Even the softest granite is harder than any limestone, marble or slate. It's part of a trend toward the natural look.'' Among other granite uses are bar and bath-vanity table tops and floors, Brueckner says. It's mainly used because of its veining and color.'' Common choices are fireplace surrounds, bathtub surrounds and vanity tops, table tops and bases, floors, wall panels and architectural elements. Limestone has the least amount of veining, say the Swernoffs of Lakeside. They add that it's extremely popular with people who like flat, matte finishes.
Harder limestones are appropriate for kitchen countertops, they say.
Other uses include flooring, bath vanity tops and fireplace surrounds, say Brueckner and the Swernoffs. Table bases and tops, pillars and bases area among other uses, Gesell says. Limestone does not lend itself to production in thin slabs, Migliore says. Slate is among the especially hard stones that rank high in abrasion resistance, Migliore says. Chief uses are for flooring and such bathroom applications as shower stalls, floors and walls, suppliers and designers say.