Stone and Epoxy Flooring Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is NATURE STONE a common solution for concrete floor covering issues?
A: Absolutely. For over 20 years NATURE STONE has been the most trusted brand of stone epoxy flooring. In fact, there are over 30,000 satisfied customers who are proud of their NATURE STONE floor. That translates to over 10 million square feet of basement, garage and outdoor flooring. 

Q: Why is NATURE STONE so highly regarded for covering basement and garage concrete floors? 
A: While it may not look like it, a great deal of engineering and design go into creating a product that’s suitable for use over concrete. The correct blend of stone and a specially designed, patent-pending epoxy, developed and used exclusively by NATURE STONE, assures that the floor covering will breathe naturally. That’s why moisture, even flooding won’t affect the long-term performance of a NATURE STONE floor. When applying NATURE STONE in basement applications, homeowners benefit from the added warmth of the flooring. In fact, NATURE STONE flooring has a higher insulation value (“R” Value) than carpeting, tile or wood. In addition, NATURE STONE flooring provides a high degree of acoustic, noise dampening properties. The result, a NATURE STONE floor will keep your basement warmer, drier and quieter that just about any other floor covering material. 

Q: How much does NATURE STONE cost? 
A: The cost of NATURE STONE flooring can depend on many variables such as the current condition and required preparation of your existing concrete, the type of stone that you choose, the required stone-to-epoxy mix ratio, and the amount of stone material (thickness) needed to correct uneven concrete areas. The access to the flooring area, NATURE STONE patterns and designs, and wrapping of faces or steps are also factors that can affect the pricing to properly and professionally install your floor. To provide an accurate estimate it is critical to physically inspect the area. NATURE STONE estimates are free and at no obligation and there is no charge for a site inspection or consultation. Purchasing a long-lasting NATURE STONE floor is not like buying a yard of carpet or tile off of a shelf. An on-site visit can uncover many opportunities to maximize the appearance and longevity of your NATURE STONE floor as well as identify ways to solve recurring floor covering issues. 

Q: Why do most basement floor coverings periodically need to be replaced? 
A: It’s because of the concrete and the moisture. Concrete is cool, porous and damp. Moisture and dampness migrate up through the concrete and get trapped beneath carpet, tile, wood, linoleum, and paint not allowing for normal evaporation and drying. This results in mold and mildew forming beneath carpeting, tiles becoming loose, and paint blistering and peeling. NATURE STONE flooring is designed to breathe allowing evaporation to take place naturally eliminating these common problems. 

Q: Does NATURE STONE inhibit the growth of mold and mildew? 
A: Yes. NATURE STONE flooring incorporates an anti-microbial agent to prohibit the growth of mold and mildew which helps safeguard indoor air quality. And, with a NATURE STONE floor, because of the absence of mold and mildew, your basement should smell better as well. 

Q: How long will it take to install NATURE STONE flooring? 
A: Normal installations are usually completed in just one day, with a follow-up within 48 hours to apply the topcoat. For larger jobs allow an extra day or two. NATURE STONE can accommodate evening and weekend installations. 

Q: How long do I have to stay off my new floor? 
A: You can walk on your NATURE STONE flooring within 24 hours after the topcoat is applied. For outdoor or garage applications, it is recommended that you not drive on the floor for 72 hours after the topcoat is applied. 

Q: What if my concrete floor is cracked or has expansion joints? 
A: NATURE STONE flooring covers most cracks in concrete floors. NATURE STONE was also the first to recognize the need for expansion strips in their stone and epoxy flooring to help ensure the integrity and strength of their floors. NATURE STONE flooring has these expansion strips manufactured specifically for stone and epoxy applications. 

Q: Can NATURE STONE flooring be used over severely broken concrete? 
A: The simple answer is no. However, minor cracking, surface deterioration and uneven concrete are no problem for NATURE STONE flooring. A NATURE STONE floor should not be used in lieu of replacing severely damaged, shifting, and heaving concrete and/or concrete that is structurally unsound. A NATURE STONE representative can determine if your concrete is suitable for a NATURE STONE flooring application when he or she physically inspects your area. This is another reason why we do not attempt to price NATURE STONE flooring before seeing the area of interest. Doing so would be irresponsible and risky.

Q: Can NATURE STONE flooring be used to help redirect the flow of water? 
A: No. NATURE STONE flooring does not redirect the flow of water but is specially engineered to contain hydrostatic ports which allow any standing water below the NATURE STONE flooring surface to evaporate naturally.

Q: Why is NATURE STONE flooring superior to competitors’ low-cost stone/epoxy flooring? 
A: Have you ever made Rice Krispies^® Treats? What would happen if you reduced the amount of marshmallows and increased the amount of cereal to stretch the batch? The answer is simple; the dessert would not bond together properly and simply fall apart. Many competitors try to cut costs by doing the exact same thing…reducing the amount of epoxy (usually a generic epoxy) and stretching the batch by adding extra stones for more coverage. This drastically reduces material costs at the expense of product integrity and is a sure recipe for disaster. The cost of a stone and epoxy floor, and the strength and performance of the floor are in direct relationship to the amount and quality of the epoxy used. The epoxy holds the floor together...not the stone. With NATURE STONE flooring you always get the proper epoxy-to-stone mix ratio for a strong, long-lasting and beautiful floor. 

Q: How do I clean NATURE STONE flooring? 
A: Exterior and garage stone flooring from NATURE STONE can be hosed down or pressure washed. Interior NATURE STONE flooring can be cleaned with a damp mop or washed and vacuumed with a wet/dry vac, simple carpet cleaning equipment or steam vac. NATURE STONE also maintains a fully staffed, professional customer service department for all your cleaning and maintenance needs.

Q: Does NATURE STONE flooring require any maintenance? 
A: As with any floor covering, NATURE STONE flooring should be cleaned periodically. Re-glazing is recommended if the shine begins to fade or becomes dull. Refer to your Product Disclosure and Care/Maintenance guidelines on the reverse side of your contract. Be sure to request your free annual stone flooring inspection. With proper care and maintenance NATURE STONE flooring will stay strong, durable, beautiful and last a lifetime. 

Q: Does NATURE STONE flooring require any maintenance? 
A: As with any floor covering, a NATURE STONE floor should be cleaned periodically. Re-glazing is recommended if the shine begins to fade or becomes dull. Refer to your Product Disclosure and Care/Maintenance guidelines on the reverse side of your contract. Be sure to request your free annual stone flooring inspection. With proper care and maintenance a NATURE STONE floor will stay strong, durable, beautiful and last a lifetime. 

Q: What is meant by the proper stone-to-epoxy mix ratio? 
A: Depending on the make-up of a particular stone type, varying and specific amounts of epoxy resin are required to assure proper stone-to-stone bonding, as well as bonding to the concrete floor. 

Q: Why does NATURE STONE apply a protective top coat? 
A: The protective top coat is specifically designed to reinforce the integrity of the top surface, add a beautiful appearance and provide additional protection from wearing, chemicals and ultra violet (UV) damage.

Q: Are there any harmful odors? 
A: Our NATURE STONE flooring resin is 100% solid resin. There are no solvents added. 

Q: Is NATURE STONE flooring a green friendly product? 
A: Yes, NATURE STONE practices environmental responsibility according to sustainability concepts developed by the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Program. 

Q: Is NATURE STONE VOC compliant? 
A: Yes. NATURE STONE flooring is comprised of 100% solids epoxy and natural quarry stone. There are no hazardous solvents in the formulation. 

Q: Are there industry standards for stone and epoxy flooring? 
A: We wish there was. Instead, NATURE STONE invests heavily in continuing research and development and regularly tests for compression strength, elongation, acoustical and insulation properties (“R” Value), flammability, mold and mildew resistance, non-skid properties, chemical resistance, acoustical properties and adhesion quality. NATURE STONE flooring meets or exceeds all ASTM standards. 

Q: Why is it important to have all decision-makers present for the NATURE STONE in-home sales presentation and estimate? 
A: We get that question a lot. And there’s a good answer. We have found over the years that homeowners usually prefer it that way. By having all decision-makers present it actually helps simply the education and buying process for the homeowners. What’s important for one person (say, the technical specifications and excellent “R” Value) may not be important to the other. They may be more interested in the color or border and graphic possibilities. With everyone together, all questions can be addressed on the spot. Further, the quicker the homeowners get all the information they need, the sooner they can make a decision --- and start enjoying their beautiful NATURE STONE floor. 

Q: What makes a NATURE STONE warranty so special? 
A: NATURE STONE is the only stone and epoxy company to offer an unconditional warranty on our materials cracking, delaminating and losing their beautiful gloss for 10 full years. Unlike some competitors, NATURE STONE warranty is not a hidden service contract, nor contains hidden disclaimers and no surprises. See our warranty. 

No other company comes close to matching our product quality or warranty. That’s why NATURE STONE is the undisputed leader in stone and epoxy flooring year after year.