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Patio
| Q 2322: We own a beachfront
condo, and would like to install travertine on our outdoor
patio. As it is a porous material, we were wondering if
this is not such a good idea. The travertine would be waterproofed,
etc., but would there still be problems?. Ravi, July 28, |
| R1:
Dear Ravi: No, travertine is not, by and large, a porous material.
It is in fact denser than most marbles and compact limestone. That
said, It could be considered a good choice (VERY good, actually) only
if it has a hone-finish. If it's polished it will lose its finish
within a few months and become "honed" on its own. Sealing it wouldn't
be necessary. After all the Coliseum in Rome is made of travertine
and -- although I wasn't there when they built it -- I highly doubt
that the Ancient Romans ever sealed it, some 2,500 years ago! Maurizio,
USA |
| Q 2222: I have a cement
patio that has some cracks in it. I was thinking
of having slate installed over the concrete. I live in the Midwest
(cold winters, hot summers). Would slate be a feasible solution to
give my patio a new look? Thanks, Anita, July 15,
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| R1:
Dear Anita: Yes, provided that the installation contractor is going
to put a good-quality anti-fracture membrane over the concrete slab.
Maurizio, USA |
| A 2151: Can Brazilian slate
withstand the cold and snow in the north? Will it peel or crack
in extremes of weather. I want to have a table made from Brazilian
slate and do not know if it will peel from cold weather? Thank you,
Eileen, July 2, |
| R1: Dear Eileen:
You don't know and neither do I! What I do know is that I would never
choose slate -- Brazilian or what-have-you -- for a table top if I
ever intended to use it! Maurizio, USA |
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| A 2081:
I am considering using travertine as an exterior patio table top.
Is this a suitable use? Should sealants be used? If so, what type?
What type of maintenance routine should I expect? Any tips, pitfalls
would be appreciated. Thanks, Cheryl, June 18, Reply |
| R1:
Dear Cheryl: For as long the stone has a low hone-finish (not polished!!)
you can use travertine outdoors. To help prevent staining you
can apply a good-quality impregnator / sealer (below surfaces, that
is). Other than that, I advise you to get my free maintenance guidelines
for residential stone installation by hitting the link at the bottom
of this page's left side bar. Treasure them; you'll be glad you did!
Maurizio, USA |
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| A 1736: I am considering doing my
bathroom with an Emparedor dark marble
floor, vanity top and tub surround top and creme travertine
walls and tub surround. I would appreciate your opinion of the durability
and practicality of these two materials for these purposes. Also,
knowing the greater durability of granite - are there similar colored
granites that perhaps I could substitute for these items? Thank you.
Noreen, April 20. |
| R3: Stay away
from marble on kitchen tops. The best material is still granite. Thomas,
South Africa. |
| R2: Both of
these materials are beautiful but, as you point out, are susceptible
to damage. My personal experience is that a lot of beauty products
will mar the polish of marble. As long as you are aware and can accept
that the polish will diminish with time and constant use, you will
have a beautiful bathroom. If you will not be happy with this long
term, then you should definitely use granite. There are very few granites
that have a veining pattern similar to marble so you will have a different
look entirely. Your best bet is to go to your nearest stone distributor
or contact a local fabricator for recommendations for available stocked
slabs to view. Lynn, USA |
| R1: With marble
in the bathroom, it is more the case of how to properly care and maintain
them. Proper care and maintenance will make them last for decades
and perhaps even longer. Regards, Steven |
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| A 1627: I'M LOOKING FOR
A COLORFUL MATERIAL TO COVER A OUTSIDE PATIO APPROX. 20FT X 6FT .THE
COLORS OF SLATE ARE VERY EYE CATCHING. WOULD IT BE VERY
COSTLY ? WOULD IT TAKE NEW YORK TEMPERATURE CHANGES? Craig, March
31, |
| R1:
The colors of the slate indigenous to your area are fine for temperature
changes. As long as the material is properly installed and maintained,
it will do quite well. Material and installation cost varies by region.
As a rule of thumb, get three estimates and don't use the cheapest.
Shop for quality. Regards, Steven, USA |
| A 1528: I am in the
process of re-building our front porch. We live in the North East
(US) steps from the ocean. I am interested in granite capping for
our steps. I would like to know how this will hold up in hot summers,
and icy, freezing winters. Can I expect cracking? What effect
does salt (to melt ice) have on granite. Is granite practical or impractical?
Dan, March 13. |
| R1:
Dear Dan: Usually "granites" for outdoors are real granites or akim
to it, so they are a good choice. Of course it has to come on a flamed
finish. Just install it and enjoy! Ciao, Maurizio , USA |
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