Expert: Diane Plesset - 12/18/2011

Question
Hi, currently my jeweler shop construction is goin on, now the time for flooring. i m wondering which typ of stone wud be best. i m planning to use granite, but little doubt. among granite, marble & tiles? which one wud be best? which one wud be more durable? which wont need maintenance in future time?
and also pls suggest some color combination b/w floor & wall? my shop Area is 140 sqft. & we dont sell jewelry. we just design & make them in shop and then sell them to another jewelry shop meaning we dont need any jewelry showcases at shop.

Thanks in Advance!
Kedar/..

Answer
Hello, Kedar.

Because you manufacture for someone else, and don't have display cases, it sounds like you don't have to make it appealing for the public, which is totally different from making it functional and appealing for you and your employees.  

Of all the stones, granite is the most durable and probably easiest to clean. But the natural patterns of most granites make it difficult to find things that may get dropped on the floor during the manufacturing process.  Stones with less pattern, and a lighter color, like limestone or marble, will be more appropriate -- but this totally depends on your long-term needs.

Whatever stone you use on the floor, it should NOT be highly polished, because it can become very slippery when wet.  A honed finish is much more appropriate for all floors.  And, it should be sealed with the best sealer available.  I don't know what's available in India, but in the U.S., there is a sealer called "Dry Treat" that's guaranteed for about 15 years.  A well-sealed floor will be much easier to maintain.

As for the wall color, a pale cream color is timeless because it's cheerful and goes with virtually every other color. It is light-reflective, which means that it will make your shop look larger, and help light your working surfaces.

Hope these answers help you.  Good luck!

Diane Plesset