Limestone: A Sign of the Times

An earthy appeal, indoors and out

Natural feel

Featuring their soft earth tones, decorators integrating these stones into their design have great flexibility in selecting complimentary colors for other interior elements.  This grainstone has a very uniform texture and grade, and has gained worldwide acceptance as a premier dimension stone. Limestone weathers naturally over time and its color mellows and blends into a pleasing natural patina. With no artificial coloring agents to fade and no reinforcement rods to rust, the appearance of limestone actually improves with age.  A unique characteristic of certain limestone is the fossils and seashells often found embedded in the surface, adding an organic element. Some limestone is very porous, offering a more rustic or aged appearance.

In the Home

Limestone is popular for fireplace surrounds, and is ideally suited for flooring—especially in the bathroom and shower.  Since it is a softer variety of natural stone materials, it has long been a popular choice for intricately carved features and moldings, as well as statuary.  The combination of limestone's acid sensitivity and absorption limits its suitability for countertop applications.  Limestone is commonly seen in its "thirsty" look with honed finishes, but may be polished to a high sheen, as well.  

Standing the Test of Time

Limestone has enjoyed a successful history of exterior application, and some of the most prominent government and financial institutions worldwide proudly display limestone as their exterior cladding.  The ability of limestone to readily adapt to various architectural styles, along with its pleasing natural color, ease of shaping, and its durability are advantages that have all worked together to maintain the stone's popularity throughout the years.  When specifying building stone for structures that are expected to endure for generations, limestone is a great choice. Many colleges and universities across the country boast limestone buildings that are over one hundred years old. They continue using this venerable material in new construction, allowing them to match existing buildings and to maintain the context of their campuses.  Many other buildings throughout the nation have long histories of using limestone as well. These range from private residences to public schools, churches, courthouses, museums, and monumental buildings. When they need additions to existing locations, limestone provides a pleasing match to the original stone.

Versatility

Whether you are using limestone as trim with brick or other materials, or to maintain the context of the surrounding area, its complementary natural beauty will enhance your project.  Limestone has proven its use from simple treads and pavers to landscaping structures and bridges, to soaring cathedrals over and over again.  One benefit that has made limestone a choice product is its consistency. While subtle color and grain differences are present, limestone is extremely homogenous for a natural product. This is important, not only for the current project being built, but particularly when future expansions are contemplated, making it a suitable choice for commercial exterior work, and as seen on many banks and government buildings.