Photo by: Emily Redfield
Designed by: Griffin Design Source Denver, CO
My husband and I built our Denver home in 2006. One of my favorite elements of our kitchen is our French limestone floors and countertops. To me, limestone is the ultimate kitchen luxury. I indulge in it because it tells a story, it lives with you and can grow old with you.
We have 16” x 16” limestone floors and limestone slab countertops in my kitchen [photo above]. Let me first say that I am a messy cook, my husband and I entertain often, and I love margaritas. Even so, our countertops look as good today, if not better, than when it was installed almost six years ago. When friends come over they often ask, “Why doesn’t your countertop stain?”
Photo by: Emily Redfield
Designed by: Griffin Design Source Denver, CO
Designed by: Griffin Design Source Denver, CO
First, let me help dispel some of the myths regarding limestone. The main component of any stone geologically classified as limestone, marble, travertine or onyx is calcium carbonate (also referred to as calcite). The molecule of calcium carbonate is broken (destroyed actually) by contact with pH active substances; primarily acids such as lemon juice. The destruction of the calcium carbonate molecules on the surface of the stone produces the dullness that is usually (and incorrectly) referred to as a “stain.” It is a mark of corrosion, etched on the surface of the stone.
So what does all of this technical jargon actually mean? Let me give you an example.
One summer evening, I ordered sushi take out. That night, we were a little lazy about clean up, leaving a few paper bags on the floor next to our trash bin. The next morning I came down to find that somehow a stray soy sauce packet or three had leaked and the floor had a 14” white circle smack dab in the middle of one of the tiles. I scrambled to call my local stone experts, and guess what? It was easily repaired the following week. It wasn’t ruined, it wasn’t a disaster and frankly, it was a pretty easy fix.
Luckily, our limestone floor had an impregnating sealer on it. When the soy sauce leaked, it left only shallow etching. My local stone expert, Chris Dundas of Marble Tec Systems in Denver, was able to remove the mark by sanding the surface using industrial diamond abrasives. Had the soy sauce etched the stone more deeply, Chris would have then used a poultice.
True, limestone may etch, and it may erode in places where there is a lot of water. However, you will not find a more forgiving material. Limestone will continue to patina, developing a sheen like a perfectly broken-in pair of leather boots. It is a workhorse and a highly underrated one at that. In a week, the etching marks will be hardly noticeable because limestone is a living finish that is constantly changing, maturing, and in my opinion, improving.
Another point of consideration for a stone floor is the durability and permeability of natural stone flooring. A wood floor will buckle with prolonged exposure to water. Usually the wood flooring will need to be replaced. With natural stone floors a leak would not damage the floor. And by the way, have you ever walked across a stone floor with radiant heat underneath? It’s heaven!
Here are a few of my favorites limestones:
- French Blue, available at Ann Sacks
- Antique Dalle de Bourgogne, available at Paris Ceramics
- Pierre Noir Belgain Limestone, available at Ann Sacks
- Suede Limestone, available at Ann Sacks
Great post! I'm a huge fan of all Ann Sacks products, especially the French Blue and Suede.
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