Natural stone is one of the most beautiful and powerful materials in the world. Born over eons in the belly of towering mountains, when it is extracted, it carries with it some of that magnificence which is the birthright of the stone. However it is not relegated to rustic demeanor forever, because the material can be gauged, sliced, chopped, honed, and even polished, to create a wide variety of elegant and modern effects.

When used in a table top application, natural stone can provide a powerful centerpiece for any room. Whether it is used in a coffee table, dining table, bistro, or even just an end piece, the power of the stone will shine out into the room, casting the dignity of its inner glow throughout the space.

There are two major types of natural stone table. One is made from a single, solid piece of stone, which is usually cut down from slab material. This type will not have any seams, although it may have a border made from matched stone, hardwood, or some kind of metal.

The other type of stone table is made up of a variety of mosaic pieces, stone tiles cut to various shapes and then fitted together and set into grout. These tables can be quite exotic, with intricate pictures, patterns, and images created from the bits and pieces of stone.

In general solid stone tables are much easier to care fore. Since it is made up of a single piece, there are no cracks, grooves, or splits for moisture and other degrading materials to penetrate the piece.

By contrast in mosaic tables there are usually several grout lines crisscrossing the surface of the piece. These lines are made up of the adhesive that holds the constituent pieces together, and are usually less solid and durable than the stone themselves. This is where air and moisture can creep in, destroying the integrity of the piece.

Even in solid stone tables, the material itself does have tiny pores, which can allow small pieces of dirt, or liquids, to seep in. These liquids can then either slowly eat away at the stone, or freeze, expanding, and cracking the piece.

The best way to prevent damage from water and other particles is to use a sealer on both the stone, and any grout that may be present. Chemical stone sealers can be purchased at hardware stores, and they will create a thin invisible layer over the surface of the piece, which will act as a barrier to anything actually interacting with the imperfections or weaknesses in the table.

If something is inadvertently spilled on the table top, you can usually wipe it away with just a cloth and warm water. You should avoid acidic soaps, as these may have an interaction with some materials, such as marble, causing a permanent stain in the piece.

Natural stone tables are a beautiful way to bring the power and elegance of nature into your home. As long as you are sure to take a few simple precautions against deterioration, your table can continue looking sophisticated and stylish for years to come.