Many people ask us, “How do I choose the right limestone or marble for my stone carving project?” The answer is, there is no right answer. Limestone and marble are both great materials for stone carving, and each has specific characteristics. The decision to use marble versus limestone, or imported French limestone vs. domestic limestone should be about choosing the right stone based on the characteristics most important to you. Here are some key points about the differences between the various stones:
Limestone:
Limestone usually comes in a matte or honed finish in earthy tones. The limestones we offer standard, in-stock for carving generally have very little veining or color variation, allowing for nice uniform-looking stonework. Some of our “special order” limestones however, have less uniform coloration, and, some of the French limestones come in very vibrant colors, such as St. Martin (dark gold), Pompignan (dark olive), or our French Gray (black).
European vs. Domestic Limestones:
French limestones have a much more diverse range of colors, patterns, and textures than U.S. limestones. They range from elegant, smooth, very fine-grained, uniformly colored stones, to rougher-textured, multi-hued stones. All of the French limestones Atelier Jouvence uses for stone carving are top quality, without much pitting (with the exception of our Rustic French, which is intentionally rougher-textured) and color range throughout a particular stone.
The Domestic stones that we use (from Indiana, Kansas, and Texas) are also very high quality, but are less diverse in color and texture.
Green Building Materials:
Using a domestic limestone from Indiana or Kansas, when working on a project in the Midwest, can also be the perfect choice when looking to design for LEED certification. Both stones are quarried from within 500 miles of Chicago, and are used in their natural state (unlike cast stone, which is made from crushed stone mixed with other man made materials).
Flooring vs. Carving:
All of our 5 standard limestones (Lantenay French, Classic French, Rustic French, Indiana, and Silverdale) are excellent for carving, since they are on the softer side. The Lantenay however, along with most of our “special order” French limestones, some approaching the same density as marble or granite, are also hard enough to be used for flooring. We do not recommend the U.S. limestones for flooring, as they are too soft for this use.
Interior vs. Exterior:
A select few limestones can be used both inside and outdoors in very cold climates, such as that of the Midwest. Indiana and Silverdale limestones, and the Lantenay French limestones are all suitable for both applications. For a full list of all of our “special order” stones that may be used outside, please contact Atelier Jouvence. The “outdoor use” stones that we recommend have all been tested by their quarries and certified for use in cold climates. Using a non-tested stone outdoors in these climates may result in spalling, caused by water on the stone freezing and thawing multiple times during the winter and eventually causing the stone to crack apart or flake.
All of our limestones, both in-stock and special order, with proper maintenance, and used in the proper application, are very durable, and, will look great indefinitely (as evidenced by the carved limestone seen on historic buildings throughout Europe).
Marble:
Compared to the more muted limestone, marble is typically available in many vibrant colors. It is generally much harder than our standard, in-stock carving limestones, and may easily be used for flooring.
For carving, Atelier Jouvence can produce a polished, semi-polished, or honed finish, depending on whether you are hoping to achieve a newly-carved look (polished), stonework that appears to be aged, resembling an antique (honed), or something in between (semi-polished.)
Unlike most limestones, marble usually has very visible veining and patterning, so it is important that the carver be aware of how to select and cut the stone to allow the veining to flow as smoothly as possible throughout the assembled stonework.
Antique Reproduction:
With marble, we are able to duplicate actual antique fireplaces, many of which were originally carved in marble. Clients can show us a photo of an antique marble mantel, for example, specify the marble color they desire, and confirm the exact dimensions they need. Using the honed finish, we can produce a surround virtually replicating the antique, with the same high-level craftsmanship as the original, and often for considerably less cost.
When working on a hand-carved limestone or marble project, there are many materials to choose from. The most crucial factor in choosing the right material is to work with someone who has the expertise and experience to guide you to the right stones. Atelier Jouvence has exceptional and affordable quality limestone or marble for every type of desired finish, color and application. You can contact us for additional information on any of our materials, or to get samples of various stone options available.