Limestone & Travertine


Limestone Countertop and Limestone Surface Colors:



Travertine Countertop and Travertine Surface Colors:



FAQ – Facts about Limestone Countertops & Limestone Surfaces:


Some varieties of limestone make excellent kitchen and bathroom countertops, while others do not. Please contact Capitol Granite to find out if Limestone is ideal for your kitchen or bathroom countertops or other projects.

It is common for people to use softer varieties of limestone around fireplaces and in bathroom vanities and countertops.

Limestone can be molded easily without affecting the existing structure, which makes it idea for kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, walling, and many other surfaces that require special fabrication.

Cutting boards should be used for knives, if you have used limestone for countertops.

Trivets and place-mats should be used under all vessels to avoid scratching.

Limestone is a beautiful surface for kitchen countertops, but must be taken care of and maintained to avoid scratching, staining, and damaging your countertops.

Only the harder, denser types, especially those quarried in France and Germany can be installed in the kitchen for countertops. These harder Limestone surfaces are as good as granite for kitchen countertops.

Limestone is cheaper than granite but the cost of maintenance for limestone may be more than that of granite.

Trivets should be used to place hot pots on limestone tops, since limestone does have the potential to burn. Never place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops that are made from limestone.

Limestone is one of the most versatile stones, as it is always available in various sizes, textures and soft colors, giving a luxurious look and adding warmth to your kitchen.

You are expected to wipe spills immediately and in order to avoid etching, you are supposed to use only those cleansers that are specified for limestone. You may store perfumes and other such material on a sheet of glass toprotect vanity limestone surfaces.

Limestones are acid sensitive. Calcareous stones readily dissolve in acid. Lemon or tomato juices are acidic and if spilled on limestone tops, can severely damage the surfaces. Acidic products can cause limestone to etch – the surface finish will appear dull and texture will also change. To avoid this, you must routinely seal your limestone countertops to avoid any such damage.

Maintaining the countertops made from limestone is a tedious job; because soft and porous limestone can scratch and stain easily. Soft countertops etch quicker than the denser varieties. Sealing can prevent staining, but it cannot stop problems with etching. This becomes a serious problem when dark-colored limestone is used for kitchen countertops. All types of limestones require regular application of a good penetrating sealer to keep your kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities looking like new.


FAQ – Facts about Travertine Countertops & Travertine Surfaces:


Travertine countertops are emerging very fast as popular and affordable kitchen countertops. Travertine is a natural stone that is similar to marble and equally as beautiful in kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.

Travertine is available in many earthy colors, as it is a natural stone. You will find many delicious shades of walnut, gold, cream, beige and ivory. These colors are formed due to the mix of iron and other impurities found in the earth. They are visually appealing and add an aesthetically pleasing touch in home decor. Therefore, they are favored as flooring tiles, wall covering kitchen countertops, and bathroom vanities since thousands of years in Italy and Turkey. Travertine countertops are available in polished, matte, brushed or tumbled finishes. For more information about travertine countertops, please call to speak to someone at Capitol Granite.

Travertine Countertops Pros:

Travertine countertops pros include facts like these are smooth and porous natural stone that has a rich and creamy hue. Travertine kitchen countertops and travertine bathroom countertops are very durable and can also be used for exterior and interior decorations. They are available in different sizes and designs. Traverting countertops are resistant to heat and moisture. You can give a formal look to your home decorations with travertine countertops.

Travertine is suitable for black splashes, fireplace panels, showers and sinks. It is very easy to cut and shape than porcelain tiles, therefore making it very easy to fill spaces that are small or have an odd dimension. You can find one or two travertine tiles similar to the existing tiles, if you need to replace a tile or two.

Travertine kitchen countertops and travertine bathroom countertops are very sturdy like marble countertops. They do not crack when handled even with a little care. You can buy travertine as tiles or slabs. You have a choice between tiny mosaic tiles and 36 inch travertine tiles to choose from. The different patterns created by the natural veining of the stone helps create a very interesting look in your house. It has a creamy appeal that gives a warm touch to the rooms. Please contact us for pricing or submit get a free estimate here.

Travertine Countertops Cons:

The major downsides to travertine countertops are that they are highly reactive to acids, such as: orange juice, and lime juice. Even a minor spillage will lead to staining. It is not a good idea to install travertine kitchen countertops if you do heavy cooking in your kitchen. Many home owners do not install travertine bathroom countertops and travertine kitchen countertops if they are to be used excessively. Most people decide to install travertine for its aesthetic appeal in the use of kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. If you do decide to go with travertine for your kitchen countertops, it is highly recommended that you use special products to clean and maintain your travertine countertops. Additionally, travertine tiles are slippery when wet and need to be polished and sealed properly to avoid breakage.

Well, these were some travertine countertops pros and cons which can prove to be useful when you are deciding to remodel your home. Travertine countertops are used in many commercial and residential buildings for their aesthetic and visually appealing looks. They are available in a range of colors and are affordable. You may find some drawbacks with natural stone, but travertine countertops have always been popular with interior designers.

Travertine Countertops Maintenance:

Let’s take a look at how to care for travertine countertops and keep them looking like new for a long time. Here are some specific dos and don’ts for your travertine countertops.

Do’s of Travertine Countertops:

  • Clean the spills from your kitchen countertops immediately; it will minimize the damage to your Travertine Countertops and surfaces.
  • Use mats to place hot dishes and cookware on your Travertine surfaces.
  • Keep place mats under ceramics, silverware, and china that can scratch the surface of your Travertine countertops.
  • Use coasters under the beverage glasses that contain alcohol and other juices to minimize stains on your Travertine countertops.
  • Always use a trusted sealer to protect Travertine and clean the surface regularly to prevent staining your countertops and bathroom vanities.
  • If the Travertine countertops are in your bathroom, use trays and baskets to place your toiletry products in.
  • Always dust mop the Travertine floors on a regular basis.
  • Once a year, seal your Travertine countertops, so that they are protected from stains.

Don’ts of Travertine Countertops:

  • Don’t take a long time in cleaning up the spills off your Travertine countertops.
  • Don’t utilize bathroom, grout, and tub cleaners which contain acid when cleaning your Travertine countertops, and bathroom vanities.
  • Don’t utilize vinegar, bleach, and ammonia for general cleaning purposes on Travertine Surfaces.
  • Don’t utilize scrubs and other abrasive cleaners to dry Travertine Countertops and surface.
  • Don’t utilize alkaline cleaners as they are not specific for Travertine countertops.
  • Don’t keep toiletry products right on top of Travertine countertops and other surfaces.
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