CPD with Artisan: Specifying Stone

Stone is often chosen for a due to the materials wide availability, durability, it's easy maintenance and low environmental impact. We were looking to spec a stone counter-top for a commercial bar area, but we were worried about acid-etching.

There are three overarching geological categories of stone: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. Sedimentary rock is formed from the compacted sediment of the earth's crust (comprised of sand, mud, clay, gravel and matter from animals and plants) and includes sandstone, travertine and limestone. Metamorphic stone is sedimentary, igneous or other metamorphic rock that has been crushed under intense heat and pressure which cause chemical change in the material; it includes schist, phyllite, slate, marble, serpentine and onyx. Igneous rock is formed when magma cools, and includes granite and basalt.

Sandstone, travertine and limestone are generally good for floors and walls, especially in areas of heavy commercial traffic- it is often a good material for exterior cladding and pavers. Travertine and limestone are good for counters but not those in the kitchen or for food-service counters. Igneous rocks are suitable for interior floors and walls that see heavy traffic, external cladding and pavers; they are also good for use in the kitchen, general food areas and other counters. Marble is good for interior walls and floors, but only sometimes suitable for heavy commercial traffic; it is not generally recommended for use in kitchen or in food service areas. Serpentine is the only marble that does not react to acid. Onyx is more fragile than marble and is only suitable for interior walls and light-use counters.