.The project used French limestone andtook five years to complete. The panelof judges called it “a masterpiece.”

Other winners included Intrepid Enterprisesof Harvey, LA; Carrara Marble Companyof America, in City of Industry, CA, whichwas presented with a special “PinnacleAward of Excellence” for its work on anew 12-story building in Los Angeles;Carnevale and Lohr of Bell Gardens, CA,which won the “Commercial InteriorAward of Excellence” for its work atCreative Artists Agency in Los Angeles;and Rugo Stone of Lorton, Virginia,which won the “Renovation/RestorationAward of Excellence.”

The Marble Institute of America has beena leading information resource andadvocate for the natural stone industry

for some 65 years. MIA’s interest goesbeyond those committed to workmanshipand ethics within the industry; it also produces many educational materials onthe subject.

Members of the MIA include limestone,granite, marble, sandstone and othernatural stone producers and quarriers,distributors, fabricators, contractors andinstallers across the globe.

This article was originally printed in theMarch 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath DesignNews. (www.kitchenbathdesign.com)Reprinted with permission. l

Remodeling this master bath was no easy task for Twin City Tile & Marble. Taking a total of 456 fabrication hours for the floors and walls, the projectrequired that each piece of stone to be measured, fabricated and installed before the next piece in the process.

Winner of a 2006 Pinnacle Award of Merit, Millienium Marble and Tile of Pembroke, FL, incorporatedthe motion of the pattern in the Juparana Mahogany granite, with the motion of the curved cabinets.


Created by nature and enhanced by man- natural stone is a building materialunlike any other. Rich in color, tantalizingin texture and virtually indestructible, itis the perfect addition to any home. Stoneused as a flooring material is not a newconcept and for centuries it has beenfound underfoot in dwellings spanningthe globe. From the narrow cobblestonestreets of Europe to the walkways of NewOrleans, stone has been laid before us asa pathway on which we journey throughlife. Many of these antediluvian examplesremain in existence today more beautifulthan ever with the marks of time writtenupon their faces. Entire markets existmerely to recreate the enduring beautyof these authentic time worn tiles. Withthis in mind, it is hard to believe anyonewould shy away from the use of naturalstone on the floor today.

Myths invariably persist and are oftenthe driving force behind decisions toselect a different flooring material.Common misconceptions portray stoneas unaffordable, difficult to maintain orunable to withstand the rigors of dailyabuse. In actuality, stone is unrivaled inits strength, presence and aesthetics,especially when used upon the floor.

With simple routine care and minimalmaintenance, its beauty will grow expo-nentially over the years.

The selection processThere is much to consider when choosingstone for your home’s flooring. It is aprocess that should be not taken lightlysince this formidable material will becomea permanent addition to your dwelling.Here are a few tips to get you on your way.

The planning stageTo ensure a pleasing outcome, it isimperative to begin the design process byasking yourself several specific questionsbefore rushing out the door to the nearesttile center. Questions like … What isthe main purpose of the room in whichthe tile will be used? What kind of foottraffic and or abuse must it endure? Whatis the general impression or style I wishto convey? What other objects will beplaced in the space? Once you haveanswered these questions, activate yourvisual creativity by looking at books andmagazines that feature attractive interiordesigns. Don’t limit yourself to those thatsimply illustrate the material you planto use; what you’re seeking at this pointis strictly conceptual ideas. Search forspecific details in the way the material hasbeen laid out and how that impacts theroom’s visual appeal in order to discoverwhat interests you.

Shopping for stone tileOnce you arrive at the tile center, it iseasy to become distracted, so stay thecourse. Take it all in, explore, but don’tlet yourself become overwhelmed. Keepin mind that certain stone tiles have theability to evoke a specific style, thereforelimiting your preliminary selections tothose that reflect the look of your homeis important. This will not only be atime saver but it will halt the frustrationassociated with trying to force a square peginto a round hole. Even if you experiencelove at first sight, it is wise to take atleast two other options home with you.The opportunity to compare them onceyou’re there will help fuel confidence inyour final decision.

Some popular optionsSubtle & Serene: Limestone and TravertineFlowing uninterrupted across a roomlike the sands of an untraveled desert,travertine and limestone provide theperfect subtle backdrop for those wishingto highlight more prominent elementswithin their space. Exhibiting a fairlyuniform surface with regard to color,veining and texture, limestone is theideal choice for a subdued appearance,

Strength,Beauty

andPerformanceUnder Foot

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fitting for the pared down minimalistsetting. Formed from the sedimentaryprocess underground and in riverbeds, youwill often find characteristic seashells andfossils embedded in the surface and whileit shares a color range similar to that oftravertine, you will find it commonly devoidof holes and depressions. Milky whites,golden yellows, sandy beiges and smokyblue/grays are the predominant shadesfound within this stone’s color palette.

Travertine is an exquisite flooring materialthat has the innate ability to transportyou to another time and place, ideal forinstilling Old World ambience. It’s surfacevariation can be somewhat more diverseand rugged than limestone’s, so be certainto evaluate your choice well prior topurchase. Travertine’s color palette normallyresides within the confines of earth tones,beginning with the palest hues of ivoryand transgressing down through the richdeep shades of gold, red and brown. Itspredominate color trait is that it actuallynever appears as one solid color, butinstead the perception is swayed byinherent tonal variations and veiningcharacteristics. Only after laying out asizable portion of tile do you begin toperceive the overall coloration.

Rustic & Earthy: SlateSlate is the quintessential choice whenstriving for a visually exciting floor. Colorsand textures are so vivid they almost leapup at you. Rugged cleft surfaces inviteyou to kick off your shoes and experiencethe rough texture beneath. Notorious forits ability to withstand abuse, slate is idealin areas where high-traffic and dirt collide.

With its deeply saturated color palette andhigh relief surface, slate is more suitablyused where it is not in competition withrival elements. If you love the qualitiesof this stone, but wish to redefine itsimage, try a solid shade with a calibratedor honed finish. This will provide youwith an even surface whose muted tonesreflect an earth-like foundation, on whichyou can build any style. At home in areassuch as the foyer, hallway, bathroom, andmudroom, this durable giant will addappeal to an otherwise uninspiring space.

Polished & Elegant: Marble and GraniteReminiscent of a shallow reflecting pool,polished marble and granite lie unwavering,mirroring the world around them. Addinga rich, elegant touch to any space, thesestones nearly always evoke formality.From the classic marble pattern of black

and white checkerboard to the intensedrama of a vibrant Chinese red granite,these sparkling stones are guaranteed tomake an unforgettable statement.

When considering marble as your flooringmaterial, remember that certain typesexhibit a heavily veined surface structureand can, at times, overpower a space.Treat it like slate and choose a locationwhere its immense beauty can be enjoyedwithout restriction or competing elements,or seek out a marble with less variation.Tightly grained granite exhibits less move-ment in its surface pattern than many marbles,therefore can normally be used withoutfear of antagonizing the surroundingenvironment. It’s extreme durability offersfewer care and maintenance concernsthan marble when used upon the floor.

It is always important to remember thatpolished stones become extremely slipperywhen wet and marble will bear the scars ofuse in high traffic locations. For improvedwear-ability, consider selecting a honed orbrushed finish, as it will add traction to yourstep and ease the burden of maintenance.

Aged to Perfection: Antiquated Stone Unequivocally, one of the best choicesfor flooring is an antiquated stone.


Because its beauty lies within the fact thatit has already been worn, battered androughed up, there really isn’t much thatyou can do to destroy its charm. Its earthy,muted tones are masters of camouflagewhen it comes to hiding dirt, and itsdistressed appearance is ideally cast fordepicting an authentic reproduction ofmany Old World periods. Options for thisgenre include obtaining genuine antiquetiles that have been carefully reclaimedfrom their former applications or themore affordable option of locating repro-ductions of these authentic beauties.

Stone characteristics to consider Color

If there is one single element that caninstill a specific mood or feeling in aspace, it is most definitely color. Colorcan make a very powerful statement, so

the selection process must not be takenlightly. Take cues from your surroundings,such as your choice of artwork, furniture,clothing, paint and so on, and you willprobably have a good idea of what youare drawn to. You may be a lover of richearthy naturals, quiet neutrals, or maybeyou’re mad about bold daring colors.Sticking with something you already feelcomfortable with will be much safer thandeciding to make a sudden and drasticchange, especially when it involvessomething as permanent as stone.

When choosing color, keep in mind thatlight colors recede making a room appearlarger whereas dark colors advance, makinga space seem smaller. In warm sunnyclimates, light colors will evoke feelingsof coolness, while going darker in colderareas will instill a feeling of warmth. Beconscious not to stray too dramatically

one way or another, as too light or too dark may not be the ideal for yourparticular design.

The color range and surface variationsfound within natural stone products canvary dramatically depending on the stonetype and the location of the quarry. Whilegranite, marble and limestone tend to bemore consistent from tile to tile, slate andtravertine will typically exhibit greaterdisparity. Regardless of which stone youchoose, you should expect diversity incolor. These inherent variations are oneof the endearing and truly fascinatingqualities that draw us to stone.

Size, shape and patternMost stone tiles come in sizes rangingfrom tiny mosaics to enormous two andthree foot squares. The most commonlyavailable sizes include 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 12-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch and24-inches square. Thickness varies from1/2 to 3/4 inches and as a general rule,as the overall size increases so does thethickness. The most important aspect oftile size is its scale and proportion, or itsrelationship to the space in which it exists.The goal is to be able to observe yourselection in its intended placement andsay to yourself…not too big, not toosmall… just right. Forget the “rules” assmall spaces don’t necessarily require smalltiles, nor do large spaces require large tiles.The best size is determined by evaluatingeach room as a separate entity, anddetermining what size flatters it best.

Shapes abound from the routine geometryof squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagonsand octagons to the more exotic profiles ofdiamonds and rhomboids. By combiningsize and shape you create pattern. Squaretiles can be placed in a simple jack-on-jackgrid or offset to create a running bond.Square tiles are also used for diagonalruns. Rectangles can be placed at anglesto each other formulate a herringbonepattern or be off-set in a brick fashion.Diamonds or rhomboids, when blendedin various color hues, offer a distinctiveharlequin motif. Triangles are used tocreate chevron patterns while octagonsallow for the introduction of a contrastingtile or decorative insert. Shape and sizeare not the only aspects that contributeto creating pattern, as color can workvisual magic as well. Mixing color resultsin the likes of checkerboards, ginghams,plaids, pin stripes, tumbling blocks anda variety of random looks.

Not only does pattern add interest in aroom, but it can also fool the eye into

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thinking the dimensions are not as theyappear. Quite often, a bold pattern willmake a room look smaller as a large buttjointed tile in a single tone will extendthe visual expanse. In addition to size,shape and color to produce pattern, theinterplay of light and dark, soft andrough and glossy and matte will offersignificant interest as well. Pattern is aproduct of contrast and juxtaposition ofvarying materials which in the end iswhat creates the illusion. Don’t allow itto overwhelm a space or compete withadjacent elements. Instead, use patternto your advantage, to induce excitement,not headaches.

Texture & finishTexture and finish combine to form thesurface layer of something in which wecan savor both visually and through oursense of touch. When it comes to stonetile, textures range from butter soft andsmooth to rugged and rough. These tex-tures affect the overall character of a tilewhich, in turn, affects its final appearanceonce installed. A rough, matte finishedtile will instill a relaxed and casualmood where as a glossy tile will appearmore formal and elegant. Shiny finishesemphasize clear brilliant color wherematte finishes tone it down. Sparklingstreamlined surfaces tend to magnifydirt as tiles with varied color and texturewill camouflage it.

Reviewing your choicesOnce you’re satisfied with you’re initialdesign, it is time to head back to thehouse and observe your preliminarychoices. Placing the stone tiles in theexact location of their intended use willhelp immensely with the decision makingprocess. You will be amazed how yourperception of a tile changes after leavingthe showroom and placing it in a newenvironment. Your first assignment will beto reexamine the color. Many variablescan influence the actual shade, such asthe reflection of the paint from the sur-rounding walls or the glare from naturallight spilling across the floor. Woodtones present in adjacent furniture andcabinetry can also cause you to view thecolor tones with a different perspective.Taking time to investigate, explore andplay with actual sample tile applicationswill further boost your confidence inyour final choice.

Placing your orderOnce you have decided on a specific stoneand style and feel confident that it willwork well within your design scheme,begin making preparations to place yourorder. Before signing on the dotted line,you should be confident that you haveasked all the right questions including –Is the tile that I have chosen suitable forthe area in which I plan to use it? Doesit require any special care or routinemaintenance? Is the material in stock? Ifnot, what is the lead-time? Is the sampleI am ordering from the current stock orhas the lot changed? Would you suggestthat I order a current sample or two if thisone is outdated? What is your returnpolicy? Be sure when placing your orderthat you purchase more square footagethan you actually need (typically 7% to

10%). This surplus will be your insuranceagainst shortages that may occur due tobreakage or waste due to cuts. A wisehomeowner will order extra tiles toinsure against future problems shouldthere be a need for repairs. Chances offinding an exact match years down theline are slim to none.

Receiving your orderOnce your tile arrives, take the time toinspect it. As laborious as that mightseem, it will save you heartache if youencounter a problem in the middle of theinstallation. Be sure that the tile has notbeen damaged during shipment and thatit actually is the material you ordered.Your tile supplier should have alreadytaken the time to explain that stone,being a natural product, possesses thepotential to vary dramatically from onetile to the next. Once this explanationhas been provided, it is not uncommonfor a dealer to request that you sign adisclaimer. These disclaimers generallydetail exactly what you should expect withregard to normal ranges of variationsand what specifically would justify areturn. Because stone is extremely heavyand can shift during shipment, someminimal breakage should be expected.Many of the freight carriers that deliverpallets of stone tile only extend a fewdays to make claims if the shipment isdamaged, and the supplier typically willnot accept returns once the shipmenthas arrived on-site and has been notedas safely delivered. Your effort here willbe well rewarded.

One last note on receiving your stonetile – a common occurrence, especiallywith more porous stones, is for the ship-ment to arrive damp. This may result inthe tiles appearing much darker than thesamples from which you selected. Beforeyou panic and contact your dealerregarding a shipping error. Pull severalpieces from the crate and allow them todry. You will discover that they willlighten significantly. On the opposite endof the spectrum, often the stone arrivesdusty and dry, and requires cleaning andsealing and/or color enhancing to resemblethe showroom sample.

If for some reason you are not satisfied withthe material once it has been received oryou have changed your mind all togetherregarding your selection, you will morethan likely face a 20% - 30% restockingfee to cover the cost of returning theshipment to the supplier. Returningstone shipments is a cumbersome and

costly job; so make sure that you havedone your homework prior to placingyour order.

A word on installationVery few things have the capacity toimpact the final appearance of a stoneapplication than the skills of the tileinstaller. Hiring a qualified installer istherefore imperative. Unless you arefamiliar with the work of a particulartradesman, it is wise to interview severalbefore signing a contract. During theinterview process, ask about the numberof years experience working with naturalstone. It is important to note that theinstallation of natural stone productsvaries tremendously from that of ceramicand porcelain tiles. Even the most talentedand experienced ceramic tile setter canstruggle with a stone application. Requestreferences and if possible see a sample oftheir work. Also, it is a good idea to havea rough estimate of the going rate forstone installations in your area. A quotethat seems either much too high or toolow should be approached with caution.Even if you have received an “installed”quote from your stone dealer, insist oninterviewing the tile setter that will bedoing the actual work before proceeding.If the dealer is reluctant to allow you tointerview the installers, it might be wiseto look elsewhere for your product. Don’tbe afraid to ask builders and architects ifthey know anything about the tile-setterthat you are considering using. Don’tforget…this is your money, your invest-ment and your dreams that are at stake.Even if your building contractor is pro-viding the installation of the material,complete the interview process with theirinstallers. A good stone setter is an artistthat will magnify the beauty of an alreadyexquisite work of nature. You definitelydo not want to skimp here!

Caring for your stone flooringOne of the major enemies for any flooringsurface is abrasion, stone is no different.Wear most commonly occurs when foottraffic and dirt particles collide to createfriction. Taking a few precautions toeliminate this occurrence will preventthe premature aging of your floor. Placeeffective floor-mats outside the entranceof each door and remember the averageperson must take several steps beforetheir shoes are significantly free of dirtparticles, so consider a large size mat atyour main entry, as well as just insidethe doorway. Next, get into the habit ofdust moping routinely, preferably with a

non-treated dry dust mop. You can alsosimply vacuum your floors, just be certainthat the vacuum you are using is in goodrepair and rolls freely across the floor toavoid inadvertently scratching it. Cleanyour stone on a regular basis with a neutralPH cleaner, ideally one made specificallyfor your stone type. These cleaners arereadily available at most any home centers.

Lastly, caring for a stone floor is easy ifyou are informed and choose a finish thatwill not be difficult to maintain. The bestadvice is to be honest about your lifestyle,know your stone and understand itsqualities and limitations prior to purchasing.

For example, you may not be thrilledwith the results of a delicate polishedmarble at your beach house, however,that antiquated travertine will offer generations of beauty under those harshgritty conditions. Education is the keyto a successful stone floor purchase. Doyour homework, be realistic and in theend, be sure and get what you love! l

To learn more, look for the author’s books“STONE” and “TILE STYLE” (Harry N. AbramsInc. publishers - New York). These books areavailable through the Marble Institute of Americabookstore. Visit www.marble-institute.com for information.

With gasoline prices skyrocketing, people across

America are thinking twice about using their

automobiles for all but essential functions.

Restaurants and retailers are suffering and we

probably haven’t seen the worst of it as gas heads

towards $4 a gallon and beyond. As a result, people

are spending more time at home with their families

and entertaining friends. More and more they are

doing it in outdoor settings that include enhanced

landscaping and outdoor kitchens.


According to May Jo Peterson, writingin the January 2008 edition of Kitchen &Bath Design News, “the outdoor kitchenhas moved from a luxury concept to amainstream reality, no matter where peoplelive.” Peterson says manufacturers ofcabinetry, appliances, surfaces and othercomponents of the kitchen are takingadvantage of new business opportunitiesas consumers embrace the concept ofmore outdoor meals and entertaining. “Inmany cases, the outdoor kitchen worksin conjunction with other social areas ofthe home,” Peterson says. “For that reason,sometimes the best place for it is justoutside the indoor kitchen. “Because mostfood, equipment and tableware are locatednearby, this makes for easy and efficientenjoyment of the space, whether enter-taining or enjoying a quiet family meal.”

Working mostly with landscape designers,companies in the genuine stone business(granite, marble, travertine, slate, limestoneand other materials) are helping to createbeautiful outdoor kitchens and enter-tainment venues. Sturgis Materials ofKansas City, Missouri has been one ofthe companies in the forefront of the

expanding outdoor kitchen marketplace.Owner Ed Walsh says Sturgis has beenserious about outdoor kitchens for morethan three years and probably has installedupwards of 100 jobs, working mostlywith landscape designers and contractors.

“The outdoor kitchens can range from asimple fireplace with a countertop tofull-blown kitchens with built-in appliancesand more,” Walsh says. The end resultcan be as creative as the budget allows andusually includes a substantial amount ofstone. “You can’t build a grill island out ofwood,” Walsh says. Typically, an outdoorkitchen will include a grill island andescalate from there. Prices can rangefrom $10,000 to $35,000 and more,depending on the grilling, refrigerationand accessory equipment selected and,of course, the landscaping.

Walsh said for about $10,000 you can geta 72 x 36-inch grill island made of cementblock and covered with thin veneer stone,a two-inch limestone top, basic stainlesssteel grill, single side burner and a double-door storage area that might house thepropane tank. The bigger the island and

the more sophisticated the cookingequipment, lighting, and sound system,the higher the price.

While the predominant choice for indoorgenuine stone countertops is granite,Walsh prefers limestone for outdoorkitchens. “Polished granite outsideshows dirt,” he says ”limestone doesn’t.”

“There are a lot of new products that canbe incorporated into outdoor kitchenslike fireplace kits and pre-made fire pits,”Walsh said. In northern climates youcan even add a roof to the grill islandwhich extends the cooking season.

Walsh says landscape designers are agood place to start when you are seriousabout building an outdoor kitchen.However, based on Mary Jo Peterson’sarticle in Kitchen & Bath Design News,mainstream kitchen and bath dealersand designers are also getting into theact. “(They are) happily (entering thismarket),” Peterson says, “outdoorkitchens are not going away.”

This article, in part, courtesy of Kitchen &Bath Design News. Reprinted with permission.(www.kitchenbathdesign.com) l

Scheherazade Travertine, New Mexico


Genuine Stone® and the Genuine Stone seal are trademarks of the Natural Stone Council.

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 outof 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.

When you want a slice of nature, get the genuine thing...

A genuine slice of nature.

Natural Stone.


T here’s no doubt that granite isthe king of the kitchen counter arena,but don’t overlook marble as a possiblechoice for countertops and other kitchen,bath and home applications. Traditionally,marble has been used in bathrooms forvanities, tiles, and showers, but now thereis an increasing demand from the designcommunity and from home owners touse marble for kitchen countertops.

Marble does have a couple downsideswhen used as a kitchen countertop. Thefirst is that it is a calcium-carbonate basedmaterial and, thus, it is subject to attackby salt and acid. If you slice a lemon andleave it on the countertop, it may etchthe material. Using a honed finish on amarble countertop is a suggestion forlimiting the appearance of etching.Damage from acid or salt is not as readilydiscernible between the etched surfaceand the honed surface. Marble also tendsto stain easier than granite due to thefact that marble generally has a higherrate of water absorption. There are manygood sealers on the market, though, andthey can reduce the likelihood of stainingwhen applied properly.

Marble backsplashes and floors make agood complement to granite countertopsin the kitchen. The wonderful softappearance and ease of maintenancemakes marble a great choice for bathroomwalls, floors, vanity tops, tub decks, andshowers. Marble adds a sophisticatedelement wherever it is used.

Marble is found in the mountainousregions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain,the U.S. and other countries worldwide,like Egypt and Turkey. In the US, it isquarried in Vermont, New York, Georgiaand Colorado. Marble is a metamorphicrock made of limestone. When it is subjected to tremendous pressure over a long period of time, the limestone getspressed into marble. A lot of marble iswhite, but it can come in many differentcolors, depending upon where it is quarried.

Throughout history some of the world’smost important works of art and archi-tecture, including churches and palaces,have been crafted of marble. In fact,Michelangelo frequently came to theCararra region of Italy to find marble for his masterpieces. l

See next page for another marble application.


By David Uhlir...three stories, thin, and stark white.Within this space is a floating stair, mysteriously hanging from the wall withno support on the ends of the treads. Thestairs look like solid 4" slabs of blackgranite. Glass sheets become the stairrail and pierce through these graniteslabs almost at the ends of their slabs. Thetower walls are filled with priceless art.A feeling of museum-like quality pervadesthe space, leading you to contemplatethe wonders of the universe.

This space was designed for an art col-lector’s home, a veritable sculpture initself to not only dwell within, but toalso house his collection of modern andcontemporary art. This house was to bea contemplative space, contemporary instyling with clean lines, complementingbut not competing with the art. The toweralso had to follow these tenets. In orderto achieve this wonderful granite staircaseelement, a series of design items neededto fall into place.

The stairwell became a three-story elementthat was formed out of concrete, glass andgranite. A steel stair stringer was boltedto the concrete and a series of 2" x 12"tube steel treads were then welded tothe stair stringer. This allowed the treadsto cantilever or “float” out into the openspace. The white painted drywall wasadded next. Dakota Stone Design ofFargo, North Dakota created beautifully-crafted tubes of Absolute Black granite.The slabs were mitered and cut to createa solid look in the corners of the graniteinstead of a joint-like appearance. Thenthese tubes were slid over their corre-sponding treads and locked into place withsilicone. A gritted surface was created onthe top of the tread by lightly sandblast-ing this side only, leaving the remainingsides polished. After the glass sheetswere bolted to the tube steel by a steelplate, another granite piece was fittedover the glass plate, creating a look ofonly glass and granite. Each tread isroughly holding 1,000 pounds. It is aremarkably wonderful modern look.

A thin 4" landing was created in a similarmanner; slabs of the same granite coverthe underlying tube steel that spans thelanding. Two sheets were used per sideinstead of one, adding a small butimperceptible seam. One sheet wouldhave been quite dangerous and difficult tosuspend from beneath for the contractor.

These edges were also mitered creating asolid 4" slab landing.

In keeping with the design theme set bythe stairs, the fireplace was created to looklike a massive, four foot cube of granitefrom which a smaller cube was extractedfor the firebox. Once again, Dakota Stonecut out multiple pieces with compoundmiters to create a seamless look in theoutside corners. Black epoxy was intro-duced into the small corners and thenbuffed smooth, creating a wonderfulfireplace for the homeowner to enjoy. l

Imagine a stair tower...


Absolute Black Gabbro

Q: I need to know what the definition forwhat qualifies as granite (for polishedcountertops) in Texas. We have a projectwith Absolute Black granite that is tech-nically something other than granite,according to a geologist, but I think it isconsidered granite and used as graniteall the time in countertops.

A: While numerous different stones aremarketed as “Absolute Black”, geologicallynone of them are granite. (Most are classified as gabbro, which is definedscientifically as a fine or medium-grained,dark plutonic rock consisting of plagioclaseand clinopyroxene with small quantitiesof other, and chiefly dark, minerals. Somevarieties have been classified as basalt, whichis the finer grained, extrusive variety ofbasically the same rock composition.)As a plutonic rock with performanceand behavior similar to that of granite, itdoes fall into the commercial definition ofthe granite group, and is appropriatelysold as “granite” in the market placedespite not meeting the scientific definitionof granite. The best documents availablefor further discussion of this point wouldbe ASTM C119 and ASTM C1528.

Snow Melt on MarbleQ: Does salt for snow melting cause damageor affect marble when it gets walked on?

A: Common rock salt, or “halite,” wouldnot be aggressively abrasive to a typicalmarble. Halite has a Mohs’ scale mineralhardness of 2.0 to 2.5, and calcite, thebuilding block of a typical marble, has aMohs’ scale mineral hardness of about 3.0,so the softer salt mineral is not likely toscratch the harder rock mineral withoccasional, limited exposure. Threecommon problems occur, however, withthe application of snow melting salts. Oneis the addition of sand, which is sometimesadded intentionally for traction, or can betransported to the marble via pedestrians’shoes from other walking surfaces. Sandis generally quartz-based, which has aMohs’ scale mineral hardness of about7.0, and will easily abrade the softer calcite minerals of the marble. The secondproblem, which is usually associated withlimestones but may also occur in lowerdensity marbles, is that the salt-water

solution penetrates the surface pores ofthe stone. After the water evaporates,the salt then recrystallizes, occupyingmore space than it did when it was insolution. This recrystallization pressurecan be great enough to exfoliate the sur-face of the stone. The third issue withsnow melting chemicals is their attackon mortar. Even if there is no degrada-tion of the stone surface, the mortar inthe pavers’ joints will likely deteriorateand subsequently allow greater amountsof water (and salt) into the setting bed\if not promptly repaired. This has leadto wide scale failure of some stonepaving installations.

Slate Care

Q: I am installing a 3cm slate slab coun-tertop and would like advice specific toslate regarding cleaning, sealing, andgeneral ongoing care. I have read some ofyour “care of natural stone” information,but it seems that slate may be differentfrom marble, and certainly from granite.

A: You are correct, in that slates, like allnatural stones, are unique in their prop-erties and performance. The historicaltreatment of slate countertops was to rubthem down with boiled linseed oil uponinstallation, and many in the industry stillprefer to use this technique. It is populartoday to use commercially availableimpregnators, as we frequently use onmost other stone types. You may want torequest that the fabricator provide youwith some of the waste stock when sup-plying the project – occasionally you willfind a sealer/slate combination that doesn’tlook as you intended it to, and learningthis on a scrap piece is much less of aproblem than learning it on the finishedcountertop. Ongoing maintenance issimilar to other, soft stones. Neutralsoaps are recommended, and dependingon what sealer has been applied, theremay be a recommended reapplicationinterval. Slates are chemically quite inert,so etching from acidic solutions is not abig concern (slates were frequently usedfor chemistry laboratory table tops dueto their chemical resistance). Slates arerather soft, relative to many other stones,so they may be vulnerable to scratchingby utensils and jewelry.

Tumbled StoneQ: What is the process for manufacturingtumbled stone? I am constantly asked“what does tumbled mean?” and I don’thave the correct answer.

A: A traditional tumbled surface wouldbe achieved by placing the tiles (also frequently done with cobbles) into arotating drum, with sand, or slightlycoarser medium, and rotating the drumto “tumble” the stones. This processbreaks off many of the corners and distresses the edges, giving the tiles a“rounded” and “worn” look. The degreeof wear and roundness can be alteredby adjusting the time (and number ofrevolutions) in the drum. There may beproducts marketed as tumbled finishwhich are produced by a mechanicalmeans, and there would be some visualdifferences in the resultant finish.

Headstone Q: I want to purchase a marble headstonefor my husband’s grave, but I am gettinga lot of flack for it. We never liked thelook of granite headstones, but loved the look of the plain white marble. Am Imaking a mistake by wanting the marble?

A: No, it would not be a mistake. Infact, in addition to other products, whitemarble has been purchased by the gov-ernment for veteran’s markers. Yes, theweathering durability of most granites issuperior to that of most marbles, but theservice life of the marble is still impres-sively long. About 20 miles from where I live is a American/Luxembourgishcemetery where I helped a Europeanfriend of mine do research. We looked atnumerous headstones in marble that haveexisted from about the mid-19th century.The stones had surface deterioration, butwe were still able to read the inscriptions.Based on that experience alone, I wouldestimate that in my climate one couldexpect about two centuries of readabilityfrom some marble markers.

Travertine RefillQ: What should you use to repair fillerthat has come out of travertine tiles?

A: It could be either cementitious orresinous, and aesthetically, it is usuallypreferred to use the same material asoriginal. The cementitious may be easier touse, although the resinous may likely bemore resistant to erosion from maintenancepractices. Previously, polyester based resinwas used in calcareous stones, but currentlywe are seeing epoxy based resins usedalmost universally.

Q & A with Chuck MuehlbauerChuck Muehlbauer is the Technical Director for the Marble Institute of America.

4" Absolute Black granite countertop

California Gold slate floor


Granite. Marble. Limestone. Travertine. Slate.No man-made material can match the enduringbeauty, permanence, versatility and value ofGenuine Stone®. That’s why it’s the naturalchoice for all of your residential stone needs –a selection which assures that every project hasa uniqueness all its own.

With Genuine Stone®, there are no duplicates. Noone knows more about what Genuine Stone® cando in the kitchen and bath marketplace than themembers of the Marble Institute of America. MIAsets the industry standards for excellence in thefabrication and installation of natural stone. MIAmember firms are the most highly-skilled stonequarriers, fabricators and installers in the world.

For a directory of qualified stone contractors andconsumer resources, visit www.usenaturalstone.com.Learn about an array of MIA-produced materialsregarding the selection and care of your naturalstone projects.

Genuine Stone® and the Genuine Stone® sealare trademarks of the Natural Stone Council.

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C R E AT E Y O U R V I S I O N, A N D S E T I T I N S T O N E.Cover

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Minnetonka, MNStone Importer, Fabricator, and Installer: Twin City Tile & Marble CompanySt. Paul, MNStone Supplier: Italmarble PocaiContractor: Joe LawlerArchitect: Criteria Architects

Book-matched Calcutta Gold

Page 3

Project Name: Waterjet Detail & Inlaid Rug FloorWalker-ZangerSun Valley, CA

Page 6 & 7

Project Name: Signorelli Master BathCity: Port Chester, NYGeneral Contractor, Stone Fabricator, and Installer: Millennium Stone, Ltd.Port Chester, NYStone Supplier: ABC Stone Trading

Paonazetto marble from Italy.

Page 8

Project Name: Private residenceCity: Minnetonka, MNStone Importer, Fabricator, and Installer: Twin City Tile & Marble CompanySt. Paul, MNStone Supplier: Italmarble PocaiContractor: Joe LawlerArchitect: Criteria Architects

Book-matched Calcutta Gold

Page 9

Project Name: Grossman ResidenceCity: Boca Raton, FLStone Installer: Millennium Marble and TilePembroke, FLStone Supplier: US Granite

Juparana Mahogany countertop and backsplash.

Page 10

Project Name: Private ResidenceCity: Gulf Breeze, FLDesigner: Heather E. AdamsStone Installer: Natural Stone Design

Classic silver travertine tile. (background photo)Photo courtesy Harry N. Abrams Inc. – Stewart, Tabori & Chang publishers.

Rustic silver travertine. (veined stone)

Page 11

Project Name: Stone Steps

Walker-ZangerSun Valley, CA

Antiquated stone tile.

Page 12

Designer: Heather E. AdamsStone Supplier: Palatial Stone

Antiquated travertine in random pattern.

Page 13


Slate tile.

Page 14

Walker-Zanger

Honed marble floor in front of fireplace.

Page 15-17


Slate tile.

Page 18-20

Project Name: Private ResidenceStone Supplier, Fabricator, and Installer: Marblex Design International, Inc.Photo Credit: Mike Levy

Page 20 (small photos)

Stone Supplier, Fabricator, and Installer: Sturgis

Page 22-23


Page 24-25

Project Name: Private ResidenceCity: McLean, VAArchitect: SEI Design/BuildDesigner: SEI Design/BuildGeneral Contractor: SEI Design/BuildStone Supplier, Fabricator, and Installer: Marblex Design International, Inc.Photo Credit: Lydia Cutter Photography

2CM and 3CM Calcutta Caldia marble countertopsand full-height backsplash.

Page 26, 27, 29

Project Name: Private ResidenceArchitect: Stahl ArchitectsStone Supplier, Fabricator, and Installer: Dakota Stone Design, Fargo, ND

Page 26: 4" Absolute Black granite stairs

Page 27: Absolute Black granite fireplace

Page 29: Absolute Black granite countertop,California Gold slate floor

Page 30


Index of Photographs

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