Malisani Inc

FAQs

View answers to some common questions below.

Stone FAQs
What is the difference between natural stone and quartz?

Natural stone is made by geological processes and are quarried in situ from the earth making each piece  unique. Quartz is an engineered product made from resins, polymers and pigments with an aggregate of quartz crystals. This process enables quartz to be produced in any color.

Natural stone deposits are formed by the forces of the earth and can be
composed of many different materials. The composition of minerals determines the stone’s resistance to thermal exposure. Quartz is composed of resins that have a low threshold to thermal shock and can be discolored by localize heat sources like a hot pan or crock pot. A trivet is recommended under heat producing appliances or hot cookware to protect the surface.

The natural stone countertops installed by Malisani Inc. will be sealed prior to installation. We recommend sealing your natural stone on a yearly basis. A surface needs to be resealed when the surface will not bead water.

Marble, granite, travertine, limestone and slate are a few of the quarried products.  No two pieces are alike; there are inherent variances in all stone. These characteristics may include color and shade variations, geological inclusions, irregular markings, voids, pitting, veins, fissures and lines of minor separations.  However, these characteristics are part of the natural beauty of the stone and will not impair the function or wearing qualities of the material.

Granite: A visible granular, igneous rock; generally ranging in color from near white through the spectrum of golds, pinks, greens and blues, to grays and blacks.  Granite consists primarily of quartz, mica and feldspar.  Granites are some of the hardest architectural stone, making them ideal for counter tops and high-traffic areas.

Limestone:  A sedimentary rock composed principally of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate), the mineral dolomite or some combination of the two.

Marble:   A metamorphic rock composed principally of calcium carbonate.  Marbles are typically softer than granite and are available in a wide spectrum of color and veining.

Onyx:  A semi-precious sedimentary gemstone of calcite variety with an extremely fine crystal formation.  Onyx is valued for its translucent quality and can be backlit for dramatic effect.

Quartzite:  A highly hardened, typical metamorphosed member of the sandstone group.  Quartzite can look like marble but is harder and denser. Quartzite is also available in slabs.

Sandstone:  A sedimentary rock composed mostly of mineral and rock fragments.  Sandstone contains a minimum of 60% free silica.  Sandstone is a soft, loose-knit stone that has a natural, rustic look.

Shell Stone:  A sedimentary stone found in Florida and Central America, sharing characteristics of limestone, with fossils and shell embedded in its body.  Shell stone is a relatively soft, porous stone that retains less heat than denser stone.  Shell stone is often used in exteriors near pools.

Slate:  A micro crystalline metamorphic rock commonly derived from shale.  Slate is primarily composed of mica, chlorite and quartz.  Slates are
predominantly available in cleft-finished tiles, ideal for in exterior, non-freeze settings.

Travertine:  A type of crystalline or micro crystalline limestone with a distinctive layered structure.  Some layers contain pores and cavities which create an open texture.  Pores in travertine may be filled or unfilled, depending on the product selected.

Honed Finish:  A smooth, satin (but not shiny) finish on the stone.

Polished Finish:  A high-gloss finish attained by machine-grinding and buffing the stone.

Leathered/Brushed:  Refers to a wire-brushed finished, which gives a rustic look.

Flamed:  An aggressively textured finish, achieved by exposing certain types of stones to intense heat.

Sandblasted:  A finishing process of blasting the surface of the stone with sand, which yields a rough, porous finish.  A custom stencil can be created for a unique design accent.

Natural stone, when properly sealed, is simple to care for and maintain.  Keep your natural stone looking its best by sweeping, dust-mopping or vacuuming prior to wet-mopping with pH-balanced neutral cleaner or warm water.  Do not use vinegar or any cleaners containing acids or strong alkaline agents.  Recommend wiping or mopping stone surfaces with warm water or a pH-neutral cleaner, followed by dry-wiping.  If you spill acidic juices or alcohol on stone, you should blot dry immediately.  Acid-based foods, such as citrus or tomatoes, can etch into the polish of calcium-based stones like marble and onyx.  Do not place hot items, such as pots and pans, on any stone other than granite.  As a safety precaution, use a coaster on counter tops.  To prevent alkaline and soap-scum buildup, use squeegees in shower areas.  Other large surfaces, such as flooring, are often best cared for by a licensed maintenance company to protect the natural stone.

A quality impregnating sealer penetrates stone, allows the stone to breathe and permits more of the stone’s natural beauty to shine through.  Unsealed stone is more susceptible to absorbing moisture, dirt and cleaning chemicals.  Malisani Inc carries natural stone sealers and cleaners.  We recommend sealing your natural stone on a yearly basis.  A surface needs to be resealed when the surface will not bead water.

  1. Cabinets must be structurally sound, level, and capable of supporting the weight of the stone (11-16 LBS/SF for 2cm slab and 16-22 LBS/SF. for 3cm slab) and eliminating any flex or movement of the stone to prevent cracking.
  2. An unsupported span of 24” and up to a maximum of 36” is acceptable if the stone is supported on both sides of the span.  Longer spans must be supported across the span.
  3. Over hangs should be not exceed 6” for 2cm granite, 10" for 3cm granite and 15" for 3cm quartz beyond the supported area.  The supported area must be anchored to keep it from tipping over. No overhang should be more than half of the supported area.
What are the advantages of quartz?
  • Durability: scratch, stain and impact resistance, but not bullet-proof.
  • Low Maintenance
  • Variety: quartz can provide the whitest white which cannot be available in granite and the color is consistent throughout the slab. The whitest natural stone is Thaos marble from Greece.

No, quartz slabs are engineered stone made from 80-93% quartz which provides the hardness, and the remaining is polymer resins and pigments.

No, quartz countertops are not resistant to high heat Heat-producing appliances (i.e. griddles, crockpots) need to use a trivet beneath to create a thermal barrier.

Although you can, it is not recommended for the care of your knives and repetitious use of cutting utensils could damage the surface. Cutting boards are recommended for use with knives to keep your quartz countertops looking their best.

What is terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a composite material made of marble, granite, glass or other aggregates set in cement or epoxy matrix, then ground flat, grouted, polished and sealed. 

Terrazzo is a durable surface that can last centuries.  The endless design combinations create a wide range of possibilities with low maintenance.  This makes terrazzo a go-to for high traffic commercial floors.

Poured terrazzo is a complex process with specialized machinery which makes this a project for NTMA (National Terrazzo Mosaic Association) professionals.  Terrazzo is manufactured in tiles which could be installed in a DIY application. Although the required joints negate the ease of care and maintenance of poured in place terrazzo.

Where do I start when choosing a monument?

First, it is recommended to coordinate with the sexton of the cemetery where you would like to place your loved one.  Once the plot is purchased, the sexton will let you know the monument type and size requirements for the plot.

The price of the monument is determined by the type, size, color and the amount of artwork desired for the loved one.

There are several costs when purchasing a monument.  There is a cost of the plot which is purchased through the cemetery.  Next the cost of the monument.  Then there is the setting fee for the cemetery to prepare the plot to receive or place the monument.  Upright monuments require a concrete base to prevent monuments from sinking into the ground.  There is a delivery fee to bring the monument to the cemetery.  It is important to know who or what is included in the quoted price.

To get an excellent match, it is recommended to take a picture of the existing monument that you would like to compliment for the right type, color and font. Please note, color variations are inherent in natural stone products.

Call to schedule an appointment.   We will schedule a phone call or video call to discuss the monument details.  Once the details are finalized, we will send a sketch of the monument for your approval.  When we receive the signed approval of the sketch and payment, the production team will create the monument.  After completion, we will take a picture of the monument and send it to you.  Then, we will deliver the monument to the cemetery, if desired.

How is tile manufactured?
Tiles are generally made by mixing various clays, minerals and water making a slurry then into a powdered mixture. This powdered mixture is formed into the desired tile shape known as green tiles. These tiles are glazed and cured at around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yes, almost any tile can be used.  Tile manufactures produce porcelain slabs, so you have the ease of care which tile provides with minimal grout lines.  Currently most of these slabs are not through body color-body porcelain slabs so repairing the surface is challenging if not impossible. The edge treatment is a critical design element in this kind of application.

Ensure all loose dirt and debris is removed, then wash with a PH neutral cleaner.  It is highly recommended to use a squeegee in a shower to remove the excess liquid from the tile after each use.

Overage is the amount of additional tile ordered to allow for breakage and fall off from cuts. Usually the overage is between 10-20%, depending on the tile size, and pattern.  If you have extra, you can keep it for your attic stock.

After your project is complete, ensure that you have 10% of each type of tile in the event of future needed repairs. It can be very difficult to match tile after a few years have passed.

What is resinous flooring?

Resinous flooring refers to seamless flooring made with epoxy or polyurethane resins, offering a chemical resistance flooring with design possibilities.

Without proper additives, it can be slippery.

Usually soap and water is used for routine cleaning.  Avoid moving heavy and sharp items that may cause scratches across the floor to keep it looking it’s best.