Granite Countertops - The Portal for Slabs, Installers, Fabricators, Distributors, Suppliers, and 1,000 Granite Colors.


Over 20,000 Hits a day
Let Buyers Find You!

The #1 Online Granite Directory of Installers, Suppliers, Accessories and
Granite Colors Photos


  • Easy searching of Granite Colors, Countertops, Installers and Suppliers.
  • See over 1,000 granite colors and find granite countertop help!
  • A Worldwide Granite Network
  • Get listed on GraniteStock Network For $19.95/month
Granite, Natural Stone and Travertine Switch Plates.
Buy - Sell - Trade
Remnants - Tools - Equipment
 

Have a technical or design question about granite? Want to help others?
Visit the Q&A Forum

Latest Post from the 'Rock Blog' (TomCordova.com)

Natural Stone Resources and Travertine For Floors

Tom,

I am a commercial interior designer. I think we need a reference book. Is there a book or publication that succinctly provides information on the advantages and disadvantages of each type of stone - plus it's correct installation method (grout line size, type of grout, sealing, maintenance etc.

Regarding Travertine - what are the disadvantages to using travertine (on the floor in a residence hall lounge - to be precise...) Thank you for your help.

Linda Kress, ASID

Hi Linda,

The Marble Institute of America has all the information guidelines that you needed. Check their bookstore and consumer resources pages.

Regarding travertine on floors, it is widely used but there are some important considerations. For example, if the travertine is not properly filled, then high heel shoes can literally pop the fill right through the travertine, thus leaving pits randomly throughout the floor. To avoid this, you should specify "travertine which has minimal fill and all holes are adequate filled to avoid damage from foot traffic".

Joints are important. The tightest reasonable joint should be 1/8". However, if your tiles are quite large, then 3/16" is reasonable as well. Grout at this width should be non-sanded and filled flush to surface. Grout and thinset should have a dry-polymer additive to increase strength. There are brands like Merkrete or Laticrete that are well known of strength and quality.

Best wishes!


Latest Granite Articles:

The Homeowner’s Checklist

The Hand Selection Process of Granite Slabs
Perhaps the most important step in meeting the expectations for kitchen countertops is ‘hand selection of granite slabs’...
          ( Continue Reading about this topic...)

Outdoor Considerations

The most important issue you need to know about using granite outdoors
          (Continue Reading...)

1 ¼ (3cm) vs ¾ (2cm) Thick

When should I use 1 ¼” thick granite”?...
          (Continue Reading about this topic...)

The #1 Reason a Homeowner is Unhappy

The Expectations For Kitchen Granite Counter Tops
Each granite inspection has different issues
          (Continue Reading about this topic...)

Sealing and Cleaning

All you need to know:
Two required procedures to take care of your granite countertops.
          (Continue Reading about this topic...)

Radiation Danger (It's a Myth)

What you should know:
A while ago a story was published in a solid surface trade publication about the use of granite ...
          (Continue Reading about this topic...)