Tips for cleaning your marble shower.

How to Clean Your Marble Showers
Having a marble shower adds beauty and elegance no matter what color or pattern you select. This stunning natural stone is a great low-maintenance material that will look gorgeous for years to come if you follow just a few cleaning tips that we have provided here.

Things to Know about Marble
Although marble is a durable and strong natural stone, this particular type of authentic stone is actually somewhat soft compared to other materials like granite. It is also a calcium-based stone, which can create some specific issues that must be addressed through proper maintenance. Because it is a softer stone, it can be vulnerable to etching or staining where a particular area of the marble shower is wet.

Cleaning Tips and Regular Maintenance
Here are some tips to follow regularly to maintain your marble shower:

• Keep the marble shower as dry as possible between uses.
• Wipe off all soap and water after using the shower each time so that these do not seep into the porous natural stone. A squeegee is a great tool to have to quickly remove water and soap scum after each shower, including some that may have already seeped into the pours of the stone.
• Get a marble cleaner as this has been designed to specifically work on marble showers and other marble surfaces. They have been created with ingredients that will not strip the finish or harm the marble yet will still remove the dirt and debris. A clean cloth should be used with the marble clean to wipe the surface clean. You do not need to rinse the marble cleaner off because it tends to work as a conditioner for the marble in the shower. You can also use a mild soap if you do not have access to a marble cleaner.
• Use a poultice to remove any stains that may have developed. You can make your own poultice out of flour or baking soda mixed with water or poultice powder may be purchased at most home improvement stores. This mixture helps to draw out any moisture in the marble, removing the stain.
• Reseal your marble once a year.

Things Not to Do When Cleaning a Marble Shower
Besides these Do’s when it comes to cleaning a marble shower, there are also some things that you should avoid doing:

• While a mild soap is okay to use to clean a marble shower, you do not want to use any type of generic cleaning product on the marble. Many of these have harsh chemicals that can damage the sealant and the marble. Instead of saving money on the cleaners, you may end up with a bigger expense in terms of having to get the marble shower restored or even replaced.
• Don’t use anything to clean the marble shower that may have lemon, orange, vinegar or ammonia in them as acidic ingredients will damage the marble.
• Avoid using scouring pads or cleaners as these may scratch your marble surfaces.

Order Your Marble Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new marble shower you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Marble showers from StonePly Residential are beautiful and superior in every way.

Real Marble vs. Cultured Marble
When you decide to remodel your shower, there are many options to choose from when it comes to the materials to use. While you may think marble is beautiful, you might also believe it is too expensive and rule out it for cultured marble. However, there are differences to consider and you may be surprised by the misconception that marble is too expensive.

Marble
Marble is a natural stone that is classified as a metamorphic rock. This means that it has changed from one type of rock to another after being exposed to heat and/or pressure. In the case of marble, it started out as limestone that was then changed through a recrystallization process from this heat and pressure.

It is known for its natural beauty with unique veining that is hard to replicate; no two pieces of marble are exactly the same. Marble is often highly prized because of its aesthetic beauty. When used in a home, marble may help to improve the value of the property.

Marble may stain easily if it is not sealed properly when it is installed. It does need to be wiped down as water spots tend to form if left with standing water.

Marble can be difficult and expensive to repair if it chips or cracks, but with proper care and its overall durability, this rarely happens.

Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is a manufactured product made of acrylics, resins, pigments and marble dust. This man-made product can be molded or formed into any shape. It also can be created to look very much like real marble in small samples, but it often has veining that looks too perfect and uniform and some colors of cultured marble tend to look like plastic. When used in showers and baths, the cultured marble undergoes a process that lines it with a gel coating to protect it from water.

Like marble, it offers a seamless construction so that you do not have to look at grout lines like tile. This reduces the cleaning and maintenance involved. The cultured marble is typically less expensive than marble because it does not have to be quarried, transported, and cut.

Cultured marble does not have to be resealed because it is not porous. This means it can resist staining and just needs a shower cleaner to maintain it. Overall, it is durable and not likely to break or chip. However, it is vulnerable to scratching so care needs to be taken with cleaning and regular use.

Our Marble Shower Kits and Custom Marble Showers
If you prefer marble for its higher level of beauty but are looking for something affordable and low maintenance, we have the solution. Our marble shower kits and custom marble products can provide what you are looking for.

Our solution uses natural marble that has been cut into a thin sheet and adhered to a high-strength backing material. The reduction in weight is significant, helping to save you money on the cost of transportation and installation. The high-strength backing also offers durability that goes over and beyond what is usually expected with quarried stone. We even offer marble shower kits that fit standard size shower areas. Or, if you need a custom size, our marble products easily install directly over the old shower walls.

Order Your Shower Now!
To get an estimate for your new marble shower you can reach the StonePly Residential team at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneplyresidential.com.  You can also opt to fill in our contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential offers an array of color choices in both granite and marble.

Natural Stone Characteristics: Color
Nature has created some extraordinary materials like natural stone, including granite, limestone, and marble, which can be used in our homes to add beauty and elegance to everything from kitchens and bathrooms to flooring and walls. Because it comes from nature, it has the durability to keep your home looking great for years to come.
One beautiful thing about natural stone is that Mother Nature offers us an array of color choices.

How to Select a Color for Your Natural Stone Materials
When you are trying to decide what color of natural stone will look best for your bathroom, kitchen, floor or other home remodeling project, here are some things to consider:
• For what application will you be using the natural stone? Lighter colors are best for flooring, as they will not show dirt as easily, while dark colored countertops contrast beautifully against lightly painted cabinets.
• How much natural light does the area get? In an area that has a lot of light, you can use a dark color. Without much natural light, the dark color of the natural stone will only make the area darker.
• What is the color scheme of the room? Choose a marble or granite that features colors that work well in your room. Neutral colors are great with most color palettes, while green, gold and blue hues are perfect for use in rooms with these color accents.
• What is your budget? Some colors found in the natural stone are rarer than others, so these will be more expensive. Make sure you have some alternates if the color choice you are thinking of puts you way off course with your budget.

A Wide Array of Color
StonePly Residential offers a wide color palette for you to choose from with something that is sure to match what you are seeking for your shower, countertops, flooring or wall surrounds. For example, we have everything from white and cream to blue, gray, and green to brown and even dramatic black.

StonePly Residential versus Natural Stone Slabs
Remember that StonePly Residential offers a fabricated stone panel system that has been made by laminating a natural stone layer to a high strength backing by using aviation epoxies.

The result is thin, light, strong and easy to install natural granite or marble. Your contractor can easily install StonePly Residential panels in limited time while still providing you with the luxury, quality, and timeless beauty of natural slab stone. You will still have the same color and pattern choices while enjoying a project that offers less maintenance and is more durable when exposed to water and changing temperatures. Even better is that you know you will be working with an environmentally-friendly product for your home.

Estimates and Samples Available!
If you are still not sure if a color of natural stone suits your project, we do offer samples that you can use on-site to get a better idea about your color selection. You can contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com. To get more information or an estimate, we also have a contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

StonePly Residential offers an array of different stone patterns.

Patterns in Granite and Marble

Not only is natural stone beautiful, durable, and unique, it is also versatile. Various natural stones are exposed to different temperatures and pressures within the earth, creating an array of patterns. What this means for you is that, when designing a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room for your home, with StonePly Residential you have a wide range of patterns to choose from.

How to Select Natural Stone for a Project

When you are selecting a particular natural stone pattern for a project, there are a few things to consider besides which color and pattern you prefer. Think about:

• How will it flow with your decor? Do you want a countertop that has a simple pattern or something more complex? How will the natural veining or markings look with your existing design scheme?
• What is your budget? Some natural stone patterns are rarer than others, which contributes to a large range in cost.
• Do you prefer the look of granite or marble? Most granites feature a condensed pattern of colors with a speckled design, while marble is characteristically smoother with swirling veining throughout. The choice is left to your personal preference.

Available Natural Stone Patterns

A pattern is formed in natural marble that often is described as waves or veins. This pattern is then enhanced by a wide range of colors. The result is that some natural marble patterns have very little veining while others are covered in this effect. This veining in marble makes it great for use as fireplace surrounds, shower walls, or countertops, adding a contrasting, elegant look wherever it is applied.

Still other stones, such as granite, have patterns that appear as flecks or speckles of varying color. These flecks of color are made up of different mineral deposits in the stone. These minerals have been compressed together over millions of years and form the circles of various colors, including shimmering quartz and mica, that make up the pattern in natural granite.

On our website, you can see many of these natural stone patterns, offering a choice for every type of residential project. The best part of having so many natural stone designs in our catalogue is that you can discover the infinite possibilities for your residential construction or remodeling project. With multiple choices, you may choose to use two or more different stones for a versatile, dramatic look.

Free Estimates and Samples are Available!

It helps to work with a sample to make sure the pattern of natural stone that you have selected really does work with the other interior design elements, so we are happy to provide you with a sample as well as a free estimate for your residential natural stone project. You can contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  We also have a contact form: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

ACM backing from StonePly Residential.

Advantages of ACM

When looking for a way to include marble in your home, whether for use as fireplace surrounds, shower walls, bathtub surrounds, steam rooms or countertops, more contractors are turning to the use of aluminum composite materials (ACM) for backing on marble panels to provide beautiful, natural marble without the weight and installation challenges that using natural stone often creates. This blog provides information on how working with aluminum composite materials creates a unique advantage for your home or residential project.

Learning about ACM

ACM is applied to the back of thin panels of natural marble, which changes what is possible for home construction projects. This is a great solution for making over your bathroom, kitchen, and fireplace surround, adding the inherent beauty of marble without many of the challenges that are often associated with adding natural stone.

Lightweight and Durable

Using a thin panel of natural stone greatly reduces the weight. This makes it easier to transport and work with as well as minimizes the load on the structure it is added to, whether that is a wall or countertop. Transporting more with less labor not only reduces the overall cost of a residential project, but you are also helping to reduce emissions and go easy on the environment.

Not only does it compete with traditional natural stone slabs in weight but it goes the distance in terms of strength and durability. The ACM or fiberglass backing used adds strength to these panels. Already tried and tested on many commercial projects around the world, this stunning product is now available for use in your home. Imagine having the same luxurious look as some of the globe’s most well-known hotels, casinos, and restaurants.

Selection

There is a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from, which makes it convenient for you to find the perfect match for your interior design and color scheme. Our website offers a full catalogue and a brochure that shows you many of the options that are possible for your home or residential project, including an array of different marble shade and pattern choices.

Ease of Installation

Since these are large, lightweight panels, they are easy and faster to install. In fact, it is faster to install these natural stone panels than tile as no grout is required. The panels can even be installed over most existing substrates, which means no construction or demolition for greater time and cost savings.

Low Maintenance

After installation, you can enjoy this beautiful option with little to no maintenance. It only requires sealing once a year with no grout to clean. The surface only needs to be wiped down with a hand towel and gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to retain its beauty for years to come.

Free Estimates

To get a free estimate or a sample as well as to learn more about StonePly Residential’s innovative stone solution for your home or residential project, contact us at 903-259-6478 or via email at sales@stoneply.com.  You can also fill out our contact form found here: https://www.stoneply.com/en/contact-us/.

Warning: To avoid personal injury, product damage or possibly even death, carefully read and understand the instructions in this installation guide. Proper use of tools and products is your responsibility. It’s the responsibility of the person who installs this product to understand and follow the installation instructions and maintenance procedures. Installer should be a competent individual who’s aware of the inherent dangers in using power tools. Please read and understand all cautions, warnings, and notices.

Use proper tools: Always use the proper tools that are in good working condition during the installation of the products.

Inspect before cutting: If installation requires cutting into your wall, make sure that no plumbing or electrical wiring is present in the wall before you cut.

Wall Conditions

If you are installing these panels on existing shower bath application, inspect the walls before beginning the installation. Never install panels over walls that have existing mold or are damp.

Lifting Hazard

While StonePly panels are much lighter than solid slab stone, they can still be heavy. Keep in mind the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends maximum safe-lifting weight of 51 pounds when all lifting conditions are perfect. In order to avoid injuring yourself, always use proper lifting techniques and use two people to move cartons and panels that weigh more than 51 pounds. Always carry panels on edge.

Slipping Hazard

Do not attempt to install this product if the floor or the surfaces are wet. You should dry all surfaces prior to installation.

Personal Protection

Be sure to use all appropriate personal protective equipment such as work boots, preferably steel-toed boots, gloves, and a hard hat, if necessary. Always wear eye protection when using power tools.

Sharp Edge Hazard

After cutting the edge of StonePly panels, they can be sharp. You should wear protective gloves to prevent injury, and any rough exposed edges should be lightly sanded to round them.

Acclimatizing the Panels

When you receive the panels, they should be allowed to adjust to the room temperature for at least six hours before installation. Panels should not be installed when room temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be installed in areas where the temperature may get down to freezing or below within the next few hours.

Grab Bars

Grab bars are recommended, and when installed, they should comply with ANSI-A117.1 requirements. Grab bars must be anchored to the wall structure behind the panels. Never attach grab bars to the panels themselves or rely on the panels for support of the grab bars.

Fire and Solvent Hazard

If you’re using cleaners and solvents, be aware that they can pose a potential fire hazard. They can also give off vapors that could be harmful to your health. Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.

Dust Hazard

When cutting or drilling the StonePly panels, use a dust collection method which will prevent dust from going into the air. Always work at a well-ventilated area. It’s best to take the panels outside for cutting, drilling or sanding. Some stones, especially granites, contain silica. During cutting or grinding operations, silica can become respirable silica dust which, if inhaled, can lead to a condition known as silicosis.

When Cutting

1. Take panels outdoors if possible or, if you must cut indoors only cut in a well-ventilated area.
2. Position cutting location so that wind will blow dust away from user and others in working area.
3. Use a wet blade stone saw or use a dust reducing circular saw equipped with a diamond blade and HEPA vacuum extraction.

NIOSH- approved respirators can be used in conjunction with above cutting practices to further reduce dust exposures. If concern still exists about exposure levels or you do not comply with the above practices, you should always consult a qualified industrial hygienist.

Shock Hazard

Contact with electrical wires from power tools can cause injury or death. Be sure to turn off the power at the electrical breakers before working on existing bathrooms. Never use electric power tools in damp or wet conditions and keep away from liquids. They could cause shorts in electrical cords in power tools.

General Information

Required Tools for Installation

Tools required for installation include, a wet saw with a diamond blade, grinder with a diamond cutting blade, a drill with three-eighth-inch drill bit, a hole saw in the size needed for your faucet, bathtub spout or your shower head, a tape measure, masking tape – the 2-inch-wide blue masking tape seems to work best – a level, medium grit and fine grit sandpaper, a caulking gun, clean shop towels or paper towels. Lumber is required for bracing, and denatured alcohol for cleaning.

Bathtub Wall Kit Contents

Depending on which wall kit you order or bathtub kit you order, one or more panels may be included. Check to see that the panels you have are sufficient for the job at hand.

Unpacking the Cartons

Before we ship the product to you, they were carefully inspected and everything was found to be in perfect order. Carefully unpack and inspect the product. If anything is damaged, something happened in transit. If damage is found, report it immediately to the shipping company. Use care when opening the cartons so that you do not damage the StonePly panels. The panels should be stored in a flat area to avoid warpage until they’re installed. Do not store the panels outside in their original packaging. Cardboard can stain if it’s wet.

Helpful Hints

There are many ways that these panels can be installed, and some of the ways may not be shown or described in this guide.

Ensure your construction is the right size, straight and square. Allow enough time for the parts in the kit to adjust to room temperature. Always carry the panels vertically or up on edge. Be careful when you lay the panels flat to prevent flexing. This is especially true if you’ve cut into the panels.

Preparing to Install Your Shower Surround

Measure the width of the back wall with the green board installed. Measurement of this wall cannot exceed the width of the StonePly panels. Measure the height of the wall. If this measurement is less than the height of the panels, then the panels must be cut to fit. Turn off your hot and cold water supply. Remove faucet handles, filler spouts or anything mounted to the wall such as towel bars or soap dishes. Measure the location of the plumbing cutouts. Make a cardboard template to fit the plumbing cutouts and test fit the cardboard template prior to cutting your StonePly panels.

StonePly panels can be installed over a variety of substrates. You can install it over sheet rock, cement board or green board or wood, plaster, concrete, old tile, wallpaper or Masonite panels. When installing over a sheet rock green board or cement board, the surface must be dry, free from dust, smooth and clean from soap scum or other contaminants. To ensure proper adhesion of the panels, the surface should be sealed with water or oil-based primer sealer. Allow the primer sealer to completely dry before installing.

Plaster

On plaster surfaces, prep depends on the condition of the existing plaster wall surface. If the wall is irregular, additional silicone may be needed to ensure contact between the plaster substrate and StonePly panel.

Textured plaster finishes should be sanded smooth. The wall surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove soap scum, dust, or other contaminants. Before installation, the wall surface must be dry and smooth. To ensure proper adhesion, the wall surface should be sealed with a primer sealer. The primer sealer should be allowed to completely dry before installation proceeds.

Cement

When installing StonePly over concrete or cement walls, additional silicone may be required to ensure contact between the substrate and the back of the StonePly panel. To ensure proper adhesion, the complete area should be sealed with two coats of primer sealer.

Tile

When installing over old tile, much depends on the condition of the existing wall surface. As long as the tiles are solidly adhered, they may not need to be removed. Do not install over plastic tiles. Plastic tiles must be removed. When installing over ceramic tiles, remove or reattach any tiles that are loose. Any tile accessory such as soap dishes, etc., should be removed from the walls. Surface should be dry, smooth and free from dust or contaminants.

Wallpaper

When installing over wallpaper, all wallpaper needs to be removed from the area being covered by the StonePly panels. Once the wallpaper is removed, clean the wall surface to remove any dust, soap scum or contaminants. The entire wall surface should be sealed with two coats of quality primer sealer.

Masonite

When installing over Masonite, clean the wall surface to remove dust, soap scum or any other contaminants. Allow the wall surface to dry. The wall can then be primed with quality primer sealer before installation proceeds.

Filler

If your existing wall covering is shorter than the height that you want your new StonePly panels to be, it will become necessary to install a filler board at that height. The filler board is equal to the thickness of the existing wall covering, which is typically tile. For example, if your StonePly panels extend up 6 feet but you only have 5 feet of tile, then above the 5 feet of tile, you will need to install a piece of filler material, typically a quarter-inch Masonite, so that your substrate is smooth all the way to the top of the area to be installed.

Installation in New Construction

1. Measure and cut out openings for the faucets, bathtub spout and/or showerhead. This is done by creating a paper template of the existing locations of the spouts and shower heads. The cardboard template can then be used to transfer the measurements and information to the StonePly panels. Take into consideration the coefficient of thermal expansion and allow a minimum 1/4″ silicone sealant joint between panels.
2. Cut the panels with the diamond blade saw (see cutting instructions above). Test fit the cut panels.
3. Clean the back of the panel to remove dust and residue. This can be done with a dry cloth or by the use of denatured alcohol. Be sure not to use any oily cleaners such as mineral spirits. These leave behind an oil film that will prevent proper adhesion.
4. Apply silicone to the back of the panel in 1″ diameter dots every 8 to 10 inches. Be sure to follow the silicone manufacturer’s instructions and installation precautions.
5. Press the panel into place and press firmly to the wall. Be sure to keep the top edge of the panel aligned when you’re installing adjacent panels. Use even pressure from top to bottom and side to side to ensure a solid wall contact.
6. Brace the panel as necessary until the silicone sets (typically 24 hours).
7. Apply silicone to the joints. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Seal stone with a quality sealer. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Install plumbing fixtures, knobs, spouts and shower heads.

• StonePly Residential features large-format stone panels in natural marble, granite or limestone.
• The panels glue up over an existing surface which makes them ideal for remodeling.
• StonePly Residential has few grout joints to clean, which minimizes the possibility of mold or mildew.
• Panels can be easily trimmed to fit any shower application.
• StonePly panels have much higher impact resistance than the thicker, heavier stone slabs.
• StonePly panels are easily installed by one or two people and typically weigh one-eighth the amount of slab stones.