Stone is a powerful material that can connect your home with the natural world, while still providing a kind of precise intensity that can elevate the atmosphere of an environment. However there are a few questions you should ask before purchasing one of these stone tables for your home or office use.

You have to be aware of what type of stone was used in the creation of the table, because each material will have its own unique properties. Some materials are more durable or resilient than others. Marble for instance, is a relatively soft stone that can suffer from scratches, cracks, and chips. There are stones such as slate and granite which will be able to withstand more damage over the years, due to the inherent durability of the mountain born material.

Another question you can ask is whether the material has been protected with some sort of finishing agent or sealer. Some stones are subject to stains when they come in contact with certain substances. For instance marble will stain when it comes in contact with acidic substances, such as fruit juices. Sealer is a liquid which spreads a very thin invisible layer across the surface of the stone, which will act as an invisible barrier across the face of the stone. The purpose of this invisible layer is to create a barrier between the material, and any spills or scratches that may occur.

Some people will choose to use some sort of chemical sealant on the stone on an annual, or semi regular basis. This has two benefits, it can both protect the material, and it can give the stone a shining glowing appearance that looks fresh and new. You can usually purchase these inexpensively at your local hardware store. When applying the sealant, it is important that you use a foam brush, and that you apply it in very light even lines. This will prevent the liquid from bubbling, or warping the stone by drying irregularly.

If you are looking to purchase an outdoor table, then you should ask whether the stone material is suitable for outdoor use. Another question to ask is how the material will weather. The elements of wind and rain, as well as the constant exposure of the hot sun, will wear down the surface of a table. Often this is a desirable effect. Many people purchase travertine tables which are nice, but over time aging makes them look like ancient artifacts from one of the great lost empires.