Understanding Natural Stone
March 6th, 2010ORIGIN OF NATURAL STONE
Natural Stone is a creation of nature. Like so many natural formations, every piece is unique and matchless. Within each piece of stone also lies the history of one particular place on our planet. Today’s limestone floor, for instance, was once a mass of tiny sea creatures, then an ancient seabed and after millions of years of uplift, a mountainside where the limestone comes from.
Originally, your natural stone comes from a mountainside cut into huge 50,000-pound blocks of stone. The blocks were then sliced into slabs which were refined to give its natural colors a mirror like depth and the smooth surface is left slightly rough to enhance its rich texture. The luster, hardness, colors and variations are all indications of the stone’s mineral composition and origin. This unique blend of characteristics is what makes your natural stone one-of-a-kind, a beautiful practical surface for your home.
STONE IS ABSORBENT
Although we usually think of stone as “hard,” it is a porous material. Natural stone have varying degrees of porosity depending on the type of stone. If left unsealed, spills and everyday messes can easily penetrate the surface. The liquid eventually evaporates but the stain will be visible. Highly acidic substances, such as orange juice, coffee and wine, will also etch acid sensitive stones including most granite, slate and sandstone.
BENEFITS OF PROTECTING STONE
The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing time to wipe the spill away. Fluorochemical technology is the most advanced technology available, providing the ultimate shield against water and oil based stains. The micro-molecular formula actually bonds with the stones surface to deliver unsurpassed wear resistance and durability and because the sealer reacts with the stone, you no longer have to worry about its porosity. It works on all types of stone, from ultra-porous Juparana Columbo to super dense Absolute Black. There are also sealers available with antimicrobial product protection. They not only protect the surface from stains, but also help to resist the growth of mold and mildew on the dried sealer.
STONE NEEDS SPECIALTY CLEANERS
Like any other surface in your home, it is important to clean your natural stone to help maintain its natural beauty. However, natural stone requires cleaning products specifically designed for the stone’s unique mineral composition. Most general-purpose cleaners will etch or damage the stone and/or degrade the sealer, therefore removing protective properties and the stone will be more easily susceptible to stains. Any cleaning products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may etch the stone. Scouring powders and abrasives will scratch the surface.
PROPER CLEANING
Maintenance cleaning with pH-balanced, neutral cleaner will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind. It also helps keep your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil to minimize wear patterns from everyday use on some softer stones. Specially designed cleaners for stone will never break down the protective sealer. In fact, some cleaners contain protective properties, which reinforce the sealer and prolong stain resistance. For heavier cleaning jobs, using cleaners formulated for stone will effectively remove tough grime and messes yet be gentle on the surface. For optimum protection, we recommend you seal your surface every 3-5 years with a Heavy Duty Stone Sealer.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION
Additional products and information for the care of your stone available at:
www.stonetechpro.com or 1.888.STONEHELP
We will gladly answer any additional questions you have about the care and maintenance of your stone.
For your convenience, please inquire about our Natural Stone Maintenance Program.
LET US DO THE DIRTY WORK FOR YOU!
In Their Words 1
March 2nd, 2010Guided Tour of the Fabrication & Installation Process
February 26th, 2010
Hard Surface Finish
As your Contractor, our fabrication process is second to none. We will assist you every step of the way from the preparation of your project through the final installation of your natural stone masterpiece to the follow-up appointment to ensure your satisfaction.
Consultation
Getting a Quote is easier than ever. Our Project Managers are here to help! We will set up an appointment to take measurements of your project, as well as discuss your design ideas. To get a quote even faster, simply fax or email your drawings or design ideas to us and we will include labor and a materials estimate in your quote.
Stone Selection
One of the most important steps in the process is your stone selection. We work with a number of local distributors to meet your specific needs. Granite, marble, limestone and onyx slabs are all unique; the luster, hardness, colors and variations in each piece of stone are what make the stone unique. We suggest you preview your stone selection due to the possible variation between sample pieces and each individual slab. Your chosen distributor will be happy to hold your selection, at no cost to you, if you let them know Kitchen Mart Inc. will be fabricating your stone.
Template
Once contracted, we will make an accurate template of the areas receiving stone. Each project is unique and the template process for each project is a little different. Your Project Manager will discuss with you the best scenario for templating your project.
Once your stone has been inspected by our fabrication shop, we will invite you to our shop to participate in the layout of the template upon each individual slab, if you choose
Fabrication
Our typical timeframe for installation is 7-10 days from the template date. Each piece of stone will be cut, fabricated, and polished to the exact dimensions taken from the templates of your project; some of which is done by machine and some by hand. We understand every project is unique and has specific needs. Our stone fabrication shop is proud to take the necessary steps to achieve a perfect natural stone masterpiece. The Shop Foreman and your Project Manager then inspect the finished pieces.
Installation
Once your stone is cut, fabricated and polished our installation crews will ensure that each piece is a perfect fit. Some on site cutting and fabricating may be necessary, but most, routine installations can be completed in one day. Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance and your final inspection and approval is appreciated.
Warranty
Every project completed by Kitchen Mart Inc. includes a one-year warranty on work. All our work is in accordance with Ceramic Tile Institute standards. We will repair and replace any defect in workmanship and/or materials that does not meet these standards, at no cost to you. You also have the ability to extend your warranty through our exclusive Maintenance Program.
Why Trust Kitchen Mart
February 22nd, 2010Kitchen Mart – your most trusted kitchen and bath remodeling company since 1976. We offer you complete kitchen and bath remodeling, KraftMaid cabinetry, custom cabinetry, cabinetry refacing and a full line of countertops to include: granite, tile, Corian, Zodiaq and Caesarstone.
This video shows the facilities, services, examples and real customer testimonials.
Video Tour of Our Design Showroom
February 11th, 2010Discover new looks for your home at Kitchen Mart in Sacramento, California. In business since 1976, we stock a showroom filled inspirational designs and staff a team of experienced installers. We specialize in resurfacing and remodeling cabinetry, saving your cabinets and saving you money! Financing is available.
Video presented by Yellowpages.com
Holiday Special – Save up to 20%
December 5th, 2009
Introducing the lowest prices in 10 years on Kitchens, Baths and Countertops. For a limited time only we are offering you HUGE savings…up to 20% OFF. Imagine having your new kitchen or bath for the Holidays. We’re serious about earning your trust and your business.
How serious? We’ll beat any competitors written price by 5%.
Your job needs to be signed and measured by 12/31/09.
Call Today for Your FREE Consultation
(916) 362-7080

















