Marble Institute of America: Consumer Resources

Whether you're building a new house or remodeling, natural stone offers you unparalleled beauty, permanence, and uniqueness – and adds true value to your home. See what others are saying about natural stone:

Natural stone is a key part of two of the top 10 elements of design in the home that are resonating with today's buyers: the desire for low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials and the use of natural materials inside and outside the home.

— Builder Magazine/National Association of Home Builders

Homeowners who remodel recover the following percentages of their remodeling costs at resale (note: upscale projects include stone):

Bathroom remodel-upscale: 92.6%

Bathroom addition-upscale: 84.3%

Kitchen remodel-upscale: 79.6%

— 2003 Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine

In a study of materials for kitchen countertops, granite had the highest number of "excellent" ratings of any surface.

— Consumer Reports

Use the links to explore more about:

Granite and Radon Information
Official Position on Sealing Stone
Stone Descriptions and Uses
Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone
Find a Qualified Stone Contractor
Questions to Ask
Natural Stone Videos
Glossary of Terms
Photo Galleries
Myths Dispelled
Stone of the Month Archive