Hi,

I am going to install travertine floor in my kitchen. I have installed ceramic tile before but not any natural flooring. Could you give me any helpful advice on the sealant process, etc?

Thanks!
Doug

Hello Doug

The short answer is don’t try it and let someone with experience install the travertine. I only say that because most people really mess up travertine installations the first time. You will learn a lot from what you do wrong but then it will be too late.

Ceramic Tile has factory edges and is more forgiving; however, travertine does not and you will probably have lips that you can feel and will cast shadows. To make matter worse, travertine likes to de-bound from the substrate in time unless it is properly back scratched with latex-modified thinsets. The corners of travertine are also very susceptible to cracking after installation due to extreme pressure from high heals and other forces. Be sure to put extra thinset under all the corners. I would use a 3/8″ square notch trowel for spreading the thinset on the concrete floor. Expect a bag to cover about 30 square feet.

Basically, if you can afford a few more dollars per square foot, hire an experienced installer. After installation and grouting, wait 36 hours before applying two coats of premium penetrating stone sealer (follow manufactures instructions).

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

We have purchased marble for our shower - it has unfinished edges - can you stain them or what is the best way to finish them?

Mary Ann

Hello Mary Ann,

You need to have the edges polished by sanding. You need to start with a high speed rotating sander and 80 grit sandpaper. The use 120 grit, then use 240 grit and finally 360 grit sandpaper will bring out the luster. Otherwise I recommend you count the number tiles that you need the edge polished and take them to a fabrication shop and ask them to polished the edges for you. They will do a much better job.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

Hi,

I’m in the process of redoing a fireplace, and am trying to figure out which natural stone to use. The fireplace is a wood burning unit. We plan on using a 6-8? surround with the hearth. I need something that is durable. I’ve ruled soapstone out because of the green veins that through the stone. I want to use a honed black granite, but my husband wants to use slate. He likes the rustic look of the stone, but I’m afraid that it looks too blue. Everyone that I have spoken with tells me that it scratches very easy, and that I’d be disappointed with it in the long run.

What’s your advice for someone looking for a produce that is durable, easy to keep clean, and will give years of lasting satisfaction? I’ll look forward to your input, and appreciate your time, Melanie

Hello Melanie,

Slate is a nice rustic option, but given your concern with long durability, you should consider dark granite. You say you want a honed surface I strongly recommend dark granite and be sure to apply a good sealer. However, I do not recommend absolute black granite (honed) because it just shows too much dirt and it is hard to keep totally clean (eg. finger prints).

There are so many colors to choose that you should just take a look at a lot of colors and see what goes best with your decor and taste. I recommend going to www.GraniteStock.com to search from hundreds of granite colors. You can search by color (brown, black, green) and then see a swatch of the one you like. You can also see if a supplier is listed in your area that has it in stock so that you can look at the full size slab.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

I have read many of your questions/answers about granite being water stained because we just had granite put into our condo [Vyara Granite] in Hawaii. I brought home a sample of this granite before choosing it and put EVERYTHING we use on it lemon juice, soy sauce, wine, vinegar and oil. Nothing touched it. The slab that was installed in our kitchen discolors with water. The contractor says that the sample must have been “factory resin sealed” but he reordered the granite used in our kitchen. As this is also a rental unit, along with the humidity in Hawaii, I am absolutely sick with worry. The contractor claims the granite was sealed before installation, but he sealed it again afterwards. It was still water spotting so my husband and I sealed it again. Its still water spotting. Perhaps we did not let the sealer sink in all the way or something? Anyway, in your replies to others you mentioned 511 plus and SafeStone do you think either of these will do any good or are we stuck with granite that will never seal? HELP!!

Donna

Hello Donna,

The Vyara Granite is from India. I don’t see a major issue with this granite specifically causing the water spot problems you are describing. I think this is simply a bad combination of human errors.

Sometimes one thing we assume (like the quality of the sealer) can give us false direction to solving problems. Since your situation is so rare, I recommend starting over. First clean the countertop with Windex (this should only be done once). Then apply a good quality penetrating granite sealer. Either buy a couple 4 ounce bottles of Safestone International’s sealer from www.HomeGranite.com or use a name brand like Miracle 511 Impregnator. You want to let the liquid sealer soak into the granite for 25 minutes in humid weather. Do not let the sealer dry on the surface. Apply more sealer to keep it wet. Then, wipe up the wet liquid that did not soak in. After that, stay off the counters for about 4-6 hours. You should not have any problems with water spots. Follow the recommended maintenance guide on my website and you should be fine.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

What is the most affordable granite with movement through it. Looking for a medium tone with hints of gold.
Thanks much,
Michelle

Hello Michelle,

I recommend browsing www.GraniteStock.com.  It has hundreds of colors swatches to look at and you can search by color (eg: gold, yellow).

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

We purchased a granite countertop, call Uba Tuba, and had the retailer install the countertop. After installation and our inspection, we found what I call cracks, 3 of the cracks are where the sink was cut out, and 2 of the cracks where in the back splash. The back splash is 4? high and approx. 8? long. The installer is telling us that those are not cracks, but “fissures”, that naturally occur in nature. We don’t know if they are being completely honest with us. We have not checked with any other dealers, as yet. Could you help explain what these cracks are.

John

Hello John,

Ubatuba Granite is from Brazil that is normally riddled with natural fissures. It is such problematic granite in regards to customer satisfaction that some granite companies actually charge more just to provide a kitchen in this color. If I saw a photo I could tell you if it is a crack or fissure but if the seam is more than 3″ long, I would say it is a crack. If the seam travels from the sink all the way to the edge of the counter, then it is a crack.

In either case, it sounds like you are unhappy with it and should amiably discuss minimal cost solutions with the installer. I hope I’ve helped.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova

I am having granite installed they cut a hole in the house for the faucet.How do I prevent dust? I am worried about when they cut for the faucet dust will fly everywhere?

Thank you,
Pat

Hello Pat,

There are some special vacuum cutting tools, but usually it is enough for one helper to hold a Dry-Vac directly behind the saw while cutting.

Best wishes,
Tom Cordova