Material Consideration & Application

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The success of your project begins with selecting the right material for the right application and having the knowledge base to make the right decisions.

It is crucial to understand what qualities you need to look for in a material, that will make it appropriate for a specific application. It is also important to understand how your product will behave over time in the specific application. What product is appropriate for what application. What are the care and maintenance requirements for the specific product, and do those line with you maintenance tolerance.

This guide is designed to educate you about the various unique characteristic of the materials you are considering for your project, why are they important, and how determine the applications for this material.

We hope that armed with the proper knowledge our customers will come to understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of our materials, establish realistic expectations and minimize surprises.

Material Considerations

CRACKING

Cracking is a split in the surface of a slab or tile. All hard surfaces are prone to cracking, but steps can be taken to minimize the likelihood of cracking and to ensure the longevity of the installation. Cracks in flooring applications are typically due to material being installed on an uneven sub-floor, the sub-floor shifting after installation, or due to the material not being able to withstand the traffic conditions in the space. Cracks in countertop materials are rare but may occur if the material is installed on unleveled cabinets.

Helpful Tips

• Follow proper setting specification and installation guides. For setting specifications, adhere to the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation and the MIA Handbook for all other stone installations and their allowable tolerances. Refer to these trade manuals for information pertaining to anti-fracture membranes, etc.
• Make proper material selection for the specific application. Download the speck sheet for the specific product at marble-granites.com to educate yourself about what to expect from the specific material.

FACTORY REPAIRED CRACKS & FISSURES

Cracks and fissures are more the norm than exception in natural stone and when properly repaired do not detract from the beauty of the stone or affect the durability of the product. They appear as a thin line, that usually cannot be felt when touching the surface.

Helpful Tips

• Expect to see factory-repaired cracks and fissures in nearly any natural material. The quality of the repair is dependent upon the factory of origin, the fabricator of the stone and the installer.
• Do not use resin-filled material outside, as the resin will discolor over time. If materials must be filled for an exterior application, choose cement filled as an alternative.

FACTORY-FILLED HOLES

Sometimes you will see holes in the stone that appear to have been filled with putty or resin. Factories will often fill especially porous materials such as Travertine with resin or cement. Although less frequently, you may see filled holes in limestone, granite, onyx and quartzite. Exposure to UV rays in exterior applications will change the color of resin.

Helpful Tips

• Expect to see factory-filled holes in natural stone material, particularly travertine.
• The quality of the repair is dependent upon the factory of origin, the fabricator of the stone and the installer.
• If factory-fill is a concern, choose an unfilled material as an alternative.
• Do not use resin-filled material outside, as the resin will discolor over time. If materials must be filled for an exterior application, choose cement filled as an alternative.

ACID ETCHING

Marble, travertine, limestone and onyx will react to acidic foods (i.e. lemons, vinegar and tomatoes) and acidic liquids (i.e. some cleaners or acid rain). This reaction will result in a dulling in surface sheen and change in texture. Etching is not so visible in white stone but appears as a whitish spot on darker stone.

Helpful Tips

• If etching is a concern, select a material which is not sensitive to acid, such as quartzite.
• If etching is a concern, specify a light, honed surface which diminishes the visibility of acid etching.
• To remove an acid stain from a polished stone surface, use Fila Marble Restorer.
• Make proper material selection for the specific application. Download the speck sheet for the specific product at marble-granites.com to educate yourself about what to expect from the specific material.

SCRATCHING

Light scratching may occur over time with exposure to sand and other abrasives. The finish will patina or dull over time as a result of this scratching. The extent of scratching depends on the selected material’s abrasion resistance.

Helpful Tips

• Select the appropriate material for your project. For heavy traffic areas use materials with high abrasion resistance rating.
• If a material with a low abrasion resistance rating is used, use walk-off mats at entrances and expect the material to patina rapidly.
• Always use a cutting board for countertop applications.
• Slight surface scratches may be buffed with dry lowest grit (0000 grit) steel wool.
• Deeper scratches and nicks in the surface of the stone should be repaired and re-polished

STAINS

Wine, coffee, oil may stain the material if not wiped in time. Staining often occurs when the stone has high absorption rate and/or it has not been properly sealed. Staining is the residual effect of a spill that cannot be removed with dishwashing detergent.

Helpful Tips

• Select the proper material for your project. If you want to avoid staining, select material with low absorption rating.
• Always seal stone prior to use. Also, frequently reseal re-seal your stone after installation to maintain the surface barrier.
• To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Oil and highly pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain.
• For more detailed instructions on removing a stain, see our Care & Maintenance Guide.

WET SPOTS

Wet spots usually appear on more porous material but may appear on material of low and medium porosity ratings and could be an indication of material handling and installation issues.

Helpful Tips

• If your material was installed with a wet spot at time of installation, it may be an indication that water was trapped into the material during fabrication and has not evaporated yet. Installing wet material presents a problem if the surface is sealed and the water is trapped into the stone with no avenue to evaporate. It may take a very long time for that wet spot to dry.
• If a wet spot appears shortly after installation, this may be an indication that the surface was not properly sealed.
• If wet spots start appearing a year or more after the installation, this may be an indication that the surface needs to be re-sealed. Please refer to our Care & Maintenance Guide.
• A wet spot along a seam or a mitered edge may be an indication that the glue used is inappropriate for the absorption rating of the material, hence the glue leached into the stone.
• Highly absorbent materials may show wet spots regardless of the quality of sealing. Make sure to select the proper material for your project.

GROUT AND/OR GLUE LEACHING

Materials with moderate to high absorption ratings are prone to the pigment of the grout or glue leaching in from the edge of the stone. This creates either a wet spot of halo along the grout line.

Helpful Tips

• Always seal porous materials prior to grouting or use.
• Always use a grout or glue that is similar in color to the stone to avoid the halo or wet spot effect.
• Make sure you are using the appropriate glue/grout for the stone. Liquid glue should be avoided when gluing porous material

EFFLORESCENCE

A white or dark film appears on the surface of a material, generally found in exterior applications or wet areas. Materials that are exposed to moisture may, over time, develop a white or dark film on the surface. Efflorescence in natural stone is caused by water carrying mineral salts from below the surface of the stone rising to the exposed face. In porcelain tile efflorescence appears on the surface of grout joints or unglazed tiles and is caused by moisture reacting with impurities in the mortar.

Helpful Tips

• Select a material that is suitable for wet areas
• For natural stone, if the installation is new, dust mop or vacuum the powder. You may have to do this several times. Do not use water to remove the powder; it will only temporarily disappear. If the problem persists, contact your installer to help identify and remove the cause of the moisture.

VARIATION

Materials vary in appearance from original sample and from piece to piece upon installation. As with any natural material, no two pieces of natural stone will be exactly alike. Color, as well as percentage, size and shape of markings, will always vary. Variation is not a material flaw.

• It is imperative that the end user understand the range for any given material, particularly natural stone.
• Prior to placing an order, ask your MGSI representative for approximate sample range for tiles, and make sure to for approximate range samples, where a box of tiles is laid next to each other and give a better idea of the color and veining typically found in the material.
• Make sure to visit our warehouse and select the specific slabs you would like to use in your project. Naturals stone slabs may vary from one to the next.
• Prior to tile installation, and particularly with materials that feature a wide range of variation, we recommend that the tile installer should lay out stone and blending the variations from different crates.

Taking into consideration all the material inherent qualities and variation will help you make an informed decision about your selection.

Application Guide

KITCHEN COUNTERTOP APPLICATION

Kitchen countertop applications refer to all areas where food is prepared and served, such as kitchen countertops, bar tops, dining tables.

Abrasion Resistance

Scratch marks and abrasions will appear on most materials, but some are more prone to scratching over others. Some materials will keep their pristine look with minimal maintenance, while others will patina over time.

Considering that kitchen countertops are exposed to utensils, pots and other abrasive materials it is very important to select material with high abrasion resistance rate. Materials with low abrasion resistance rating, such as marble, onyx, limestone, travertine and soapstone will patina or dull over time as a result of this scratching.

Always use a cutting board for countertop applications.

Absorption

Kitchen countertops are exposed to liquids, such as water, wine, oil, coffee etc. Selecting a material with a high absorption rating will reduce staining and required maintenance.

Materials with a minimal absorption rating such as quartz (i.e. Techno Quartz) or porcelain slabs (i.e. Laminam, Technogress ) are virtually non-porous. No sealer is required, they are less likely to stain, and they are typically easier to maintain. Materials with low absorption rating, such as granite, soapstone and some quartzite are resistant to staining, but not impervious. They should be sealed for better performance. Materials with a moderate absorption rating, such as dolomite and some quartzite are somewhat resistant to staining but may stain over time. If you must use a marble for kitchen tops, dolomite will be the preferred choice. Materials with highly absorbent rating, such as marble, limestone, onyx, travertine and sandstone are prone to staining.

All natural stone should be sealed after installation.

Acid Sensitivity

Acidic foods or liquids such as lemon, vinegar, tomatoes etc. will acid etch materials that contain calcium or magnesium carbonate. Materials rated with low acid sensitivity are least prone to etch when exposed to acid. Materials rated as Materials with medium sensitivity will patina over time and have higher maintenance requirements. Materials highly sensitive should not be used on kitchen countertop applications.

WET AREAS APPLICATION

Wet areas refer to tub enclosures, showers, bathroom floors and interior swimming pools. Things you should consider:

Absorption

Materials with a minimal absorption rating, such as porcelain sabs (i.e. Laminam and Technogress and some quartz) are virtually non-porous. No sealer is required, they are less likely to stain, and they are typically easier to maintain. Materials with a low absorbent rating such as granite, soapstone and some quartzite are resistant to staining due to low porosity, but not impervious. Materials with medium absorption rating will stain over time and will require higher maintenance. Materials with highly absorbent rating are prone to staining.

Always seal natural stone after installation.

Acid Sensitivity

Acidic cleaners and other acid pollutants will etch materials that contain calcium or magnesium carbonate (i.e. marble, onyx, limestone and travertine). Materials rated with medium or high sensitivity to acid will patina more rapidly than materials rated as minimally sensitive.

COMMERCIAL FLOORING APPLICATION

Commercial flooring applications include shopping malls, retail spaces including all corporate, retail, hospital, healthcare, transportation, etc. Careful consideration is required to select material that will weather the high traffic associated with all commercial spaces.

Abrasion Resistance

Materials rated with a high abrasion resistance rating will be less likely to scratch and will endure better to heavy traffic over time. Materials with a low abrasion resistance rating, such as marble, limestone, onyx, slate, etc. will scratch with exposure to sand and other abrasives are more appropriate for light commercial or residential applications. The finish will patina or dull over time as a result of this scratching.

Natural stones rated for heavy commercial traffic will patina but have a history of wearing well over time. These materials typically require less care and maintenance.

Absorption

Minimally absorbent materials, such as high-quality porcelain tiles and slabs are virtually non-porous. No sealer is required, they are less likely to stain, and they are typically easier to maintain. Materials with a low absorption rating are resistant to staining due to low porosity, but not impervious. Materials with medium and low absorption rating are prone to staining.

Acid Sensitivity

Acidic cleaners and other acid pollutants will etch materials that contain calcium or magnesium carbonate, such as marble, limestone, onyx and travertine. Materials rated with medium or high acid sensitivity will patina more rapidly than materials rated with low sensitivity.

EXTERIOR APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS

Exterior applications are exterior cladding, exterior flooring, exterior pavers. Things to consider in exterior applications:

Abrasion Resistance

Materials rated with a high abrasion resistance rating will be less likely to scratch and will endure heavy traffic better, over time. Materials with a low abrasion resistance rating, such as marble, limestone, slate, etc. will scratch with exposure to sand and other abrasives are more appropriate for light commercial or residential applications. The finish will patina or dull over time as a result of this scratching.

Natural stones rated for heavy commercial traffic will patina but have a history of wearing well over time. These materials typically require less care and maintenance.

Absorption

Materials with either very high or very low absorption will perform better in exterior applications. For materials rated as highly absorbent, water will evaporate more easily, so the material will be less likely to be impacted by freeze-thaw cycles. For highly absorbent materials use materials use a granite base to prevent wicking at grade. Minimally absorbent materials will simply remain impermeable to water and its effects.

Acid Sensitivity

Acid rain and other acid pollutants will etch materials that contain calcium or magnesium carbonate (i.e. marble, limestone and travertine). Materials rated as medium to high sensitivity to acid will patina more rapidly, although ultimately all materials used in exterior applications will patina.

Freeze / Thaw Factor

Materials rated as suitable for exterior applications have minimal cracking or spalling in the freeze-thaw cycles. Engineered stone should not be used for exterior applications.

If you are still uncertain, let our knowledgeable staff help you. Contact Us

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