Marble Staircase - A HOLLYWOOD

Marble flooring has become one of the hottest new materials on the market - and for the extra extravagant (and bigger budgets!) marble staircases are at the top of the wish list. The elegant and natural beauty of marble offers a luxurious, sleek and graceful look which dates back to the glamorous movies of old Hollywood. Who wouldn't feel like Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers walking down a staircase made of this elegant natural stone?

In addition to the natural beauty that marble possesses, marble is also a much sought after material because of its resistance to fire, as well as its natural strength and hardness. It's not just beautiful, it is strong too! And you won't have to worry about stains like you would with a carpet runner - Marble also possesses a rigidness that resists most stains.

And, to keep you're sought after marble staircase at its beautiful best, don't use bleach or any acidic based cleaners - A damp cloth or mop is the best way to remove any dirt or dust. So....not only is a stone staircase luxury at its finest, it's also easy to maintain. Just one MORE reason your Bedrock designer should help you fabricate the marble staircase of your dreams!

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR STONE FIREPLACE

It's very important to seal your stone to prevent dirt build up and stains, but many people never think to seal their fireplace! If you haven't already, follow the steps below to get your fireplace in tip top shape, then call Bedrock Stone Fabrication or Rite-Loom Flooring and schedule a technician to seal that stone.

Use Salt

Regular users of their fireplace swear that salt will prevent soot stains and help clean them if you have them. Do this regularly and your spring clean up will be a breeze.

AVOID Household Cleaners

If you do have soot stains that have solidified, remember that these are carbon deposits so are full of grease. Resist the temptation to apply bleach as it may discolor your stone. Play it safe and just use some hot water and a stiff brush.

Once you have cleaned and sealed the fireplace, use a stone soap for maintenance every month. This will leave a dirt repellent layer on the surface (a little like polishing your car).

Now, go light that fire and enjoy the ambiance that only stone fireplace can evoke.

THE POWER OF A POULTICE

Poultices have been used to remove stains for centuries. Not only are many poultices natural so they are considered "green", they also work!! Basically, a poultice is a liquid cleaner mixed with a white absorbent material to form a paste. The poultice is spread over the stained area of about 1/4 inch thick, then covered in plastic and left for 24-48 hours. The poultice will draw out the stain but the process may have to be repeated a few more times.

Basic Poultice: Make a poultice of baking soda and water or soda water

DON'T USE: vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, granite, travertine or onyx

DON'T USE: cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tile cleaners

DON'T USE: abrasive cleaners

DON'T MIX: bleach and ammonia

Hard to repair stains like copper, iron or rust should be handled by a professional. And, don't forget to SEAL your stone! Daltile's innovative ProAdvanced Protection Program protects your countertops and your investment.

So....if you have a stain, make a poultice. To prevent a stain on your new countertop, ask your Bedrock designer for Daltile's ProAdvanced Protection Program.

GET A 15 YEAR WARRANTY ON YOUR STONE COUNTERTOPS - MARBLE INCLUDED!

It's important to seal your stone countertops, but now you'll be doing more than just protecting them - along with your sealer purchase you'll get a guaranteed 15 year warranty! DalTile's innovative "ProAdvanced Protection Program" gives homeowner's peace of mind that can only come when you know you're purchasing a top quality product AND doing what it takes to maintain your investment.

Here's How It Works: When you select and purchase your stone from DalTile, ask for the "ProAdvanced Protection" kit. This system includes the best sealer on the market plus a quality stone cleaner. Backed by DuPont and Microban, the sealer must be applied by a certified technician. But you're in luck - Rite-Loom Flooring and Bedrock Stone Fabrication are both certified! We register the kit on-line and take it from there. We apply the product to your stone when we fabricate your countertops. Then, just re-register after the installation and you'll receive your warrantee. And what a warrantee! It protects against ALL stains! But, if there is a stain that can't be removed, DuPont will pay for the new stone and installation! The warrantee is transferable too, which means that if you move, the new homeowner is protected.
For just $199.00 - this is a must-do, incredible deal. Stop by our Rite-Loom Flooring or Bedrock Stone Fabrication showroom and we'll help you set the process in stone!!