Availability, locations of quarries in the world (due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color, and the amount of labor required to extract the stones all affect the price of natural stone.

Yes. Natural stone is commonly used in steam shower applications. Because mold and mildew thrive in warm, humid places, the steam shower should be well ventilated between uses so that the space will dry thoroughly. The stone should be sealed properly and cleaned with cleansers designed to be used on natural stone.

According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10" for 3cm material or 6" for 2cm material.

Yes, sealers or impregnators designed for natural stone add the same protective qualities to the grout as they would the surface of the stone. When applying a color enhancing sealer, the grout color will also be affected.

Most color enhancing sealers do retain the same properties of other sealers with the added benefit of enhancing the color.

On average, granite slabs are approx 110" x 66". Though in some colors, 120" slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large islands may require a seam or the color selection in unusually large slabs will be very limited.

Yes. However it would definitely have to be done by a restoration professional. Plumbing fixtures, cooktops, and overmount sinks would all need to be removed prior to the honing process. Though it is possible to hone installed countertops, it is not the preferred method of achieving a honed surface. Ideally the honing process should always take place prior to installation.

Yes. Although the vulnerability of the polish on marble is one of the reasons marble is often honed when used in the kitchen, honed marble is still susceptible to staining and scratching. Removing the polish does help to camouflage the wearing of the stone and makes the surface have a patina, or "aged" effect.