How to Choose and Maintain Natural Stone for Your Home | American Stone Center

Choosing the best natural stone for your house is more than just a design decision—it’s an investment in durability, beauty, and long-term value. At American Stone Center, we provide premium selections of marble, travertine, granite, limestone, slate, and sandstone to help you create timeless spaces that last for generations.

Below is a complete guide on how to select, install, and maintain natural stone, ensuring your project stays beautiful and functional.

Step 1: Identify the Installation Area

Flooring (High-Traffic Areas): Durable stones like granite, travertine, or slate.
Kitchen Countertops: Scratch and stain resistance is crucial; granite and dolomite excel here.
Bathrooms: Slip-resistant and moisture-friendly stones like travertine and slate.
Outdoor Applications: Weather-resistant stones like travertine pavers, limestone, or sandstone.

Step 2: Compare Natural Stone Options

Stone Type	Durability	Maintenance	Best Use	Cost Range
Granite	High	Low	Countertops, floors	High
Marble	Medium	High	Low-traffic, decorative walls	High
Slate	High	Medium	Bathrooms, outdoor	Medium
Limestone	Medium	High	Low-traffic decorative	Medium
Travertine	Medium	Medium	Flooring, walls, showers	Medium
Sandstone	Medium	Medium	Indoor & outdoor rustic look	Medium-Low

Step 3: Aesthetic Preferences

Colors & Veins: From white Carrara marble to warm Noce travertine, natural stone offers endless options.
Finishes:
- Polished: Shiny, luxurious look.
- Honed: Matte, slip-resistant surface.
- Tumbled / Brushed: Rustic and natural textures, great for outdoors.

Step 4: Durability & Maintenance

Granite and dolomite = harder, more durable, low maintenance.
Marble and travertine = softer, more porous, require sealing.
Sealing & Cleaning: Use only pH-neutral cleaners and reseal surfaces every 6–12 months depending on traffic and usage.

Step 5: Safety & Functionality

Slip Resistance: For kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor pool areas—choose honed or textured finishes.
Heat Resistance: Granite and dolomite are best for kitchen countertops.

Step 6: Budget Considerations

Material Cost: Granite and marble often carry premium pricing, while slate and travertine offer value.
Installation Costs: Factor in professional installation, especially for marble and large-format tiles.

Step 7: Sustainability & Sourcing

At American Stone Center, we import directly from Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Brazil, and more, ensuring quality and sustainability. Local availability can reduce cost and environmental impact.

Step 8: Professional Guidance

Visit Showrooms: See color, texture, and finish in real light.
Consult Experts: Our team provides blueprint support, technical advice, and cut-to-size options.

Waste Factor & Ordering Guide

Always order 10–30% extra stone to account for:
- Cuts & trimming
- Breakage during installation
- Matching color variations
Example: For a 1,000 sq. ft. area → order 1,100–1,300 sq. ft. of stone.

Installation Tips for Marble & Travertine

Prepare the Subfloor: Must be clean, dry, and level.
Dry Layout: Arrange tiles before installation to plan cuts and color blending.
Use the Right Mortar: Always use thin-set mortar rated for natural stone. White mortar for light marbles.
Cut with a Wet Saw: Use a diamond blade for clean cuts.
Grout Carefully: Unsanded grout for marble, sanded grout for travertine (depending on finish).
Seal After Installation: Apply a penetrating stone sealer to prevent stains.

Maintenance Best Practices

Seal Regularly: Reseal every 6–12 months.
Use Gentle Cleaners: Only pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners. Avoid vinegar, bleach, or acids.
Protect Surfaces: Use mats, coasters, trivets, and felt pads under furniture.
Clean Spills Immediately: Especially acidic liquids like wine, citrus, or coffee.
Routine Care: Sweep, dust mop, or wipe with a microfiber cloth to prevent grit scratches.

Why Choose American Stone Center

Direct Importer Advantage: Best pricing with no middlemen.
Wide Selection: Marble, travertine, granite, limestone, slate, mosaics, and pavers.
Clearance Deals: Special discounts on overstock natural stone.
Expert Support: Blueprint management, estimates, and technical advice.

Helpful Tips