Tips, Tricks, and Traps for Maintaining Stone
Tips, Tricks, and Traps for Maintaining Stone
Stone countertops and surfaces completely transform living spaces, especially in kitchens, spas, and outdoor areas. The right slabs add elegance, durability, and timeless beauty, but they also require thoughtful care to maintain their brilliance. Whether you’re a homeowner installing your first quartz countertop, a designer specifying stone for a chef inspired kitchen, or an architect planning for poolside resilience, here are essential tips, tricks, and traps for maintaining natural stone.
Everyday Stone Care Basics
- Clean stone with soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that finely scratch and dull the surface over time.
- Use mild soaps only. Stick to pH-neutral cleansers designed for stone. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or vinegar-based solutions that erode sealants and etch delicate stones like marble.
- Wipe up spills promptly. Natural stone is porous. That means spills left too long, especially oils, wine, and citrus juices will soak in and leave stains.
- Use coasters and trivets. Even durable granite or quartzite can stain or scratch when repeatedlyexposured to high heat, moisture, and rough edges.
Tricks that Keep Stone Looking Timeless
- Regular sealing: Most natural stone countertops and outdoor slabs benefit from resealing every 1–2 years. Sealing creates a protective barrier that resists stains and extends the life of the stone. Matte, honed, and textured finishes often need to be sealed more frequently than highly polished surfaces.
- Microfiber polishing cloths: For a quick refresh, buff counters with microfiber cloth to restore showroom shine. Avoid using harsh sprays.
- Choose finishes that match lifestyles: Designers guiding clients with young families might suggest honed or textured finishes to more effectively camouflage etching and fingerprints.
- Educate clients about patina: Some stones, like marble, develop natural patina over time. With the right framing, designers can coach clients into appreciating this as a luxury “living finish,” not a flaw.
Common Traps to Avoid
- Believing all stones are basically the same: Not all stone slabs are created equal. Granite and quartzite typically outperform marble for high-traffic kitchens. Marble is best reserved for more controlled, lower-impact areas or where patina is a desired aesthetic.
- Using generic cleaners: Many common household sprays, including so-called eco-friendly brands, contain acids or alkalis that etch stone. Clients often assume “natural” means safe, when in fact it does not.
- Ignoring the edge profile: Bullnose and eased edges resist chipping better than sharp mitered edges. Consider exposure to damage when configuring kitchens, especially for commercial settings.
- Neglecting UV impact: Outdoor installations face fade or discoloration whenconstantly exposed to sunlight or harsh natural elements. Always consider this and choose UV-stable materials.
Channel a five-star retreat with the gentle tones of quartzite. Elements of pale blue, silvery grey, or creamy white move nature indoors. Quartzite slabs are durable, luxurious, and resist moisture and make them ideal for a spa-inspired shower that feels both calming and enduring. Design details such as built-in stone benches or backlit shelving intensify the wellness vibe.
Best Stone Choices by Application
When selecting stone, it’s not just about beauty. It’s about functionality and use. Here are some recommendations for different luxury spaces:
- Wet spa areas: Quartzite or textured porcelain slabs offer non-slip surfaces, strong water resistance, and minimal absorption. Keep spa zones fresh and low maintenance.
- Outdoor barbeque and chef areas: Granite and sintered stone are top choices. Both withstand direct heat, resist staining, and stand up to seasonal weather. Darker finishes might also hide minor grill-related messes.
- Pool decks and sun-drenched patios: Textured or leathered finishes in quartzite or porcelain resist UV damage and aren’t overly hot on bare feet.
- Kitchens: Granite and quartzite are ideal. Their durability handles daily use while still offering dramatic veining and color. Designers often specify quartzite because of its resemblance to marble and far greater strength.
- Bar areas: Marble creates a luxe, sophisticated statement, especially when sealed carefully and paired with underlighting. For higher-traffic entertainment spaces, polished granite or semi-precious stone is a dazzling but practical alternative.
Bringing It All Together
Natural stone is a design experience. By helping clients understand daily care and the nuances of stone performance, designers and architects help make sure that every installation maintains its wow factor for decades to come. When chosen thoughtfully and maintained correctly, nature’s finest slabs truly become timeless centerpieces.
At Zion Stone Gallery, we hand-select every slab to bring your interiors and exteriors to life. Visit our 25,000-square-foot showroom in St. George and explore curated collections of granite, marble, quartzite, porcelain, and much more. All imported from across the world and brought to your doorstep. See how the right stone will elevate your next project.
