In what seems to be a genuine concern of the effects of radon emissions in residential homes. A certain Webster from a non-profit organization out of Houston has made it a point to imply without scientific proof, that natural stone could be a major contributor of radon in a household.
The allusion that seems to be made, that natural stone installed in your home is dangerous to your health is raised repeatedly on the Webster and in a recent local Houston TV news program.
It’s interesting to note that the two major contributors of this non-profit organization are manufacturers of engineered stone. One of those contributing manufacturers has a marketing executive on the board of directors of this particular organization.

From what may be perceived on the surface as perhaps another “going green” ad campaign, seems to be a different slant on the ongoing battle of the engineered stone manufacturers against natural stone.
Keep in mind that granite as does most natural components found in building material, allows vapors to pass through them that might contain trace amounts of radon. There are very small amounts of uranium found in trace minerals such as biotite in some natural stones. When quarried if a large cluster of biotite is exposed the result initially would be a radon reading. However, once a piece of granite or natural stone exposed to a large amount of uranium rich mineral in the ground is removed from the source and exposed to the air, the radon vapor transmission would weaken drastically and then dissipate. Simply put, think of natural stone as a very dense sponge that allows water, air and yes radon to pass through the stone. Once the stone is removed from the source of radon (the earth) the stone has no radon to filter through it.
We do endorse Radon testing but to allude that natural stone is a main contributor seems ludicrous.
Here are some facts about Radon:
WHERE DOES RADON COME FROM?
“Radon comes from the natural radioactive decay of radium and uranium found in the soil beneath the house. The amount of radon in the soil depends on complex soil chemistry, which varies from one house to the next. Radon levels in the soil range from a few hundred to several thousands of pCi/L. The amount of radon that escapes from the soil to enter the house depends on the weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, and the suction within the house”.
HOW DOES RADON GET INTO THE HOUSE?
“Houses act like large chimneys. As the air in the house warms, it rises to leak out the attic openings and around the upper floor windows. This creates a small suction at the lowest level of the house, pulling the radon out of the soil and into the house.( Just as natural stone filters radon emission as mentioned before.) You can test this on a cold day by opening a top floor window an inch. You will notice warm air from the house rushing out that opening; yet, if you open a basement window an inch, you will feel the cold outside air rushing in. This suction is what pulls the radon out of the soil and into the house. You might think caulking the cracks and the openings in the basement floor will stop the radon from entering the house. However, scientific studies show, it only takes enough unsealed cracks or pin holes in the caulking to equal a hole 1/2" in diameter to let all the radon in. It is unlikely that caulking the accessible cracks and joints will permanently seal the openings radon needs to enter the house. The radon levels will still likely remain unchanged.
Fortunately, there are other extremely effective means of keeping radon out of your home. Throughout the country, several million people have already tested for radon. Some houses tested as high as 2,000-3,000 pCi/L; yet, there hasn’t been one house that could not mitigate to an acceptable level. The difference in reference to natural stone is that one the stone slab is removed from the source and exposed to the atmosphere the radon is vented in the same way ventilation of a house mitigates the radon emissions in the soil.
Levels of radiation from granite products, which technically are measurable, are in fact, small fractional values of established thresholds for environmental safety. The truth of the matter is that granite is a safe product. It’s been used for thousands of years and the relationship between granite and radon has been studied for years and years. How safe is granite? There have been mathematical models developed that show that one could live in an all-granite home or building, including sleeping on granite, for an entire year and still be within very safe levels of exposure.
Calculations show that, if an average countertop, traps an average uranium concentration of four ppm (parts per million), the concentration of radon that is given off by the countertop into the household air would be 270,000 times less than the level of radon in the outside air. The maximum contact level that you would receive over one year if you were to sit on a countertop all of the time would be about one quarter of the annual radiation from all sources. If you were just a few inches away from the granite (such as when doing the dishes), the dose would be too low to measure.
To Quote Donald Langmuir, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, & President, Hydrochem Systems Corp.
”To show how laughable are the concerns of radon emitted from natural stone, the typical granite countertop in our example will release 7.4 x 10 -7 pCi/L of air. This corresponds to 2.7 x 10 -8 atom decays per second (dps). This represents 0.85 decays per year. In other words, less than one atom of radon is produced by the countertop in one year. This is hardly worth getting excited about. I would suggest that a good way to reduce our exposure to the radon present in outdoor air would be to build an air-tight house out of granite countertops! There are certain properties of rocks that can increase their radon emanation efficiency, or in other words increase the release of radon from a given weight of rock. These are rock properties that maximize the exposure of internal or external rock surfaces to water or air, allowing any radon gas to escape. The author of ‘Granite and Radon’ argues that such properties, which include rock porosity, fissuring and mylonitization, will increase radon releases. This is probably true, however, a granite with such properties would be too brittle to make into a countertop, and too open to take a polish, and so would not be marketable as a countertop - unless the rock pores were first filled with a chemical sealant. Such sealing would also eliminate any possible radon release problems.”
In a more recent study that was conducted by L. L. Chyi, a Ph.D. and professor of Geochemistry and Environmental Geology at The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio. Dr. Chyi studied 13 of the most popular granites used throughout the United States as determined by an industry-wide survey. Due to their popularity these 13 granites, are believed to represent up to 85% of the granite countertop market in recent years. The granite types are as follows:
1. New Venetian Gold, Brazil; medium grained, yellow-beige gneiss with many dark red garnets
2. Uba Tuba, Brazil; A medium- to coarse grained, olive-green granite
3. Santa Cecilia, Brazil; A coarse-grained, yellow-grey gneiss with up to pie-sized, red garnets
4. Tropic Brown, Saudi Arabia; medium-grained, brown granite
5. Absolute Black, India; black basalt
6. Tan Brown, India; A black-brown igneous rock with big, shapeless, brown-red feldspar crystals
7. Giallo Ornamental, Brazil; coarse-grained, brown-yellow granulite with some brown-red garnets
8. Crema Bordeaux, Brazil; Juparana Crema Bordeaux (Brunello). A coarse- to very coarse-grained, pink to red granite with areas of quartz, alkali feldspar and quite a lot of ore
9. Baltic Brown, Finland; brown-black granite
10. Giallo Veneziano, Brazil; medium- to coarse-grained, ochre-yellow to golden-brown, also light pink, gneiss
11. Dakota Mahogany, USA; medium- to coarse-grained, brown-red granite
12. China Black, China, a fine-grained plutonic rock
13. Yellow Star, China, a medium-grained yellow to pink granite
The testing methodology was designed to measure the amount of radon which each granite type would add to the interior of a 2,000 square foot, normally ventilated home with 8 ft ceilings. The results show that Crema Bordeaux (the most active in terms of radon emissions) would contribute a concentration component of less than 0.28 pCi/L, or less than 7% of the EPA’s recommended actionable level of 4.0 pCi/L. This radon amount is well below a level which might cause health concerns. Tropic Brown and Baltic Brown, second and third in radon emanation based upon Dr. Chyi’s testing, amounted to only 1% of this action level. The other granites tested added almost immeasurable amounts of radon to the house. Radon atoms in pore spaces and fractures are of minimal concern in the case of granite countertops
Dr. Chyi’s test results show that the granites that are currently found in the United States’ market place are insignificant contributors to radon levels in the home. “Based on the testing results and EPA standards, we can conclude that the most popular granites used as countertop surfaces pose no health threat to homeowners. If proper resealing is applied once a year or at other frequencies determined by the industry, the radon emanation can be further reduced”.
Daniel J. Steck, Ph.D. also ran a test on interior radon and granite, and this is what he had to say.
“The average radionuclide contents of your building material samples are similar to other average granite samples and other common earth-derived building materials such as brick and soil. Thus, the amount of gamma radiation emitted from similar masses of these building materials will be approximately the same;
There is little sample-to-sample variation in the radon family radionuclide concentrations; the radon flux is somewhat larger for the counter-top squares than for the smaller samples. This indicates that the effective diffusion length is only on the order of the thickness of the counter-top samples, i.e. several centimeters. Thus, material thicker than 5 cm (2") most likely will not emit more than the counter-top samples.
While we feel that health safety is a great concern especially in our homes, for an industry to attempt to gain financially by “scare tactics” or under the auspices of “Eco friendly” is reprehensible. We urge the consumer to not be taken in by these alarmist tactics.

Radon In Granite Causes Cancer | Newsflash2

 
Granite Countertops Have Become Popular
A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colors of granite, from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen color scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years. Some of the granite colors exhibit ‘movement’ or a design within the natural color. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly the same.
While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs that are nearly invisible.

Cost & Maintenance
Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials, with prices starting at $60 a square foot installed. The majority of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting, transportation, polishing and installations. It is not recommended that the do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters, and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular use.
When a homeowner desires the utility of granite countertops, but is unable or unwilling to pay a premium, discounted granite for countertops may be a good option. Retailers maintain groupings or tiers of stone based on popularity of color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent characteristics granite is known for, but the shade of a color may vary according to current fashion trends.

Granite Lasts a Lifetime
Granite countertops will continue to remain a favorite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure to last a lifetime.

Granite Countertops - Natural Stone Restoration Alliance

Is your countertop surface damaged or showing its age? Don’t replace it – repair it! We have restored countertops, sinks, tub surrounds, service bars, and many other surfaces damaged by:
• Cracks
• Chips
• Stains
• Scratches
• Dullness from long term wear.

WHY Choose A NSRA Member?
We understand that your kitchen, bath and work surfaces represent a significant investment in your home or business. We know that you want the repairs to be made quickly and professionally with minimal disruption and mess.

• Specially Trained Techs
Our members specialize in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces, including Granite, Natural Marble, Travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world. The natural stone restoration specialists of the NSRA are highly trained and experienced.

• State-of-the-Art Equipment
NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques, the use state-of-the-art tools and use the finest materials for repairs.

• Timely Response
We will follow up on your service requests within 24 hours, provide you with realistic estimates and schedules, and make every effort to work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.

When you choose NSRA member you can be confident that the technicians will be neat, courteous, professional, and fully qualified to do the job. It is our mission for you to be delighted with our work and our service. We strive to ensure that you are so satisfied with our restoration work that you will recommend us to others for their natural stone repairs.

We also offer scheduled maintenance programs that keep your Natural stone surfaces looking like new.

Columbus Ohio Countertop Repair - Columbus Ohio Countertop Repair

Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keeps them a favorite for homeowners who are looking into the future. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in upscale homes, as they retain their value better than most other improvements.
Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. Granite is found all over the world. As a preferred material, granite was used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes. Stone suppliers didn’t begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.

Granite makes an excellent medium for countertops, as it is the most durable of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops makes it a favorite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling doughs and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complement any tone of wood or style of cabinetry, from French country to sleek modern styles. Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room.

Granite Countertops Have Become Popular
A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colors of granite, from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen color scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years. Some of the granite colors exhibit ‘movement’ or a design within the natural color. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly the same.
While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs that are nearly invisible.
Cost & Maintenance
Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials, with prices starting at $60 a square foot installed. The majority of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting, transportation, polishing and installations. It is not recommended that the do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters, and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular use.

When a homeowner desires the utility of granite countertops, but is unable or unwilling to pay a premium, discounted granite for countertops may be a good option. Retailers maintain groupings or tiers of stone based on popularity of color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent characteristics granite is known for, but the shade of a color may vary according to current fashion trends.

Granite Lasts a Lifetime

Granite countertops will continue to remain a favorite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure to last a lifetime.

Granite is believed to be second only to diamonds in its hardness. Kitchen granite countertops are becoming increasingly popular because of this unbeatable toughness. Granite is a durable stone that requires little maintenance and can be highly polished or finished in a variety of ways.

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.

Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth’s upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.

Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with water.

Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples

There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.

To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen and it is one of the best ways to stay green.

We would like to introduce The Opps Factor Plan; finally a plan offered by stone restoration specialists that can accommodate a customers needs. No more struggling to find a stone restoration service in the area. The peace of mind knowing that if the client has an issue, accident or just a basic maintenance plan to protect their investment. Our job is to restore natural stone. We are independent of the fabricators and installers. Our services specialize in post installation issues that might occur therefore representing a third party with the client. This relieves the designer, contractor, installer, and fabricator of any post installation issues as well as offering a unique customization plan for the client’s stone surface. The designer is able to offer a fully comprehensive plan to the client in order to enhance the sale. no more dealing withe that customer that ordered a hone finish and now claiming they order a polish finish. 

Our members specialize in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces, including Granite, Natural Marble, Travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world. The natural stone restoration specialists of the NSRA are highly trained and experienced. All work done by NSRA members is guaranteed.

NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques, the use state-of-the-art tools and use the finest materials for repairs.

We will follow up on service requests within 24 hours, provide a realistic estimate and schedule and make every effort to work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.

Our plan offers a percentage incentive to the designer for the presentation of the service. We provide all promotion materials as well as online or phone contact.

NSRA One Year Residential Natural Stone Protection Plan

Level One

A basic protection plan that covers the sealing of stone surface. This allows client unlimited service for sealing the stone along with one professional cleaning and evaluation of the stone.

Level Two

An enhanced plan that covers Level One as well as repairs of chips, scratches, etches and normal wear and tear. The plan also covers stain removal. The plan has certain restrictions relating to settling, intentional neglect or abuse or seam failure.

Level Three

Covers both Levels One and Two. This plan also includes customizing seams to make the seams less noticeable to match the surface as well as altering the surface ie: honed, polishing, satin, antiquing to the clients wishes. This plan covers all issues with the stone surface: settling, structural settling, seam failure, natural characteristics of the stone such as fissures water lines and color manipulations with the exception of intentional physical abuse or cracking the stone due to excessive weight.

These plans cost as little as $250 a year. To learn more abut these plans, contact your nearest stone suppler or log on to www.nsraweb.com to find your nearest participating NSRA member.

Natural Stone Protection Plan | Newsflash

MAKE YOUR NATURAL STONE SURFACES LOOK AS GREAT AS INTENDED ONE THE DAY OF INSTALLATION.
Is your natural stone surface damaged or showing its age? Don’t replace it – repair it! For nearly a decade we have restored countertops, sinks, tub surrounds, service bars, and many other surfaces damaged by:
• Cracks / Breaks
• Chips / Holes
• Stains / Discolorations
• Gouges / Scratches
• Dullness from long term wear. WHY Choose A NSRA Member?
We understand that your kitchen, bath and work surfaces represent a significant investment in your home or business. We know that you want the repairs to be made quickly and professionally with minimal disruption or mess.
• Specially Trained Tech’s
Our members specialize in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces, including Granite, Marble, Travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world. The natural stone restoration specialists of the NSRA are highly trained and experienced. All work done by NSRA members is guaranteed.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment
NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques, the use state-of-the-art tools and use the finest materials for repairs.
• Timely Response
We will follow up on your service requests within 72 hours, provide you with realistic estimates and schedules, and make every effort to work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.
When you choose NSRA members you can be confident that the technicians will be neat, courteous, professional, and fully qualified to do the job with the full support of the natural stone community. It is our mission to provide quality natural stone care, restoration and maintenance through a network of qualified natural stone professionals. We strive to ensure that you are so satisfied with our restoration work that you will recommend us to others for their natural stone repairs.
We also offer scheduled maintenance programs that keep your Natural stone surfaces looking like new.

For more information

please visit www.nsraweb.com

WHY Choose A NSRA Member For Your Project | Story

Rules:
*Owner must be an active participant of the forum to submit their site
*User must have 10 are more post to submit their site
*Each user can submit only 1 site per month
*The submitter must own are work for the owner of the website
*All site must promote the use of natural stone over all other surfaces

How Will It Work
On the 1st of each month we’ll create a thread that users can submit their Site for the SOTM Poll. This will be open for 3 Days
Next, the Nsra core members will choose the top 3 to 5 sites and create a Poll where users can vote on the BOTM.
SOTM winners will receive a link on 12,000 pages
You will get a thumbnail of your site, a short description of your site with a link to it on almost all of the pages of the nsraweb.com
You will have a spot on the
NSRA blog network that presently consists of 20 blogs
NSRA Link Directory
You will also receive a little button that you can place on your site that shows the month and year that you won over your fellow tradesman.

Can you imagine, 12-20,000 new back links in one month!!

NSRA website of the Month (SOTM) - Natural Stone Restoration Alliance

Stone counters are elegant and durable when installed and cared for properly.

Stone Properties
When it comes to selecting countertops, stones with similar looks and characteristics are often combined into one class, even though they may actually be different stone types. The most common stone types for kitchen countertops are marble, slate, soapstone, limestone, travertine, and some sandstones. Slabs are cut into two-foot wide strips and then further custom fabricated.
A stone’s strengths and vulnerabilities depend on its hardness or resistance to abrasion and scratching. Stones are composed of deposits that affect their overall strength. Granite—composed of quartz and feldspars—is resistant to scratches and resistant to many chemicals. Marble—any crystallized carbonate rock—is softer and more chemically sensitive, so it will show wear sooner than granite. Marble can be etched by acids and stained by oils, but is restored more easily than granite.
Stones like marble that are limestone-based are more susceptible to acid attacks than silicate-based stones like slate, soapstone, or granite. Stone counters are susceptible to stains, scratching, and breaking, but are easy-to-clean and resistant to bacteria growth. Stone countertops are cleaned with hot water, not detergent because it can leave a cloudy residue. Granite tops may be wiped with vinegar.
Preventing Countertop Damage
Understanding a stone countertop’s vulnerabilities and care requirements will ensure a comfortable and long-lasting fit in your home.
Staining
Most, but not all, stone countertops come sealed with a substance that impregnates the material to protect against stains. If a sealer or impregnator is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Stone countertops that are sealed usually require re-application every five years, and sometimes as often as every two years depending on the product used.
"The biggest issue on any contaminant is dwell time," says Chuck Muehlbauer, technical director for the Marble Institute of America, in Westlake, Ohio. If you choose a stone countertop, you will have to protect it—as you would most other types of countertops—from staining foods by cleaning up immediately after use or a spill. Acids from tomatoes or lemon juice are noted for staining if not wiped up promptly.
Scratches
Guard against scrapes from pans or knives on marble or other non-granite stone surfaces by using placemats under china, ceramics, silver, and abrasive objects that can scratch the surface.
Cracking
Stone—even granite—can crack from a strong, localized heat source such as hot pans or dishes, so it’s important to use trivets or hot mats underneath.
Repairing Stone Counters
Counters can be polished to eliminate stains or scratches. Small cracks or chips may require resin injection and polishing, a job best left to professional restorers. Pitting is common with granite and most polished igneous rocks so you must be prepared for how the stone will age. Fissures also occur naturally in many stone types. This visible separation differs from a crack in that it is a naturally occurring feature in the stone and one that contributes to its character.
If your stone surface cracks, the entire countertop will need to be replaced. However, certain repairs are possible if the damage is not in a structurally significant area.
Costs and Installation
Once a stone is cut into strips, the fabricator uses basic measurements of your countertop to finish edges and plan for sink and cooktop cutouts. Stone countertops range from $30 to $100 per square foot installed. The type of stone, thickness, and number of cutouts impacts the cost. Almost all stone countertops come in either 20mm or 30mm thickness, roughly 3⁄4 and 11⁄4 inches. Dozens of edge profiles are available.
A very experienced handyman could install a stone countertop, but it’s not recommended by stone experts. A fabricated countertop often arrives in sections that must be seamed. Separate stone backslashes, corners, and extra long sections require seaming. Multiple sections will not affect performance but will impact installation and total cost.
During installation, cabinets must be permanently affixed. Fragile stone varieties or those with excessive fissuring or unsound veins may require a full subtop to support the stone. If an undermount sink has been chosen, a special support rail for the cabinet frame is suggested. Stone sections are set on adhesive beads on the cabinet. Polyester adhesive, which cures to a hard shiny state, is the most common material used to seal the seams, which are about 1/16th of an inch. The whole installation process typically takes a half day.
Countertop Choices

A counter is as resistant as the stone it’s made from. Use the list below to study the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular stone countertop varieties:
Granites: Resistant to abrasions and scratches. Resistant to most chemicals but may be vulnerable to some acids. Can be porous and stained by oils.
Marbles, serpentines and onyxes: Known for their aesthetic appeal. Vulnerable to scratches, abrasions, and chemical attack. Stained by oils and other liquids.
Soapstone’s: Easily scratched. Unaffected by acids but darkened by oils. Stains can be scrubbed out.
Limestones and travertine’s: Vulnerable to acids and abrasions. Many varieties have high absorption rates.
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Source: bobvila.com

See what the real pros have to say about this topic.

Stone Countertops - Natural Stone Restoration Alliance

When asked, what is the best part of your job, he said “One of my favorite parts of the job is when the customer returns and has a hard time finding the seam that was so apparent before the work was done” Steve concludes. “For us in the stone restoration trade this is a form of art.”

To learn more, visit Steve at http://countertop-repair.com