LIMESTONE

Limestone is prized for its neutral creamy and soft earth tone colors which allow it to mix well with other stones and finishes. It’s a classic architectural material and is suitable for a variety of applications from floors to walls to facades.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIMESTONE

One of the advantages of limestone is that it has a classic, timeless appearance with many neutral, natural colors allowing it to fit in with different types of decor and keep from looking dated.

When most people think of a natural stone that has a classic look, they think of marble. Marble never goes out of style and can fit in a 100 year old home or a brand new house. The same is true with limestone. If you want a stone surface that will never go out of style and will fit in now and 50 years down the road, limestone may be a good option. Limestone, like marble, is of a calcium carbonate base, and as such, is vulnerable to alteration by exposure to mild acids. A wide variety of stones are included in this group, and absorption varies from slight (<1%) to high (>10%). The combination of acid sensitivity and absorption limit the number of varieties that are suitable for countertop applications, and the user of limestone countertops should be well educated in its properties to accurately anticipate its behavior in service.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, but it may not be the best choice for some kitchens. Limestone is very porous compared to other stones such as marble, quartz and granite. A porous stone will absorb liquids and foods, which can lead to etching and staining. While the stone can be used to kitchen countertops, it requires far more care and maintenance than other options. Often limestone is successfully incorporated into kitchen design as an accent or backsplash, but many homeowners opt for a more durable stone for the main kitchen counter space.

While limestone requires some extra care and maintenance, many people find that it’s difficult to beat the look of the stone. Limestone is usually neutral in color, and it provides a very earthy feel that is hard to match if your kitchen design calls for an organic look.

Yes. Limestone is extremely porous, so it is imperative to seal the stone in order to prevent etching and stains. Most limestone countertops will be sealed when installed, but they will need to be re-sealed about once a year. Sealers can wear unevenly over time, so coasters, placemats and trivets are recommended even on sealed limestone. Regular cleaning and quickly wiping up spills will help extend the life of a sealant and the countertop.

Limestone (sealed or unsealed) should only be cleaned with neutral pH products. Acidic cleaners can cause etching, and abrasive cleaners can leave scratches on the stone’s surface. You can regularly clean limestone using a mild dish detergent and warm water mixture (about a teaspoon of soap per quart of water). Gently wipe the counters using the soap mixture and a soft cloth. Never use rough scrubbing pads. Rise using warm water, making sure to remove all soap residue. Dry the stone thoroughly using a microfiber cloth or soft towel. You can use over-the-counter cleaners, just be sure they are made for your limestone’s finish, that they are not acidic, and that they contain no vinegar, ammonia or high pH levels. Don’t use any hard bristle brushes or steel wool on limestone, unless you plan on resealing.

Limestone reacts with anything acidic, including citrus fruits such as limes and lemons, vinegar, soda, coffee, wine, and so on. Any spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent stains and etching. Regular sealing and proper cleaning will greatly reduce the risk of discoloration.

Limestone is a softer stone that is prone to scratches and chips. You cannot cut directly on the surface of the stone and you have to be careful about dropping heavy items on the countertop surface and edges. Cutting boards, trivets and placemats are encouraged to reduce scratching and cracks. The good news is, limestone is easy to repair. The stone can be sanded, polished and resealed, essentially returning the stone to its original state. Many people also find that the flaws that occur overtime are part of the stones charm.

Honed stones are ground flat so there are no ridges or reflection The appearance is a natural chalky look. Honed limestone is unpolished, so the finish is a flat matte look with little to no shine. Honed stones are less likely to show scratches than on polished finish.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Get in touch with one of our stone experts to have all your questions about this material answered.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ABRASION RESISTANCE

Low

Limestone is a calcareous sedimentary stone that has a low abrasion resistance rating so it is likely to scratch. Because limestone is made up of calcium carbonate it scores a 3-4 on Moh’s Scale of Relative Hardness. Avoid scratches by using cutting boards and placing dishes and utensils that could potentially scratch the countertops on trivets or place-mats.

ABSORPTION/STAINING

High

Limestone absorbs liquids and easily stains, especially when acidic foods, come into contact with the stone. With limestone countertops, all spills must be wiped up immediately to prevent staining. When you install your limestone countertops, they should be professionally sealed. After that, limestone countertops should be sealed at least once a year to prevent staining.

ACID SENSITIVITY

High

Limestone is an acid sensitive stone. Because of its calcium carbonate makeup, acid reacts with Limestone and literally eats away the surface, creating dull spots known as etches. Thus, if you leave an acidic liquid (think fruit juice) on the countertop, it is quite possible that it will etch. This etching is not just a surface discoloration; it penetrates relatively deeply into the stone.

HEAT RESISTANCE

Moderate

While limestone is heat resistant it is not a good choice for setting hot pans on, mainly because it can be easily scratched by pans and stained by liquids that may drip from your pans. Limestone may expand as an oven heats up or when a hot dish is placed on it. As the stone cools, it naturally contracts. This expansion and contraction can cause some stones to crack or chip.

What Our Customers Say

Right from the first interaction, the workers from Delta Granite and Marble, Inc were very easy to connect with. The sales individual we worked with was very helpful, and crystal clear about the expectations and what would be needed from us. The workers from Delta Granite and Marble always were right on time on the dates we agreed upon, and the jobs went down without any problems. I would gladly use their services again and highly recommend them to others.

James H., Shavano Park, TX

The countertops look fantastic!! I want to thank Kendra and David for making this process so smooth for us. From start to finish the Delta Granite team was on the ball and went above and beyond to answer all of our questions and concerns. We will definitely be spreading the word in Boerne about our experience with Delta Granite.

Jarrett A., Boerne, TX

Delta Granite and Marble is absolutely excellent. We recently had an issue with our contractor, but they were able to pick up the job right where they left off. The guys who did the installation were very nice, friendly, and professional. They were also great with communication. Any time we called they got back to us immediately. I’d highly recommend them!

Liza G., San Antonio, TX