Natural stones are used in many different areas, including in industry, in horticulture, on façades, in art, as masonry or in interior finishing, where they are often used as floor coverings. They are first mined in quarries and sawn to size in stone-processing operations. Their surfaces are then treated using a machining method – whether polishing, flaming, grinding or sanding. No artificial material has such versatility in colours and surface finishes. Natural stones with the same or similar look can have very different technical properties, particularly with regard to sensitivity to alkalis or acids, firmness and water absorption. It is these factors which determine which stone is suitable for which purpose and how it must be maintained in order to retain its appearance for a long time.

Natural stones can be classified into hardness levels based on technical processing criteria: Hard rock (gneiss, granite, quartzite, basalt and gabbro), medium-hard rock (marble, Solnhofen limestone, Jurassic stone and serpentine) and soft rock (lime-bound sandstone, trass and slate). This classification helps to estimate the mechanical strain on the stones. This is not only relevant for processing them but also for cleaning them. For instance, all hard rocks have similar chemical properties – they are usually scratch- and alkali-resistant. This is why they are often used in outside areas where they are placed under high strain. In contrast, soft rocks are more delicate and you must therefore avoid cleaning them with hard brushes, which could quickly cause scratches. 

When you have the opportunity to choose natural and precious materials such as Wood, marble or cooked, it is important to know how to take care of them so as to keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible.

After many years, our precious materials may need some maintenance. smoothing, an operation that involves the removal of the most superficial layer of the floor and which allows the wooden, marble and terracotta surfaces to be restored to their original appearance.

Sanding, however, must be done by professionals and is a practice to be used in moderation, since it inevitably “wears out” the floor. A solid wood parquet, for example, can be sanded a maximum of 4-6 times during its life.

It is therefore essential not to rely on home methods and to follow the instructions of the person who installed the floor, who will also be able to advise you on best water-oil repellent treatments for marble, terracotta and natural stone. Generally, the advice of experts for cleaning delicate surfaces is to choose a specific neutral detergent and avoid aggressive, acidic or abrasive products, which can ruin the floors.