We Serve:
Longmont, Niwot, Frederick, Firestone, Boulder, Erie, Louisville, Lafayette, Centennial, Denver and surrounding areas, Castle Rock, Superior, Lyons, Estes Park, Nederland, Johnstown, Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Windsor, Greeley, Kersey, Cheyenne, Brighton.
Advantage Stone Fabrication
31 Price Road, Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: (303) 678-8324
Fax: (303) 678-9130
Toll Free: (877) 851-2267
E-Mail: info@advantagestone.com
Please tell us about your next project.
New Earth Friendly Green solid surface countertops and LEED certified recycled glass and concrete products available!
Call with any questions and we look forward to helping to keep your next project Green friendly!
IceStone
Durable surfaces made of recycled glass & concrete. Made with the help and creative eye of New York’s finest Interior Designer’s, many colors available!
SquakMountain
A Fibrous-cement material comprised of recycled paper, recycled glass, coal fly-ash and cement. Comes in 4 colors: Otter, Natural, Latte, and Quinalt.
URBANSLABS
Consists of 100% recycled glass (85% post-consumer glass containers commonly sent to landfill, 15% post industrial) mixed with a proprietary patent-pending cement matrix.
Quartz Surfaces:
Available in full slab & tile sizes (we also have a large selection of remnants)
There are several different types of natural stone. The most common are granite, marble, limestone, travertine and sandstone. Each stone has unique physical characteristics, which affect its applicability to various building designs. This section describes the characteristics and physical properties of the major stones.
Granite
10 Myths about Granite
Granite is an igneous rock created deep within the earth from magma, cooled slowly under great pressure. It is the hardest building stone with very dense grain, making it virtually impervious to stain. It takes a highly polished finish, which will endure even in inclement environments. It also can be finished in a variety of other ways. There is a broad spectrum of granite colors ranging from nearly pure white to nearly pure black. During its formation, granite may also have been infused with other minerals providing patterned "movement" as well as color.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock, composed of metamorphosized limestone. In its purest form, marble is crystalline white calcite. Most marbles, however, are infused with impurities such as dolomite, silica or clay, providing variations in color and significant movement. The base colors of marble range from white to black with a broad range of hues. Marble is significantly softer than granite and therefore subject to greater wear and weathering.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcites and dolomites. Organic limestones are formed from the deposits of marine shellfish and fossils. Limestone is non-crystalline and possesses very uniform composition, texture and structure. It is soft and therefore easy to quarry and shape. Limestone ranges in color from white to gray and does not take a polish.
Travertine
Travertine displays characteristics similar to limestone. It is layered calcium carbonate formed by water deposits from spring water, particularly hot springs. Metamorphosized travertine is marble-like and can take a polish.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock made of compacted sand, held together with calcium, silicon or ferrous minerals. Sandstone varies in color, from red to yellow to white, based on the presence of other minerals. Sandstone is soft and easy to quarry and shape. It is susceptible to erosion and deterioration from air pollutants. Brownstone is a variety of sandstone.
Physical Properties of Building Stone
All stones are natural materials subject to variation in properties according to specific mineral composition, size and thickness of the tested piece. To compare the physical properties of stones, consult independent test results performed in accordance with ASTM and the National Bureau of Standards such as those provided by Cold Spring Granite Company, the Masonry Institute of America, Marble Institute of America, Building Stone Institute, NBGQA, and independent laboratories. These tests compare ranges of: compressive strength, modulus of rupture or flexural strength, absorption, density, abrasion resistance and shear strength.
Coefficient of Expansion
Stone expands and contracts minimally with temperature change. Normally the amount of change is too insignificant to cause a problem. However, some of the purest marbles retain a small incremental change after each heating cycle. This is called hysteresis. In thin veneers, it can put strain on the backing material and cause bowing and even rupture. This also increases the porosity of the stone, making it more susceptible to attack from atmospheric acids and cyclic freezing. The table provides the coefficient of expansion for granite, limestone, marble and sandstone. The coefficient is expressed in inches of change per inch of material per degree F. In granite and limestone, the amount of change is in millionths of an inch—usually not enough to cause problems. In some marbles and sandstones, the coefficient is in hundred-thousandths of an inch, which could cause problems. In most construction systems, the normal fasteners and joint materials accommodate minor expansion and contraction of the stone.
Weathering
Stone generally weathers better than other building materials; however, not all stone endures equally well. Some are subject to greater damage from freezing and thawing and attack from sulfurous and sulfuric acid, carbonic acid and ammonium salts. They may also be subject to chemical distress caused by crystal growth from chloride salts (used as deicers.) One result of this crystal growth is sprawling of the stone surface at street level. Granite is nearly impervious to weathering from temperature changes and from airborne chemicals. In fact, granite is so resistant to chemical erosion that granite tanks are often used to store highly caustic materials.
Freeze/thaw weathering rarely occurs in polished granite surfaces. Granites with thermal finishes are slightly more permeable and can experience minor freeze/thaw weathering in the top quarter-inch of finish. However, weather damage to granite with any finish is extremely uncommon because of its inherently low absorption rate.
Permeability
Granite is significantly less porous than other building stones, yet it is capable of absorbing moisture. Fabrication is a "wet" process: the cutting of granite is accomplished with a slurry of water and abrasive material. Sometimes granite is shipped before it is completely dried, and the moisture absorbed during fabrication gives the granite a different color than in its dry state. Such stones will dry in relatively short order and return to their true color. Once dry, the atmospheric moisture precipitation and humidity will not normally penetrate the stone.
Color Variation
Granite is very consistent in color and texture when compared to marble, for example; however, granite also exhibits movement and color variation. This is one of the natural characteristics of stone. Every piece is unique unto itself; nearly all kinds of natural stone will display characteristics as distinctive as a fingerprint.
Silestone (Click here for company website, colors, more info)
Standard polished quartz surface also available in leathered finish! From Silestone’s website, “A new standard in luxury is achieved with Silestone Leather™ with Microban”.
Cambria (Click here for company website, colors, more info)
Made in the U.S.A. and comes in a variety of colors. Network of local shops that share remnants by color as needed.
Zodiaq (Click here for company website, colors, more info)
DuPont™ Zodiaq® is 93% pure quartz crystal, which gives Zodiaq® a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in unimproved stone. And because quartz is one of nature’s strongest materials, Zodiaq® is also incredibly durable and resists both heat and scratches. Custom-fit to your exact specifications and virtually maintenance free—Zodiaq® is perfect for your home, naturally.
Caesarstone (Click here for company website, colors, more info)
CaesarStone natural quartz surfaces offer numerous advantages over other natural stones. Quartz has a hardness of seven on the Mohs scale (this measures the hardness of a mineral), a diamond is the hardest at ten. The material is also cleaner, safer and more consistent than that of other surfaces. In addition to its superior performance, CaesarStone has greater consistency than natural stone.
Hanstone (Click here for company website, colors, more info)
With 36 rich, stylish colors and patterns to choose from, HanStone™ lets you bring your most vivid imaging to life. Rich and elegant, bold and lively or perhaps warm and relaxed. No matter the project size there is a color and design idea for you!
Granite, Marble, Travertine, Soapstone, Slate & Other Natural Stone Countertops
We carry a wide range of materials for your indoor and outdoor countertops as well as specialty projects and landscaping needs.
-Granite: The hardest and most durable of surfaces we carry, Granite will last a lifetime and has a natural beauty that cannot be matched by other products. Its unique color and movement make it a perfect match in outdoor applications as well as indoor kitchens, baths, and bar tops. Popular colors include: Juparana Florence, Blue Pearl, Galaxy Black, Espirito Santo, Golden Crystal, Uba Tuba, English Brown, Venetian Gold, St. Cecilia, and Costa Esmeralda to name a few.
-Limestone: Seashells and lighter colors make Limestone a popular vanity countertop while also making it more porous and fragile like Marble and Travertine. Popular colors include: Seagrass, Anatalya, Napolina and Caspian Shellstone.
-Marble: By far the most veigning and color combinations, Marble has been around as a popular surface probably the longest of any natural stone. Used in statues and sculptures around the world, it is a very soft and porous surface but leaves a lasting shine and beauty that cannot be matched in any granite or other color combination. Popular colors include: Rainforest Green, Crema Marfil, White Carerra, Calcutta Gold, Valley Gold (local to Marble, Colorado) and Thassos White.
-Sandstone: With its local draw from Lyons and Masonville, Colorado, the local sandstone colors make a great addition to any outdoor BBQ, steppers, or even kitchen countertops. Popular colors include: Colorado Buff, Colorado Red, Pawnee and Mesa.
-Soapstone: The best surface for stain resistance and heat dispersion, this surface has its own unique “natural” look and can also be leathered for a more stunning texture. Popular colors: Original PA, Julya, Beleeza, Green Mountain and Menas.
-Travertine: Great for vanities and smaller areas. Tends to be more soft and porous, similar to Marble and Limestone in composition. Popular colors: Noce, Torreon, Durango Flower & Walnut.
1. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.
2. Granite stains easily. Granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.
3. Stains in granite are permanent. Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
4. Granite will lose its polish over the years. While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.
5. Granite requires a lot of maintenance. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.
6. Heat will cause granite to chip and crack. Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.
7. Dark colored granites are harder than light colored granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.
8. Granite’s tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria. Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top, then it can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.
9. Granite and marble are essentially the same. Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth’s surface.
10. Granite is expensive. Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.
Sealers, Enhancers, Cleaners
Advantage Stone Fabrication offers a full line of granite sealers including professional impregnators, rejuvenators, color enhancers, sealer for porous stone, porcelain sealer, and cleaners for day to day use. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to assist with the proper selection of sealer to preserve the natural beauty of your stone.
Our most popular sealers are:
3-in-1 cleaner: This cleaner can be used for day to day use. 3-in-1 comes in a convenient aerosol can and protects as it cleans.
Professional Impregnator: Professional grade silicone based sealer that helps stone resist staining. This sealer is fast and easy to apply, and does not alter the stones natural beauty. Quick curing time and superb stain protection make this a popular item.
Porous Stone Impregnator: This impregnator offers maximum protection for porous materials such as travertine, masonry, and honed surfaces. A silicone based sealer; this sealer is easy to apply and allows the stone to breathe while minimizing stain absorption.
Routine Stone Care
Natural Stone Care & Maintenance
To insure your natural stone products will provide you with a lifetime of aesthetics and utility, a proper maintenance program is crucial. Natural Stone products are porous by nature and require a different maintenance program than traditional ceramic tile.
Natural stone requires a different maintenance routine than traditional, man-made ceramic tile. Many of the cleaners acceptable for use on ceramic tile can stain, damage or dull stone. Dirt and dust will scratch the surface of stone. Therefore, stone floors should be vacuumed or dust mopped frequently to remove abrasive agents from the stone surface. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Stone cleaners should never contain acid or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will etch and eventually damage natural stone.
Stone Cleaners
Only use cleaners specifically designed for cleaning stone. These cleaners contain no acids and are concentrated neutral pH cleaners that will not affect existing sealers or wax-type coatings. The surface of the stone should be dampened with clear water. This will keep the cleaning solution on the surface so it can be effective. A solution of the cleaner and water missed to manufacturer instructions should be applied to the stone surface with a sponge or mop. On walls, kitchen counters or vanity tops, a spray bottle can be used to apply the cleaning solution. Allow sitting for manufacturers specified amount of time (usually 3 to 5 minutes). Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, soft bristle brush or through the use of a floor-scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty solution and buff dry.
Once the stone has been cleaned, you can periodically apply a Spray-Buff wax-type floor finish to enhance the beauty and luster of polished stone (including countertops). Apply the finish with a spray applicator and buff immediately with a white nylon pad. Reapply as often as needed, depending on volume of surface traffic and consistency of routine maintenance program. This product is not designed to restore the original shine, but is intended to maintain and protect the original shine. This can be purchased from most Home Centers or through your local Professional Floor Covering Dealer.
Heavy-Duty Stone Cleaning
When some areas have been neglected, you will need to use a heavy-duty stone cleaner and degreaser to effectively remove dirt, grease, grime, waxes and floor finishes. These cleaning products are concentrated and designed to deep clean the stone without damaging it. Apply the solution of the cleaner and water mixed to manufacturer instructions to the stone surface with a sponge or mop. Allow setting for manufacturer-specified amount of time. Agitate with a sponge, synthetic mop, and soft bristle brush or through the use of a floor-scrubbing machine. Mop up dirty solution and buff dry. Be sure to change out the cleaning solution every 100 square feet to avoid reintroducing dirty water during the cleaning process. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when finished. After cleaning you may apply the Spray-Buff wax-type floor finish to enhance the natural shine.
Stain Removal
Stone poultice will remove stains and grout haze from stone. Poultice is a fine, nonacidic, absorptive clay cleaning powder that removes deep-set oil stains, grease and light cementitious grout haze from polished and unpolished natural stone. CAUTION: Poultice may dull the shine of the polished stone. If this occurs you will need to use a marble polish to restore the natural shine.
Restoration
If a marble finish has become dull, scratched or etched, you can restore the natural shine through the use of a marble polish. Some marble polishes are available in kits. The process can be enhanced with the use of floor buffing machines. The process is generally a re-crystallization process to remove fine scratches and restore the original shine and polish to the stone. This is not an application of a topical sealer or wax to cover-up damaged or worn surfaces.
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