Using limestone in kitchens and bathrooms can add a touch of natural beauty and elegance to your House. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when using limestone in these areas, as it is a porous and relatively soft natural stone that requires proper care to maintain its appearance and durability.
Here are some things to consider when using limestone in kitchens and bathrooms:
Advantages of Using Limestone:
- Aesthetics: Limestone is known for its unique and beautiful appearance, with natural color variations and intricate veining patterns that can add a touch of luxury to your spaces. In some rare cases, fossils can be found in the pattern.
- Warmth: Limestone has a natural warmth that can make your kitchen and bathroom feel cozy and inviting.
- Variety: Limestone comes in various colors and finishes, allowing you to choose a style that matches your design preferences.
- Durability: While not as hard as some other stones like granite, and marble limestone is still durable enough for most residential kitchen and bathroom applications when properly cared for.
- Value: Using limestone can potentially increase the value of your home due to its high-end appeal.
Considerations and Maintenance:
- Porosity: Limestone is porous, meaning it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. Sealing is crucial to protect the stone from water damage and staining.
- Sealing: Before installation, and periodically thereafter, you’ll need to apply a stone sealer to create a protective barrier against moisture and stains. The frequency of resealing depends on the type of limestone and usage patterns. However traditional sealants this will not prevent etching and staining if not wiped right away.
- Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaner for regular cleaning. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s surface.
- Preventing Scratches: Limestone is relatively soft compared to other stones, so avoid placing heavy or sharp objects directly on the surface to prevent scratching.
- Water Exposure: In bathrooms, be cautious with water exposure, especially around areas prone to splashes, like near sinks and showers. Regularly wipe up standing water to prevent mineral deposits and water spots.
- Heat Resistance: Limestone is heat-resistant, but sudden and extreme temperature changes could potentially lead to cracks. Always use trivets or mats under hot cookware or styling tools.
- Finishes: Limestone comes in various finishes, such as honed, polished, and tumbled. Consider the finish’s slip resistance and maintenance requirements when choosing the right one for your space.
Applications:
- Countertops: Limestone countertops can create a luxurious focal point in your kitchen or bathroom. However, be prepared for some level of maintenance and potential staining risk, especially in the kitchen.
- Backsplashes: Limestone can be used as a backsplash material to add texture and visual interest to your kitchen or bathroom.
- Shower Walls: Limestone can be used for shower walls, but proper sealing is crucial due to the increased exposure to moisture.
In summary, using limestone in kitchens and bathrooms can create stunning, natural-looking spaces. However, it’s important to be aware of its maintenance requirements and limitations to ensure the stone’s longevity and aesthetic appeal over time. If you’re willing to invest in proper care and maintenance, limestone can be a beautiful and unique addition to your home.
We applied the latest technology in Natural Stone protection on the Kitchen above. Tuffskin® will ensure that no liquids will penetrate the stone and this assurance is back by a 10 year guarantee.
As noted in the pictures when Tuffskin® is fully cured and settled, it is virtually invisible, retaining the natural look of the Natural Stone but with the best protection available on the market today.
