Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 19, 1999 09:15am | #1

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   I would suggest you stick to the interior when considering using limestone. It can be and has been used successfully for exterior use, however, it becomes problematic for the installer and will result in--when used for the exterior--increased maintenance.

   This stone is proof that the terms porosity and durability are not mutually exclusive. While limestone--a carbonate--is quite full of holes and fissures, it is quite durable. It will show signs of wear though. This quality is what people like about limestone, I believe. It will wear to a nice, soft patina which is very aesthetically pleasing.

   However, the permeability of the stone--which I believe you were referring to--will allow it to transmit water soluble chemicals quite easily. This is another reason why the stone should be filled (the holes,etc) and sealed. The fabricator usually fills the big holes and fissures with colored resin, although you should count on having to finish the job.

   Limestone can be used for any installation, such as walls, floor, or wet areas. Countertops tend to be a problem in that there is a great amount of extra work for the installer, not to mention specialized skills and tools. This does not mean it can't be done, or that it won't look absolutely fabulous.

   What neck of the woods are ye?

1. 
   Guest_ | May 19, 1999 10:20am | #2

   *John: I agree with Rich's comments. Limestone is porous and will wear a bit with time. Even more than marble (which is metamorphized limestone). Look at marble steps in old buildings and you can see the wear - as much as 1-2 cm in the middle of the step. In caves, I see limestone worn more quickly by the relatively few human visitors. Grit and body oils and abrasion give it a smoother surface and a luster over time.There is a large variety of limestone. Very fine-grained material was formerly used for printing and is called lithographic limestone. While all limestone is the result of fossilized sea creatures, in some cases the creatures are visible to the eye - shells especially. If you want those details, you might get slab that have been split along natural layers rather than sawn flat. Limestone will react slowly with acid (hence the formation of limestone caves) but that won't discolor it like acid etchs a copper countertop.I'd put it somewhere that it adds visual interest but not on a kitchen countertop because of all the oils, food, and crude that will get into the microscopic and larger pores voids. -David

1. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 1999 12:24am | #3

   *As I understand it the American limestones are more porous and less dense. French limestone is less porous and more dense and can be used with less risk of discoloration and staining in environments like kitchens. Many designers and fabricators and even the stone associations declare "no marble or limestone in kithcens, period!" because of staining and customer dissatisfaction and call-backs. I know architects who routinely disregard this rule and spec limestone for both counters and backsplashes in kitchens. It should be filled and either honed or polished rather than natural cut. Sealers are also a good idea. With this type of prep, reasonable care and an awareness of the potential for some staining over time, they are quite happy with performance. Limestones really do have a look that can't be matched in other stone materials if that's the look you want.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 1999 04:42am | #4

   *What is the cost for a finished limestone install as compared to marble? How difficult is it to install as compared to marble? Is there a lot of waste, like with marble? Is it available in the southeastern US?

1. 
   Guest_ | May 20, 1999 08:29am | #6

   *Matt G.: I would not say it is more difficult to install than marble. To install any stone, be it limestone, marble, or other, requires a more finely developed skill than does ceramic tile. As for the amount of waste, that is merely consequent to layout and the type of installation (walls, floors, etc). The cost of a stone installation should run between $5-12/sq. ft. labor. The stone tile comes on top of that. The broad cost range results from the different type of installation. Floors cost less, walls and countertops are more. Wainscote costs less than showerstalls. You get the picture.

2. 
   John_Landi | May 20, 1999 08:29am | #5

   *
   DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH LIMESTONE
   TILE ? WHERE CAN AND CAN'T IT BE USED, HOW PORUS
   IS IT, AND HOW DURABLE IS IT. ANY HELP WOULD BE
   APPRECIATED. THANKS !